Dems citizens can't lose on this. If it's a disaster, it's a disaster for Republicans, and if it's a success, economy heats up and we'll need less $$$ for relief, aid, unemployment, and with more people working the 'pie' is bigger and we can afford more healthcare (topic near and dear to me these days!).
The granting of a pardon is an imputation of guilt, and the acceptance a confession of it.