Why I’m Grateful President Biden Pardoned His Son

And what it means for families like mine

Last night, I was rocking my 7-month-old to sleep because we still haven’t sleep trained her, now she’s teething, and she just needed some extra love (or maybe, certainly, I was actually the one that needed it). Once her breathing finally slowed—signaling that I was in the safe zone—I decided to hang out and hold her for a bit longer. Mostly because time flies but also because I could hear my four-year-old running like a velociraptor downstairs. I took out my phone and the familiar blue glow filled the nursery with the news that Joe Biden had pardoned his son Hunter. I was somewhat surprised to feel a lump in my throat almost immediately.

The hot takes from politicos are already endless. Republicans will continue to spin it a million ways while not acknowledging that they would do the exact same thing. Some democrats have been quick to offer disappointment and pull out the receipts from when President Biden repeatedly said he would not do this. Which is true, he did say that. He changed his mind.

I’m not writing this to get into whether it was right or wrong for him to do from a political strategy perspective (fwiw, my opinion is: at this point, who cares). I wanted to write about how this near-final act serves as a bookend to something I’ve privately admired during his entire presidency: a parent’s unconditional love in the face of addiction.

I got sober in 2017 and everything good in my life exists because of it. It was, without a doubt, the hardest thing I’ve ever done and is also the thing I am most proud of. And while my story is unique to me, it’s also one of millions—a story of struggle, recovery, and the hope of moving on.

Hunter Biden’s journey is not unlike many others who battle addiction. His public struggles have been scrutinized, politicized, and weaponized in ways that most of us who have walked this road can barely imagine. But most importantly, Hunter is a person—a dad, son, and human being who deserves dignity and the opportunity to rebuild his life.

Hunter and his daughter, Naomi. From a thread that she posted about him back in 2020 (linked above).

The Power of a Parent’s Love

President Biden has been open about his love and pride for Hunter, even amid public scrutiny. Many will inaccurately paint it as enablement but we have also seen him set clear boundaries, which is an important distinction as it holds people accountable while creating a clear path back to connection.

That kind of unwavering support can and does make all the difference for someone trying to claw their way out of hell. I was lucky to have people in my corner who stood by me and believed in me, even when I couldn’t find a single reason for them to. For me, compassion and understanding unlocked something in me that disappointment and shame couldn’t reach.

Addiction Is Not a Moral Failing

For too long, addiction has been seen as a moral failing rather than the chronic disease and societal crisis that it is. Many people who misuse substances are, at their core, trying to fix a deeply painful feeling. At its most basic level, it is simply a physiological response to pain. Before it becomes a cycle, it often starts off as deep discomfort triggered by loss or trauma. Hunter Biden has clearly endured more than most, losing his mother and sister in a car crash at a young age and then his remaining brother and best friend to brain cancer as an adult.

I believe anyone who makes mistakes needs to take responsibility for their actions (Hunter fucked up, no doubt), but he has long since apologized for the hurt he caused and settled his debts. I also believe in the power of empathy, and pulling the curtain back on the root of the problem. Addiction is sneaky and does not discriminate. It can happen to anybody and when it does, it’s little by little, and then all at once. Nobody wants or plans for it to happen.

Society constantly wants to put people into two neat piles: those who can drink “normally” and those who “can’t”—and are seen as weak. That binary thinking is an incredibly unfortunate and inaccurate way of looking at the problem and fails to acknowledge all of the other circumstances (controllable and uncontrollable) that influence someone’s reality. Instead of receiving the compassion and support they need, people are often met with judgment which only increases barriers to getting help and contributes to the problematic stigma that keeps so many stuck.

Breaking the Stigma

Every time someone in a position of power acknowledges addiction as a health issue rather than a moral failing, it chips away at this stigma. When the President of the United States chooses compassion over condemnation, it sends a powerful message: We need to shift our perspective on addiction.

We need policies that prioritize treatment and recovery over punishment. We need to uplift stories of redemption and healing. And we need to create a culture where seeking help isn’t seen as a weakness, but bravery.

A Step Toward Justice

While Hunter’s pardon is deeply personal for the Biden family, it is obviously an example of extreme privilege. Thousands of people across the country are incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses, often without access to the resources or support that Hunter had.

I personally plan to advocate for broader reform that addresses the systemic inequities in how we treat addiction. Everyone deserves the opportunity for redemption, no matter who their family is or what circumstances they were born into.

My Hope for the Future

As I rocked back and forth with my sweet, sleeping babe who will never have to see her mom drunk or hungover, I felt immense gratitude for the work I’ve done and the people who have helped me along the way. For the fact that I don’t live there anymore. I also thought about how much work remains to be done to help others that are still trapped in the relentless cycle.

I hope Joe Biden’s public show of love and forgiveness (and honestly, valid selfishness) sparks a larger conversation about addiction, recovery, and the grace and unconditional love that everyone deserves.

So yes, I’m happy that President Biden pardoned his son. Not because it absolves Hunter of his mistakes, but because it acknowledges his humanity…and his dad’s. And also, who wouldn’t?

Maybe the dems did learn a thing or two from republicans, after all.

—K.