Richard Nixon was a president with many sins, yet he never solicited money for his library during his presidency. Because there are no reporting requirements, it is difficult to ascertain what other presidents have done. It is known that Bill Clinton began thinking seriously about his library while still in office. It is not difficult to understand why Hillary Clinton favors this law. Besides the fact it does not affect her husband, since he is out of office, it may quiet some of the controversy concerning her husband's actions.
Disclosure actually provides protection.
If two people are seen exchanging money in the shadows of a parking garage, they are presumed to be up to no good. Place the same two people in a crowded checkout line of a supermarket, performing the identical transaction, and no one suspects anything. The circumstances often suggest the misconduct. Politicians have learned that public disclosure can protect everyone. Targeting lobbyists Many of the persons who might lobby a president for a pardon cannot be forced to disclose their activities.