Did Obama conduct fundraising in the White House?
posted at 12:00 pm on June 21, 2011 by Jazz Shaw
It’s important for any president to get all of the best advice that he can on important issues and take such wisdom into account when making key decisions. Sadly, it’s also part of the routine for any politician to have to spend some time raising money for their next election. Federal law, fortunately, keeps the two separate when it comes to the White House. Or at least it should…
A meeting President Barack Obama hosted in the White House for his key political backers from Wall Street is under fire from good government advocates and a Bush administration ethics official who say the session appeared to bring activity related to campaign fundraising onto White House grounds.
White House spokesmen say the March 7 meeting in the Blue Room between Obama and about 20 Wall Street executives involved discussion of policies affecting the financial industry. However, the gathering, which was first reported last week by The New York Times, has drawn scrutiny and criticism because the Democratic National Committee extended invitations to the session.
If the invitations had come directly from Obama’s staff, or from his economic advisers, this probably would have passed without notice. It’s hardly the first time Wall St. moguls have stopped by to pay a visit at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. But once you drag the DNC into the mix and find out that these are some of the same “fat cats” being lobbied for 2012 campaign donations, the situation gets messy. As Bush staffer Richard Painter notes, it raises questions as to whether or not such a meeting violates “the spirit, if not the letter,” of the Hatch Act.
“This is no picnic. This not the Easter egg roll. This is not where they put up the Christmas tree,” Painter said. “This is bringing in donors and doing donor maintenance.”
“There’s a pretty clear line — or there should be a clear line,” said Meredith McGehee of the Campaign Legal Center, which presses for tighter controls on campaign finance. “I don’t have a problem with the president inviting Wall Street people to the White House to discuss policy, but why does it need to be DNC-sponsored? I think that’s what raises the eyebrows. Even if it’s not a fundraiser, it’s a cultivation.”
The article goes on to note that Darrell Issa will be holding a hearing to look into this. (Assuming he ever gets to the bottom of the Gunwalker scandal, that is.)
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It’s not fundraising, it’s strong arming.
lorien1973 on June 21, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Laws for thee but not for me
cmsinaz on June 21, 2011 at 12:03 PM
I read somewhere that the DNC was going to be doingsome fundraising in the WH. Interesting.
upinak on June 21, 2011 at 12:03 PM
So what if Obama did?
It’s not like the GOP is going to DO ANYTHING about it.
We need a NEW GOP that is unafraid to enforce the law.
Roy Rogers on June 21, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Rules????? for Obama?????
Please.
If he is going to thumb his nose at the War powers act, do you really think he cares about fundraising in the White House?
portlandon on June 21, 2011 at 12:03 PM
They would have gone to the coffee house across the street, but it was packed with lobbyists and the rest of the White House staff.
John Deaux on June 21, 2011 at 12:04 PM
“Hatch Act, Smatch Act.”
/dear liar
Ward Cleaver on June 21, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Most corrupt POTUS…………..EVAH!
pilamaye on June 21, 2011 at 12:06 PM
“I was advised there was nothing wrong with that. My counsel tells me there is no controlling legal authority that says that is any violation of any law.”
Del Dolemonte on June 21, 2011 at 12:06 PM
No, he was just having some of his close friends stop off for a night in the Lincoln bedroom. :roll:
teke184 on June 21, 2011 at 12:07 PM
To hold him accountable for any of the crimes he has committed would be racist. Let’s all celebrate diversity since the recession is over and everything is fine.
Hening on June 21, 2011 at 12:07 PM
This event Jazz is talking about was organized by the DNC
Kind of hard to keep up when they tell so many lies.
Knucklehead on June 21, 2011 at 12:07 PM
GOP = Limp Paper Tiger
Sandybourne on June 21, 2011 at 12:08 PM
Of course Obama did.
Laws? He don’ need listen to no stinkin’ laws. He is the Law. The Light Giver. The One we have been waiting for. Why bother with antiquated laws introduced by a bunch of old dead white guys anyway?
Pass the Wagyu and arugula, please.
coldwarrior on June 21, 2011 at 12:08 PM
Rules are only for the Right.
mankai on June 21, 2011 at 12:09 PM
Lawless presidency.
