Barack Obama attempts to intimidate contributors to Mitt Romney’s campaign.
Kimberley A. Strassel
The Wall Street Journal
4/26/2012
Try this thought experiment: You decide to donate money to Mitt Romney. You want change in the Oval Office, so you engage in your democratic right to send a check.
Several days later, President Barack Obama, the most powerful man on the planet, singles you out by name. His campaign brands you a Romney donor, shames you for “betting against America,” and accuses you of having a “less-than-reputable” record. The message from the man who controls the Justice Department (which can indict you), the SEC (which can fine you), and the IRS (which can audit you), is clear: You made a mistake donating that money.
Are you worried?
Richard Nixon’s “enemies list” appalled the country for the simple reason that presidents hold a unique trust. Unlike senators or congressmen, presidents alone represent all Americans. Their powers—to jail, to fine, to bankrupt—are also so vast as to require restraint. Any president who targets a private citizen for his politics is de facto engaged in government intimidation and threats. This is why presidents since Nixon have carefully avoided the practice.
Save Mr. Obama, who acknowledges no rules…
…If Mr. Obama isn’t going to act like a president, he bolsters the argument that he doesn’t deserve to be one.
The complete article is at The Wall Street Journal.
Related: ‘Team Obama’ Names and Shames Eight Private Citizens for Donating to Romney Campaign
Update: At HotAir.com a reader asks:
Doesn’t this make it more likely that they’d donate to SuperPACs, where they can give unlimited amounts anonymously? And how exactly is that advantageous to Obama? At least Romney has to stand by his ads. He doesn’t have to do squat with American Crossroads and the rest.
Go to HotAir.com to read the article and watch their video.
