Typically, I don't agree with Karl Rove, former president George W. Bush's legendary political strategist, but I do think he's right when he says Donald Trump's plan to pardon the Jan. 6 rioters is a "critical mistake."
Here's more from Rove (who currently is making the rounds on TV): "Trump has pledged to pardon those people because they’re hostages. No, they’re not, they’re thugs.” Actually, Karl, they are convicted criminals.
Rove is clear about being a Republican who doesn’t want a Democrat in the White House. But, he is equally clear he doesn't condone the former president’s actions.
In a rebuke to Trump, Rove says, “We’re facing as a country, a decision…and you know, everybody gets to make it … as to what kind of leadership we’re going to have. To me, it is a mistake on the part of the Trump campaign to allow the president’s impulses to identify himself with the people who assaulted the Capitol rather than people who stand for law and order.”
Given all of the above, I wonder: Will George W. ever go public with his opinions about Trump? Will he emerge from the shadows and confront 45? More specifically, will he put country ahead of politics and urge Nikki Haley Republicans to vote for Joe Biden in November?
Obviously, I don't know the answer to these questions, but I have to ask: Are Rove's current statements a warm-up for his former boss to eventually come out swinging?
Let me know your thoughts.
-DF
No. Rove's comments are not a warmup or a prelude to what is coming.