Former President Bill Clinton advises against preemptive pardons amid political tensions, while defending President Biden’s controversial decision to pardon his son Hunter.
At a Glance
- Bill Clinton supports Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden, calling it a “self-inflicted wound”
- Clinton argues Hunter faced harsher consequences due to his father’s position
- The former president opposes preemptive pardons for Hillary Clinton or others
- Critics worry the pardon could set a precedent for future presidential actions
- The situation highlights ongoing debates about the use of presidential pardon powers
Clinton Defends Biden’s Decision to Pardon Hunter
Former President Bill Clinton has publicly supported President Joe Biden’s controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. Speaking at the DealBook Summit in Manhattan, Clinton argued that Hunter faced disproportionate consequences due to his father’s position. The pardon, which addressed Hunter’s federal conviction for illegally buying a gun and tax evasion, has drawn criticism from both Republicans and some Democrats.
Clinton stated, “I personally believe that the president is almost certainly right that his son received completely different treatment than he would have if he hadn’t been the president’s son, in this kind of case.” However, he acknowledged the political ramifications of Biden’s earlier promise not to pardon his son, saying, “I wish he hadn’t said he wasn’t going to do it. It does weaken his case.”
Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton pic.twitter.com/R7tYMFWbsu
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) July 21, 2024
Opposition to Preemptive Pardons
While supporting Biden’s decision regarding Hunter, Clinton strongly advised against issuing preemptive pardons for individuals who might face investigation by a potential Trump administration, including his wife, Hillary Clinton. When asked about the possibility of such pardons, Clinton responded, “I hope he won’t do that.”
Clinton maintains that any potential charges against Hillary Clinton, particularly regarding her email handling, would be baseless. A State Department investigation previously found 38 individuals responsible for security violations related to Clinton’s private email server, but no charges were filed.
Broader Implications and Criticisms
The discussion surrounding Biden’s pardon of Hunter and the potential for preemptive pardons has reignited debates about the use and limits of presidential pardon powers. Critics argue that Biden’s action could set a dangerous precedent, potentially enabling future presidents to pardon family members or political allies with impunity.
“We had a lot better record than Republicans did, didn’t we? And what good did it do us?” – Bill Clinton
Former President Donald Trump has seized on the issue, criticizing Hunter Biden’s pardon and questioning whether similar considerations would be extended to those involved in the January 6 Capitol events. This highlights the ongoing political tensions and the complex interplay between justice, politics, and presidential powers.
Looking Forward
As the debate continues, the White House has indicated that President Biden is reviewing other potential pardons and commutations. Clinton’s comments have sparked a broader discussion about the pardon process and its implications for the rule of law in America. With the 2024 election on the horizon, the use of presidential pardons is likely to remain a contentious issue, influencing political discourse and potentially shaping voter perceptions.
Sources
1. Bill Clinton backs president’s pardon of Hunter Biden
2. Biden Shouldn’t Preemptively Pardon Hillary Clinton, Says Bill Clinton
