After Pardoning Hunter, Manchin Says Biden Now Needs to Pardon Trump
In the wake of his controversial presidential pardoning of his own son, former Democratic Senator Joe Manchin says that Joe Biden must do the same for Donald Trump.
Manchin has called on Biden to pardon President-elect Donald Trump “for the sake of balance” — just one day after the current commander-in-chief issued one to his troubled son, Hunter Biden.
“I am just saying, wipe them out,” Manchin, a former Democrat who is retiring from the upper chamber at the end of the year, told CNN.
“Why don’t you go ahead and pardon Donald Trump for all his charges and make it, you know, it would have gone down a lot more balanced, if you will,” the senator added.
Biden, 82, claimed he decided to issue the sweeping pardon to his 54-year-old son, who earlier this year was convicted of federal gun charges and pleaded guilty to federal tax crimes because Hunter was being “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.”
Trump, 78, has similarly claimed that four criminal cases against him — for allegedly mishandling classified documents, attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, falsifying business records, and interfering in Georgia’s 2020 presidential election — were politically motivated.
The president-elect was charged in all four cases — two federal and two state — after announcing his 2024 White House bid.
“The president has to be the president for the next four years, fighting all these criminal [cases] and all this other stuff’s coming after him,” Manchin said. “Just clean that slate up.”
The West Virginia senator added that the shocking pardon, which the White House repeatedly insisted over the past two years was not in the offing, made Biden’s legacy “difficult.”
Several of Manchin’s Senate colleagues, including a number of Democrats, have slammed the president’s decision to pardon Hunter.
“President Biden’s decision put personal interest ahead of duty, and further erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all,” Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) wrote on X Monday.
Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) said it was “wrong” for Biden to absolve his son’s crimes.
“A president’s family and allies shouldn’t get special treatment,” Peters said in an X post. “This was an improper use of power; it erodes trust in our government, and it emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests.”
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) tweeted that the pardon was “unwise.”
“President Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter is, as the action of a loving father, understandable — but as the action of our nation’s Chief Executive, unwise,” Welch said.
Several House Democrats were also critical of the president.
“As a father, I get it. But as someone who wants people to believe in public service again, it’s a setback,” Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) wrote on X.
Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) argued that the pardon would be used against Democrats in Trump’s second term.
“I know that there was a real strong sentiment in, you know, wanting to protect Hunter Biden from unfair prosecution,” Ivey told CNN. “But this is going to be used against us when we’re fighting the misuses that are coming from the Trump administration.”
In November 2023, Manchin announced he would not run for reelection to the Senate. In 2024, he left the Democratic Party to become an independent and later announced that he would not run for any office, even as some had speculated that he might run for governor of West Virginia.
While I respect Joe Manchin for all of his accomplishments, I think he is dead wrong on this one.
As an Independent, I do not feel that insurrection and the willingness to render the people’s vote useless “balances out” a cocaine snorter who checked the wrong box on a gun form and didn’t pay his personal federal income taxes on time (he did pay them late with interest and all other financial charges).
Joe is talking about the optics but is not drilling down into the actual criminality behind the two men. What Trump did was far worse.
I agree with Sen. Pete Welch (d-Vt) but it is what it is. Biden is a father and so am I. I can understand what he was faced with where if he does not pardon his son in an investigation that had political motivations related to the father, that after he leaves D.C. and is back in Deleware, he will regret it for what little remains of his life. Not a good way to die. Much better to let it to history to judge because he won’t be around to read it anyway!
I also understand those that say this is a two tier justice system. But pardoning Trump would only drive those feelings deeper into at least half of the voting population which would be worse for the USA overall. I do not think Joe Manchin is seeing the full optics in this regard. And lets not forget that what the DOJ had against Hunter was only a portion of what Trump wanted to go after Hunter for, such as proposed selling of access to Daddy Biden, unauthorized government lobbyist, etc. Trump wanted to crush Hunter, and that is why Joe did what he did. Who among us wants to see their child crushed by a much bigger villain.
Two years from now this will be a very small issue for Dems, and their defenses will be numerous because Trump has already provided some from his first term such as Jerrod Kushner’s father’s pardon, pardon of six people involved with Jan 6, and Trump will do ore of this shit in his second term. His puppet Bondi will make sure of it!
Yes hunter can now rat daddy out as being the BIG guy that got his cut The fbi has protected hunter pretty good and the doj did there best to keep him out But in the end daddy did it
I really do not care. Yes he now may be forced to testify against Joe Biden but that may not go well for the prosecution if there ever is one. And as of right now, this “Biden crime family” is a myth with little hard evidence. If it turns out to be true, then fine, jail those in the family involved in whatever crimes they committed. If not, then lets just drop it and try to get this country moving forward. Same with Trump.
