The problem with the pardon tradition

And a Jan. 6 rioter found guilty after using 'gobbledygook' sovereign citizen arguments [VIEW IN BROWSER]( MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news [VIEW IN BROWSER]( MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023 THE LATEST [Alternate text] ['Pardoning' turkeys is dumb and and reminds us of real pardon problems]( By Jordan Rubin The presidential custom of ["pardoning" turkeys]( for Thanksgiving is silly at best and should end. For people who follow clemency, whether for personal or professional reasons or both, the [seemingly lighthearted ritual]( serves to highlight how the person empowered to grant pardons and commutations to humans isn’t doing nearly as much as they could on that front. But in addition to spotlighting how President [Joe Biden]( can do more [with his power](, this year’s ceremony brings to mind how [Donald Trump]( could (again) weaponize his own if he’s headed back toward the White House this time next year — namely, when it comes to Jan. 6 defendants. This is a preview of Jordan Rubin's latest article. [Read the full column here.]( MSNBC Daily is taking a brief break during the holiday. The newsletter will hit your inbox again on Saturday, Nov. 25. Happy Thanksgiving!     TOP STORIES [Alternate text] [JORDAN RUBIN]( [Republican judges strike down gun law, citing new Supreme Court rule]( The dissent called out the GOP-appointed majority's 'hyperaggressive view of the Second Amendment.' [Read more.]( [PETER KNIGHT]( [Why Americans still have no idea who really killed Kennedy]( President John F. Kennedy's assassination changed the American psyche forever. [Read more.]( [JOSEPH SCHWIETERMAN]( [Thanksgiving highlights a travel crisis the rich and powerful love to ignore]( The past few months have been tough for many Americans reliant on bus stations and curbside spots across the country. [Read more.]( [JA'HAN JONES]( [Moms for Liberty responds after organizer is revealed to be a convicted child molester]( The education extremists are on the defense after this revelation. [Read more.]( TOP VIDEOS [Alternate text] [CHRIS JANSING REPORTS]( [Jan. 6 rioter found guilty after using 'gobbledygook' sovereign citizen arguments]( [DEADLINE WHITE HOUSE]( [Donald Trump's worst day yet in the New York civil fraud trial]( [DEADLINE WHITE HOUSE]( ['No indication of terrorist attack' at Rainbow Bridge, Gov. Hochul says]( [THE REIDOUT]( ['Everything we reported was completely accurate': Media Matters president on X lawsuit](     MORE FROM MSNBC [Alternate text]   On the final stop of the “Why Is This Happening?” live tour, Rachel Maddow joined Chris Hayes in New York City for a discussion about her new book, “[PREQUEL](,” and the importance of preserving democracy. Watch “Why is this Happening? Live With Chris Hayes and Rachel Maddow,” now streaming on Peacock.   A bonus episode of “Prosecuting Donald Trump” is now available. Listen to the entire appeals court hearing where former President Donald Trump’s team squared off against the U.S. government over the validity of the gag order imposed on him in the federal election case. [Listen now.](   MSNBC INSIGHTS [Alternate text] Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! [Join the MSNBC Insights Community.](   [Image] [Image] 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 [PRIVACY]( | [CONTACT]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE](listvar=sub_daily) [PRIVACY]( | [CONTACT]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE](listvar=sub_daily)