Fact check: Bill Clinton may talk to Biden about preemptive pardon for Hillary so Trump can't lock her up

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results

Bill Clinton appeared on "The View" where he carefully addressed the pardon question, stating he would talk to Biden if approached but emphasized he shouldn't give public advice on pardons. While discussions about potential preemptive pardons are reportedly happening among Biden's team according to unnamed sources, there is no confirmation of any direct conversations between Clinton and Biden on this matter.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

• The discussion stems from Trump's documented pattern of threatening legal action against political opponents, with over 100 such threats made
• Hillary Clinton was previously investigated by Trump's State Department regarding her emails, with no evidence of wrongdoing found
• Constitutional experts confirm Biden's legal authority to issue preemptive pardons
• Some of Trump's potential targets are reportedly preparing contingency plans, including considering leaving the country
• The broader context involves concerns about using the justice system for political retribution, not just Hillary Clinton specifically

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement presents several misleading elements:

• It suggests active discussions between Clinton and Biden, when Clinton only acknowledged he would talk if approached
• It frames the situation as primarily about "locking up" Hillary Clinton, when it's part of a broader pattern of threatened prosecutions against multiple political opponents
• It omits that previous investigations found no wrongdoing by Hillary Clinton
• It simplifies a complex legal and political situation into a sensational headline

The narrative benefits multiple groups:

• Trump's supporters benefit from maintaining the "lock her up" narrative for political mobilization
• Media organizations benefit from the sensational framing of potential political conflict
• Democrats could benefit by framing Trump as vindictive and threatening democratic norms