I am pretty sure Obama can pardon her without any charges pending.
You are most likely right from a legal stand point and I guess O don't want to go to prison so maybe from a practical stand point as well.
However, he can't pardon himself - if he has violated laws in shields her - perhaps the payback isn't worth it.
It would dirty his legacy to issue a blanket pardon for somebody who hasn't done anything
Motive motive motives.... okay showtime