Kim Wehle, a law professor and author of 'Pardon Power,' shares her insights on the complexities of presidential pardons, especially in light of Trump’s comments on the January 6 incidents. Meanwhile, Tommy Vietor, co-host of Pod Save the World, delves into the Syrian conflict, discussing how rebel groups gained control and the shifting dynamics of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Their conversation uncovers the implications of U.S. actions and international relations in the ongoing struggle for power in Syria.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Trump's Pardon Plans
Trump stated his intention to pardon January 6th rioters.
Kim Wehle, law professor, raises concerns about public safety and emboldening similar future actions.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Precedent of Pardons
Pardoning January 6th rioters sets a dangerous precedent, potentially condoning attacks on the U.S. government.
Past problematic pardons, like Nixon's and Mark Rich's, are cited but none compare to this potential pardon.
insights INSIGHT
The Pardon Power
Presidential pardon power, a relic of monarchy, allows the president to overrule the legislative and judicial branches.
Initially intended for mercy, the pardon power wasn't designed for current political climate where it can be abused.
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Kim Wehle's "Pardon Power" delves into the intricacies of the US presidential pardon system. The book examines historical precedents, legal frameworks, and the political implications of pardons. Wehle analyzes how the pardon power has been used and misused throughout history, highlighting its potential for both justice and abuse. The book also explores the ethical considerations surrounding pardons and their impact on the rule of law. Ultimately, "Pardon Power" offers a comprehensive understanding of this often-overlooked aspect of the American political system.
President-elect Donald Trump stopped by 'Meet the Press' on Sunday for his first network sit-down interview since winning back the White House. During his hour-plus conversation, he reaffirmed his promise to pardon most of the people who violently stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, possibly on his first day back in office. And he said every person who sat on the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack "should go to jail." Those kinds of comments are exactly why the Biden Administration is reportedly weighing preemptive pardons for people who might become targets of Trump's Justice Department. Kim Wehle, a professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law and author of the book 'Pardon Power,' explains the significance of the presidential pardon.
Plus, we talked with Pod Save The World's Tommy Vietor about how a Syrian rebel militia group gained control of the country.
And in headlines: Trump says he can't guarantee Americans won't end up paying more for goods under his tariff plans, The U.S. Department of Agriculture orders testing of the nation's milk supply for bird flu, and Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral held its first mass on Sunday since a 2019 fire partially destroyed it.
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