Former Democratic presidential candidate Rep. Dean Phillips stirred controversy by urging New York Governor Kathy Hochul to issue a pardon for former President Donald Trump.
The New York Daily News reported that this unusual request, made via social media, received widespread ridicule from radical liberals and is deemed highly improbable by political analysts.
Rep. Dean Phillips, representing Minnesota, initially caught public attention earlier this year when he challenged President Joe Biden for the Democratic Party nomination. However, his run was short-lived as he ended his campaign in March.
Nonetheless, Phillips is calling on Hochul to pardon Trump because he has seen the momentum shift in favor of the GOP as a result of Trump's conviction. Phillips wants to avoid disaster in November but it seems unlikely his view will be shared.
Phillips' latest move came in the form of a statement posted on social media platform X, where he called on Governor Kathy Hochul of New York to pardon Donald Trump. His demand was met with bafflement from various quarters, considering the contentious nature of Trump's legal troubles.
Phillips didn't stop there. Subsequently, he posted another message on X, described by many as even more perplexing than the first. This series of posts created a buzz on social media, attracting numerous reactions from the public and political factions alike.
The idea of pardoning Trump appears highly improbable. Political analysts and insiders familiar with New York's legal standards argue that Governor Hochul will not entertain such a pardon.
Further distancing herself from the notion, Hochul and her administration maintain a strict adherence to the state's legal systems and principles that no one is above the law.
Mary Trump, the former president's niece, also weighed in humorously via social media. She questioned if Dean Phillips had gained any recognition since his brief presidential bid, casting further scrutiny on Phillips' peculiar appeal.
Governor Hochul's stance aligns with the broader legal tenets observed in New York. As articulated in a recent statement: “In the state of New York, if you commit a crime, and there’s evidence to demonstrate that you have met the standards of being arrested and brought to a trial and a jury of your peers considers all the evidence, then their verdict must hold."
This comment emphasizes the state's commitment to legal processes, reinforcing that every citizen, including a former president, is subject to the rule of law. “And that’s exactly how the rule of law has always prevailed in our country. And this is no different. So I just want to make sure everyone knows our rule is no one is above the law,” the statement continued.
The public reaction to Phillips' statement was largely skeptical, with many questioning his motivations and the feasibility of his call. Social media platforms exploded with comments, memes, and debates, turning Phillips' statement into a viral topic.
Political commentators were quick to analyze the implications of Phillips' unexpected move. Some viewed it as a desperate bid for attention, while others speculated it might be an effort to reposition himself within the political landscape.
The Democratic Party's response to Phillips' statement was notably absent, indicating a possible desire to avoid further controversy. However, individual party members expressed disbelief and disapproval privately.
Rep. Dean Phillips' recent call for the pardon of Donald Trump by NY Governor Kathy Hochul has ignited widespread ridicule and speculation.
Phillips, who challenged Biden earlier this year, stirred the pot with his social media appeals, leading to humorous and critical responses from figures like Mary Trump. Despite the media buzz, Hochul is unlikely to heed Phillips' call, firmly upholding New York's commitment to the rule of law.
