Barack Obama:Spammer?

That’s what some of his supporters are saying. The President-Elect had the most successful online campaign in history, but now some on his mailing list are tiring of the emails they are getting. Most tout limited edition merchandise such as mugs, t-shirts, and calendars, or solicitations for contributions to the Democratic National Committee. Many consider this spam and want to know what Obama is going to do about it.

          Some civilian members of Obama’s network are more than a little annoyed by the continued requests for money and other assistance. In her article, “The Audacity of E-mail,” Dahlia Lithwick of Slate wrote, “I really am going to miss seeing ‘Barack Obama’ in my inbox three times a day. But … please stop e-mailing to ask for money. You’re president-elect now, Barack. Consider yourself cut-off.”

During his campaign he obtained over 13 million email addresses. Traditionally the President-Elect turns the mailing list over to the party, but this time the appropriateness of such a move is being questioned. 

          An alternative is to take the list into the White House. Then the president could ask supporters to pressure Congress on important bills, a strategy that most likely wouldn’t benefit the administration in its relations with lawmakers. There’s also an ownership question. Legally, the database belongs to the president-elect and his campaign. Using it in the White House would very likely make it government property.

Whatever the incoming President decides to do with his list, one thing is clear. The solicitations and ads for Obama products need to stop or be at least be carefully reviewed. Many people who supported Obama in the election don’t necessarily support the DNC and the come ons asking for donations are bound to do little more than annoy. And with the grim economy is touting $35 hats and $25 mugs really smart? Having a mailing list of 13 million can be an invaluable asset-but only if those addresses are respected and not abused.