Senator John Fetterman made waves on ABC’s The View Thursday when he called for a pardon for President-elect Trump, referring to Trump’s legal troubles in New York as “politically motivated.” Fetterman’s surprising stance, especially coming from a Democrat, has left some scratching their heads and others applauding his attempt at consistency amid a highly partisan landscape.
The discussion started with cohost Joy Behar asking Fetterman about Joe Biden’s Thanksgiving weekend pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. Behar tried to downplay the backlash, framing it as understandable familial loyalty, but Fetterman took the opportunity to go beyond Hunter’s case.
“I think it’s undeniable that the case against Hunter Biden was really politically motivated,” Fetterman said, defending Biden’s decision. But then he pivoted to Trump, saying, “I also think it’s true that the trial in New York for Trump, that was political as well too. In both cases, I think a pardon is appropriate.”
Fetterman calls out Democratic Party hypocrisy on criminal justice reform and second chances while saying Trump shouldn’t be president because he’s a convicted felon.
Adding: “…charges would have never been brought unless one side could realize they could weaponize that.” pic.twitter.com/hnECB6Qg6a— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) December 5, 2024
This statement put Fetterman at odds with many in his own party, which has celebrated Trump’s legal challenges as victories for justice. His argument? Politically charged prosecutions, whether they involve Hunter Biden or Donald Trump, erode public trust in institutions and fuel division. He called for consistency, pointing out the hypocrisy of Democrats who champion criminal justice reform but cheer when Trump faces legal consequences.
Not everyone on The View was thrilled with Fetterman’s comments. Behar, clearly uneasy, pointed out that Trump’s supporters could make similar arguments about the January 6 rioters. Fetterman pushed back, clarifying that his call for a pardon was limited to Trump’s New York case and didn’t extend to those charged in connection with the Capitol riots.
Fetterman’s remarks also contrasted sharply with the tone of The View cohosts, who have gleefully referred to Trump as a “convicted felon” at every opportunity. Sunny Hostin even admitted she “felt like America won” after Trump’s conviction in the New York case, a sentiment Fetterman warned could undermine Democratic credibility on issues like fairness and second chances.
The Pennsylvania senator’s comments might not win him any friends in the Democratic establishment, but they highlight an important point: selective outrage over political prosecutions undermines the very institutions Democrats claim to defend.
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