Biden gets flak from some Democrats over pardon for son

They say his decision puts personal interest over duty, erodes faith in US democracy

- 

WASHINGTON - Several Democrats in Congress spoke out on Dec 2 against President Joe Biden's decision to issue a broad pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, criticizing the action as one that would further erode Americans' waning faith in democracy and the rule of law.

Many Democratic lawmakers, particularly progressives, have defended Mr Biden's move as the justified action of a concerned father who fears that President-elect Donald Trump will abuse his power to follow through on his threats to seek retribution against his rivals.

But others, especially moderate members of Congress, said the President's decision to pardon Mr Hunter Biden - which he repeatedly vowed he would not do - would cause further damage to democratic norms.

"I'm disappointed this was the decision that he landed on here," Representative Jason Crow of Colorado said of the President in an interview.

"He promised he would not do this. I think it will make it harder for us going forward when we talk about upholding democracy."