Will Biden's health affect a pardon for Hunter?

In December 2024, President Joe Biden publicly announced his decision to commute the sentences of 37 out of 40 individuals on federal death row, shifting their sentences to life without the possibility of parole. This controversial move was intended to prevent a future administration from resuming executions that Biden had previously halted. During a segment on CNN's 'News Central,' Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) voiced his concerns regarding this decision, arguing that it undermines the legal system by allowing the Executive Branch to overturn judicial decisions made by courts across the country. Quigley emphasized that pardons or commutations should ideally reflect cases where justice was not served. He pointed out that the shift in sentencing could be perceived as politically motivated, aimed at influencing future policies, especially following the threat of more executions if a different administration were to take charge after him. His stance critiques the appropriateness of using commutations as leverage against political opponents, particularly given the serious implications for the judicial system. The discussion also involved Biden's troubled relationship with executing individuals sentenced to death, framing this decision in a broader context of hesitance towards capital punishment. Quigley acknowledged his long-standing opposition to the death penalty, stating that while he understands the pressures from the previous administration regarding executions, altering court decisions can lead to detrimental precedents for future governance and legal processes. Furthermore, this pivotal moment in Biden's presidency was juxtaposed with ongoing public dialogues concerning his capability to steer the nation, particularly amidst discussions about his mental acuity and decision to withdraw from the race for the 2024 presidential election. These combined factors contributed to a complex landscape for the Biden administration as it navigates the end of its terms and the implications of its decisions on law and policy for future leaders.