The intentions of well-meaning activists aside, this is what campaign finance laws are really about:

Linda Bean, who owns a chunk of the closely-held maker of clothing and outdoor recreational goods, is a longtime political donor who twice ran unsuccessfully for Congress as a Republican. She contributed $60,000 to the Making America Great Again, according to the Federal Election Commission. The agency said in a letter dated Jan. 4 that her contribution exceeded the individual donor limit of $5,000, according to the Associated Press.

After news of the donation emerged, anti-Trump group Grab Your Wallet called for a boycott of L.L. Bean’s products. Founded last October, Grab Your Wallet publishes a list of companies and individuals who support Trump and urges consumers to punish them by withholding their cash.

Progressives want to be able to punish people and teach those who might disagree with them to keep their heads down, their mouths shut, and their wallets closed.  And for those keeping a “why Trump won” file, this is has to be a big piece:

President-elect Donald Trump is urging people to buy L.L. Bean as the company faces calls for a boycott because of a family member’s donations to his candidacy.

Linda Bean, a granddaughter of the outdoors retailer’s founder, called the backlash “bullying” and “un-American” during Thursday morning interviews on Fox’s news and business channels and vowed that she would not step down from the company’s board of directors.

Trump gives the sense that he is with those who are with him.  Not only will he hit back in defense of himself, but he’ll use his platform to help those who are targeted for supporting him.

I think this is key for conservatives’ changing attitude toward him.  As Trump brings on conservative cabinet members and agrees with conservatives in Congress to start moving conservative policies, the umbrella for being on the same team will expand, and the Right will finally have people at the top who don’t rush for the smelling salts every time the Left fakes a fainting spell.

Many Americans were beginning to feel under siege, as if there was no defense against the bullies.  Our champions, such as they were, either capitulated or took the high road, which was fine for them but left us defenseless.

I remain uncomfortable with Trump’s style of leadership, but having somebody who seems to relish the attacks as he charges through them has a definite appeal.