Today, Explained – "The Hunter Becomes the Pardoned" Summary
Podcast Title: Today, Explained
Host(s): Sean Rameswaram and Noel King
Episode Title: The Hunter Becomes the Pardoned
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Description: Today, Explained is Vox's daily news explainer podcast, guiding listeners through the most important stories of the day.
Introduction
In this episode of Today, Explained, hosts Sean Rameswaram and Matt Viser delve into President Joe Biden's unexpected decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. This move has sparked significant controversy and raised questions about presidential pardons, family loyalty, and the broader implications for American politics.
The Pardon of Hunter Biden
Breaking Promises
-
Sean Rameswaram opens the discussion by highlighting President Biden's public commitment not to pardon his son. Initially, both Biden and his press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, assured the public that Hunter Biden would not receive a pardon.
"Today looking for a pardon. President Biden closed out Thanksgiving week with a written statement and took a lot of people by surprise because he did something he promised he would not do."
[00:33] -
Contrary to these assurances, Biden proceeded with the pardon, leading to widespread surprise and scrutiny.
Legal Implications
-
Elena Plot Calabro explains the breadth of the pardon:
"This pardon basically protects Hunter from any legal prosecution over almost a decade long period from 2014 up until Sunday night at midnight. So anything that Hunter did during that time period, he cannot be federally prosecuted for. It's pretty broad."
[02:11] -
At the time of the pardon, Hunter faced two imminent legal cases:
-
Delaware Gun Charges:
"Hunter Biden has indeed been convicted of gun charges by a jury in a Delaware trial."
[03:03] -
Tax Evasion Case:
"Hunter pled guilty in September, and that one was scheduled to be sentenced the week after."
[03:03]
-
Decision Factors
-
Elena Plot Calabro discusses potential motivations behind the pardon:
"There's a longer term pressure that comes in January when Donald Trump takes office. And that's why the pardon was so sweeping, where Joe Biden is basically trying to protect Hunter from being investigated for any other crimes that could have occurred over that period."
[03:33] -
The pardon was reportedly decided upon over the Thanksgiving weekend while the Biden family was in Nantucket.
Reactions from Democrats
Party Backlash
-
Elena Plot Calabro notes that many Democrats have criticized the pardon:
"People are pointing out that this goes against what he has said. Joe Biden has talked about the rule of law... this goes against his word."
[07:27] -
Matt Viser cites Colorado Governor Jared Polis's reaction:
"While as a father, I certainly understand President Joe Biden's natural desire to help his son, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country."
[07:06] -
Concerns include the precedent it sets for future presidents and the perception of favoritism.
Historical Context of Presidential Pardons
Past Pardons
-
Elena Plot Calabro provides historical comparisons:
"Bill Clinton pardoned his stepbrother for crimes related to cocaine. And Donald Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, who's Jared Kushner's father."
[09:25] -
While presidential pardons for family members are not unprecedented, Hunter Biden's pardon is notably broader, covering a decade of potential offenses.
Unprecedented Scope
-
The pardon's extensive scope is unique, as it not only addresses specific charges but also shields Hunter from any federal prosecution within a ten-year window.
"This one is pretty far-reaching... anything that may or may not have been prosecuted for a 10-year period."
[09:25]
Donald Trump's Perspective
Trump's Focus on Hunter Biden
-
Elena Plot Calabro highlights Trump's long-standing focus on Hunter Biden:
"Trump has been fixated on Hunter Biden for years. He had the 'Where's Hunter?' line during the 2020 campaign and used Hunter as a focal point for impeachment proceedings."
[08:21]
Potential Reactions
-
Elena Plot Calabro suggests Trump may leverage Biden's pardon to advance his own agenda:
"Donald Trump has talked about pardoning the rioters from January 6th. This kind of gives Trump cover to do some of those things."
[07:27] -
The pardon may embolden Trump and his allies to pursue similar actions, potentially undermining the rule of law.
Introduction of Cash Patel
Who is Cash Patel?
-
Sean Rameswaram introduces Cash Patel, Trump's pick to lead the FBI:
"Donald Trump, who knows a thing or two about being a convicted felon, announced his pick to lead the FBI—Cash Patel."
[11:35] -
Cash Patel is portrayed as a loyal Trump ally with a history in the Department of Justice and the National Security Council.
Patel's Background and Character
-
Cash Patel shares insights about his career trajectory and personal experiences, including a pivotal moment that shaped his worldview:
"In 2014, he receives an offer to join the counterterrorism section... which is really a defining moment for him in terms of deciding that this system... was never going to have his back."
[16:04] -
Cash Patel discusses his rapid rise within the Trump administration, driven by loyalty and a desire for revenge against perceived injustices.
Concerns About Patel's Appointment
-
Cash Patel expresses concerns about his alignment with Trump's agenda:
"This is someone who is motivated by very little else except for his devotion to Donald Trump and his loyalty to Donald Trump."
[25:18] -
Fears include Patel's potential to act solely on Trump's directives, regardless of legal or ethical considerations.
Implications of the Pardon
Preemptive Protection
-
The pardon is seen as a strategic move by Biden to shield Hunter from future investigations, especially with a Trump administration in the near future.
"Joe Biden, the president, just taking him at his word, was concerned about the fact that a number of the people that Donald Trump has announced... have certainly been among the chorus of those on the right who really despise Hunter Biden."
[26:55]
Setting a Precedent
-
The broad nature of the pardon sets a concerning precedent for executive clemency:
"This sets a precedent that could be abused by later presidents."
[07:08] -
It raises questions about the limits of presidential pardons and the potential for misuse to protect close associates.
Conclusion
President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, marks a significant and controversial moment in American politics. Breaking longstanding promises, the pardon not only absolves Hunter from specific charges but also shields him from a decade of potential legal actions. The move has sparked backlash within Biden's own party, raised concerns about presidential precedent, and intertwined with the broader political landscape dominated by former President Donald Trump's focus on Hunter Biden. Additionally, the introduction of Cash Patel as a pivotal figure in the Trump administration highlights the ongoing tensions and power dynamics at play. As the fallout from this pardon continues to unfold, its long-term implications for the rule of law and political accountability remain to be seen.
Notable Quotes:
-
Sean Rameswaram:
"Today looking for a pardon. President Biden closed out Thanksgiving week with a written statement and took a lot of people by surprise because he did something he promised he would not do."
[00:33] -
Elena Plot Calabro:
"This pardon basically protects Hunter from any legal prosecution over almost a decade long period from 2014 up until Sunday night at midnight."
[02:11] -
Matt Viser:
"Hunter Biden has indeed been convicted of gun charges by a jury in a Delaware trial."
[03:03] -
Jared Polis (via Matt Viser):
"While as a father, I certainly understand President Joe Biden's natural desire to help his son, I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country."
[07:06] -
Cash Patel:
"Everybody, I am Cash, the great wizard and the distinguished discoverer."
[23:44]
Produced by Miles Bryan and Amanda Llewellyn. Edited by Matthew Collette. Fact-Checked by Kim Eggleston. Mixed by Patrick Boyd.