Reveal All the President’s Pardons
Jan 11, 2025
Charles Duke Tanner, a former professional boxer and nonviolent drug offender, shares his compelling journey after his life sentence was commuted by President Trump. He discusses the intricate clemency process and highlights the long waits many applicants face. Tanner also reflects on the harsh realities of the war on drugs and its impact on African American communities. From his boxing triumphs to the emotional weight of incarceration, his story embodies the struggle for redemption and justice in the clemency landscape.
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Nixon's Pardons
- Nixon's use of the pardon power during Watergate was a tool to expand his political power.
- He promised pardons to aides involved in the Watergate cover-up in exchange for perjury, an impeachable offense.
Ford Pardons Nixon
- Nixon faced impeachment and considered a self-pardon but ultimately resigned.
- Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon a month into his presidency to move the country past Watergate.
Ford's Rationale
- Ford initially resisted pardoning Nixon but changed his mind after his first press conference, overwhelmed by questions about Nixon's fate.
- He believed the pardon was necessary for the country to move forward and address other pressing issues.