WASHINGTON – Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis on Sunday slammed President Biden's pardon of his son Hunter, saying the president has “put family before country” and the move “tarnishes his reputation.” denounced.
The scathing rebuke from the potential 2028 presidential candidate came as the 82-year-old Biden prepares to fly to Angola for an official visit, limiting his exposure to questions about the pardon. It was getting worse.
“As a father, I certainly understand President Joe Biden's understandable desire to help his son by pardoning him, but I also appreciate that he put his family before his country. I'm disappointed,” said Polis, 49. tweeted.
“This is a bad precedent that could be exploited by future presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation. Once you become president, your role is to be the Peter family of the people. ”
Polis added, “Hunter brought upon himself the legal problems he faced. One can empathize with his struggle, but at the same time understand that no one is above the law, including a president or a president's son.” I can accept that,” he added.
The eldest son, 54, was convicted in June of three firearms felonies and in September pleaded guilty to $1.4 million in tax evasion on proceeds from ties to China and Ukraine, with which he was repeatedly involved with his father.
Polis, who founded ProFlowers and served in the House of Representatives from 2009 to 2019 and as governor from 2019, was soon joined in the criticism by Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.).
Stanton disputed claims in Biden's pardon statement that his son was the victim of “selective prosecution.”
Stanton: “I respect President Biden, but I think this is wrong.'' tweeted.
“This was not a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed a felony and was convicted by a jury of his peers.”
Biden and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insisted earlier this year that his eldest son would not receive a pardon, and Biden said it was important to respect the legal system.
Biden insisted he had no intention of pardoning his son, arguing that former President Donald Trump received a fair trial and should accept his May conviction on business documents charges in Manhattan. Trump claimed the ruling was politically motivated to derail the president's ultimately successful political comeback. Election on November 5th.
Biden: “No one is above the law'' I wrote to X The day after President Trump's conviction.
“For eight years, the Democratic Party has claimed to be an institutionalist advocate of democracy and to oppose special treatment for Dear Leader's family and followers. This pardon is wrong and tantamount to hypocrisy.” tweeted Daniel Schlozman, professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University.
