John Dean suggests that President Biden issue widespread pardons to prevent potential political retribution from Donald Trump.
At a Glance
- President Biden pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, citing political pressure.
- John Dean urges Biden to forgive individuals on Trump’s enemies list to mitigate retaliation.
- The pardon is compared to past presidential pardons, sparking debate about future precedents.
- Dean, a former Watergate figure, leverages historical insight to address current tensions.
John Dean’s Call for Preventive Pardons
John Dean, a figure notable from the Watergate era, recently prompted President Biden to issue broad pardons for individuals who might be targeted by a future Trump administration. Dean, known for his critiques of Trump, advises that such actions are necessary to prevent cycles of political retribution. This recommendation came amid scrutiny surrounding Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, which was framed by Biden as a protection against selective prosecution and political pressure.
Biden’s decision to grant a “full and unconditional” pardon to Hunter, addressing federal crimes spanning a decade, has drawn comparisons to President Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon. It is rare for a president to pardon a relative, and Biden emphasizes political influence in the judicial process.
"…The most broad pardon since Watergate." House Ways & Means Committee Chairman @RepJasonSmith reacts to Joe Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter with @dagenmcdowell @BrianBrenberg pic.twitter.com/5TmfGM7Tl7
— The Bottom Line (@BottomLineFBN) December 3, 2024
Debate and Divergent Views
The breadth of Hunter Biden’s pardon has sparked debate among legal experts and political commentators. Comparing it to Nixon’s pardon, former U.S. pardon attorney Margaret Love described it as unusually broad. John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser, critiqued the pardon, saying, “Biden is doing exactly the wrong thing by pardoning Hunter. This will now give Trump the license to pardon all of his supporters including those from Jan 6th,” said John Bolton, Trump’s former national security adviser.”
Conversely, former Watergate prosecutor Jill Wine-Banks praised President Biden’s decision, criticizing the gun charges against Hunter and advocating for clemency due to Hunter’s past struggles with addiction, now long overcome.
Political Implications
Dean’s suggestion to pardon individuals who prosecuted or investigated Trump highlights the precarious landscape of American politics. Dean testified against Trump in 2019 and has referred to him as an “authoritarian president.” His history as a pivotal Watergate figure who witnessed political retribution firsthand informs his advice to avoid cycles of revenge populating current discourse.
“Biden should keep going with his pardons: Trump, Jack Smith & team, Mueller & team, and a blanket pardon for all on Trump’s enemies list for any and all political statements before December 25, 2024! Merry Christmas” – John Dean
Whether President Biden expands his pardon criteria significantly influences the future of political relations as a new administration approaches. Dean’s insight spotlights the need for strategic clemency to de-escalate potential retaliatory actions, impacting the nation’s political trajectory.
Sources:
- Hunter Biden Pardon Praised by Watergate Prosecutor—’Relieved and Thrilled’
- Watergate lawyer encourages Biden to pardon everyone on Trump’s ‘enemies list’
