I keep seeing journalists pushing this ridiculous narrative that Biden pardoning his son will somehow "embolden" Trump...

No. It really won't.

He was already going to do whatever the hell he wanted to. This will change absolutely nothing.

But if you insist here's a list of things that will*:

Journalists acting like he's a normal president.

Journalists reporting on him like he's a normal president.

The Supreme Court.

All the Republicans still in congress.

Democrats who insist on being bipartisan.

*this list is not exhaustive.