I beg your pardon!

Finally, we have found an issue that unites people on both the left and the right: the condemnation of President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter. In an era of deep division, this rare moment of bipartisan agreement is a testament not to the unity of American values but to the enduring complexity of power, politics, and personal relationships. The right to pardon is rooted in centuries of monarchic tradition, allowing a president to act with near-divine authority to forgive crimes and dispense mercy. This ability, known as “constitutional executive unilateralism,” is unique in its scope, granting presidents the ability to override the courts and even the will of the people. Yet, it is this very power — this almost divine ability to forgive — that has ignited an uproar. (Incidentally, it is quite interesting that so many people who profess to be Christian suddenly have such a problem with a loving father forgiving his child’s sins.) Let’s begin with the Democrats. For some, their frustration with Biden’s decision is purely political — a calculation that is aimed at protecting their standing in purple districts. They worry about alienating moderate voters by appearing to be too partisan or...