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Keen On America

Episodes 2235: Jeffrey Toobin on whether we all deserve second chances

Feb 12, 2025
Jeffrey Toobin, a CNN legal analyst and author known for his deep dives into legal history, discusses the controversial nature of presidential pardons in American politics. He argues that the uniqueness of pardon power, free from checks and balances, allows for potential abuses. Toobin highlights the troubling distinction between mercy and political power, criticizing pardons from recent administrations. He also reflects on the legacy of Ford's pardon of Nixon, expressing concern about the implications for accountability and democracy as partisan divisions deepen.
43:39

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Jeffrey Toobin highlights the unique nature of presidential pardon power, which lacks any system of checks and balances, enabling unilateral action.
  • The discussion emphasizes a growing concern around the partisan use of pardons, shaping perceptions of accountability and threatening the rule of law.

Deep dives

Understanding the Constitutional Crisis

The discussion revolves around the concept of a constitutional crisis in the United States, with an emphasis on the unprecedented political actions currently taking place. A legal expert notes that while the situation is dire, it is not yet a full-blown crisis, primarily due to the ongoing court challenges to various actions of the Trump administration. The critical factor that could signify a genuine crisis is the defiance of federal court orders by the administration, which would mark a departure from established norms in American governance. Such a scenario would represent a significant escalation, raising concerns about the potential for further political destabilization.

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