President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, has sparked a firestorm of criticism and debate across the media landscape. The pardon, which covers a broad range of potential offenses committed between 2014 and 2024, has drawn condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum, with many questioning its timing and scope.
NBC News' Chuck Todd didn't hold back, criticizing the president for what he called "real damage" to the nation's trust in institutions. Todd expressed concern that the pardon sets a dangerous precedent for future presidents, potentially normalizing blanket pardons as a political tool.
CNN's Jake Tapper also weighed in, highlighting the apparent discrepancy between the White House's previous denials of a pardon and the president's ultimate decision. Tapper questioned the credibility of the administration and its allies, suggesting they were either unaware of the plan or complicit in misleading the public.
Former Obama aides expressed their disappointment on the "Pod Save America" podcast, accusing Biden of acting like a "typical, lying politician" and undermining the Democratic Party's efforts to hold others accountable for alleged corruption.
A heated exchange unfolded on "The View" as Charlamagne Tha God challenged Whoopi Goldberg over the pardon, arguing that Biden had knowingly misled the public. Goldberg offered a different perspective, suggesting the president may have grown weary of adhering to a higher standard than others.
Todd further critiqued Biden, suggesting he "needs therapy" to address unresolved emotional issues related to his sons. He questioned Biden's emotional capacity for the presidency, citing the family drama as a potential impediment.
Rep. Dan Goldman faced an awkward moment on CNN when confronted with a past clip of himself asserting that Biden wouldn't pardon Hunter. Comedian Jon Stewart also satirized the situation, highlighting the difficult position Biden's decision has put Democrats in.
Legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin labeled the pardon a "consummate act of nepotism," while editorial boards of major newspapers like the New York Times and Washington Post warned of the potential long-term damage to Biden's legacy and the justice system.
Even MSNBC contributor Molly Jong-Fast was momentarily speechless when the news broke, admitting she needed time to process the implications of the pardon.
