The lead prosecutor in the Kwame Kilpatrick public corruption trial schools ML, Marc and Shawn on the pardon process – and how Biden and Trump have exercised their “divine right of kings.”
STRAIGHT DOPE: Mark Chutkow zooms in to educate ML, Marc and Shawn on how the pardon process is SUPPOSED to work, which is news we can all use, because Joe Biden and Donald Trump sure seem to be doing everything they can to pervert one of the greatest powers the president possesses.
Marc asks Mark about pre-emptive pardons, and Mark reveals the most famous pre-emptive pardon you’ve ever heard of without realizing it. Listen and learn.
Why do presidents get to pardon people? Mark says the English are to blame, prompting ML to curse the 810-year-old Magna Carta.
Biden and Trump each pardoned a thousand people at a time. Mark explains that the pardon process is actually a very deliberate and thoughtful process that is designed to keep presidents for setting someone free who doesn’t deserve a break.
Every pardon request should be evaluated using the same criteria, including whether the person seeking the pardon has accepted responsibility. Oh, and there’s also supposed to be a five-year “cooling off” period. Find out what other factors are SUPPOSED to determine whether a con should get a break.
Was the pardon process followed in the Kwame Kilpatrick case?Do you the difference between a commutation and a pardon? Mark does. And he explains.
Listen and learn why a conviction doesn’t always tell you everything you need to know about how bad a dude may be.
Can the president pardon himself? Can the president use a pardon to erase an impeachment? Mark has more answers.
Shawn gaps, but then perks up and asks ML how he spells a very naughty term.
Marc’s kids learn daddy uses some bad words, too, by peeking at his wife’s cell phone, prompting Marc to seek parenting advice.
What is your favorite cheap beer? Shawn, Marc and ML offer their sudsy selections.
ML’s latest column recalls a candid conversation he had with Mike Duggan several years ago, long before Hizzoner declared he would run for governor as an independent. ML’s offers his assessment, as well as speculation on Duggan’s possible motives for leaving the Democratic Party behind. Read all about it here.
Get Shawn’s latest take on the Lions here.
Can’t access these journalistic gems? A Free Press subscription is a bargain! Hit this link to get a deal.
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