Former US President, Bill Clinton recently weighed in on the potential for President Joe Biden to issue preemptive pardons ahead of the incoming Trump administration.
His appearance on The View sparked a wider discussion on political strategy, justice, and the consequences of such a decision. Here’s a breakdown of Clinton’s key comments:
1. Clinton’s Hopes for Biden’s Decision
Bill Clinton expressed his hope that President Biden would refrain from issuing preemptive pardons, particularly for individuals who could be targeted by the incoming Trump administration. Clinton remarked, “I hope he won’t do that,” in response to the idea of Biden taking such action.
2. The Personal Nature of Pardons
While he acknowledged the possibility of Biden discussing the matter with him, Clinton emphasized that the decision to issue a pardon is deeply personal and should not be publicly influenced. He explained, “If President Biden wanted to talk to me about that, I would talk to him about it. But I don’t think I should be giving public advice on the pardon power. I think it’s too — it’s a very personal thing.”
3. The Futility of Seeking Revenge
Reflecting on his own experiences, Clinton warned against the futility of seeking retribution, stating, “Most of us get out of this world ahead of where we’d get if all we got was simple justice. And so it’s normally a fool’s errand. You spend a lot of time trying to get even.”
4. Defense of Hillary Clinton’s Actions
Clinton took the opportunity to defend his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, asserting that any potential charges related to her handling of emails during her time in office would be unjust. He reaffirmed, “I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with how she handled the emails.”
5. The Broader Political Landscape
In a broader discussion about American politics, Clinton noted that many voters, particularly those in the working class, are more focused on immediate concerns such as financial and personal security. “If you’re an alienated voter and you’re genuinely worried about your family’s financial security or your security, then the last thing you want is somebody who’s well-qualified,” he said.
Clinton also called for more respectful political discourse, urging both sides to listen to each other and engage in serious conversations. “We need to quit screaming at each other and listen to each other. We need to have a serious conversation about these things.”
Clinton’s comments offer significant insight into the potential impacts of Biden’s decision on the political landscape and the broader challenges facing the United States as it navigates this critical moment.
(abc NEWS)
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Presidential pardon: Eight facts to know about Hunter Biden’s case