You get it right by pointing out that it's within the constitutional authority but still an affront to the legal system. With that said, I don't think the "Clinton did it" line is a valid defense of Bush's behavior. I do, however, see it as the reason that I just can't muster any outrage about this, unfortunate as that may be.

This presidential power will never change because every few years, people on one side of the aisle get their panties in a bunch over the president issuing pardons or commutations to cronies while people like Richard Paey sit in prison. The dems who launch the most aggressive attacks against Bush over the Scooter commutation will be the most vocal defenders of Hillary Clinton when she pulls the same stunt upon leaving office. In both cases, the story will lose traction after a few weeks and all will be forgotten until the president does the same thing.
mike | 07.09.07 - 8:20 am | #

Exactly... I can't think of anything to add to that.
Nate | Homepage | 07.09.07 - 9:06 am | #