Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) has expressed his disapproval of President Joe Biden’s choice to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, on December 1, characterizing it as a lost chance for meaningful systemic reform. While he conveyed understanding of Biden’s personal challenges, Khanna emphasized the necessity for the Democratic Party to take the initiative in advocating for structural changes. Khanna stated that Democrats should have prioritized the reform and limitation of pardon powers from the outset of Biden’s presidency. He acknowledged the personal nature of the situation, expressing empathy as a father, yet insisted that the party must embody the principles of reform, addressing issues such as outdated pardon powers, the influence of super PACs, and expansive war powers. The decision to grant the pardon represents a significant shift from Biden’s previous position against utilizing executive power for personal matters.In his defense of the decision, the President recognized the intricacies involved, asserting his belief in the justice system while also noting that political influences have tainted the process, resulting in a miscarriage of justice. Biden concluded by expressing hope that the American public would comprehend the motivations behind his decision as both a father and a President.
