A Contrarian Opinion on the Pardon - But Like Always, Biden Did It Wrong

By Tim Mooney

First, the biggest shock of the Hunter Biden pardon is that anyone is shocked. This was always going to happen, no question at all.

But how and when it was done, just like how and when Biden bowed out of the re-election campaign (or even ran at all), is the real question.

There's one clear answer - late stage dementia.

Any adult child who has had to deal with a withering parent recognizes the pattern: lack of understanding the obvious; followed by stubborn immovability; finally confronted with the inevitable; and then wildly blaming everyone else. All are screaming signs of dementia.

Now...here's where I'll say the unpopular - I'm not fully opposed to the pardon, but think it might have been better to commute the sentence...and then pardon him.

Biden's statement about the weaponization of the Justice Department and FBI is a classic Washington mistake -- which is when someone inextricably tells the truth in DC. Yes, the Justice Department is corrupt and captured...but just not enough, if you're Joe Biden.

Now here's what Biden could have done...

First commute the sentence, instead of a pardon, similar to what George W Bush did for Lewis (Scooter) Libby, Dick Cheney's former Chief of Staff. This indicates an admission of wrongdoing, repentance, and forgiveness.

The words written should have been,

"I understand and believe in the rule of law and acknowledge the mistakes Hunter has made. But I believe the sentences were well beyond what the average citizen would have received, or might not have faced prosecution at all. The physical dangers to any President's relative in prison would be a constant threat. Therefore, I am commuting Hunter's sentence. He's lucky to have overcome his past addictions, to be given a new chance, and he's being blessed here. I hope and pray he makes the best of this bad situation, continues his path of recovery from addiction and understands he owes America a debt of service going forward."

Then on the last day in office, he could have pardoned Hunter, saying,

"Members of the new Administration have made clear their intentions to use the Justice system to go against their enemies, real or perceived. That is wrong and dangerous. To stop this, I am pardoning Hunter for the past convictions and issuing a general pardon. Hopefully, this can help focus the efforts of the next Administration's Justice department on the crimes that put everyday Americans at risk and put aside the petty tit for tat of Washington insider politics."

Then when asked about it, the doddering old man Biden could simply say,

"After giving my lifetime to public service, and a son whose cancer might have been linked to his time in uniform, I'm happy my twilight days can be spent with what remains of my family. Every parent can understand this."

This would have been generally accepted by most voters - accepted, not supported.

I'll go one step further. If Biden hadn't pardoned Hunter, President Trump could have on the same day he pardons January 6th detainees, declaring the close of a previous chapter, putting the focus on the future.

Let's be clear. I think Hunter...and Joe...are guilty as sin for taking money from China, Ukraine and perhaps elsewhere. But in these early days of a transformational presidency, there are bigger fish to fry.

Showing no discernible signs of any other skills, Tim Mooney has been a national political strategist for some 35 years. He lives in Cave Creek, Arizona, a small drinkin’ town with a cowboy problem. He’s most proud that his kids still come home for Christmas.