But the context is partisan.
What if Susan Rice is holding presidential "get out of jail free" card in the form of an Obama pardon issued on the last day he held office? I haven't found anything that would discount that or make it illegal. Of course you wouldn't play such a card lightly. You'd embarass Barry and make it look like both you and him were up to no good. No, you'd hold it right up until the judge passes his sentence and then you're lawyer would deliver that pardon in chambers. The judge would come out and say "dismissed".
So (here is the non-partisan part) do you think a president can issue a pardon that is not to be used until long after he (or she) is out of office but it will be issued while in office.