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The Clinton pardons, like Bush I's pardons (remember Cap Weinberger?) were mostly made at the end of their terms. This is a unique situation, coming a year and a half before the end of W's term.



so it's the timing not the actual commutation, not a pardon, that bothers you?




It doesn't really bother me at all. Both parties make politically based pardons and commutations all the time, and whether you agree or disagree with it, the Constitution gives the President the right to do whatever the fuck he wants in this regard. The timing's just a bit unusual. Ordinarily, the process is allowed to play out a bit longer.

Still, he does face hefty fines, probation, almost certain disbarment, loss of civil liberties (including the right to own firearms and to vote) and other penalties. His reputation remains high in most conservative circles, and he'll have no trouble finding a job within those same circles. I'd wager that he'll get the full pardon on or about January 19, 2009, Bush's last day in office.