Biden Family ‘Shocked’ By Democrats’ Irate Reaction To Hunter Pardon
Joe Biden and his family are reportedly reeling from the swift and intense backlash among Democrats following the controversial presidential pardon granted to Hunter Biden. The decision, made public Sunday, ignited a political firestorm that has resounded through the Democratic Party and left the Biden administration on the defensive.
Several prominent Democrats have expressed their outrage over President Biden’s hasty and awkward pardon of his son, warning that they might stop contributing to his future presidential library. “If they had their sh*t together, they would have been doing the work on this over the summer — right after he announced he was stepping aside,” one well-connected Democrat told Axios. “Now, it’s just too late. Hopefully they are rightsizing their expectations and budget!”
According to Axios, the backlash from Democrats concerning Biden’s decision to pardon his son has come as a shock to members of Biden’s family. They anticipated some criticism but not the intense and widespread backlash that has occurred. Even those closest to Biden have criticized the timing of the pardon, questioning the wisdom of making such a controversial decision just as he was leaving for a trip to Africa.
Axios learned from sources that two key aides, Deputy Chief of Staff Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal, a top advisor to First Lady Jill Biden, are set to spearhead the planning for a presidential library, which is expected to be located in Delaware. Regarding concerns about potential donors withdrawing their support following the controversy over Hunter’s pardon, a person involved in post-presidency planning assured, “No, that sentiment hasn’t come up in a single donor conversation, and work is well underway.”
Staunch supporters of Biden are now hoping for his administration to conclude swiftly. They recognize the anger within the party but still feel a sense of sympathy for “the boss.”
A friend of Biden said to Axios that he seems to be aging, noting a slower pace in his walk and a more hesitant speech pattern. However, White House aides, who interact with him daily on policy matters, challenge this view.
“I wish he hadn’t said he wasn’t going to do it,” Former President Bill Clinton said on Wednesday. “It does weaken his case.”
Clinton also labeled Biden a “stubborn old Irishman,” reflecting on the timing of his decision not to seek re-election. Clinton highlighted the logistical challenges this created for the Democratic Party. “It was too late for a primary,” Clinton noted. “I thought the best we could do then was to try to unite and make the best campaign we could. Now, I’m not sure it was ever going to be winnable.”
Speaking to The Independent, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the decision as well. “It’s less about the fact that the president pardoned his son and more about the fact that he’s only really pardoning his son,” pointing out the discrepancy in treatment. “There are Americans serving life in prison and who are on death row who should be taken off death row,” she added.