Hesiodos on June 21, 2011 at 12:10 PM
When did Obama ever care about the rule of law? He hasn’t and he won’t.
Conservative Samizdat on June 21, 2011 at 12:11 PM
It’s not “fundraising” fundraising.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on June 21, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Check his blackberry…
Gohawgs on June 21, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Indeed. The attitude for the last couple of years regarding this administration reminds me of McCain not only being afraid to confront BO but actually saying that a BO presidency is nothing to fear.
What pi$$es me off the most is not that this administration is exactly what many of us knew it would be, i.e. thuggish, non-transparent, racist and lawless but that the Republicans are like Mac – cringing in the corners like sissies who are afraid to throw a punch at the bullies.
Cody1991 on June 21, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Laws are for little people.
Rebar on June 21, 2011 at 12:13 PM
So what. If Obama does it, it can’t be illegal. It’s not like he’s a normal person or something. He’s Obama. He’s the one we’ve all been waiting for.
JellyToast on June 21, 2011 at 12:14 PM
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOlololol…. *gasp for air*
Sorry; just the notion that this WH would give a rat’s a$$ about federal law is cause for spontaneous gales of laughter.
Midas on June 21, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Ah, how very Clintonesque.
hillbillyjim on June 21, 2011 at 12:15 PM
No controlling legal authority?
iurockhead on June 21, 2011 at 12:16 PM
OT: Love ya, Jazz, but a few too many headlines framed as questions. Try limericks or haiku instead.
alwaysfiredup on June 21, 2011 at 12:16 PM
I want a GOP that will FIGHT for us.
What’s Boehner do? Play golf and threaten to issue a sternly worded letter???
GOPu$$ies
Roy Rogers on June 21, 2011 at 12:16 PM
Fundraising in the WH? Obama acts as if he can do anything he pleases, laws be damned. 2012 can’t get here fast enough!
GrannySunni on June 21, 2011 at 12:16 PM
That Obowma, one finger salute to Hillary Clinton during the primaries, was for all of America.
dthorny on June 21, 2011 at 12:16 PM
‘If the President Does It, That Means It’s Not Illegal’
iurockhead on June 21, 2011 at 12:18 PM
This man is a constitutional lawyer. How can you possibly doubt his expertise about the Constitution – or is it the Declaration of Independence?
Drained Brain on June 21, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Laws only count and matter if a Republican is involved. If a commie is involved, it’s ok…because it’s on principle, and what’s best for the country and it’s people.
capejasmine on June 21, 2011 at 12:19 PM
“He gonna pay mah mortgage!”Leave the man alone you racists!
Don L on June 21, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Oh COME ON NOW!! Next thing you’ll be telling me is its illegal for the President to bring in a foriegn dignitary to get a check from for his campaign … SHEESH!!!
/s
44Magnum on June 21, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Not yours. That was only if you supported him. You also have to put gas in your own car. Now get back to work. Those taxes ain’t paying themselves.
John Deaux on June 21, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Yeah. Boehner probably considered the ‘bad optics’ of that adventure, started weeping at the idea of missing a golf date and decided to go anyway.
Who represents us? Other than a handful of stalwarts like DeMint I see nothing but a bunch of self-serving, pansies in DC.
Cody1991 on June 21, 2011 at 12:25 PM
After 2 more fund raisers later this week, Obama will have been to 32…that’s right 32…..different fundraisers so far this year.
That breaks down to about 6 a month…about 1-2 a week…or one about every 5-6 days.
His goal is one billion…that’s with a B.
Sure shows where his priorities are don’t it?
tencole on June 21, 2011 at 12:27 PM
Of course he didn’t do this!
And Bill Ayers was just some random neighbor.
And Rev JJ Wright isn’t visiting the White House.
SouthernGent on June 21, 2011 at 12:27 PM
Well since it seems Obama is “one of the most media-beloved presidents in history”, per everyone’s favorite media shill, Meghan “THIGHS OF THUNDER!!!” McCain, perhaps he feels he is above the law here in these regards.
pilamaye on June 21, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Sure, why not. If he can walk guns to narco-terrorists to undermine the 2nd amendment, what’s a little illegal fundraising? I mean, how about some perspective!
rrpjr on June 21, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Because the DNC controls Obama and cant possibly expect an idiot to effectively raise money, with his horrid track record.
