On October 6, 2022, President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of individuals convicted of marijuana possession under federal law. Among those pardoned was Hunter Biden, the son of President Biden. The pardons sparked widespread discussion, particularly on the popular daytime talk show “The View.” The cohosts expressed a range of emotions, from anger and disappointment to support and understanding.
Joy Behar: “I’m angry. I’m furious. I don’t think it’s fair. I don’t think it’s right.” Behar argued that the pardon was a form of special treatment for the president’s son and that it undermined the rule of law.
Meghan McCain: “I’m as liberal as it gets, but I agree with Joy… This is a very bad look for the president.” McCain expressed concern that the pardon could create the perception of nepotism and undermine public trust.
Sunny Hostin: “I understand why people are upset, but I think the president did the right thing… This is not about Hunter Biden. This is about a policy that has disproportionately affected Black and brown communities.” Hostin argued that pardoning marijuana offenses was a matter of justice and equity.
Ana Navarro: “I think it’s a huge mistake. It’s going to be a cudgel that Republicans will use against Democrats for decades.” Navarro expressed concern that the pardon would alienate voters and damage the Democratic Party’s credibility.
Alyssa Farah Griffin: “I’m torn. On the one hand, I think it’s important to pardon people for nonviolent drug offenses. On the other hand, I worry about the optics of this… It’s going to be used against President Biden and Democrats in the midterm elections.” Griffin acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the need to balance different considerations.
Legal experts also weighed in on the pardon’s implications. Some argued that it was a legitimate use of presidential power. “The president has the authority to pardon anyone for federal crimes,” said Professor Jonathan Turley of George Washington University. “There are no limits on the president’s discretion in this respect.”
Others expressed concern about the potential for abuse. “Pardons should be granted sparingly and only in extraordinary circumstances,” said Professor Stephen Vladeck of the University of Texas School of Law. “The president’s power to pardon cannot be used to shield allies or relatives from accountability.”
Public opinion on the pardons was divided. A poll conducted by ABC News and The Washington Post found that 52% of Americans approved of the pardons, while 48% disapproved. The poll also found that Democrats were more supportive of the pardons (68%) than Republicans (32%).
The pardon of Hunter Biden has significant implications for the Biden administration. It has raised questions about the president’s judgment, fueled Republican attacks, and provided fodder for online conspiracy theories. It may also damage public trust in the administration’s commitment to the rule of law.
The pardon of Hunter Biden is a complex and controversial issue. The cohosts of “The View” expressed a range of emotions and opinions on the decision, reflecting the diversity of perspectives in the public at large. The pardon has raised important questions about the rule of law, presidential power, and the role of family in politics. It is likely to continue to be debated for years to come. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to form their own opinion on the merits of the pardon and its implications for the future.
