Bush's pardons

Unless the Christmas spirit inspires him to change course, George W. Bush will end his presidency having issued only about half the number of presidential pardons bestowed by Bill Clinton. Bush may, as some critics charge, be too parsimonious in exercising this prerogative of presidents (and kings). But in one respect the Clinton precedent is an atrocious one. On his way out of the White House, Bush's predecessor cleansed the criminal records of a motley collection of friends, cronies and political supporters.

December 3, 2008