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In reply to the discussion: Judge won't release former Alabama Governor Siegelman on appeal bond [View all]MADem
(135,425 posts)Or FORD...who pardoned Nixon.
But then you go on and have a look at the specifics of those pardons, and you will notice that:
Nixon was on his way out the door via resignation to escape impeachment.
Clinton had finished up his two terms, and was on his way out the door when he dropped that Rich bomb.
GHWB pardoned Cap Weinberger after he failed to win re-election, and after Cap threatened to take him down with him.
Ford pardoned Nixon...and that was the END of his political career.
No President does a "WTF--Jesus, man, that was POLITICAL!!!!" pardon (even one that would appear justified to those on the President's team) unless they are on their way OUT the door. These are 11th Hour events. No one pardons cases with political overtones if they have to hang around and take the heat.