As disturbing as Trump’s apparent promise to pardon Joe Arpaio is on its face, to me the most disturbing aspect is what I believe it is really all about — Russia.
Mueller’s Trump-Russia investigation will seek to benefit greatly from one of a prosecutor’s most valuable tools — the ability to flip witnesses. That is, to induce key witnesses into providing critical information in exchange for relief from criminal prosecution or imprisonment.
It has been noted that Mueller has selected for his team those prosecutors who have experience and expertise at flipping witnesses. Manafort, Flynn, and others are prime candidates for facing the prospect of conviction and imprisonment if they do not cooperate with the Mueller investigation.
When Trump said last night that “Joe should feel good” and “I think he’s going to be just fine”, he wasn’t just winking at the Sheriff. He was sending a clear signal to all those potentially being approached by the Mueller investigation that he will take care of his friends with his pardon power and that they have nothing to worry about — no need to cooperate with investigators.
The obstruction of justice by this President never ends.