Biden's Messy Mercy
The Reason Roundtable
Intro
This chapter examines President Biden's controversial pardoning decisions, particularly those affecting his son and other federal convicts. The hosts analyze the implications of these actions within the broader political context and critique the administration's approach to clemency.
In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie welcome special guest Jacob Sullum to discuss President Joe Biden's latest batch of pardons and clemency grants, as well as President-elect Donald Trump's plans to pardon January 6 Capitol rioters.
01:01—Biden's clemency grants and pardons
14:13—Trump intends to pardon January 6 rioters
37:57—Weekly listener question
50:36—This week's cultural recommendations
Mentioned in this podcast:
"Biden Issues More Pardons and Commutations Under Pressure From Criminal Justice Groups," by C.J. Ciaramella
"Biden Shouldn't Have Commuted the Sentence of a Judge in the 'Kids for Cash' Kickback Scandal," by C.J. Ciaramella
"Biden Faces Mounting Pressure To Clear Federal Death Row and Issue More Commutations After Pardoning His Son," by C.J. Ciaramella
"The President Still Has Time To Show His Mercy Extends Beyond His Own Son," by Jacob Sullum
"What Happened to Biden's Ambitious Criminal Justice Reform Plans?" by C.J. Ciaramella
"Trump Decries Disproportionate Drug Penalties While Threatening Dealers With Death," by Jacob Sullum
"It's (Almost) Always the Feds: How the FBI Fabricates Schemes To Entrap Would-Be Radicals," by C.J. Ciaramella
"Vivek Ramaswamy Really, Really Wants You To Know He Thinks January 6 Was an 'Inside Job,'" by Matt Welch
"With 22-Year Sentence, Ex-Proud Boys Leader Enrique Tarrio Pays Hefty 'Trial Penalty,'" by Christian Britschgi
"Stewart Rhodes Gets 18 Years After the DOJ Reiterates a Conspiracy Claim That Jurors Rejected," by Jacob Sullum
"Kash Patel's QAnon Dalliances Reflect an Outlook That Pits Trump Against Evil Conspirators," by Jacob Sullum
"When Deciding Whether To Investigate His Opponents, Trump Says, He Will Defer to 'Very Fair' Kash Patel," by Jacob Sullum
"Kash Patel's Threats Against Journalists Make Him an Alarming Choice To Run the FBI," by Jacob Sullum
"Jordan Neely Needed to Be Institutionalized," by Josh Barro
"Debate: Mentally Ill Homeless People Must Be Locked Up for Public Safety," by Jared Meyer and Mike Riggs
"Eric Adams' Plan To Involuntarily Hospitalize Mentally Ill Homeless People Will Face Legal Challenges," by C.J. Ciaramella
"Curing the Therapeutic State: Thomas Szasz interviewed by Jacob Sullum," by Jacob Sullum
Upcoming Events:
Reason Versus, December 18, 2024
Send your questions to roundtable@reason.com. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.
Today's sponsor:
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Audio production by Ian Keyser
Assistant production by Hunt Beaty
Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve
- Video Editor: Ian Keyser
- Producer: Hunt Beaty
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