In an administration that promised to restore dignity and integrity to the presidency, President Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter starkly contradicts that pledge. It isn’t just an embarrassment—it’s a profound display of hypocrisy, revealing a double standard so glaring it undercuts the Democratic Party’s claimed moral superiority.

For years, Democrats criticized Donald Trump as the epitome of corruption, lecturing America on the sanctity of democracy, denouncing nepotism, and condemning any hint of impropriety. And now? The same party that presented itself as a model of accountability has quietly granted a sweeping pardon to Hunter Biden, sparing him from the consequences of federal tax and gun charges—and potentially any other infractions he “may have committed” in the past decade.

This isn’t merely a pardon; it’s a preemptive bid against accountability. A move so comprehensive it addresses both charged and uncharged offenses—a privilege few Americans could ever envision, much less obtain. The president’s explanation? Silence. And that silence delivers a stark message: rules are meant for others, not for us.

Even Biden’s most loyal supporters are dismayed. Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor—former aides to Obama and long-time Democratic faithful—have openly criticized the decision. On their *Pod Save America* podcast, Favreau described it as “infuriating,” admitting he felt like a “fool” for trusting Biden’s earlier promises not to interfere on Hunter’s account. Vietor, experienced in political communication, highlighted how Biden’s actions portray him as a “typical, lying politician,” undermining not just his own credibility but that of the Democratic Party.

The repercussions are as anticipated as they are deserved. Republicans now possess ample ammunition to accuse Biden of shielding not just his son but also himself. After all, the pardon surfaces amidst ongoing questions regarding Hunter Biden’s business dealings during Biden’s vice presidency—allegations the president has consistently denied. Yet, as Lovett insightfully pointed out, the perception of wrongdoing can be as damaging as the wrongdoing itself.

What’s particularly galling is how easily this move nullifies years of Democratic outrage over Trump’s alleged corruption. Democrats positioned themselves as the party of integrity, the defenders of democracy. They criticized Trump’s nepotism, his assaults on institutions, his lack of accountability. And now, when confronted with their leader’s overt favoritism, their credibility appears in ruins.

It’s not solely about Hunter Biden, though his pardon is flagrant enough. It’s about the erosion of public trust. How can voters have faith in the system when the rules are clearly slanted in favor of the powerful? How can Democrats assert they hold the moral high ground when their actions indicate they are no different—perhaps worse—than the opponents they deride?

Biden’s supporters might argue this was a humane move, a father protecting his son. But the extensive nature of the pardon extends far beyond compassion; it reeks of self-preservation. It’s a move that not only spares Hunter but also shields Biden himself from potential political repercussions. Compassion doesn’t cover every possible crime your child may have committed over a decade. This is politics, pure and simple.

The damage to Biden’s legacy—and to the Democratic Party—cannot be overstated. In one stroke, he has undermined the very principles he claimed to uphold and handed Republicans a narrative they will exploit devastatingly. This isn’t just a mistake; it’s a betrayal of the values Democrats profess to uphold.

For the American public, the lesson is bitter but unmistakable: in the corridors of power, integrity is optional, and accountability is a game skewed for the elite. As Biden’s sweeping pardon echoes through the political landscape, one thing is certain: the moral high ground has never seemed so insubstantial.