NRO's Jim Geraghty raises the question of whether Barack Obama filmed a video for his reelection campaign in the White House, which may possibly be a violation of federal election laws.(UPDATE: RCP's Alexis Simendinger reports that the White House disputes any inference of wrongdoing. A presidential spokesman said that the video does not constitute fundraising under the law, that portions of the White House can legally be used for that purpose anyway, and that previous presidents have done so. Simendinger's complete story is here.)
In the video, President Obama promotes a "Dinner With Barack" raffle. To participate in the contest you need to donate at least $5 to the president's re-election campaign and your name will be raffled off to enjoy a dinner with the President, airfare and accommodations included. In a new web video, Obama announced Vice President Joe Biden will also be attending the dinner.
There is one problem, however. This campaign ad was most likely recorded in the White House, which may have violated FEC campaign finance laws.
MAY being the operative word here. Personally, with Operation Gunwalker, Blagojevich being found guilty, other cronies getting busted I would do everything I could to be the paragon of rule keeping and virtue. Using the White House as your own personal promotion tool, while maybe not illegal is definitely an act that makes you seem elitist and out of touch. Last thing I would want, as Obama, to portray to the world. But maybe he really is that out of touch.