Hunter had soooo many thing against him he should be in prison BUT daddy has kept him out of lots trouble for his cut But not that hunter cant pled the 5th So now he HAS to be honest if called before congress about cutting the BIG Guy in and rat daddy out But he sure should let the J6 ppl out because they did nothing wrong and that cop that shot though a door SHOULD be in prison
Well you just revealed yourself! J6 people did plenty wrong, and I say that as a Vietnam Era Veteran who did risk life and limb for democracy!
While a tragedy, it was a righteous shoot. Always will be except to those who think a mob, armed, at the door, trying to break down the door where innocent, unarmed Congress-persons from either party took shelter from the Republican storm, is not a good reason to say “stop or I will shoot” and then shoot if they don’t stop. Could have been much worse and the guy who kicked it off watched it for over three hours, munching on burgers, with the entire military might of the United States at his disposal, friends and associates calling, begging, for help, as fist-pumping Josh Hawley ran like a little girl away from the storm and the man who took the oath to defend America from all comers, foreign and domestic did nothing. Like Nero watching Rome burn.
Stop with the fake valor Tom. And the jan6 patriots should be pardoned
Wow, if we are talking Optics, People better take the Blinders off after 4 years
and see the light of truth for a change?
I guess it would all depend on were a person gets their news.
Blinders off and still in the dark.
You just can not help some people.
I am sure some will never see the news when the truth about the assignation attempts come out either.
Yea, Garland was right on top of things! He could not find drugs in the white house.
Clown.
What a joke!
Darren, Jerry, this would all be grand if you could measure the same way when you look in the mirror.
Biden is wrong to pardon his son. Just as Trump was wrong to pardon family, friends, and those who would benefit him personally. And him given his Felon Father in Law a cushy government job — come on man, that’s malarky.
Chris Christie, who led the case as the US attorney for New Jersey, said in 2019 that Kushner committed “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes” he had prosecuted. And now this Felon works for the Felon King for $150K a year as ambassador to France.
Wrong is wrong and both of these gents are wrong, but the scale tips towards Trump when it comes to petty, personal, and profitable pardons. Biden sacrificed his legacy for his son and he is getting dinged for it by both sides. Trump did it for himself and you selected and elected him. Stone, Manafort, Bannon, Flynn, FIL Kushner, these are major convictions for Trump buddies and he let them all go early. And you cheer The Rule of Law. It’s just that you live under the King’s Law and you love it.
Please Sir, may I have some more?
Just play fair, that’s all I say.
I agree Frank. What Darren does not realize is that Garland did not want to prosecute Trump which was why the whole DOJ J6 investigation started 18 months late, and why Trump was able to buy his way to the election and after. Problem with many people is they do not present evidence, just emotion. Yes, how many people hire a prostitute to get their brother in law in trouble, then show the video to their sister so that they can influence her not to testify before a grand jury. And then he comes out with a big time job that I would rather have given to you Frank! Ambassador Danger Stetson!!! It has a nice ring to it!
Me, ambassador? My pet name as a Product Management team leader was Atilla. And my modus operandi was like a bull in a China closet. I worked for years to mellow, had some success, but required much training. Matter of fact, the special “bonding” week-long session we had —– I had to go three times….. Beta test, real thing, and one-more-time with the upper management, I guess to get coffee…… My Father would have been great, rarely raised his voice, never swore, knew the dictionary inside n out, and could skewer you with words. Truly a debate king, he was brutal, and when pissed, downright deadly.
But Manchin? Is that like Horist’s mandate gay joke? You know, what Larry gets after a Trump mandate: man chin?
Somehow I don’t see him laughing. Probably will go with “just not funny at all.” I don;t know, I’m laughing and we lost the election. I think them keeping Biden in the spotlight, examining every move for dementia, some like AF still looking to lock up an old man for life, is funny as hell. Literally. Cuz I may be going to Hell on a snow sled, but ask least I am enjoying the ride. And laughing still. CVX hit limit today, I am $5,000 for a couple of months time, I’m going to Disney and still enjoying the rides. My strike price is $146. Could happen…. Got the dividend too; that’s another $1,500. Not bad for taking a break from PBP…..
Ahhh Frank, I think you may be underestimating yourself. Yeah, knowing your background I imagine Satan told you to come back in a couple of years when you mellow. LOL Ahhh but you are now mellowed much more than even five years ago! Congrats! Yes, time off from PBP has many rewards! I am remodeling much of the first floor so my time on PBP is limited. Hope you had a fun Thanksgiving! Look at BP. It was down a few weeks ago when I bought several hundred shares. I think its still a good deal since Trump is going to be in. Right now I am looking into companies that will be needed to support the enormous power requirements of AI. Looking in the areas of nuclear reactors, construction materials, power equipment, data cabling and connectors, data storage companies, etc. AI is going to impact the USA so much and it will drag these companies with it. Let me know if you know of any good companies!
