A recent survey reveals a complex landscape of opinions surrounding President Joe Biden's extensive exercise of presidential pardons, with significant division along partisan lines.

A new Economist/YouGov poll shows that while 46% of Americans view Biden's pardons as inappropriate, responses starkly vary by political affiliation, as Breitbart reports.

The poll, conducted between Dec. 15 and 17, 2024, underscored America's partisan divide. With 1,553 adult citizens surveyed and a margin of error of +/- 3.4%, the results reflect a nation split on Biden's clemency actions.

This public response comes after Biden took sweeping clemency actions, which include pardoning 39 individuals and commuting sentences for nearly 1,500. These were primarily nonviolent offenders, marking the largest single-day clemency effort in U.S. modern history.

Biden's Clemency Actions and Context

Biden's extensive use of pardons also saw his unconventional move to commute sentences for individuals on federal death row. Specifically, 37 of the 40 on death row had their sentences converted to life imprisonment without parole.

Biden emphasized his stance against the federal death penalty, highlighting in a statement that “a new administration” could “resume executions” he had halted. He further expressed his sorrow for victims and their families, reiterating his opposition to capital punishment.

Political analysts quickly pointed to a controversial pardon issued to his son, Hunter Biden. This pardon dates to various activities going back to 2014, including Hunter's involvement with the Ukrainian company Burisma.

Before the pardons, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had repeatedly dismissed the possibility of Biden pardoning his son. She maintained that the administration's stance was firm, even though Hunter later received clemency.

Survey Highlights Stark Partisan Differences

The YouGov survey highlights clear partisan differences. Among Democrats, 55% regard Biden's pardon decisions as "appropriate." In contrast, 71% of Republican respondents find them "inappropriate." Responses from independents further reveal nuance, with 48% viewing the pardons negatively, while 19% see them positively.

During a time of heightened scrutiny, Biden defended his decision to intervene in Hunter's legal challenges. He contended that Hunter was “singled out only because he is my son,” criticizing what he described as targeted legal actions against Hunter. Biden argued these efforts aimed not only at undermining his son but also his presidency.

Hunter Biden's Legal Background and Responses

For several years, Hunter Biden has faced intense public and legal scrutiny, notably concerning his business dealings internationally. Biden's pardon drew particular attention given the stakes involved, with claims of selective prosecution brought forth by the president himself. Hunter, who has faced previous struggles, including substance abuse, was described by Biden as having “been five and a half years sober.”

Joe Biden is clearly unsettled by the persistent media and political focus on his son. He expressed his frustration, stating that continuous attempts to scrutinize Hunter had broader implications on his family. Biden conveyed a sense of finality and determination, asserting that the pardon's objective was to shield his family from ongoing attacks.

Reactions to Administration's Statements

Reports of Hunter Biden receiving clemency have prompted political debates and media scrutiny. As recently as Nov. 7, 2024, Jean-Pierre indicated that a pardon for Hunter was not on the table. However, the unexpected reversal has further charged discussions on presidential power and accountability.

Critics have pointed to the sudden change in narrative as evidence of inconsistency within the administration. Others raise ethical questions about the use of presidential pardons in situations involving potential family conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, supporters emphasize the need for fairness and allege partisanship in the pursuit of legal actions against Hunter.

Broader Implications of Pardons on Policy

President Biden's actions indicate a broader policy stance regarding criminal justice reform and clemency power. His large-scale clemency initiatives reflect ongoing debates about the justice system's reform and the federal death penalty's future. These moves have sparked conversations around federal policies and raise questions about their implementation moving forward.

As Biden's administration navigates these complex issues, public opinion remains divided. While some view his clemency acts as appropriate measures, others perceive them as controversial overreaches of executive power. This divide underscores the challenge in uniting a polarized populace around contentious political actions.

Conclusion: A Nation's Divergent Views

With sharp partisan divides evident, Biden's pardons serve as a microcosm of broader political discord.

As the administration grapples with both support and backlash, the implications of these actions continue to reverberate across the political spectrum.

The Economist/YouGov survey not only highlights where Americans stand but also presents a snapshot of contemporary American politics, laden with complexity and debate.