I think the real takeaway is that pardons are often more political than simple acts in furtherance of justice and we can assess presidential judgments on a case-by-case basis. Searching for some neutral principle or standard norm to assess pardons is not especially helpful.
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With Hunter, it's an act of mercy. He's been targeted for 4 years over things most would have been overlooked or given minor consequences.
Republicans wanted him tarred and feathered!