With today's filing by Manafort's lawyers in Virginia, it is crystal clear that Manafort and his legal team is speaking to an audience of one (Trump) and simply trying to position Manafort for a pardon.
While it is perfectly conceivable that Trump could issue a pardon to Manafort, the State of New York is prepared to prosecute Manafort upon being pardoned. Fortunately, a state prosecution is not subject to a presidential pardon. As such, Trump cannot save Manafort.
Simply put, Manafort IS going to jail for several years and rightfully so.
While it is perfectly conceivable that Trump could issue a pardon to Manafort, the State of New York is prepared to prosecute Manafort upon being pardoned. Fortunately, a state prosecution is not subject to a presidential pardon. As such, Trump cannot save Manafort.
Simply put, Manafort IS going to jail for several years and rightfully so.