A presidential pardon granted to Hunter Biden sends shockwaves through the American political landscape.

According to Daily Mail, more than half of registered voters believe President Joe Biden made a grave error in pardoning his son Hunter, with many comparing the scandal's impact to historical controversies like Watergate.

The controversial decision has led to a significant drop in Biden's approval rating, falling four points to 37 percent based on a J.L. Partners poll of 804 registered voters. The survey revealed that 52 percent of respondents opposed the pardon, while only 29 percent supported the president's decision.

Presidential Decision Triggers Bipartisan Backlash

The pardoning announcement came on Sunday evening, just before Biden's departure for Angola. The president justified his actions by claiming that Hunter's gun and federal tax convictions were politically motivated.

The decision marked a stark reversal from his previous stance, where he had repeatedly assured the public he would not intervene in his son's legal matters.

James Johnson, cofounder of J.L. Partners, shared his analysis of the situation:

This poll shows that in pardoning his son Joe Biden has driven a stake through his own reputation. By an overwhelming margin, voters think that it was the wrong thing to do. Nor can Democrat voters bring themselves to defend it.

The political fallout has been particularly severe within Biden's own party, with less than half of Democrats (47 percent) supporting the pardon. Republican disapproval was even more pronounced, with 79 percent opposing the decision.

Historical Parallels Draw Serious Concerns

Voters drew parallels between this scandal and some of America's most notorious political controversies. Half of the respondents indicated that the pardon's damage to public trust matched or exceeded that of President Clinton's Monica Lewinsky scandal.

The comparison to historical scandals extended further, with 50 percent of voters viewing the pardon as equally damaging as Watergate. Additionally, 54 percent equated its impact to the Iran-Contra affair during the Reagan administration.

These historical comparisons underscore the gravity of public perception regarding Biden's decision. Many respondents expressed concern about the precedent this sets for future presidents and its impact on democratic institutions.

Legal Background Reveals Complex History

Hunter Biden's legal troubles stemmed from multiple investigations, including federal tax charges in Los Angeles and a gun possession case in Delaware. The president's son had entered guilty pleas and was awaiting sentencing in both cases this month.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had previously stated the president's position quite clearly on the matter. In July, she emphasized that pardoning Hunter was not an option, stating explicitly that it would not happen.

President Biden's Sunday night statement attempted to explain his change of position. He acknowledged his belief in the justice system while suggesting that political interference had compromised the legal process against his son.

National Trust Implications Cast Long Shadow

The poll revealed deep concerns about the pardon's broader implications for American democracy. An overwhelming 54 percent of respondents believed it set a dangerous precedent, while only 10 percent viewed it as potentially positive.

Political opponents, including President-elect Donald Trump, quickly condemned the decision. Even Democratic allies expressed disappointment, with Colorado Governor Jared Polis warning about potential future abuse of presidential pardon powers.

These reactions highlight the growing divide between the administration's justification for the pardon and the public perception of its legitimacy. Many voters see it as a concerning departure from established norms of presidential conduct.

Decisive Moment Shapes Biden's Legacy

A presidential pardon for Hunter Biden has fundamentally altered perceptions of Joe Biden's presidency, with most Americans viewing it as a significant breach of public trust.

The decision to pardon his son, made despite previous promises to the contrary, has resulted in declining approval ratings and widespread criticism from both political allies and opponents. The controversy's comparison to historical scandals like Watergate and the Iran-Contra affair underscores its potential long-term impact on American political discourse and presidential precedent.