Yes, I donated to Obama, but I didn’t mean to

Two weeks ago, when I was at the Democratic convention in Charlotte, N.C., my wife called with a request. Three high school students from Italy were visiting, and they were fascinated by the presidential campaign; could I pick up some buttons or bumper stickers?

So I wandered across the convention center to the Obama-Biden Campaign Store and picked up an assortment of buttons. The bill came to $19.50. When the cashier asked for my name and address, I figured I was going on somebody’s mailing list.

The Italian kids were delighted by the tchotchkes. The button with Bo the presidential dog was a big hit; so was one with Michelle Obama, toned arms and all. They even liked the toothy-grinned Joe Biden button.

COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS: Obama vs. Romney

Then I noticed the fine print on the store receipt. “Your purchase of Obama campaign merchandise will be a contribution to Obama Victory Fund 2012, a joint fundraising committee,” it said. Uh-oh: The Times, like most newspapers, forbids its staff from donating to political campaigns. What to do?

I couldn’t send the buttons back; the Italian kids took them to Rome. So I sent a letter to the Obama Victory Fund, sternly informing them that my purchase was not intended to be a contribution. Then I bought exactly $19.50 worth of equally attractive tchotchkes from the Romney-Ryan campaign to even things out. Two wrongs don’t make a right, but at least I can’t be accused of tipping the balance in the electoral college.

I like to think this makes me like those big-time lobbyists who hedge their bets by donating to both sides.

PHOTOS: Obama on the campaign trail

Lesson learned: Always read the fine print. And next time you read a report that says the Obama campaign has collected $656 million from 3.1 million donors, please subtract $19.50 and one donor.

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