In a segment on MSNBC Monday, former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance offered a defense of President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, amidst ongoing legal scrutiny.
Vance framed her argument around the principles of the presidential pardon process, emphasizing its purpose to deliver justice and mercy in cases where mitigating circumstances exist.
“The reality here,” Vance stated, “is if this was anyone other than Joe Biden’s son, no one would object to a pardon on these facts. The pardon process is meant to do mercy, it’s meant to do justice.”
READ: California Governor Gavin Newsom Adopts Two-Pronged Approach To Incoming Trump Admin
Hunter Biden has faced a series of legal challenges, including allegations of tax and gun law violations. Critics of a potential pardon have argued it could undermine faith in the justice system by appearing as favoritism. However, Vance suggested that the charges might not have been pursued if the individual involved were not the president’s son.
“There’s a clear feeling here that these cases would not have been indicted if anyone other than Joe Biden’s son was involved in the conduct,” Vance noted, adding that while the courts may not have dismissed the cases under strict legal standards of selective or vindictive prosecution, the perception of unequal treatment is evident.
Vance underscored that presidential pardons are frequently granted to individuals who have committed crimes but whose circumstances warrant clemency. She argued that the controversy surrounding a potential pardon for Hunter Biden is primarily political, not legal, and stems from his relationship to the president.
“If this was not Joe Biden’s son, no one would object,” she reiterated. “We are clearly here because this is Joe’s son.”
The pardon appears to close a fraught chapter for Hunter Biden, whose legal troubles first came to light in December 2020, shortly after his father’s election victory.
READ: Hamas Publishes Heartbreaking Coerced Video Of American-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander
Critics have accused President Biden of undermining his promise to uphold the independence of the justice system. The gun charge involved allegations of providing false statements during a firearm purchase, while the tax charges pertained to unpaid obligations over several years. A conviction on the gun charge and a plea deal on the tax offenses were expected to culminate in sentencing imminently.
Republicans have condemned the pardon as a blatant misuse of presidential authority. Scott Jennings, a Republican strategist, lambasted the decision during a CNN segment, stating, “Joe Biden is leaving office, making the strongest possible case for Donald Trump… Our justice system is of, by, and for the elites, and nobody else.”
Jennings further criticized the scope of the pardon, which reportedly covers offenses dating back to 2014, when Biden served as vice president. “We are sitting on the biggest cover-up of who knows what crimes,” he alleged, calling Biden’s presidency a “complete and total disgrace.”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.