President Clinton's final actions in office have drawn significant criticism, portraying him as a grifter. A notable episode involved his controversial pardon of billionaire Marc Rich, a fugitive at the time. This pardon came after Rich's ex-wife, Denise Rich, made substantial donations to Clinton's presidential library, raising concerns about the integrity of such exchanges. This incident exemplified the worst aspects of political deal-making reminiscent of past administrations.

The author Roger Stone contends that this episode not only tarnished Clinton's legacy but also foreshadowed future ethical dilemmas involving the Clinton family. The connection between Rich's pardon and the monetary donations illustrates a troubling trend of pay-for-play dynamics, signaling deeper issues within political fundraising and influence. The intricate details of this situation serve as a cautionary tale about ethics in politics.