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Changed. >> reporter: the president cited an issue as a top priority. >> i am really interested in the prospects of a bipartisan legislation around the justice system. we have seen some interesting leadership from some unlike lily republican legislators. >> gop lawmakers like rand paul. >> i think there still is a problem, and you shouldn't be using illegal drugs. however, i am for a much more humane response to this and given people a second chance. >> the president is well ahead of his predecessor in commuting sentences, though still way behind on presidential pardons. >> this is such a typi...

Finally close guantanamo bay, he could commit the prison sentences of the non-violent drug offenders sentenced to ten years in prison. can obama become our best lame duck? yes, he can. closing gitmo, commuting sentences, more action on climate change. what can the president get done in the last two years? >> the suggestion to commute the sentences was, the timing on that was just before inauguration. so the timing on that, if he were to do that, might be a burr in the saddle of the incoming congress and the next president. but look, the president has made it clear since the midterm elections t...

This week, president obama and district attorney holder announced new criteria for nonviolent federal drug offenders seeking clemency. who has received lower sentences if their offenses were committed today. "the new york times" points out, the purpose is to deal with the aftermath of the war on drugs whose casualties are the thousands of people sentenced under harsh and outdated law. it's not a job that's finished. >> this is something i'm happy to commend the president on. he started commuting sentences and letting people out. there is a problem and it's

I am happy to compliment the president on, last couple days over the last year he started commuting sentences and letting people out. for a long time we punished crack cocaine different than powder cocaine. you can have the same amount. crack cocaine tended to be used more in the african-american community. 10-and 20-year sentences. the rich white kid going to college got out in six months or not going to jail at all. a mistake to use drugs but not something you give up your future. >> senator paul is pushing sentencing reform and does not push legalization of pot. and neither does chris chris...

Purposefully, but inadvertently has a racial outcome. the president, this is one thing i am happy to compliment the president on, last couple days over the last year he started commuting sentences and letting people out. for a long time we punished crack cocaine different than powder cocaine. you can have the same amount. crack cocaine tended to be used more in the african-american community. 10-and 20-year sentences. the rich white kid going to college got out in six months or not going to jail at all. a mistake to use drugs but not something you give up your future. >> senator paul is pushin...