At The New York Times’ Dealbook event in Manhattan, New York City, ex-President Bill Clinton offered a frank analysis of President Joe Biden’s decisions surrounding the pardoning of his son and the Democratic Party’s electoral performance. Clinton also expressed measured concern over the administration’s approach to border control.
In his first public address since Biden decided to pardon his son Hunter, Clinton acknowledged Biden’s predicament but questioned his initial public declarations about the situation. “I wish he hadn’t said he wasn’t going to do it. It does weaken his case,” Clinton said, referring to Biden’s previous promises not to pardon his son.
Clinton also highlighted the difference between Biden’s pardon of his son and his own contentious pardon of his brother, Roger Clinton, in 2001. He pointed out that his brother had served 14 months in federal prison for an offense committed at the age of 20, referring to Roger Clinton Jr.’s cocaine conviction.
However, Clinton did voice some support for Biden’s stance, stating his belief that Biden is likely right in asserting that his son received different treatment due to his familial ties to the presidency.
Turning to the Democratic Party’s recent electoral setbacks, Clinton made a stark assessment of the public’s trust in the party. He stated, “We had a lot better record than the Republicans, and what good did it do us? No one believes in anybody anymore.”
Clinton was most critical of his party’s management of immigration policy. He stated that too many Democrats considered it politically incorrect to advocate for controlled borders, and emphasized the significance of the border issue, suggesting it could have influenced the election’s outcome.
Looking to the future, Clinton spoke highly of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, describing him as “a great talent,” and adding, “he’s tough without being offish. He knows what’s going on.”
Discussing the transition period following Biden’s withdrawal from the race, Clinton pointed to the limited timeframe the party was left with. He highlighted that after Biden’s withdrawal, there were only 107 days until the election, leaving no time for a primary.
Clinton also reflected on his own legacy, specifically his efforts toward Middle East peace. He detailed the 1990s Oslo Accords, outlining the terms that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat rejected: control of 96 percent of the West Bank, four percent of Israel as compensation for settler-occupied Palestinian territory, a capital in East Jerusalem, and borders aligned with the 1967 War parameters.
“I’m an old guy. I have my regrets – that’s one of them,” Clinton said.
Former President Bill Clinton also expressed his willingness to discuss with President Biden the possibility of a preemptive pardon for his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, while appearing on The View. Clinton addressed the topic while discussing President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration and concerns over potential actions against political opponents during Trump’s second term.
During the interview, host Sunny Hostin raised the issue, asking, “Do you think it would be wise of President Biden to preemptively pardon any potential targets? What about your wife, Hillary Clinton?”
In response, Clinton stated, “I think if President Biden wanted to talk to me about that, I will talk to him about it, but I don’t think I should be giving public advice on the pardon power. It’s a very personal thing, but … I hope [Trump] won’t do that.”
Clinton’s remarks reflect broader concerns about the political implications of Trump’s return to office and the potential targeting of his rivals.