I agree. Wrong is wrong. No one is perfect. That is a fact. How many Republicans, Democrats and Independents have some skeletons in their closets? I wonder. This is a cruel world we all live in. Who are the good guys? Or gals? Are there any? Maybe. Not many. Politics is a terrible game to play. It’s beginning to look like our government is playing the Game of Thrones. Dominators. Dictators. Yet there are some that are sane and good people. Salvation coming? Maybe. I hope so.
The thing none of you are commenting on is-nobody is thrown in jail for tax evasion if they pay back what the IRS deems they owe in taxes and penalties. And nobody goes to jail for purchasing a gun, wrongly, that they owned for a few days and committed no other crimes with it. This investigation was totally political as was the congressional investigation of hunter’s activities involving Ukraine-the one that, try as they did for 2 years they were able to find zero proof of. Likely they would have continued if Biden had not stepped in. Now can anyone say there is no ‘proof’ of the crimes trump committed? Those are real crimes and have had real consequences, and at least the mishandling (stealing I believe is the correct term) of classified documents has had many people receive jail time. Our country has lost its way to elect such a repugnant individual, who callously ignores social norms and justice to be president again, and if Biden follows Manchu a advice, I will go to DC to protest that action (not buying any plane tickets for that however).
I agree AF. What is happening today makes Watergate look like child’s play.
This the opinion of the lot who keep a close eye on what’s happening in politics at the top that what was once regarded to be established behavioral norms expected has gone the way of obsolescence. Trump is expediting the demise of officialdom’s norms at every step he takes as President-elect He acts as if he already is in charge and has been given the people’s assent to change up the way past president-elects conduct themselves in their transition period.
Trump’s nominee selections are nothing near what one would expect fitting for an administrator charged with overseeing the major departments attached to the Executive Branch.
It’s no surprise that Trump’s cabinet picks shatter the norm that appointees to the several agencies have significant credentials and experience commensurate with that particular agency, department, or bureau. To date not one appointee has a background in administrating the vast responsibility that comes with their position.
The establishment of normal criteria for jobs in government came out of common sense rational and sane judgement that proved efficient in large multi-disciplinary corporations.
We, the people entrust the business of governance to our elected representatives from the US President, Congress, and on down the government hierarchy to the local level. The President and every other elected official has the people to thank and the people are their employers. The President-elect ,as recently as a month ago, had enough of the people’s confidence that Trump should be under an understanding that he is accountable to all the people. Clearly, his decisions making appointments and communicating his ideas with a certain authority as if he is President but none of the Accountability.
Trump is by design intending to upend norms he has always disregarded, to usher in chaos throughout our governments reach, and to initially reward even the least capable individuals to prominent positions in his new administration.
This time Trump has arranged his allies close in and none of them are considered to be the “guardrails” needed.. Trump indeed has never met a single norm in his entire life. In fact he is the very model of an abnormal personality and in that state he has been allowed to run unchecked from his youth on through his elder years and now, improbable as reasonable minds thought, he has been voted in a 2nd time.
Whatever can go wrong in this picture?
I think Manchin is absolutely correct. Biden said he would not pardon his son and he turned right around and done exactly what he said he wasn’t going to do. He figures he had two choices, go down with the rest of the ship, or come out with people very disgruntled with him. He had to pardon him because he was afraid he might get methed up on court day and spill the corruption that has gone on for the whole family. Bidens butt hurt because he was demanded to step a side by his close friend, Pelosi and some of her regime so he is saying to the American people up yours as always I will do whatever I want vefore I leave this place. But no worries, because this decision will come back and haunt the democratic party for years to come. Trumps charges were absolutely politically motivated, they were trying to stop him from running because they knew he would win over Biden and damn sure over Harris. And guess what, its now reality!
Carolyn, How do you know Trump‘s charges were politically motivated and not righteous and valid as hell. Only could that be known in court. After all, he never went to court, and we never had his day in court. So, in reality, we don’t know whether he’s innocent or guilty. It’s innocent until proven guilty, but if you don’t prove yourself, then we just don’t really know. Plus, the indictments can be brought back once he leaves office.
And then you go and seem to know exactly what is happening in Joe Biden’s mind; I agree that part of it is him saying WTF, but as to the rest of it, you don’t have a clue. And neither do I.
I sure as fuck wouldn’t take advice from Manchin. He can’t even win his own seat.
And you jumping to Hunter spilling the beans on the entire Biden family is just a Ludacris fantasy.
Like you said, and I would agree, he probably is just saying WTF, he is my son, is part of it, there’s probably a lot of other stuff like maybe I will never be seen again in public, time to go spend my final days watching the sun come up from the Delaware shore. Or, let’s test the waters before I unleash a thousand preemptive pardons….Who knows.