How Biden Pardoning Trump Could Have Fostered National Unity (Opinion)

In a hypothetical scenario where President Joe Biden had pardoned former President Donald Trump, the political landscape leading up to the 2024 election could be markedly different. Such a decision would have been unprecedented in modern American politics, echoing the historical parallel of President Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon. A Biden pardon might have contributed to a more unified nation, mitigating the intense political division that currently characterizes the United States.

President Gerald Ford’s 1974 pardon of Richard Nixon, following the Watergate scandal, was driven by a desire to move the country past a deeply divisive episode. Ford’s decision, although controversial, aimed to heal a nation torn apart by political scandal and mistrust in government. He argued that the prolonged legal proceedings against Nixon would further polarize the American public and distract from pressing national issues.

Had Biden chosen to pardon Trump, the rationale would likely mirror Ford’s: to prevent a protracted and contentious legal battle from dominating the national discourse and to focus on governing and unifying the country. Trump’s legal issues, particularly the 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments, have been a source of significant political strife. By pardoning Trump, Biden could have aimed to close this chapter and reduce the political temperature.

Potential Benefits of a Pardon

1. Reduction in Partisan Conflict: A presidential pardon could have defused one of the most polarizing issues in recent American history. Without the legal proceedings against Trump, one of the primary sources of partisan animosity might have been removed, potentially leading to a reduction in political tensions.
2. Focus on Policy and Governance: The 2024 election cycle is already heating up, with significant policy challenges ahead, including economic recovery, healthcare, and climate change. By removing the distraction of Trump’s legal battles, both political parties could have redirected their focus towards substantive policy debates, benefitting the electorate by addressing their primary concerns.
3. Setting a Unifying Precedent: A pardon could have set a precedent for prioritizing national unity over political retribution. This could have been viewed as an act of statesmanship, aiming to bridge the divide between Trump’s supporters and his detractors. Such a move might have fostered a spirit of reconciliation, encouraging political leaders and citizens alike to focus on common goals.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the potential criticisms of such a pardon. Critics might argue that pardoning Trump could undermine the rule of law, suggesting that powerful individuals are above legal accountability. This perception could have eroded trust in the justice system and the principle of equal justice under the law.

Moreover, Trump’s actions and the charges against him are viewed by many as serious breaches of legal and ethical standards. Pardoning him could have been seen as excusing these behaviors, potentially setting a concerning precedent for future conduct by public officials.

In contrast to the potential unifying effects of a pardon, Trump’s recent conviction on all 34 counts is likely to exacerbate political divisions. His supporters may view the conviction as politically motivated, deepening their mistrust in the judicial system and the federal government. This perception could further entrench partisan divisions and lead to heightened political tensions.

The conviction may also fuel accusations of bias and cheating in the 2024 election. Trump and his allies have previously claimed that legal actions against him are part of a broader effort to undermine his political influence. This narrative could gain traction among his base, leading to widespread skepticism about the fairness of the election process. Such sentiments could result in increased allegations of electoral fraud, irrespective of the actual conduct of the election.

With Trump’s conviction, the 2024 election is poised to be one of the most contentious in recent history. Both sides are likely to use the conviction as a rallying point, either to highlight perceived injustices or to emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law. This dynamic could overshadow substantive policy discussions, making it challenging for voters to engage with the critical issues at hand.

While the actual outcome of a Biden pardon for Trump remains speculative, it is plausible that such an action could have contributed to a less divided political climate. By removing a key source of contention, the nation might have been better positioned to focus on addressing the pressing issues of the day and moving forward together. Balancing the need for accountability with the desire for unity is a complex and delicate task, one that continues to shape the fabric of American democracy.

Story by Ken Buckler, President of Radio Free Hub City. All opinions are his own and do not represent those of our sponsors or clients.