The decision by President Biden to grant a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, has sparked considerable discontent among Democrats. While acknowledging the president's right to issue pardons, many within the party express deep disappointment and concern over the implications of this action.

This move is seen as potentially undermining the Democratic Party's stance against perceived threats to the rule of law, particularly in light of criticisms directed at former President Trump and his administration. It raises questions about the consistency of the party's commitment to upholding democratic principles and could weaken their arguments against similar actions by political opponents.

Furthermore, President Biden's reversal of his previous pledge not to pardon his son contributes to the perception of a double standard in the justice system. This reinforces claims of political bias and erodes public trust in the fairness and impartiality of legal processes. The pardon also fuels accusations that Democrats are not immune to the very behaviors they criticize in their political rivals.

The decision has drawn criticism from within Democratic ranks, with figures like Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado and Senators Michael Bennett and Gary Peters voicing their concerns. They argue that the pardon sets a dangerous precedent, undermines faith in the justice system, and represents an improper use of presidential power.

Some suggest that a commutation of Hunter Biden's sentence, considering his struggles with addiction, might have been a more palatable alternative. While still potentially controversial, it could have been grounded in existing legal precedents and avoided the negative implications of a full pardon.

Looking ahead, there are calls for President Biden to refrain from further use of his pardon power in such a personal manner. A suggestion has even been made for a symbolic pardon of Donald Trump, as a potential step towards national healing and addressing more pressing challenges facing the country.