What is the point of pardoning Scooter Libby now?

[Seedersandleechers]

[rzemanfl]

1. Sends a signal to the mob underlings that the boss will look out for them. n/t

[MFM008]

3. THIS

x 1000.

[wasupaloopa]

7. He will look out for them as long as it benefits him. Trump is not to be trusted. He demands

loyalty but he is loyal to no one.

[rzemanfl]

23. Agreed. I would not trust him with change for the parking meter. Might as well

use that expression while there are still some around that take change.

[radical noodle]

2. To try to show Fox folks

that it's good to pardon people who lie to the FBI.

[LexVegas]

4. Sends a message to Manafort, Gates, etc. nt

[PJMcK]

21. Isn't it too late for Gates?

Hasn't he already entered a guilty plea?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

5. To send a message to members of his crime family he will pardon them too.

[NightWatcher]

6. Comey was the one who authorized the Special Prosecutor who charged Scooter, plus

The law firm that works for scooter has been rumored to be joining trumps legal team.

[eleny]

8. "Comey played key role in Libby case"

"...the man who authorized the special counsel in that case was none other than James Comey."

https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/13/politics/james-comey-scooter-libby/index.html

[shanny]

9. Sends a message

and der fluegelheinie is probably going to need a new chief of staff.

Thing is, I doubt if even Cheney's lackey wants the job.

[Seedersandleechers]

10. Thanks fellow DU's for the replies - now I get it!

[IronLionZion]

11. To gently persuade Pence to pardon him when Mueller finally takes him down

[bluestarone]

12. Also maybe a job in the white house waiting for him? Just guessing

[jmowreader]

18. You may be on to something

Since no one who still has a reputation to defend will work for Trump, his only option to get help is to start bringing in known scum like Scooter Libby. Trump is probably trying to figure out how to bring James Watt and Ed Meese on board.

[Orsino]

13. To urge people to shut the fuck up about his crimes.

Anyone who still believes Trump wouldn't betray him, anyway.

[procon]

14. Its Trump flaunting his power and establishing his kingdom now.

Knowing that the Republicans are too cowed to challenge him, and the Democrats are toothless, he's daring Congress to try to stop him.

[Skittles]

15. 1) he is pissed at the FBI

2) he's sending the message that you can lie for him and he will pardon you
3) he is a fucking asshole

[rzemanfl]

24. I would switch 1) and 3) Skittles, but you're right. n/t

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

16. To tell the world, and especially potential witnesses,

that lying to the (evil, corrupt) FBI and obstructing justice are not major crimes, and if they keep their mouths shut, he might pardon them.

[Cirque du So-What]

17. He's getting an early start

on pardoning the Thanksgiving turkey?

[Vinca]

19. He's telling his flunkies it's okay to lie and protect him because he'll give them a pardon.

[elehhhhna]

20. Just being a dick?

Just being a dick?

[Azathoth]

22. Impotent rage. Obnoxiousness for its own sake.

People forget that he already pardoned Arpaio and everyone interpreted that as a "special message" for Manafort as well. Trump doesn't function on that kind of abstract level. He acts out of spite, rage, and fear.