What time you reckon come the Pardons??

[Saboburns]

This morning?

This evening?

This week?

Next month?

Very soon I think.

[bluepen]

1. I would guess soon. Its sort of a de facto version of firing Mueller.

And I emphasize “sort of.” What I mean is that I could see Trump and Co. going that route because while there will certainly be blowback, it’s not quite the concentrated obstruction that literally firing Mueller would be.

I certainly would be outraged by it, but I’m just trying to project what this slime may do and why.

[JustAnotherGen]

2. Can you pardon someone

Who has not been convicted of a crime?

[bluepen]

3. Yes.

Supreme Court case is Ex parte Garland (1867). Justice Stephen J. Field, writing for the Court in a 5-4 decision, held that the President's pardoning power is ''unlimited,'' and ''It extends to every offense known to the law, and may be exercised at any time after its commission, either before legal proceedings are taken, or during their pendency, or after conviction and judgment.''

[JustAnotherGen]

5. So - It would be

admitting that Manafort and Gates are guilty - did it - and could just do it by pardon.

I like that.

It won't live long enough to ever be pardoned. I hope this all goes on long time and It dies in utter disgrace.

[Angleae]

6. Didn't stop Ford from pardoning Nixon

for any crimes he might have committed while in office.

[marylandblue]

4. Trump won't pardon Manfort right away

Becausee then Manafort can be compelled to testify and Trump will have no leverage to prevent him. Trump will have to trust Manafort and trust doesn't trust anybody.

[Kirk Lover]

7. It'll come at half past obstruction of justice.

So bring it Trashpot Trump.

[Hekate]

8. Acceptance of a pardon is admission of guilt. At that point, New York State will jump in with gusto

The President cannot pardon someone convicted of a State crime.