TL/DR –
President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden is upsetting some fellow Democrats due to its broad nature and the President’s previous claim that he would not use his executive authority to pardon his son. Biden’s statement that his son had been “unfairly prosecuted” is seen by some as a politicization of the justice department and a challenge to its independence. Meanwhile, senior politics editor Mark Murray outlines three key takeaways from the 2024 polls, including a general perception of the nation moving in the wrong direction, an approval rating of Biden in the low 40s, and Trump’s gains with Latino voters.
Welcome to the Politics Desk online where we serve the latest from the NBC News Politics team. Today’s scoop covers President Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter, and the response from fellow Democrats, along with an analysis of the 2024 polling trends by senior politics editor Mark Murray.
Democrat Resentment Over Biden’s Pardon Justification
President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son Hunter has caused a stir among Democrats. Biden issued a “full and unconditional pardon” for all offences committed or potentially committed by Hunter Biden between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024, as per a White House statement.
Biden’s justification of the pardon, based on what he claims as selective and unfair prosecution of his son, has been met with criticism by Democrats, including Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona.
Following Biden’s pardon, former President Trump raised concerns over the defendants convicted of violence at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Special counsel David Weiss dismissed allegations of politically motivated prosecutions of Hunter Biden as baseless. It is also noteworthy that early presidential runners for 2028 have not commented on the pardon event.
2024 Polls: Key Takeaways
Political editor Mark Murray shares key insights from the 2024 presidential election polls. The polls accurately depicted a dissatisfied electorate with a low-approval-rated incumbent, Joe Biden.
The polls also hinted at key demographic trends, such as Trump’s gains with Latino voters. However, the polls overstated the gender gap in Harris’ support among female voters and Trump’s backing among men.
Full analysis here →
Today’s Top News
- GOP lawmakers express their opposition to Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter. More here →
- White House press secretary defends Biden’s pardon decision. Details here →
- The Supreme Court to hear a dispute over the FDA’s refusal to approve flavored e-cigarettes. Full story here →
- Biden makes history as the first U.S. president to visit Angola. Read more here →
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