In a significant twist, Hunter Biden's recent conviction on felony gun charges has sparked debates about its potential impact on President Joe Biden's re-election bid.
Some Republicans speculate that Hunter Biden's guilty verdict might open the door for a different Democratic nominee, namely, former first lady Michelle Obama, as the Independent Journal Review explains.
Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, was found guilty on three separate counts related to illegal firearm possession. The charges stemmed from allegations that he had purchased a firearm while addicted to crack cocaine, violating federal law.
Hunter Biden was formally charged in September after an earlier plea agreement fell apart. The trial concluded on Tuesday with a guilty verdict on all three counts. In the wake of these events, President Biden has publicly stated that he would not consider a pardon for his son, despite the conviction.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre chose not to comment on the potential for sentence commutation when asked by the media. Following the verdict, President Biden expressed pride in his son, commending him for his resilience while maintaining respect for the judicial process.
Shortly after the verdict, President Biden made an unscheduled visit to Delaware, presumably to meet with Hunter Biden. This gesture of familial support was lauded by many in the media.
Some commentators have praised Joe Biden for his commitment to upholding the rule of law by deciding against a pardon. An MSNBC legal analyst called him the "living embodiment of the rule of law," while a co-host from ABC’s The View described him as a “true American who believes in democracy.”
However, the implications of Hunter Biden's conviction have led to broader political speculation. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) suggested that this situation "creates an opening" for the Democrats to nominate someone else, possibly Michelle Obama.
Ogles proposed that the Biden family might prioritize resolving "family matters" and allow Michelle Obama to step in as the Democratic candidate for president. He expressed doubt about Joe Biden's viability in the upcoming election, echoing sentiments of desperation among some Democratic circles for an alternative candidate.
Maria Bartiromo from Fox Business also weighed in with her opinion. She stated that she increasingly believes Joe Biden might drop out of the presidential race by Nov. 5, though this remains speculative.
President Biden, despite the familial crisis, has remained steadfast in his support for Hunter. Although he has been somewhat hazy on whether he might commute any potential sentence receive by his son, he continues to emphasize his commitment to the judicial process.
As the Democratic Party moves forward, potential shifts in the presidential ticket could become a focal point of discussion. With speculation around Michelle Obama potentially entering the race, the final configuration for the 2024 election remains uncertain.
The ensuing weeks and months will likely bring more clarity on President Biden's re-election bid and whether the Democratic Party might pivot to a different nominee. This development keeps the political community and the electorate on high alert as the nation approaches another election cycle.
