Criticism emerged from Democratic strategist David Axelrod regarding President Biden’s approach to pardoning his son, Hunter Biden, describing the handling of the situation as “poorly executed.” During an interview on CNN with Anderson Cooper, Axelrod stated, “It was just handled poorly, on top of everything.”
Biden’s announcement came shortly before Axelrod’s remarks, revealing that he would pardon Hunter on three felony charges, including an unlawful gun purchase and possession from 2018.
This decision has sparked backlash among political figures from both parties, with many Republicans expressing their anger, especially since President Biden has repeatedly stated his intention to remain uninvolved in his son’s legal issues.
David Axelrod critiques President Biden’s handling of Hunter’s pardon in a candid CNN interview
Axelrod characterized Biden’s pardon as a “defensive” move, possibly in anticipation of President-elect Trump’s potential actions following his return to the White House. He noted, “I think part of it was defensive, worried about what they may do after he leaves office.”
Despite his criticisms, Axelrod expressed empathy for Biden’s difficult situation, acknowledging the family’s deep losses. He remarked, “Everybody in America knows how much loss the Bidens have suffered. I think that factors in here — he lost two children. He didn’t want to lose one more. So I have sympathy for him.”
Axelrod referenced Biden’s daughter, Naomi, who tragically died as an infant in a car accident that also claimed the life of his first wife, Neilia, in 1972. Additionally, he noted the passing of Biden’s eldest son, Beau, from brain cancer in 2015, believed to be linked to toxic exposure during his military service in Iraq.
Axelrod raised concerns about public perception of the pardon, specifically citing Biden’s statement that his decision was made not just as president but also as a father. “He said, ‘I hope the American people will understand that my act as a father and a president.’ I think people will understand his act as a father, but not as a president,” Axelrod said.
Hunter Biden, who is 54 years old, is scheduled for sentencing on December 12 for his federal gun case, followed by a tax case sentencing four days later. His legal team submitted a notice of pardon for both cases on Sunday night, requesting that the judge dismiss the indictments with prejudice. However, Special Counsel David Weiss has denied claims of selective prosecution against Hunter in court filings, opposing the dismissal of the charges.
