Paul Krugman in his January 16 New York Times column sheds light on this vital question, stating:

"About Mr. Obama, while it's probably in his short term interest to forgive and forget, next week he's going to swear to 'preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.'  That's not a conditional oath to be honored only when it's convenient.

"And to protect and defend the Constitution, a president must do more than obey the Constitution himself, he must hold those who violate the Constitution accountable.  So Mr. Obama should reconsider his apparent decision to let the previous administration get away with crime.

"Consequences aside, that's not a decision he has the right to make."