Summary
Donald Trump has vowed to pardon non-violent January 6 rioters when he returns to office, sparking hope among his supporters.
Many convicted for their roles in the Capitol attack anticipate their lives will improve once pardoned, viewing the event as government repression rather than an attack on democracy.
While Trump supporters view the pardons as a means of justice, critics argue they could embolden future violence.
Critics warn that mass pardons could set a dangerous precedent, with 61% of Americans opposing the move.
I would be careful with that bet. Two of his major qualities are:
If it suits him to free a bunch of people in order to gain power, he absolutely will. He’s also unchecked, so he has 0 risk.
Think of all the Trump stuff Trumpers have. There’s whole cottage industries around this stuff. What is a con man without a mark? Desperate.
There’s barely under 1000 Jan 6thers in jail. Theres 75 million plus people that voted for him. Your math isn’t mathing for the small number convicted and jailed adding up to anything other than pennies in profit if released.
Exactly, Trump is transactional, and he doesn’t need anything from this group anymore, so why would he give them anything?
Those 1000 people are massive evangelists for him. I don’t mean transactional as purely money. If Trump gains value & there’s no risk, why not take it? He gets to look like some benevolent person, he gets more supporters, and they are the most rabid. They’ll go out and recruit more people.
I don’t disagree with you that financially, there really isn’t much gain, but cult power, there’s some to gain.
Can I inquire about your hat if he does pardon? /s
Unfortunately I only have one hat, and it’s the Duke Nukem cap I got when DNF released. I guess I could do worse.
But to your actual point, Trump just has a history of shortchanging people. The whole reason he kept doing rallies outdoors in 2024 was because he owed so much money to so many venues this was the only way to show up and not have to pay what he still owed from 2020.
Trump doesn’t plan on having to run for election again, whether it’s because he’s dead or because he rapes the constitution and just cancels elections. With no upcoming elections, why does he even need people to like him anymore? I think he’s done with that, personally. He likes being feared more than he likes being loved.
I’m just saying Trump’s history says once he’s done, he won’t lift a finger or spend a penny on you, and will avoid you like the plague. I personally expect that to extend to the Jan 6thers as well.
Alright then, good points and sick hat. :)