The mere possibility might be enough to ensure co-operation. Warrant-less wiretapping for example. I'd wager the president could direct the telecoms to do thi

The mere possibility might be enough to ensure co-operation. Warrant-less wiretapping for example. I'd wager the president could direct the telecoms to do this without any kind of legal device and they would capitulate. See telecom immunity, for example: http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-02-27/bay-area/17190307_1_obama-s-justice-department-wiretap-program-immunity http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-02-27/bay-area/17190307_1_ob... This is such a bad precedent. It's an uncontested executive power grab.