And the corrupt pardons didn't end with Rich. Clinton commuted the sentences of four orthodox Jews from New Square, N.Y. who were convicted of defrauding the government of $40 million in educational aid. The politically conservative sect of Jews from their hometown turned out in full force for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) in the 2000 Senate race, casting 1,359 votes for the former first lady and just 10 for her opponent Rick Lazio. Soon after the election, the local rabbi of the Skver sect was soon granted a personal meeting with the president to discuss the commutations. All four men were set free--and this time around Clinton appeared to barter votes, as opposed to cash, for pardons.

And most recent in the never-ending string of coincidences, Clinton's brother-in-law, attorney Hugh Rodham, returned the $300,000 he was paid to represent two people whose prison sentences were commuted by Clinton. The Clintons, of course, had no idea that the money was transferred.

These recent actions mark the pinnacle of Clinton's long and storied career of half-truths and manipulation. Trading pardons for cash and votes in a free market of corruption is Clinton's most morally abject offense to date.

Notice the conspicuous silence of the loyal Clinton defenders on this matter. Barbara Streisand is keeping her mouth shut for a simple reason--his acts are indefensible. He has disgraced himself, his office and his party.

Equally disturbing is the fact he thought he could get away with these pardons. The politician with nine lives, who has lived his entire life above the law, believed he was invincible.

But this time the comeback kid isn't coming back so quickly. His approval ratings have dropped 10 points since the Rich scandal and continue to plummet. And without an overzealous prosecutor or "vast right-wing conspiracy" to vilify, he doesn't have many cards left to play.

The great irony of this mess is that the manipulator has been manipulated. Rich has been given a clean slate and Clinton has soiled himself and his legacy.