Staff Reports
Senator Joe Manchin, the self-proclaimed maverick of the Democratic Party, has thrown a wrench into the Democrats’ machinery by suggesting President Joe Biden should have offered a pardon to none other than President-elect Donald Trump alongside his controversial decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. This unexpected twist seems to have the potential to create a bipartisan moment that could serve as a transition from Biden’s chess game with his own family to something a bit more inclusive—if such a thing exists in today’s drastically polarized political landscape.
Manchin, in a recent statement, implied that as a father, Biden might have felt justified in granting Hunter clemency to mitigate a looming 17-year prison sentence. However, this sentiment appears inadequate in the senator’s eyes; he argued that an olive branch to Trump might have truly showcased presidential statesmanship. By suggesting that Biden should have also pardoned Trump, Manchin not only solidified his reputation as a man who calls it as he sees it, but also cleverly pointed to the skewed nature of political favors in Washington, D.C. in a time when it seems almost no one is safe from the Democrats’ laser focus on self-preservation.
Wow! Senator Joe Manchin calls for Joe Biden to pardon Donald Trump after he pardoned his son, Hunter. pic.twitter.com/FOZb9sgZAg
— Don Keith (@RealDonKeith) December 3, 2024
This development shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone who has followed Manchin’s career. Known for his willingness to cross party lines, he announced earlier this year that he would be leaving the Democratic Party altogether to become an independent. His reasoning was simple enough—he believes both parties are failing to bridge the great divide of American politics, leaving folks to wonder if either party even cares about working-class Americans anymore. This is the same Manchin who has made headlines for criticizing Biden’s “radical” agenda and energy policies, which have proven detrimental to the very people he claims to represent.
If Manchin’s critique of Biden over the Hunter pardon is any indication, it appears he shares the same frustration that many Americans do: the feeling that the Democratic Party has completely forgotten about the hardworking citizens. Rather than forging ahead with policies that benefit families, the party seems to have devoted its resources to fostering a class of individuals who prefer to receive government handouts rather than properly contribute to society. This sentiment, once confined to the conservative echo chamber, is now echoing more widely, especially in the wake of Biden’s missteps.
As speculation arises on how Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter might impact his legacy, Manchin’s observations hit close to home. The president is now facing the prospect of handing over the Oval Office to Trump yet again, raising the question of whether he has effectively ruined any chance at being remembered favorably in the history books. With Manchin and others expressing disappointment in Biden’s actions, the divide within the Democratic Party might just be the tip of the iceberg. Many wonder if this miscalculation will cost them dearly in future elections.
In a political environment where the lines of right and wrong are easily blurred, Manchin’s suggestion that Biden should have included Trump in his pardoning spree could be seen as an extraordinary moment of clarity. It’s not often that a Democrat deserves a compliment for thinking outside the tightly wound box of party loyalty. In a world where political agendas often overshadow the well-being of citizens, perhaps a little balance is just what America needs.
