President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, has put the Democratic Party and many mainstream media commentators on the defensive. Numerous liberal figures took Biden at his word when he said he would never pardon Hunter, and gleefully contrasted the president's self-sacrifice and fidelity to principles with what they see as the lawlessness of President-elect Donald Trump.
A few Democrats have smartly criticized Biden for breaking his promise; Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, for instance, blasted Biden for putting "family ahead of country." Others were left flailing: Rep. Dan Goldman (D–N.Y.) attempted to draw a distinction between the political situation at the time Biden made his promise and the current moment. Viewers are unlikely to find themselves convinced.
