Trump’s legal team declined to comment on the issue. But one adviser said the president has simply expressed a curiosity in understanding the reach of his pardoning authority, as well as the limits of Mueller’s investigation.
"This is not in the context of, ‘I can’t wait to pardon myself,’ " a close adviser said.
Simply, this question is again on the table, because its being treated as a new story (problem), as opposed to an already discussed or needs to be discussed problem.
While we both know who’s at fault here, the problem that I have with this continuance, is that these stories are treated as ‘system tests’.
Congress (GOP more so than Dems, but still): “Let’s watch him poke at the system and whenever he hits paydirt, thats when we’ll do something.”
Acceptance of a pardon carries with it an acceptance of guilt, so it really does nothing for the political problem. And of course, there’s nothing in the constitution that says Congress can’t impeach and remove a President even if he does try to pardon himself, since impeachment and removal itself is not a criminal sanction.
“I don’t think he should fire Mueller and I don’t think he is going to,” McConnell said during an interview on Fox News on Tuesday. “So this is a piece of legislation that’s not necessary, in my judgment.
When these stories are treated as ‘system tests’, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that a) these stories are seen as new stories and b) the repair manual is likely in the bin.
I must be missing something. Pardons come after someone is actually convicted of a crime. I don’t see where a blanket pardon before that would stop investigations, particularly where a president is involved. So, if he were to pardon himself now, but the investigation were to show a crime, impeachment could still proceed. I agree with those saying that Guliani is just floating some trail balloons to see what the responses are. There are bound to be analyses from legal scholars coming into the press, etc. So Trump gets some free legal advice. It won’t work. He can’t stave off impeachment if the House so votes. Fuggetaboutit.
“So I hope we don’t have to get to that point, and it’s hard to predict what would happen but that would be— That would create outrage on both sides of the political aisle.”
And then what? Considering the Republicans with the exception of a few have rubber stamped this §resident’s behavior, what are they going to do? Why would a pardon be a final step for any of them. I cannot think of any presidency that if presenting a tenth of the behavior this buffoon has exhibited, would not have ended in an impeachment. But they let the idiot carry on, entertaining dictators and despots in the oval office. So why would a pardon be worse than anything he has done.
A Special Message from the President of the United States
I have come before you today to talk about the relentless witch hunt – some people are saying the biggest witch hunt in history – that has been carried on by hardened Democrats and other enemies of the United States for the first two years of my presidency. This, despite the overwhelming majority of Americans who think I have been doing a great job. People are saying it is the greatest job any president has ever done- look at our economy! No one has ever seen an economy like this – it is amazing, just amazing – and Ivanka, and Jared – we are trying to save the little babies. Nothing will stop me from making America great again. And my enemies, these despicable, loathsome people, these……the Deep State….terrible, terrible people, just can’t stand it that I am….doing such a great job of restoring these things….I can’t believe how lying and dishonest these people are! Everyone says they are terrible, terrible people. This is a disaster. And it for these reasons that I am issuing a blanket pardon for my current administration and myself for any and all past and future crimes, because these are not crimes….these are just terrible people saying dishonest things because they are so jealous of me.
I agree with David Frum who says that a self pardoning is tantamount to self-impeaching.
And BTW. I’m still willing to bet that a meeting with Kim in Singapore does not take place on Jun 12. I don’t think anyone’s figured out how to pay for Kim’s 5-star hotel accomodations yet. Last I heard, anyway. I think the Trump 2020 Campaign should pony up.
That would create outrage on both sides of the political aisle
Oh noes. Then the Republicans may be forced to deploy Thoughts & Prayers. That would leave their flanks dangerously exposed upon the next mass shooting. Color me “concerned.”
