by painting them - and himself - as the party that obeyed the principal of non-interference with the work of the DOJ, no matter the outcome.

But that's the thing. He DIDN'T interfere with the work of the DOJ. If anything, he gave them permission to go ahead and investigate. The DOJ's work with Hunter is done. OK - just short of done - we aren't getting to sentencing. But all of the investigating and prosecuting is done. And a trial (rather than an plea deal) put the facts out in the public sphere. President Biden could have pardoned Hunter before the investigation. Or he could have *suggested* [wink, wink, nudge, nudge] to his AG that it would be really nice if Hunter was not investigated.

Those are the things that make the DOJ less independent. Not pardoning someone after the investigation and prosecution are complete.

If I may engage in the same sane-washing that Trump's disciples are so fond of - When President Biden said that he wouldn't pardon Hunter, he was talking about not pardoning him before the investigation happened. Now that it has happened, he's pardoning Hunter from the consequences of his actions, not trying to cover up anything.

--Peter