What are the implications of a Bush Pardon of Abramoff?

[berni_mccoy]

Since Bush is above the law and such :sarcasm: , wouldn't all the implicated congressmen breath a sigh of relief if Bush simply pardoned Abramoff...

There's no doubt Bush *can* do this... but it's a matter of will he do it or not and why...

Any takers?

[yellowcanine]

1. Actually a case of obstruction of justice could be made if Bush were

to do such a thing while the investigation is ongoing.

[Geoff R. Casavant]

2. Here's how I see it

I disagree with the post above that Bush would be obstructing justice if he pardoned Abramoff, since Bush has the unconditional constitutional authority to issue the pardon.

However, if Bush pardons Abramoff, Abramoff must still cooperate with the Feds, and can't use his 5th Amendment rights to beg off. Refusal to cooperate would constitute obstruction of Abramoff's part, and thus further prosecution.

[H2O Man]

3. While it can't be ruled out,

it is not likely that Bush will pardon Abramoff. He does not have the political capital to do so. If he were likely to pardon anyone involved in that scandal, I think it would be some of the elected officials. But I do not think he will pardon any of them.

[madokie]

4. I'm inclined to think bush* will pardon them

Just not now, must let things settle down a little first.

[H2O Man]

5. That would seem more likely.

As much as he might want to derail the legal process in 2006, he would find it an expensive error. Of course, he has made a few of those, and when others suffer the consequences, he is bold. But I do not think he will attempt to do anything now. As his term comes to an end in '08, the chances of his pardoning people increases.

Obviously, I could be wrong. Bush could be more reckless than even I think.

[madokie]

6. too soon confess, must be confort