2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Carl Bernstein-- It's devastating for Hillary Clinton "it's a time bomb that has been ticking" [View all]Lurks Often
(5,455 posts)If the FBI's results of their criminal investigation are as serious as we both believe, then I don't think the AG dares offer her a pardon, the political collateral damage would likely be too high. They may offer her a plea deal that allows her to avoid jail time.
One of the reasons I think the investigation has taken so long is that the FBI wants an air tight case on multiple felony charges on both Hillary and some of her aides. Given the time, money and effort, I can't see Comey being ok with a pardon or a slap on the wrist. I would suggest that any attempt to do so would cause Comey to resign in a loud and very public manner and saying something along the lines that there was overwhelming evidence of multiple felonies being committed and the AG and the President have refused to press charges.