Would a presidential pardon protect them from the states or even individuals bringing suit against them for non-federal crimes?
They are still open to criminal prosecution in a US state, and I don’t think they are covered by lawsuits from a presidential pardon. But good question.
I like to add anyone of these cohort underling left uncovered by a presidential pardon from Obama should still prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. However, offer them to spill their guts to tell the world the truth for lets say half time in jail. Because in 4 to 8 years from now, if they win the White House again, they’ll be back to their old criminal tricks. Make them political cripples for a very long time, and put still put them in jail for their criminal acts.
What did the Russians call it leading to the fall of the Communist Soviet Union... perestroika and glasnost or openness and truth. Commies need to be put in check and face the truth.