FROM THE OUTSIDE: Biden and the pardon of his son

Por

José Carreño Figueras

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Publicado: 5/12/2024 · 10:18 a.m. MX | Actualizado: 5/12/2024 · 10:18 a.m. MX

President Joe Biden’s decision to grant a presidential pardon to his son Hunter for crimes for which he was either convicted or under investigation has sparked a political storm in the United States. Even Biden’s Democratic allies have criticized him for breaking his promise not to interfere.

The criticism is likely accurate and stems from high principles. But it’s also somewhat naive. “President Biden’s decision puts personal interest above duty and further erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all,” tweeted Senator Michael Bennet (Democrat of Colorado).

This follows the elections won by Donald Trump, a man often labeled a con artist (his latest biography is even titled The Con Artist), who avoided charges due to his victory and the upcoming inauguration as President of the United States.

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That doesn’t stop Democrats from emphasizing their principles and highlighting the negative impact of Biden’s actions. “As a father, I understand. But as someone who wants people to believe in public service again, it’s a setback,” said Representative Greg Landsman (Democrat from Ohio).

However, in part, some suggest that Biden’s decision was influenced by Trump’s victory.

The president-elect has promised revenge against his political enemies, and Biden is at the top of that list. Hunter Biden, who is certainly no saint, is—or was—at the center of Republican-led legislative investigations motivated less by a desire for truth and more by a search for potentially damaging information about his dealings with energy companies in Ukraine, tax problems, or even the illegal possession of a firearm.

Nonetheless, many observe that the severity of the persecution falls outside what could be deemed typical.

Even more concerning, Ron Filipkowski from the liberal news outlet MeidasTouch remarked, “Biden’s pardon came after Trump revealed his plans to appoint conspiracy theorist Kash Patel as the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).” Filipkowski, who studies right-wing media, noted that Patel’s regular appearances show an obsession with Hunter Biden, particularly concerning his laptop, which Patel claims reveals criminal behavior involving both Hunter and Joe Biden linked to Ukraine and China.

Meanwhile, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (Republican from Kentucky) has been unsuccessful in investigating these allegations for two years.

In this light, the president’s pardon of his son may be more indicative of the times in which the United States is situated.

José Carreño Figueras