When you want to close business – you bring in closers, not a guy aiming for steak knives…
And color me surprised, but I am pretty sure the Clinton WH Room Rental Program broght in a few million or so…
Odie1941 on June 21, 2011 at 12:38 PM
A subtle reminder that you give payola or go out of business. I wonder if he had a Czar in the room.
pat on June 21, 2011 at 12:39 PM
Could someone photoshop a tip jar on the oval office desk with a sign saying “The Buck Stops Here.”
countrybumpkin on June 21, 2011 at 12:40 PM
This is a lawless Presidency and, as I predicted – the Republican House will do nothing at all to stop these violations because, after winning a historic election -we put a man in charge (Boehner) who helped oversee our collapse in 2008.
You cannot keep putting the same losing pitcher on the mound for the world series and expect to start winning. Sorry – it doesn’t work that way – you FIRE your losing pitcher and put a better pitcher in his place.
We have enough new Republicans in the House to drive the agenda – but they need a leader – not a guy who cries on television and then goes golfing with Obama.
This President has FAR EXCEEDED any Executive overreach that Bill Clinton ever even thought about. We impeached Bill Clinton for lying about sex to a grand jury.
This president has violated all kinds of laws – and not a single peep from the House that is of significance – only light protests and requests for the ONE to do things the right way.
The ONE doesn’t respond to light requests folks – sorry. The ONE responds to one thing only – POLITICAL FORCE.
HondaV65 on June 21, 2011 at 12:40 PM
I hope no bachmann supporters critizie Obama for doing the same thing she is doing. That would make them hypocrites if they did.
unseen on June 21, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Jokes on us.
Fallon on June 21, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Chicago politics.
KMC1 on June 21, 2011 at 12:43 PM
At this point, any expectation that Dear Liar and his regime would follow the law is quaint at best, and most likely delusional.
rbj on June 21, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Issa better order another plate, his first one is full…Obama is giving him an “all you can eat buffet”…
right2bright on June 21, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Leave it…your obsession is getting irritating…
right2bright on June 21, 2011 at 12:45 PM
From when his campaign cash register allowed anybody to donate from anywhere as many times as they felt like, any idea Obama might have the least bit of scruples concerning fund raising or anything else is pure naivete.
Speakup on June 21, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Yeah because we can call out Obama for using taxpayer funds for his campaign but let’s not call out Bachmann for the same thing. Because republicans I guess like to be hypocrites.
i on the other hand think both are slimey for doing this.
unseen on June 21, 2011 at 12:50 PM
What about the Obama campaign deliberately disabling the online donations check for overseas contributions? To this day we have no clue how many millions or tens of millions of dollars were contributed illegally — and nobody seems to care.
Face it, we’re screwed until Obama and the Democrats lose power. The press will protect them and the Dems will never do than a bit of controlled whining. The controlling legal authority (except for the SCOTUS)is totally corrupt.
Aardvark on June 21, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Political Punch reports today that Biden says the dinner with Obama being raffled off by his campaign is a dinner at the White House.
MayBee on June 21, 2011 at 12:51 PM
The left will now commence a rationalization in 4…3…2…1…
Opposite Day on June 21, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Sarah’s takin’ notes…
(As are the American people) :)
golfmann on June 21, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Inasmuch as this clown has been campaigning 24/7/365 for POTUS since he hit the U. S. senate (if not the Illinois senate), I think a paraphrase of two old adages provide the answer:
“Does the Pope crap in the woods?”
The War Planner on June 21, 2011 at 1:00 PM
..meaning, “abba-lutely!”
The War Planner on June 21, 2011 at 1:00 PM
Why hasn’t Rep. Issa held hearings on the possible NFL lockout? The Dems knew what was important when they were in charge./
Cindy Munford on June 21, 2011 at 1:05 PM
“…some people are more equal than others.”
DamnYankee on June 21, 2011 at 1:11 PM
The solution to this problem is simple. Just declare the Blue Room no longer part of the White House. This idea is in perfect harmony with the general policy of this administration to view the law not as “Law, Law” but only as one more obstacle to be overcome on the road to Utopia.
