Presidential Pardons: Biden's Pardoning Power and Trump’s Imprisonment

That's a twist of irony! The notion of President Trump accepting a pardon after a guilty verdict seems laughable, and extremely unlikely. This hypothetical scenario raises complex issues, both constitutional and political, challenging the norms and expectations around presidential pardoning power and election outcomes.

President Despard's Limited Pardoning Power

It is widely acknowledged that President Biden does not possess the legal authority to pardon President Trump. The U.S. Constitution, specifically Article II, Section 2, grants this power exclusively to the President of the United States, and it limits this power to federal offenses, not state crimes. The scenario presented is thus, purely hypothetical and grounded in speculation.

Constitutional and Ethical Considerations

If President Trump were to willingly accept such a pardon, it would fundamentally imply acknowledgment of his guilt. It goes without saying that this is highly improbable. Trump has not only showed no inclination towards such an acceptance but has also referred to Democrats as "scum" indicating his staunchly adversarial stance. The ethical implications of a president accepting a pardon for crimes he committed would tarnish the integrity of the entire legal process and could be seen as a betrayal of the democratic process.

Probation and Other Legal Scenarios

Even if President Trump wins the election and receives probation, he would still have to adhere to the terms of his sentence, just like any other convicted individual. Reporting to a probation officer is a requirement, and non-compliance could result in more severe penalties. Moreover, if Trump wins, his political ambitions would be temporarily frustrated until the legal process concludes.

State-Level Convictions and State Pardons

The complexity of the situation increases if President Trump is convicted of state crimes. The state of New York, for instance, could have its own pressing issues that might lead to a variance in state policy. The New York governor, Kathy Hochul, might consider pardoning Trump out of a desire to clear the air and set a positive precedent. However, New York's governor has made it clear that no such course of action will be taken. Hence, it is unlikely that Hochul would support a pardon for Trump, even if it aligns with her personal views.

Prison Impact on Presidential Duties

Interestingly, a prisoner president could still fulfill some presidential duties from behind bars. Rikers Island, for instance, could be transformed into a unique form of presidential residence. Trump could even host state dinners in the chow hall, which would certainly be a bizzare and memorable event. The idea of a president wearing a prison uniform or having his prison cell decorated as an office might not find favor among many, but neither would it necessarily hinder his executive functions.

Political and Legal Implications

The practical aspects of a prisoner-president scenario highlight the challenges and frictions in the U.S. political system. The Republican National Committee (RNC) might find itself in a difficult position if its nominee cannot serve as president. Consequently, they might find alternatives, such as Nikki Haley, to run as their candidate. However, this would be a significant adjustment, likely necessitating changes in party rules.

Finally, Trump's failure to name a vice-presidential candidate would further complicate the transition of his campaign work. The uncertainty surrounding his ability to rally support or conduct press conferences from jail would cast significant doubt over the viability of his campaign.

These scenarios, while speculative, illustrate the intricate balance between constitutional limitations and the practicalities of daily governance. Ultimately, the U.S. political and legal system is designed to handle such contingencies, albeit with considerable effort and potential uproar.