How much hell would Pres. Obama catch if he just went ahead and fully pardoned Don Siegelman?

[phleshdef]

Because I would like to see it happen.

[azmouse]

1. I don't see a down side to it.

Does anyone see why it shouldn't be done?

[phleshdef]

3. I think it SHOULD be done regardless. I just wonder if he would be attacked over it.

[azmouse]

7. It doesn't matter what Pres Obama does, he'd be attacked for it.

I guess I'm thinking of reasons other than the Reps getting their panties in a wad.

[DainBramaged]

9. he is getting attacked by DU for not moving fast enough, why not?

Everyone is going to attack him over the next four years, but I don't think he CARES a rat's patootie.

[terisan]

2. so would I nt

[terisan]

4. so would I nt

[Thrill]

5. Siegelman hasn't done anything wrong

and he hasn't accepted his conviction

[T Wolf]

6. But wouldn't a pardon be admiting that the Gov. was guilty? Now that he is out of prison,

wouldn't it be better to reverse the entire farce and expose the fact that it was a trumped up, political miscarriage of justice in the first place.

[Sanity Claws]

8. Maybe he'd catch hell from Siegelman

Right now, Siegelman's case is still before the COurt of Appeals. Based on the questions asked, it seems that the COurt of Appeals didn't think much of the prosecution or the way the trial was conducted. Siegelman's name would be better cleared if the Court of Appeals had a decision that castigated the prosecution or trial court, than if Obama granted him a pardon.
If Obama granted Siegelman a pardon, then the appeal would be moot and the Court of Appeals would not issue a decision.
Also, if the Court of Appeals' decision castigated the prosecution, it would give strengthen Congress' and Obama's ability to pursue the scandal regarding the US Attorneys' firings. I know I'd like to see that happen.

[phleshdef]

11. You and posts 5 and 6 make some good points. It would be better if Siegelman were cleared of all...

...charges.

[Occam Bandage]

10. That's an admission of guilt.

I don't think any President wants to kick off their Presidency with a pardon of a criminal (as the pardon would indeed imply criminality) for purely political reasons.

Bush had the mindset of a DUer. I'm glad Obama doesn't.

[phleshdef]

12. Yea, that hadn't occured to me till you and some others mentioned it.

I guess I'd just like to see that justice prevails and Siegelman clears his name.