During a thought-provoking discussion on Monday, commentators Chris Cuomo and Stephen A. Smith shared an unexpected perspective: President Joe Biden should contemplate pardoning former President Donald Trump. They suggested that taking such a step would serve the broader interests of the nation.
“If I were [President Biden], I would pardon Trump,” Cuomo stated during a live discussion. “I know people are going to get upset about this, but just think about it before you go crazy. Enough’s enough.”
Smith echoed Cuomo’s sentiment, reinforcing the idea that a pardon could help the country move forward. “Honestly, as crazy as this sounds, that’s exactly what I would do,” Smith said. “You’re the Democrats. You lost the election, you got your butt whipped. You couldn’t prevent him from going back to the White House.”
The commentators’ appeal arises in the midst of a tumultuous political climate, as Trump contends with numerous legal challenges and investigations. Although some cases have been dismissed while others are still unresolved, Smith contended that these ongoing legal proceedings are diverting attention from more urgent national issues.
“It’s time to move forward,” Smith continued. “You want to get at Trump? Sit back and judge. You’ve got a midterm election in two years. Be ready.”
Smith and Cuomo drew historical comparisons, citing Gerald Ford’s contentious pardon of Richard Nixon after the Watergate scandal as a precedent for such an action. Despite facing criticism at the time, Ford’s decision was presented as an attempt to unite the country and shift attention toward future challenges rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
Smith also highlighted the divisive 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, where prolonged legal disputes over Florida’s vote count threatened to extend indefinitely.
“The whole hanging chads issue could have gone on, but it didn’t. It was for the better of the country,” he said, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing national unity over partisan vengeance.
Cuomo and Smith’s arguments reflect a mounting frustration with the relentless cycle of political and legal conflicts. In their view, a presidential pardon is not a sign of surrender but a deliberate move toward national healing and forward momentum.
