Bush Pardon Watch: Who Gets Off The Hook?

Attention, convicts: Time is running out to get applications into the pardon attorney at the Justice Department if you're hoping that President Bush will be your decider. Few of you should get your hopes up -- Bush has rejected a record number of requests for pardons and commutations. In the last eight years, he has pardoned 157 people -- a miserly sum compared to his predecessors. But you don't have to give up entirely: More are expected in the coming months, most notably for Vice President Cheney's former chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby.

Before President Clinton went on a pardon spree for wealthy friends and campaign contributors at the end of his presidency, pardons and commutations were traditionally bestowed on average citizens who had successfully reformed their lives and given back to their communities after completing lengthy sentences. Pardon experts believe that of the Bush prospects, the 1980s junk-bond king Michael Milken best fits the rich-and-famous description.

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Comments

[WilliamGossett]

Stevens is 85 years old and has lost his seat. Most European countries will not jail an 80+ year old for non-violent crimes. A pardon would not be out of line as it is an admission of guilt.

Ask Inouye (a great friend to Stevens) as to what they should do...

[Wilburrr]

Here is my list:

1) Glenn Murphy Jr.
2) Larry Craig
3) Bob Allen
4) Ted Haggard
5) Mark Foley

[dphilip]

At least when Bush pardons people it will be based on priciple and not on the amount of the personal check he expects in return..

[teddyquin]

If he is a true friend --he will at least pardon Libby

[initforlife]

He will pardon everyone. There is no honor among monsters.

[Wilburrr]

Look for Bush to pardon his administration for any possible wrongdoing first.... a blanket that would prevent investigation of himself and Dick Cheney.

[Troubledwawa]

Awwwwe, no chance for Jack Abramoff?

Shocking.

[bob8788]

Pardon Marion Jones please, I cried when she gave her news conference, seriously we can say whatever we want but when you are competing on that level with so much pressure to succeed and people depending on you for food, you can't know what you would do

Let her go

http://www.barackobamacans.blogspot.com

[MRb1000]

Pardon me life has new meaning to me! Hey, I did not do it. This is what they all say, but those who admitted to their mistakes should be considered. Then dedicate their life to educate the public is a good thing.

[IQ]

Whoever wrote this article needs to do his/her homework. BARRY BONDS HAS NEVER BEEN CONVICTED .......OF ANYTHING!!!!

While you're at it. Ask yourself this question Sir/Madame. How in the hell do we not question the validity of any state sanctioned charges that this Justice Department, that we know is corrupt to its very core, brought during the last eight years. The full weight of the Government of the United States have been brought against a baseball player?? A BASEBALL PLAYER!!!!

One more thing. There is far more evidence and (not to mention several eye witnesses) against Lance Armstrong than against Bonds. Yet Armstrong is a media favorite dating celebrities, charging five or six figure appearance fees to speak at corporate junkets and endorsing products(including ads on HuffPO). I guess it helps to be a Texas Republican amongst other things......

[FreedomAgain]

We will never have true reform in government until we get rid of the pardons. Why be honest when you know your buddy the president will just pardon you anyway?

[Toonadude]

These federal criminals have more faith in Bush than I do. He's FUd everything he ever touched in life. These folks could end up walking around thinking the frat boy signed their pardons when he really signed a coupon good for two tickets to a Redskins game.

[Finchy13]

MAKE YOUR WISHES KNOWN TO THE WHITEHOUSE (NOT THAT IT WILL PROBABLY DO ANY GOOD) - here is website for the Whitehouse Comment site.............

[e-mail]

Particularly .............

NO pardon - for Senator Ted Stevens.......................AND...................

YES - a pardon for Border Patrol Agents Ramos and Compean

[sloreader]

I tot Marta did her time... she should bank on dat insted... farr mor honor 2 it

[rabiddog6708]

I'm sure Bush will do the right thing and wouldn't ambuse the power given to him to pardon those convicted of Federal crimes.....and, if you belive this, you probably voted for him twice and are one of the 23% who approve of his job as POTUS.....and, to you, I say: the short bus is leaving wihtout you. Better hurry.