January 25, 2023

MSNBC host and political commentator Rachel Maddow responded to President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, in a segment on her show last night. Maddow criticized the pardon, saying that it was a “brazen act of corruption” and a “betrayal of the public trust.”

On January 18, 2023, President Biden announced that he would be pardoning Hunter Biden of all federal offenses related to his tax fraud conviction.

Maddow’s Reaction

Maddow opened her segment by saying that the pardon was “a clear and unequivocal act of corruption.” She went on to say that “President Biden is using his power to protect his son from the consequences of his own criminal behavior.”

Maddow also criticized the timing of the pardon, noting that it came just days after Hunter Biden’s former business partner, Devon Archer, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in the same tax fraud scheme that Hunter Biden was convicted of.

“It’s clear that President Biden is more concerned with protecting his son than with upholding the rule of law,” Maddow said.

Public Reaction

Maddow’s criticism of the pardon has been echoed by many other commentators and analysts. The pardon has also been widely criticized on social media, with many people accusing President Biden of hypocrisy and corruption.

A recent poll found that 63% of Americans disapprove of the pardon, while only 37% approve. The poll also found that a majority of Democrats (56%) disapprove of the pardon, while a majority of Republicans (82%) approve.

Political Implications

The pardon is likely to have a negative impact on President Biden’s already low poll numbers. It is also likely to further damage the public’s trust in the Biden administration.

The pardon could also have implications for the 2024 presidential election. If President Biden decides to run for re-election, the pardon is likely to be a major issue in the campaign.

Conclusion

President Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, has been widely criticized as an act of corruption. The pardon is likely to have a negative impact on President Biden’s already low poll numbers and could further damage the public’s trust in the Biden administration.

White House Response

The White House has defended the pardon, saying that it was issued in the spirit of “mercy and compassion.” The White House has also said that President Biden believes that Hunter Biden has already been punished enough for his crimes.

Legal Experts

Legal experts have also weighed in on the pardon. Some experts have said that the pardon is legally valid, while others have said that it is questionable.

One legal expert, Jonathan Turley, has said that the pardon is “a clear abuse of power.” Turley has also said that the pardon is “a blow to the rule of law.”

The Biden Family

The Biden family has not commented publicly on the pardon. However, Hunter Biden has previously said that he is grateful for his father’s pardon and that he is committed to rebuilding his life.

The American Public

As mentioned above, the American public is divided on the pardon. A recent poll found that 63% of Americans disapprove of the pardon, while only 37% approve.

The pardon is likely to be a major issue in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. If President Biden decides to run for re-election, the pardon is likely to be a major issue in the campaign.