Hunter Biden's pardon play: Banking on father’s presidency

Amid mounting pressure for Joe Biden to drop out of the upcoming presidential elections, his son, Hunter Biden, emerged as one of the strongest voices urging President Joe Biden to stay the course. However, speculation surrounds Hunter Biden’s true intentions behind his support.

Also Read: Biden family urges president to stay in 2024 race

Hunter Biden reportedly was “one of the strongest voices imploring Mr. Biden to resist pressure to drop out was his son Hunter Biden,” according to a New York Times (NYT) article.

While the NYT article elaborates that “Hunter Biden wants Americans to see the version of his father that he knows — scrappy and in command of the facts — rather than the stumbling, aging president Americans saw on Thursday night,” some speculate that Hunter Biden, facing the conviction of three felony charges, may see his father's continued presidency as crucial.

- What’s up with Hunter? -

Earlier in June, 54-year-old Hunter Biden was found guilty by a jury in all three of the federal charges facing him.

He was convicted for lying on a firearm application form and his “illegal choices” while addicted to crack cocaine, said the lead prosecutor according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Hunter Biden potentially faces a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, pending sentencing by US District Judge Maryellen Noreika.

However, being a first-time offender, it is unlikely he would receive the maximum penalty, and there remains uncertainty regarding whether the judge will impose a prison term.

However, Hunter Biden’s legal challenges are far from over. He is scheduled to go to trial in September on allegations of failing to pay USD 1.4 million in taxes.

Also Read: Hunter Biden found guilty on all three charges in federal gun case

- America’s “nepo-baby” -

In this context, the reasoning behind Hunter Biden pushing his father to stay in the running for the 2024 elections is the potential power of a presidential pardon or clemency, which could mitigate any legal repercussions Hunter Biden might face.

Here are some online reactions:

I need a pardon Dad. pic.twitter.com/lZI0EuVH8K

— Steven Miller, MD, PhD (@SageListener) June 30, 2024

Hunter needs his dad to protect him. It’s elder abuse, but I'm glad Biden is staying in the race.

— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) June 30, 2024

That dude needs his dad to pardon him

— Lark Davis (@TheCryptoLark) June 30, 2024

of course IF Joe goes Hunter may not be pardoned

— jeff marlatt (@jeffmarlatt) July 1, 2024

Of course it was, without his Daddy he goes to prison.

— Suzanne Arundale (@GlammaSooz) July 1, 2024

Well of course. It's the only thing shielding him from prison.

— Razor blades and napalm (@HisShadow45) July 1, 2024