Staff Reports
Senator Bernie Sanders, that perennial voice of Vermont’s own socialist dreams, is at it again, nudging President Joe Biden to wield the pardon pen with abandon before the clock strikes Trump. Strangely reminiscent of a magician trying to pull a rabbit from a hat that never quite appears, Sanders is suggesting that Biden should consider issuing preemptive pardons for politicians who’ve been hugely critical of Trump, especially those from the now-defunct House committee that scrutinized the January 6th events. It seems Sanders believes that Biden needs to get ahead of what he views as an impending masterclass in retribution from the right.
Amid the swirling uncertainty of Trump potentially retaking the Oval Office, Sanders, during a recent appearance on NBC News, implored Biden to seriously consider issuing these pardons. It’s a classic case of fighting fire with fire, except in this scenario, it’s more like fighting with a big, unnecessary bucket of water that comes with a side of paranoia. While Democrats are divided on such preemptive moves, it’s evident Sanders believes Biden’s reluctance could lead to dire consequences for anyone who’s ever whispered an unkind word about the former President.
The Vermont senator isn’t just worried about the political landscape; he’s convinced that Trump’s candid remarks—that certain members of the January 6th committee should “go to jail”—are paving the way for what he describes as authoritarianism. Apparently, in Sanders’ estimation, the notion of jailing political opponents is akin to tossing elected officials into a gulag, although it’s no secret that many Americans find this perspective a tad melodramatic. Perhaps Sanders would prefer to see a tea party rather than a civil trial when disagreements arise, a quaint solution fit for a cozy Vermont cabin.
Bernie Sanders says Biden should ‘seriously’ consider preventive pardons https://t.co/EX1Gi5UHXb
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 16, 2024
Interestingly, even fellow Democrats seem hesitant to fully embrace Sanders’ call. Senator Adam Schiff, another loud critic of Trump, disavowed the idea of a preemptive pardon, arguing it might set a dangerous precedent for future leaders. It’s almost like they’re all playing a game of political hot potato, trying to pass the risk around while hoping it doesn’t land in their laps. If paving the way for Biden’s son, Hunter, to escape consequences sets the template, who knows what pardons are next on the docket?
Sanders, however, thinks Biden’s own decision to pardon Hunter was its own slippery slope. The senator believes that such broad actions can create future headaches for presidents who might want to play fast and loose with the law—and that a precedent has been set that could haunt American politics for years to come. But fear not, for Sanders has a solution: more preemptive pardons. Just imagine, a political landscape that encourages accusations, investigations, and ultimately, freebies for the beleaguered left—sounds like a fun game where only the players wearing blue ever win.
