It’s being reported that Obama has chosen now, with the assassination of a Russian ambassador in Turkey, and a terror attack in Berlin, to announce a record number of commutations and pardons.
BREAKING: Obama pardons 78 people, shortens sentences of 153 others convicted of federal crimes; most in one day by any president.
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 19, 2016
Seems like odd timing – is he trying to bury this?
Pres Obama today grants 78 pardons and 153 commutations of sentence. Brings his pardon total to 148 and commutations to 1,176.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) December 19, 2016
Here’s the statement from the Oval Office:
I’m sure of theses people have shown repentance, but I’m even more sure that if they repeat their crimes, the press won’t be nearly as zealous in reporting them as would be the case if they were let out by a Republican president.