Pardons and Possibilities S5E107 09.09.2026

Do you have a question or comment? Want to suggest a topic for our panel or be a guest on the Nova Society? Send us a message!Tim from Santa Fe, New Mexico, writes:I sometimes find myself wondering just how gullible the American electorate can be. First, we got the Gulf of America. Then came Lake America. And now, apparently, “dumb Donny” wants to rename my state, New Mexico, as New America. If you’re an ultranationalist, maybe this all sounds perfectly reasonable. After all, putting “America first” seems to require little more than changing a name or hugging a flag. But it’s obvious these theatrics are meant to distract his shrinking base from the very real crises facing the country. That’s my rant. Here’s my actual question. I’ve seen commentary suggesting that if Republicans get thoroughly beaten in November, which many analysts expect, Trump might simply walk away from the presidency. He has no plan to fix the chaos he’s created, but he could leave with his pockets full. And while watching him exit stage right sounds appealing, that leaves us with Vance… and I’m not convinced that’s an upgrade.There is a certain logic to the scenario: Trump resigns, Vance becomes president, Vance pardons him for everything, and Trump avoids the accountability he so richly deserves.Is that a real possibility? And can a presidential pardon, even one issued by a sitting president, be overturned?Support the showThe Nova Society Podcast In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners. Our Buzzsprout Home Landing Page Direct SMS message to the podcast from the “message us” link on our page.Support the Nova SocietyEmail us your QuestionsSubscribe to the Nova SocietySubscribe to our RSS Feed Join Our Facebook Page & YouTube ChannelPast episodes & read our blog Here.JCISApple Podcasts/ I-Tunes   Spotify  ...