Trump's desire to pardon Manafort won't work

It looks like Paul Manafort's gamble to not cooperate with Bob Mueller for a pardon will pay off but will this save him or Trump? After he was convicted for not reporting income and other charges, conservative Republican President Donald Trump hinted today he will pardon him. The rationale would be to reward Manafort for his silence regarding the president. Trump tweeted that he felt very badly for him. He wrote that the Justice Department put "tremendous pressure" on him and unlike Micheal Cohen, "he refused to break." Meaning Manafort did not flip on Trump. Trump then said, "Such respect for a brave man!"

I feel very badly for Paul Manafort and his wonderful family. “Justice” took a 12 year old tax case, among other things, applied tremendous pressure on him and, unlike Michael Cohen, he refused to “break” - make up stories in order to get a “deal.” Such respect for a brave man!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 22, 2018

A few things here for our fascist President. One using the pardon power to stop a criminal investigation and obstruct justice is illegal. It would be like ordering the Air Force to bomb the Democratic National Headquarters. Two, a person pardoned loses his Fifth Amendment rights to remain silent. Yeah, Manafort could remain silent on Russia-collusion questions but if Trump pardons for these then the answer is no. Three, state charges cannot be pardoned by the President. Much of Manafort's illegal behavior occurred in New York and there are related charges that could be involved. (New York Times article) Today on MSNBC's Morning Joe, New York attorney general candidate Zephyr Teachout indicated that she won't let a pardon deter her from seeking justice for state law crimes (MSNBC video below) And finally, it's political suicide, let alone a disaster for every Republican in America. Everybody will know he's doing it to save his own skin. Remember what happened to Ford in 1976?  Plus check out this report from CNN. His voters indicate that this would be a red line.



As I have said before. Justice could come from New York. It's up to you New York. Sing it Frank.