6 thoughts on “PARDON ME, SIR”

  • Matthew says:

    I'm inclined to suspect that one of the reasons that Bush could ignore accusations of "connivance" (in addition to testicular magnitude) is that he probably doesn't know what it means, either.

    But yeah, it cheeses me off, too.

  • Ed says:

    "Connivance" is a word that was used quite regularly in Rocky & Bullwinkle, which is approximately the level of entertainment I picture our Chief Executive being able to handle.

  • Ed says:

    I received a very nice question via email regarding the exception for impeachment.

    Yes, the pardoning power is limited (by the *Constitution*, not any other branch of government) in that the president may not pardon those impeached by Congress. However this doesn't constitute an instrument by which Congress, the courts, or states can exercise control over the president's use of the pardon.

    It is much to great of a leap to argue, as some have suggested, that Libby cannot be pardoned (or commuted) because he could potentially testify in an impeachment against Bush or Cheney. There are several reasons. First, the Constitution clearly refers only to people convicted of impeachment in limiting the president's power. Second, accepting a pardon or commutation from the executive CONSTITUTES AN ADMISSION OF GUILT on the part of the pardonee. Third, there is absolutely nothing about this commutation/pardon that prevents Libby from being subpoenaed by the Senate (or any ordinary grand jury) and compelled to testify. In a hypothetical impeachment proceeding, I suspect that Libby would be subpoenaed and offered the opportunity to testify or go to jail for contempt of Congress. Since he'd not be testifying against himself, I don't think claiming the 5th would fly.

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