Former New York Gov. David Paterson has voiced his opinion that President Joe Biden should have considered pardoning Donald Trump for his hush-money conviction if he had the power to do so.

Paterson, a Democrat, believes the Trump trial had numerous, serious flaws, and he compared a possible extension of clemency to Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon, as the New York Post reports.

Paterson Shares Concerns Over Trump Conviction

The former governor made his statements while speaking on 77 WABC radio’s The Cats Roundtable on Sunday. During the interview, he agreed with Trump’s complaints that the case against him was "rigged." Paterson described several instances of what he perceived as misconduct during the trial.

In his comments, Paterson noted, "There are a lot...of erroneous qualities to that trial." He expressed concerns about someone who worked in the Biden DOJ being involved with Alvin Bragg's case. "Some of the people who are involved: A person who worked at the White House somehow wound up in the Manhattan DA’s Office," he said.

Paterson pointed to these instances as reasons the conviction process seemed suspicious. "All of it, when it adds up, really looks very much like what the former president describes it as," he emphasized to Catsimatidis.

No Presidential Pardon for State Crimes

It's important to note that a U.S. president cannot pardon individuals for state crimes. This includes Trump's recent conviction for felony charges related to falsifying business records in Manhattan court last week.

Despite this, Paterson suggested that President Biden should have weighed the option of a pardon if he had the authority. He drew a parallel to President Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon in 1974. "Sometimes when you’re a leader and you’re willing to put yourself at the center of acrimony and controversy, both sides may come down on you," Paterson reflected.

"But years later, upon reflection, I’m sure they’ll respect you," he continued. This comparison indicates Paterson's belief in the potential long-term appreciation for such a presidential decision.

Trump Facing Additional, Federal Charges

Trump isn't only dealing with his hush-money conviction. He also faces federal and Georgia state charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol unrest and federal counts pertaining the handling of national security documents at Mar-a-Lago.

While presidential pardons don't extend to state crimes, federal convictions are pardonable. This distinction is crucial in the broader context of Trump’s legal challenges and Paterson's comments.

In terms of political strategy, Paterson advised Biden to exercise caution. He suggested the president should be "real careful" about gloating over Trump’s legal trouble, especially given the current trial of his son, Hunter Biden.

Paterson's Comparison to Historical Pardons

Drawing on historical precedent, Paterson compared the potential for a Trump pardon to Gerald Ford's decision to pardon Nixon. In 1974, Ford pardoned Nixon following the Watergate scandal, a move that was initially controversial but later viewed by some as a step towards national healing.

This comparison underscores Paterson's view that controversial pardons can be seen in a more favorable light with time. "Sometimes when you’re a leader and you’re willing to put yourself at the center of acrimony and controversy, both sides may come down on you," Paterson said, reflecting on the complexities of presidential decisions.

The Broader Implications

The comments and comparisons made by Paterson highlight the significant scrutiny surrounding Trump’s legal proceedings. They also open up discussions about the broader implications of such high-profile cases on political dynamics and public perception.

Paterson's perspective adds a notable layer of critique from within the Democratic party itself. His concerns about trial misconduct and the involvement of individuals from various political offices intensify the conversation around the fairness and transparency of the legal process.

In mentioning Biden's need for caution, Paterson illustrates the potential political ramifications for the current administration. The scrutiny of Hunter Biden’s ongoing trial only amplifies these concerns, suggesting that the political landscape remains incredibly volatile.

Ultimately, while Paterson's comments are rooted in the specifics of Trump's legal issues, they also resonate on a broader level. They touch upon themes of justice, political strategy, and historical precedent, all of which continue to be deeply relevant as the situation unfolds.

Conclusion

In summary, former New York Gov. David Paterson's remarks on 77 WABC radio bring to light his belief that the trial convicting Donald Trump for hush-money payments was flawed and suspicious.

Paterson suggested that President Biden should have considered a pardon for Trump if it had been within his power, much like Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon. He also highlighted procedural irregularities and cautioned Biden against gloating due to the legal battles facing his own son, Hunter Biden.

As Trump faces additional federal charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol protests and the mishandling of national security documents, Paterson's comments underscore the contentious nature of this legal and political saga.