GOP: "Bawwwwwwwwwww."
This is like a bully whining and crying foul after his victim had enough and slugged him in the jaw.
Normally, I would think this is a pretty shitty and underhanded move from Obama,
but given the circumstances, I think it is perfectly excusable. It's not okay to do something
just because "the other guy did it to me too", but you have a valid reason when that person is purposely obstructing everything you do to sabotage your career. It's kind of like how shooting someone is okay if they hold a gun to your head; it's "self-defense" so to speak. It has been known since day one that the Republicans are playing politics and strategically blocking anything Obama does to ruin his chances of re-election, and this is not just speculation on my part: they've even more or less
said that was their plan. If the other side doesn't want to play nice and be reasonable, then you have to stoop to their level to get anything done and prevent them from running all over you.
Either way, this was perfectly legal and within his power, AFAIK (though someone correct me if I am wrong). Still, rules and laws are not made to be mindlessly followed, but rather to ensure justice and fairness. Breaking them is sometimes not only justified, but it is also the right thing to do (e.g. the Civil Rights movement, which would have gotten nowhere by "following the rules").