During a heated CNN discussion on Wednesday, Democrats argued that President Joe Biden should consider issuing pre-emptive pardons for individuals who may become targets of President-elect Donald Trump’s promised retribution once he takes office. The debate came amid concerns that Trump could follow through on his vow to retaliate against political opponents, as he has done in the past.
When asked by anchor Abby Phillip whether Biden should issue pre-emptive pardons, Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha strongly endorsed the idea. “I think so. Democrats: Lean into it,” he said. “I promise you Donald Trump’s going to pardon everybody.” Rocha referenced high-profile individuals who have benefited from Trump’s pardons, including Steve Bannon, Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, and Charles Kushner.
He also joked, “If you get pardoned by him, you could become the ambassador to France evidently as well,” referring to Trump’s nomination of Kushner. Rocha continued, “Democrats: In all seriousness, I’m tired of the pearl-clutching of, ‘We’re better than that. We can’t do all that.’ If he’s going to do it, let’s make sure we do it as well because we’re going to be there at the end having to make up all this other stuff.”
Fellow Democratic strategist Julie Roginsky joined the conversation, agreeing with Rocha’s assessment and warning of the “unprecedented” nature of the incoming administration. “Even if they don’t indict you, they can investigate you into bankruptcy. Torture you with FBI investigations. Kash Patel is evidently going to be our next FBI director. Is that what you want to be dealing with the rest of your life?” she asked.
Roginsky expressed her support for Rocha’s call for action, adding, “Amen” to his suggestion. She echoed his frustration, saying, “They have already said they are going to come after these people,” and, like Rocha, lamented the “pearl-clutching” over the issue.
Rocha, eager to make a point, jumped in before fellow Republican panelists could speak and humorously declared that he, too, would accept a pardon if offered. “Just for the record, if they’re handing out pardons, I’ll take one,” he said, prompting Roginsky to respond, “I’ll take one too.”