President Joe Biden has done something he once firmly stated he would never do….pardon his own son, Hunter Biden. This decision has sparked widespread debate, and honestly, I get it. If it were my son in a similar position, I’d probably make the same choice, depending on the circumstances. But the part that gets me is that Biden explicitly said this was something he wouldn’t do. If he had left the door open with statements like, “We’ll see how it plays out” or “I’m not ruling it out,” the backlash might not have been so sharp. The fact that he reversed course is what makes this story so interesting to me…..
Hunter Biden’s troubles have been well documented. His legal issues began with charges of lying on a federal gun purchase form in 2018, denying his drug addiction. At the time, he was battling a well known struggle with substance abuse. Adding to his woes, Hunter also faced tax evasion charges for failing to pay more than $1.4 million in federal taxes between 2016 and 2019. It’s a messy situation, to say the least, and not one that any parent would want to see their child endure, let alone in the public eye.
To understand why President Biden might make this move, it’s worth considering his personal history. Biden has faced unimaginable loss in his life. In 1972, he lost his first wife, Neilia, and their daughter, Naomi, in a car accident. Then in 2015, his son Beau Biden, often described as his pride and joy, died from brain cancer. For a father who has already buried two children, the thought of watching another suffer whether self inflicted or not, might have been too much to bear.
But the political implications are hard to ignore. President Biden, throughout his career, has touted himself as a man of integrity and rule following. Yet this decision contradicts his previous statements. While some argue that this pardon is an abuse of power, others see it as a compassionate act from a father who has already endured more than his fair share of heartache. And let’s be real, politicians on both sides of the aisle have been known to bend the truth or use their power for personal reasons. Whether it’s pushing policies to benefit their own interests or downplaying controversies, it’s a common theme in politics.
This situation feels especially interesting because Biden’s political career is winding down. With his health concerns and recent decision to step back from reelection, it’s clear now, I think he’s done. From my perspective, he seems to have reached a point where public opinion no longer drives his actions. Whether you agree with his decision or not, it feels like Biden is making choices for himself and his family now, without much regard for how it plays out in the history books.
At the end of the day, this story isn’t just about Hunter Biden or a presidential pardon, it’s about the complexities of being a parent in the public eye. Would you let your child face the consequences, or would you use every tool at your disposal to protect them? I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same if I were in his shoes.
These final weeks of Biden’s presidency could be some of the most fascinating we’ve seen. He’s made his choice, and it’s one that he’ll carry with him long after he leaves the White House.
