President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter, has ignited a firestorm of controversy across the United States. A new poll reveals that the vast majority of Americans disapprove of the move, raising serious questions about the president’s integrity and legacy. This is especially jarring considering his earlier promises not to interfere in his son’s legal battles. Let’s dive into the details of this developing political drama.
- Low Approval: Only about 2 in 10 Americans approve of the pardon.
- Broken Promise: Biden previously stated he would not pardon his son.
- Bipartisan Disapproval: Both Democrats and Republicans are unhappy with the decision.
- Legacy Questioned: The pardon raises questions about the president’s legacy and commitment to fairness.
The Shocking Poll Results
According to a recent poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, a staggering number of Americans disapprove of President Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter. Only about 20% of Americans support the move, while almost half strongly disapprove.
This isn’t just a partisan issue either, it seems like many people, across party lines, feel betrayed by the president’s flip-flop. This comes after Hunter Biden was convicted on gun and tax charges.
Biden’s Broken Promise
President Biden had repeatedly stated that he would not use his presidential powers to benefit his family. Yet, he went back on his word by pardoning his son. This has led to widespread accusations of hypocrisy and a blatant disregard for public trust.
Even after Trump’s electoral victory in November, the White House insisted Biden’s position hadn’t changed – until, suddenly it did.
Peter Prestia, a Republican from New Jersey, said, “It’s just the fact that he went back on his word.” He’s not alone in his frustration. Many feel that politicians should keep their promises, especially on sensitive topics like this one.
The Political Fallout
The pardon has caused a significant political earthquake, with Republicans and even some Democrats expressing their anger. Many believe the president prioritized family over principles, which could hurt his political standing. Others, like Robert Jenkins from Ohio, see it differently. He asks: “You’re gonna leave office and not pardon your kid? I mean, it’s a no-brainer to me.”
Who Approves, and Who Doesn’t?
The poll also reveals interesting demographic splits. While older adults are slightly more likely to approve of the pardon, their support isn’t strong. Younger adults, on the other hand, are more likely to either disapprove or have no opinion. The pardon seems particularly unpopular among white adults and more neutral among Black and Hispanic Americans.
Trinell Champ, a Democrat from Texas, disapproves of the pardon, stating, “At the end of the day, all you have is your word.” This sentiment highlights the importance of trust in political leadership.
Does the Pardon Affect Biden’s Overall Approval?
While the pardon is unpopular, it hasn’t drastically changed Biden’s overall approval rating. Around 40% of Americans approve of his job as president, similar to his ratings since early 2022. However, the president’s approval rating amongst Black Americans has fallen slightly since October, suggesting the pardon might have had some impact, even if not dramatic.
Why This Matters
This story is important because it shines a light on the complexities of political ethics and the difficult choices that presidents face. Biden’s decision has raised questions about whether family ties should influence political action. It has also led to a debate about the value of a politician’s word.
What’s Next?
The political fallout from Biden’s decision is still unfolding. It remains to be seen how this will affect his legacy and the broader political landscape. One thing is clear: the pardon has sparked serious debate about accountability and integrity at the highest levels of government.
