The President’s Dilemma: Weighing Justice, Hunter, and Legacy

[Social Media]

 

President Joe Biden faces an unprecedented and deeply personal decision: whether to pardon or commute the sentences of his son, Hunter Biden, who is set to be sentenced in two separate criminal cases this December. These cases—one involving a 2018 gun purchase while struggling with drug addiction and the other for tax fraud—pose not just legal and familial challenges but also political and historical ones.  

 

On December 12, Hunter Biden will appear in federal court in Delaware for sentencing on the gun charge, a case that has drawn scrutiny for its unusual nature. A few days later, he faces sentencing in Los Angeles for tax fraud, having pleaded guilty to failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. Sentencing guidelines suggest Hunter could face over a year in prison for the gun charge and two to three years for tax fraud, though these recommendations are not binding.  

 

The possibility of President Biden intervening has been the subject of speculation for months. While he has publicly stated that he would not pardon his son—a stance reiterated by the White House following Donald Trump’s electoral victory—circumstances may prompt a reassessment. A commutation, which would reduce or eliminate prison time without erasing the conviction, could be a middle ground. Such an act would not absolve Hunter Biden but could spare him and the Biden family significant anguish.  

 

The cases against Hunter Biden have drawn criticism for their selective nature. Legal experts note that the gun charge is almost without precedent, and tax disputes are often resolved through fines or repayment rather than criminal prosecution. Many argue that political pressures, particularly from Trump and his allies, were instrumental in bringing these charges forward. The president may view this context as a justification for leniency.  

 

If Hunter Biden receives a probation sentence in Delaware, a presidential pardon or commutation might not be necessary. However, the tax fraud case in Los Angeles poses greater risks, as the financial sums involved and the more serious guidelines increase the likelihood of a prison term.  

 

President Biden’s decision will have profound implications for his legacy, the Democratic Party, and the broader perception of justice. His political standing has already taken a hit with Trump’s return to the White House, and many Democrats have blamed him for the party’s struggles in the 2024 election. But Biden may ultimately prioritize his role as a father over the political fallout.  

 

“This is his son,” underscores the core of the dilemma. Whether the president chooses to act or abstain, the decision will carry weighty consequences. A commutation, if issued, would demonstrate mercy in the face of familial hardship while avoiding the full implications of a pardon. Yet even this measured act would invite criticism, given the political climate and the scrutiny surrounding the Biden family.  

 

As sentencing dates approach, the president’s choice remains unclear, but it will undoubtedly stand as one of the most consequential and personal decisions of his career.

 

Based on a report by Politico 2024-11-27

 

 

 

[Jingthing]

He's already messed up his legacy so may as well pardon his son. 

[JonnyF]

Not really a difficult choice.

 

Considering the damage he has done, pardoning his drug snorting, gun toting, prostitute frequenting son is not even top 10. 

[Thingamabob]

Big issue. Best for Joe to obfuscate and delay for as long as it takes for people to have lost interest. Not sure if this is possible in terms of the way the legal process works in the USA.

[Paul Henry]

Maybe the new illustrious leader will grant Hunter a pardon when he takes office in January. He has pardoned so many crooks that one more won't make any difference. 

[Wrwest]

7 hours ago, Jingthing said:

He's already messed up his legacy so may as well pardon his son. 

Confess to having mixed emotions. Trump gets off scot free from the valid federal charges, of which, we are all aware. Commutation? Adding to the idea of the rich and famous being above the law? Or tit for tat? I really don't know the best way here.

[rct99q]

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Not really a difficult choice.

 

Considering the damage he has done, pardoning his drug snorting, gun toting, prostitute frequenting son is not even top 10. 

Donald Jr? 

[CallumWK]

2 hours ago, Paul Henry said:

Maybe the new illustrious leader will grant Hunter a pardon when he takes office in January. He has pardoned so many crooks that one more won't make any difference. 

 

Obama hasn't been elected again.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_granted_executive_clemency_by_Barack_Obama

 

Obama holds the record for the largest single-day use of the clemency power, granting 330 commutations on January 19, 2017, his last full day in office.^[6][7] He also issued more commutations than the past 13 presidents combined.^[2][8]

 

[JonnyF]

20 minutes ago, rct99q said:

Donald Jr? 

 

Wrong thread?

[Purdey]

Pardoning your own son is a difficult call, but every father would.