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Jul 29 2010

How Presidential Pardons Work

42 min 6 movies discussed
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A presidential pardon is a unique, unchallengable power granted to the president of the United States by the Constitution. In this episode, Josh and Chuck discuss the origins, history and controversial use of the presidential pardon.

AI Summary

Josh and Chuck dive into the fascinating and often controversial world of presidential pardons, exploring everything from the founding fathers' intentions to some of history's most notorious clemency decisions. They break down the different types of pardons and clemency, explain what powers a pardon does and doesn't have, and share colorful stories ranging from Lincoln pardoning a bestiality case to Clinton's controversial Marc Rich pardon. The hosts also discuss some interesting presidential pardon statistics and reveal which presidents were the most generous (and stingy) with their clemency powers.


Movies Discussed

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
2009 1h 29m
★ 5.7
"Citizen Kane and Elvin and the Chipmunks of Squeakwell. Oh, that was based on Hearst, too? — Josh jokingly suggested that the Chipmunks sequel was also based on William Randolph Hearst, like Citizen Kane." — Josh
Citizen Kane
Citizen Kane
1941 1h 59m
★ 8.0
"which is what Citizen Kane was. He was based on him. — Chuck mentioned that William Randolph Hearst was the inspiration for Citizen Kane when discussing Patty Hearst's grandfather." — Chuck
Cry-Baby
Cry-Baby
1990 1h 25m
★ 6.5
"I think she was in Crybaby to begin with — Chuck mentioned that Patty Hearst appeared in John Waters' film Cry-Baby and continued appearing in his subsequent movies." — Chuck
Pink Flamingos
Pink Flamingos
1972 1h 33m
★ 6.2
"Pink flamingos, I would think, right? Yes. Get Pink Flamingos — Chuck recommended Pink Flamingos as a John Waters film for Josh to watch." — Chuck
Serial Mom
Serial Mom
1994 1h 34m
★ 6.7
"I would say Serial Mom, another one with Kathleen Turner — Chuck suggested Serial Mom as another John Waters film option that might be more suitable as an introduction." — Chuck
The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption
1994 2h 22m
★ 8.7
"Like Brooks and Shawshank. Yes. He was institutionalized. — Chuck referenced Brooks from Shawshank Redemption as an example of someone who was institutionalized and couldn't adapt to life outside prison." — Chuck

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