Ruth Marcus retired liberal columnist of the Washington Post sums up the pardon this way.
At this point, Biden is a diminished figure. His power wanes by the day. Attention has moved on. There is not much difference he can make on the world stage in the time that remains to him. But in his role as what Alexander Hamilton called the dispenser of the mercy of government, Biden retains the unfettered ability to protect his son.
And so he did. I can understand that, and support it. What I cannot support what is unpardonable is being lied to and then gaslighted about Biden the truth-teller. I give you my word as a Biden, the president likes to say.
What is that worth now?