Fred 2 on June 21, 2011 at 1:13 PM
You mean he took time away from golfing and vacation to work?
search4truth on June 21, 2011 at 1:21 PM
If Al Gore did not get into trouble doing this why should Barry? Big Media did not bat an eye then and it will not now.
cyclown on June 21, 2011 at 1:22 PM
President George Costanza:
“Was that wrong? Should I not have done that?”
jnelchef on June 21, 2011 at 1:23 PM
He seems to have a lot on his plate with this transparently corrupt administration – maybe they need to appoint someone special to investigate and prosecute these matters, except I can’t remember what they call those people.
Perhaps when all is said and done they will need to set a whole new agency to investigate and prosecute this administration.
Chip on June 21, 2011 at 1:24 PM
Issa needs a bigger staff
gophergirl on June 21, 2011 at 1:25 PM
Hey, wait a minute…!
… It’s as if Obowma and his cronies think they are above the Law!
/
Seven Percent Solution on June 21, 2011 at 1:28 PM
Laws are only for WHITE people. There, I said it.
teacherman on June 21, 2011 at 1:41 PM
OUCH!
tencole on June 21, 2011 at 1:42 PM
Just words…
Knott Buyinit on June 21, 2011 at 1:48 PM
It’s “different”. Democrats due fund raising with “nuance”.
GarandFan on June 21, 2011 at 1:57 PM
Hey thats a Louis XVI quote right?
GOP better start enforcing some laws, because come lawlessness time, Robespierre may not be able to sort out the GOP from the Communists…just saying.
orbitalair on June 21, 2011 at 2:08 PM
If I Won doesn’t raise a cool billion for the election……
…..it proves that America is arrogant and racist.
/DNC Talking Point
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on June 21, 2011 at 2:12 PM
This is the least of the crimes of the jackass.
slickwillie2001 on June 21, 2011 at 2:12 PM
This sort of thing makes Tea Pot Dome scandal look like amateur hacks. What happens under the white house dome is far more dangerous and destructive. Anyone that things “Well, republicans do it too” should be dope slapped. In the end, it doesn’t matter if ‘they all do it’ or not, this is toxic to the republic. I’m not even sure anything can be done because the level of hypocrisy between both parties, the lack of anything resembling a justice department and the toothlessness of congressional hearings. But.. this is bad.
WashingtonsWake on June 21, 2011 at 2:17 PM
Can switching to GEICO really save you 15% on car insurance?
Now let’s see the commercial.
MikeA on June 21, 2011 at 2:34 PM
We need about 20 Darrell Issas with this administration.
disa on June 21, 2011 at 2:41 PM
Lies and corruption are indignant.
“Change”, you fools!
Schadenfreude on June 21, 2011 at 2:49 PM
.
‘Above the fray’.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYgoaRNN9c4
mrt721 on June 21, 2011 at 3:04 PM
The ONE is above trivialities like the Rule of Law.
WannabeAnglican on June 21, 2011 at 3:08 PM
Law, like truth, is relative to the libprogarxist. BO, and the rest of the democrats that support him, are disgusting to their relativistic cores!
ClanDerson on June 21, 2011 at 3:09 PM
Point: Nothing this bunch does surprises me…
Counterpoint: “No laws were broken. COUNT IT!”
/crr6
Khun Joe on June 21, 2011 at 3:45 PM
If the right can’t beat Obama, the left deserves to destroy the land.
The U.S.A., circa 2011.
Schadenfreude on June 21, 2011 at 4:13 PM
“Baby there’s a shakedown dead ahead…”
When we actually get rid of these guys from the White House once and for all, it is going to be twice as sweet if a real conservative takes his place.
Bonus points if it is Palin or Bachmann who sends him the eviction notice.
itzWicks on June 21, 2011 at 4:49 PM
is a pigs ass pork ?
ColdWarrior57 on June 21, 2011 at 8:33 PM
I believe that Clinton and Gore established during the 1996 election that fundraising from the WH or government office is just fine. As long at the people doing it are Democrats.
So Obama has precedent going for him.
schmuck281 on June 21, 2011 at 11:58 PM