Jesse Jackson Jr. Denied Clemency as Biden Exits Presidency: A Missed Opportunity for Justice

In the final hours of his presidency, Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to his family members, Gen. Mark A. Milley, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, and former Representative Liz Cheney. But one notable exclusion from the list with ties to Chicago did not receive the full pardon he desired for himself or countless others: former U.S. Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.To Jackson, who has also advocated for the issuance of full clemency for scores of debt-paid felons, it’s a missed opportunity for the outgoing President.“Of course, I am disappointed,” said Jackson Jr. in a statement. “Democrats had an opportunity to end felonization for thousands, if not millions of American citizens who have completed the time they were sentenced to serve.”Despite Jackson fulfilling his sentence for defrauding his campaign, which consisted of funds he had raised, his bid for clemency was denied. This was after a throng of supporters, including The Chicago Defender, had endorsed him for a full pardon.In December, Jackson’s father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, wrote to Biden that his eldest son “has devoted his life to what he refers to as his ministry – to public service, and to fighting for equality and equity in civil and human rights for...