The candidates react to Scooter Libby’s Commutation

You would think that someone who has been on the hit TV show Law and Order for 5 years would know something about, well, Law and Order. Not to mention the fact that Fred Thompson was a lawyer/attorney before he became an actor. Nevertheless, here is Fred Thompson’s reaction to President Bush’s commutation for Scooter Libby, who was recently convicted for obstruction of justice: “I am very happy for Scooter Libby. I know that this is a great relief to him, his wife and children. While for a long time I have urged a pardon for Scooter, I respect the President’s decision. This will allow a good American, who has done a lot for his country, to resume his life. (emphasis mine)”

It will be interesting to see what kind of stances the other candidates will take on this issue, and whether or not opinions will split along party lines. Barack Obama, the first Democratic candidate to release a statement, described the commutation as “exactly the kind of politics that we must change”. Real Clear Politics has more about what Obama and other candidates have said so far.

Considering that 69% of Americans oppose a pardon for Scooter Libby (from a CNN Poll taken in March), I imagine that Republican candidates will try to distance themselves from this…