That's one thing I can agree on with President Obama. Corporations are not people. Shareholders and corporation officials already have Constitutionally protected free speech as individual citizens. Who wants Hugo Chavez having influence over American elections through Citgo? If I had been in the president's place I would have insulted the decision also.
I think the republic can withstand that. If a candidate can threaten to put an industry out of business(coal), they should be able to respond..