To Pardon Or Not To Pardon
Throughout June, I’ve been processing Donald Trump’s conviction in the New York hush money cash. The United States of America has never had a former president convicted of a felony. Richard Nixon would have been removed from office and perhaps charged in a criminal court if not pardoned by Gerald Ford. There are other examples and scandals of those holding the highest office in the land. If anything, a chief executive is being convicted of a felony is long overdue, given the corrupting nature of politics.
My younger self would’ve felt horrified by the conviction of a chief executive for a variety of reasons. I was big about “national unity” and order over chaos. Therefore, I used to argue that Ford needed to pardon Nixon so that the USA needed to heal after the contentious 1960s and Watergate. The pardon was for the voters Nixon represented, rather than the disgraced president in this view.
Now, I’m not so sure. Pardoning someone because they are famous, powerful or popular seems to be the corrupted cousin of the “too big to fail” argument used in financial bailouts. If we have one nation under one law, why should anyone be treated differently? The justice system cannot hold itself responsible for the reactions of others. If some people make threats or get violent because of a court ruling, then that is on them and only them- provided that the court action isn’t a sham or designed to oppress a population. The Dred Scott decision and Plessy v. Ferguson come to mind.
Trump still has the ability to appeal. Since he feels wronged, he should. His supporters should realize that the MAGA leader got his day in court and might get more. The proceedings weren’t perfect, which is why we have appeals.
Trump argues that the trial and conviction constitute political interference. He has yet to be sentenced, which could change the political landscape and bolster his argument. Regardless of what he gets, he shouldn’t be pardoned. Ordinary people can’t count on a pardon to rescue them. Trump shouldn’t be able to count on a pardon either. We all need to face accountability for our actions. Plain and simple.
So far, Trump seems to be benefitting from the trial and conviction. His campaign raised $141 million in May, beating Biden’s total by $60 million. If this disparity continues, Trump will be able to out-spend his rival- crucial in modern politics.
Plus, the polls haven’t changed significantly since May 30th.
Throughout May, they were roughly split between Biden and Trump. Some polls have one and some had the other ahead. Trump’s greatest lead was 5 in a Emerson College poll. So far in June, Trump has enjoyed 2 and 3 point leads, while Biden has a few leads of 1 or 2 points in different polls. That’s not much and reflects the public’s attitude: the trial and conviction further solidifies Democrats and Republicans in their partisanship. It remains to be seen how many independents and moderates will change their support.
Ultimately, I think our justice system is functioning as well as can be expected, considering the political climate.
That’s a victory. I’ll take any I can get these days.