this post was submitted on 02 Dec 2024
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Summary

President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden, reversing his prior stance against using executive clemency.

The pardon covers Hunter’s federal gun conviction and tax evasion guilty plea, sparking political controversy.

Biden cited political attacks and a “miscarriage of justice” as reasons for his decision, emphasizing his son’s recovery from addiction and the targeting of his family.

Critics argue the move undermines the judicial process, while supporters view it as within Biden’s constitutional powers.

This decision shields Hunter from potential prison time as Biden nears the end of his presidency.

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[–] BigBenis@lemmy.world 28 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

It's almost like our government only really functions to bail out rich/well-connected fuck ups. What's new?

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[–] CAVOK@lemmy.world 25 points 2 weeks ago (12 children)

Not American, so forgive me if I don't understand the full context, but why is this more upsetting then when Trump pardoned a relative or when Clinton did it?

[–] Dozzi92@lemmy.world 24 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Biden specifically said he wouldn't and then he did, that simple. And everyone knew it was a lie then, so it's all just coming to fruition.

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[–] ramenshaman@lemmy.world 24 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I'm not surprised and I don't really care. Last time I checked the charges against him were kinda bullshit and it was clear to me that red team was pushing for him to face charges out of spite. It's funny to see Trump get mad about it though, he would have pardoned his own kid a long time ago if he were in that position. Well, maybe not Eric, but definitely Don Jr, Ivanka, or maybe the other ones.

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[–] dan1101@lemm.ee 24 points 2 weeks ago

Not a great look but at the same time I am not upset about it.

[–] FanciestPants@lemmy.world 23 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

"Critics argue the move undermines the judicial process, while supporters view it as within Biden’s constitutional powers."

Both things are true though. The pardon power exists as a check on the judicial branch, so it certainly undermines it in the same way that the veto undermines legislative decisions by congress. The constitution gives the president the authority to do some pretty blatant undermining, but checks work in the other direction too if the branches are acting as co-equals and not just shilling for one of the others.

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[–] mhague@lemmy.world 22 points 2 weeks ago

Republicans seemed to have successfully done a false equivalency. They lied about witch hunts and then did one, and then when the president swatted it away people reacted with, "Oh, they're both the same."

Trump pardons traitors, insurrectionists, Nazis. A witch hunt victim is in the same league, because family I guess. Not like that was the reason for the witch hunt or anything!

[–] berno@lemmy.world 20 points 2 weeks ago (8 children)

Democrats are twisting this as a great thing now after Biden said he would never do this, what a total bunch of hypocrites.

Once again more "it's okay when our side does it" from them.

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[–] tiefling@lemmy.blahaj.zone 18 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Meh, fuck it. Our justice system is dead.

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[–] mdurell@lemmy.world 17 points 2 weeks ago (7 children)

Of course he did. If you thought otherwise you were gullible. Politicians lie and party affiliation makes no difference. Save the outrage for the truly outrageous things the next 4 years are going to bring.

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[–] Allonzee@lemmy.world 17 points 2 weeks ago (12 children)

Just like Harris going to Hawaii immediately after her loss, this sends a clear message.

"I don't give a fuck. This was always about personal power and wealth."

Just incase anyone thought the DNC would actually use their defeat as a reason to soul search about how their neoliberal policies no longer serve the people and that's why people aren't coming out to vote.

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[–] MataVatnik@lemmy.world 17 points 2 weeks ago

Lol I don't give a fuck, if I had a functional democracy with justice then maybe k would care, but this system is clearly FUBAR

[–] slickgoat@lemmy.world 16 points 2 weeks ago (17 children)

Trump's entire stchick is gaming every system to manipulate things in his favour. The Dems always take the higher ground and always get pounded. Every single time - Gore in 2000, particularly.

If Biden 'pardons' his son to ameliorate Hunter's political persecution, then it's a step in the right direction to push back. Tame as it is, the Dems better learn to fight fire with napalm before all is lost.

[–] sushibowl@feddit.nl 21 points 2 weeks ago (4 children)

I disagree. There is pushing back for political gain, and pushing back for personal gain. Pardoning hunter is certainly an example of Biden abandoning the moral high ground. However it does not advance the cause of the democratic party in any way and only serves Joe Biden and his family personally. This is not a step in the right direction, it gives up moral correctness only to make the political position of the Democrats worse.

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[–] atzanteol@sh.itjust.works 15 points 2 weeks ago (23 children)

Critics argue the move undermines the judicial process, while supporters view it as within Biden’s constitutional powers.

It's both. I'm very disappointed by this. I had hoped Biden would maintain integrity on this.

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[–] corsicanguppy@lemmy.ca 15 points 2 weeks ago (5 children)

People who were already sure Joe was going to pardon his oddly-named son: everyone.

Republicans overjoyed this outgoing president is now "just like" the worst human ever to run for office: all of them. "Whataboutism" is an alien term.

Political prisoners still incarcerated left to pardon: none.

Let the guy gather his family so he can travel far away from the despot felon and be safe in retirement. Don't envy that he can and we can't.

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