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THANKSGIVING DAY: As the holiday season approaches, the annual tradition of pardoning a turkey at the White House draws a chuckle from many. It’s a lighthearted event, a brief pause from the grind of politics. But this year, the turkey might have to wait. America finds itself in a moment where a symbolic pardon could go beyond poultry, touching on something deeper, something that could perhaps begin to mend the growing divide in the republic. Imagine, instead of saving a bird from the dinner table, two of the most polarizing figures in recent political history—Joe Biden and Donald Trump—extend pardons to each other’s most controversial entanglements.
On one hand, Donald Trump has been saddled with federal indictments, part of a legal onslaught that feels more like political trench warfare than the impartial hand of justice. On the other, Hunter Biden’s misdeeds, a tangled mess of influence, money, and personal demons, have become an albatross around his father’s neck. Neither situation is as cut-and-dry as the media narratives would have us believe. Both symbolize the tribal warfare that has consumed American politics, where scoring points against an opponent matters more than the health of the nation.
Picturing Biden and Trump coming together to offer these pardons feels almost absurd, like the setup to a joke. Trump, larger than life and never one to back down, standing at a podium and announcing a pardon for Hunter Biden—“a troubled man who made mistakes but doesn’t deserve to be a pawn in this political game.” Biden, in his stilted delivery, reciprocating by pardoning Trump, “for the sake of unity, to move forward as a nation.” The image seems impossible, and yet, it’s the kind of impossibility that America desperately needs.
The idea of mutual pardons might spark outrage on both sides of the aisle. Trump’s supporters would argue that he has been unfairly targeted by a biased justice system, so why should he need a pardon? Biden’s base would cry foul at the notion of Hunter being painted as anything less than a victim of addiction, not corruption. The extremes on both ends would resist any attempt at reconciliation, preferring instead to dig their heels in deeper. Yet this is precisely why such an act would be revolutionary. It would sideline the noise, cut through the partisanship, and show that even the most entrenched adversaries can find common ground.
Of course, this would leave no room for the turkey. The silly bird, waiting to be the star of a lighthearted photo op, would find itself overshadowed by the reality of two men coming together in an unprecedented display of unity. It would be ironic, wouldn’t it? The turkey, spared for decades as a symbol of kindness and gratitude, suddenly upstaged by the greatest political gesture of all: forgiveness.
And yet, the turkey might be just fine with this. After all, the stakes for it are lower than for a nation teetering on the edge of complete polarization. Perhaps it would even watch from a corner of the White House lawn, bemused by the humans trying to emulate its annual reprieve. The turkey’s role might remain symbolic, but the act itself would be anything but.
Such a move could also be a tactical win for Trump. By showing grace toward Hunter Biden, he could reposition himself as a unifying figure, someone who can rise above the fray even as he continues to campaign for a return to the presidency. For Biden, pardoning Trump would allow him to claim the moral high ground, a momentary break from the combative rhetoric of his administration. The potential political calculations on both sides are obvious, but that doesn’t negate the deeper significance of the act itself.
As for the goat—the greatest of all time—Donald Trump himself, this could be his opportunity to cement a legacy beyond the controversies. Love him or hate him, his ability to dominate the political landscape is unmatched. By choosing to pardon Hunter Biden, Trump could shift the narrative, presenting himself as a leader capable of magnanimity in the face of relentless opposition. He could take the turkey pardon tradition and elevate it to something historic, something future generations might point to as a turning point.
For Biden, this could be a chance to show that he’s not just a caretaker president but someone who understands the importance of unity in a fractured nation. By extending a pardon to Trump, he could signal a willingness to move beyond the past and focus on the future. It wouldn’t erase the perception of his administration’s failings, but it would give him a rare moment of bipartisan credibility.
And what about the turkey, the symbol of America’s quirky traditions? It would still have its place, perhaps in the background, as a reminder of simpler times when the biggest debate of the season was whether to serve cranberry sauce from a can or homemade. The turkey would live on, as would the republic, bolstered by an act of courage and humanity from two men who have spent years locked in battle.
This isn’t a stay of execution for Trump’s state-level legal woes, nor is it a free pass for Hunter Biden’s alleged transgressions. It’s something more profound: a statement that the republic is bigger than any one individual, any one party, any one scandal. It’s a recognition that, while we may never fully agree on the path forward, we can at least agree on the need to move forward together.
So maybe this Thanksgiving, the turkey can rest easy. The real story won’t be about a bird saved from the oven but about a nation daring to hope that its leaders can rise above their differences. It’s not a perfect solution, and it’s certainly not without its risks. But in a time when gestures of goodwill are in short supply, it might be exactly what America needs. And perhaps, just perhaps, it would pave the way for the goat—Donald J. Trump—to return to the office, not as a divisive figure, but as a symbol of resilience and redemption.
I know the wishbone is traditionally snapped between siblings or shared in a lighthearted moment between parents and kids. But maybe this year, we can let that wishbone symbolize something greater—a much-needed break for two men who, despite their flaws, represent the deep divisions in our country. Perhaps this could be the moment they both take a step back, acknowledge the humanity in one another, and do something that could truly benefit the nation. Or, we can stay on the same tired path, with endless indictments, partisan bickering, and the same old story replaying year after year, leaving the country stuck in an endless loop of political dysfunction. It’s a choice between clinging to the past or daring to hope for something better. Let’s hope we choose wisely.
“The Don’t Unfriend Me Show” explores a broad range of political themes, from satire to serious topics, with Matt Speer, a Navy Intel veteran, husband, and father, leading the show. Matt shares his views to stimulate constructive discussions. The show aims to provide a balanced perspective on complex issues, welcoming participants of all political affiliations to share their unique viewpoints.