Admissions of Guilt?:
Democrats Scramble to Make the Biden Pardon List
In an unprecedented twist in the final days of President Joe Biden’s administration, discussions around “preemptive pardons” have taken center stage. With Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election and his known penchant for leveraging the justice system against political adversaries, Democrats within and adjacent to Biden’s inner circle are reportedly pushing for a broad, protective pardon strategy.
The idea of preemptive pardons has surfaced as a response to Trump’s recent appointment of Kash Patel to head the FBI, a move seen by many Democrats as a clear signal of an impending political witch hunt. Patel, known for his contentious relationship with those who’ve criticized Trump, has openly vowed to pursue these detractors once in office. This has sparked alarm among Democrats, prompting a debate within the White House about extending legal safeguards to those perceived as potential targets.
The discussions are nuanced, with some Democrats arguing for a blanket pardon for figures like Rep. Adam Schiff and former Rep. Liz Cheney, who have been vocal against Trump. Others, including Rep. Brendan Boyle, have gone public, urging Biden to act swiftly with blanket pardons for anyone unjustly targeted by what they describe as a “vindictive scheme” by Trump and his allies. Boyle’s call reflects a deep-seated fear of political retribution from the incoming administration, which he claims is more interested in settling scores than upholding the rule of law.
However, this approach isn’t without its critics. Some within the Democratic Party argue that preemptive pardons could set a dangerous precedent, potentially fueling Trump’s narrative that the legal system is being weaponized. There’s also the concern that accepting such a pardon might be seen as an admission of wrongdoing, a point of contention that could play into Trump’s hands.
The debate over these pardons has led to a broader reflection on the nature of presidential clemency. Historically, pardons have been granted post-conviction or after charges have been filed, not pre-emptively for crimes not yet committed or even alleged. This move by Biden, if enacted, would be a departure from tradition, highlighting the extraordinary times in American politics where the fear of political persecution has reached new heights.
The Biden administration’s consideration of preemptive pardons comes on the heels of the highly controversial pardon of Hunter Biden by his father. This act alone has sparked a fierce debate about the integrity of the justice system, with accusations from both sides of the political spectrum about favoritism and the misuse of executive power. Critics argue that such actions erode public trust, while supporters see it as a necessary shield against what they perceive as an incoming administration’s misuse of power.
The internal White House discussions on preemptive pardons are emblematic of the broader anxiety within the Democratic Party about the future of American democracy under a second Trump administration. While some view these pardons as a necessary evil, others worry about the long-term implications for the rule of law. As the transition period unfolds, the decisions made by Biden in these waning days could set a precedent with ramifications far beyond his term, shaping the political landscape in ways that are yet to be fully understood.
The push for preemptive pardons by Democrats reflects a deep concern over the integrity and independence of judicial processes in the coming years. Whether Biden decides to issue such pardons, and how they are received, will be a significant test of political will, legal ethics, and the enduring strength of American democratic institutions. The story of “Pardon Envy” is not just about who gets on the list but what it means for the soul of American governance.
– F.W
America First
Sources
Pardon envy: Democrats vie to make the Biden pardon list
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