Hunter Biden Case: Pres. Biden Rules Out Pardon

story

Jun 07, 2024

Above: In this handout image provided by the Irish Government, US President Joe Biden departs Dublin Airport on Air Force One with his sister Valerie and son Hunter on April 14, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland. Image copyright: Julien Behal/Irish Government/Handout via Getty Imagesstory last updated Jun 08

The Facts

In an interview with ABC News, Pres. Joe Biden said that he would accept the outcome of his son Hunter Biden's felony gun trial in Delaware and ruled out pardoning him if he were to be convicted.
Hunter Biden is charged with purchasing and possessing a gun during his addiction to illegal drugs — with his crack cocaine and alcohol use being a centerpiece of the case. He has pled not guilty to the charges.

The Spin

Democratic narrative

Pres. Biden has shown himself to be a leader who truly respects the country and the values for which it stands. Even though these dubious charges were brought by a Trump-appointed special counsel, he has steadfastly refused to consider pardoning his son and has refrained from commenting on the trial. This is a stark contrast with Trump's undignified mob boss tactics of intimidation and denial.

Politico

Republican narrative

Given how cut-and-dry the facts in Hunter's trial seem to be, this is hardly a grand pronouncement, as the public would object to such a blatant injustice in what seems like an open-and-shut case. The same can't be said about the overblown and politically motivated charges that Trump has faced at the hands of left-leaning prosecutors. There is no equivalency between the charges Hunter and Trump are facing.