The Most Unpopular Pardons by U.S. Presidents and Their Impact

Presidential pardons can be seen as a crucial tool for presidents to demonstrate their political will and address past injustices. However, sometimes these pardons do not just face criticism but also become deeply unpopular, not just among the general public but even within political circles. This article explores some of the most unpopular pardons by U.S. presidents, focusing on Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter's pardon of Vietnam-era draft dodgers. News and historical records have shown that these decisions had significant impacts on American society and political discourse at the time. Despite their intentions, such actions often faced vehement opposition and criticism.

Heritage and the Art of Presidential Pardons

Since the early days of the United States, the power of presidential pardon has been a part of the country's legal foundations, supporting the President's ability to commute sentences, forgive offenses, or grant reprieves. The origins of this power trace back to Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. Over the years, this power has evolved, and its application has provided both positive and controversial outcomes. Among the most scrutinized pardons, Gerald Ford's decision to pardon Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter's pardon to Vietnam-era draft dodgers remain two of the most disputed examples of such pardons.

Ford Pardoning Nixon: A Political Quagmire

Gerald Ford's decision to pardon Richard Nixon in 1974 is often cited as one of the most unpopular pardons. Nixon, the 37th U.S. President, resigned from office in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, a political scandal that involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. The scandal threatened to bring about Nixon's impeachment and led to his resignation. Fearing an impeachment trial that could have damaged the country's morale and national stability, Ford made an unprecedented decision to pardon Nixon.

Given the circumstances, this pardon was seen as a last attempt to resolve the Watergate crisis and to heal the nation's wounds. However, it was not met with universal acclaim. Many felt that Nixon's pardoning was tantamount to whitewashing a crime and demonstrated a lack of accountability. Critics argued that Ford's action went against the principle of justice and the realistic expectation of public officials to face their consequences fully. The decision faced significant backlash, and Nixon's pardon remains a point of contention in historical discussions.

Jebidiah Carter and the Draft Dodgers

Jimmy Carter's pardon of Vietnam-era draft dodgers in 1977 stands as another instance where a presidential action faced intense criticism. The Vietnam War marked a period of significant political and social upheaval, and the draft was a contentious issue. Many young men evaded the draft, either by going to Canada or hiding from authorities, citing various moral and anti-war arguments. This action defied the traditional public perception of President Carter as a war hero. Carter’s executive order stipulated that those who had entered into an "actionable religious or moral objection" would be eligible for amnesty and would not face criminal charges.

While the intent behind the pardon was to promote reconciliation and to recognize the pressure that servicemen faced during the conflict, the move was heavily criticized as a lenient response to draft evasion. Critics accused the government of sending a message that breaking the law was acceptable, which they believed could undermine public order and the principles of military service. The reaction within military circles and among those who served in Vietnam was particularly harsh. Many believed that Carter's decision undermined their sacrifices and the trust that was built between soldiers and their country.

The Impact on Public Perception

The impact of these pardons on public perception was significant and multifaceted. In the case of Ford's pardon of Nixon, it damaged the trust in the political system and even in the possibility of forgiveness. It was seen as a betrayal of the public's expectations for justice and accountability. Similarly, Carter's pardon of draft dodgers was perceived as an act of leniency that went against the public's sense of fairness and justice. In both instances, the pardons led to a national debate over the role of accountability and forgiveness in governance and their effects on individual and collective moral standards.

Overall, these pardons highlight the delicate balance that presidents must strike between political pragmatism and the principles of justice. They serve as reminders of the controversial nature of presidential power and the far-reaching consequences of such decisions. As more rich historical data and information become accessible, future studies may further explore the nuanced impacts of these and other presidential pardons on American society and its values.