That's a lot of balloons
Sat Jan 17, 9:18 pm ET
AP

As the recession continues to wreak havoc on the U.S. economy and inauguration celebrations ramp up, a lot of people are asking: "How much will this shindig cost?"

The short answer? More than $150 million — and yep, that's the most expensive ever. (By comparison, George W. Bush's 2005 inauguration cost $42.3 million. Bill Clinton managed with $33 million in 1993.)

For the first time, President Bush has declared an emergency in Washington, D.C. to supplement the $15 million Congress has already allotted for security measures. It's no surprise that security costs are sky-high — Barack Obama received Secret Service protection very early in his presidential run and record crowds (likely anywhere from 1.5 to 3 million people) are expected for the record number of events. In fact, the Secret Service will be in charge of security not just for inauguration day, but for four days, starting Saturday with Obama's train ride from Philadelphia. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told the AP:
"It will be the most security, as far as I'm aware, that any inauguration's had."

Obama's much-discussed (and very cool-looking) custom Cadillac limo certainly couldn't come cheap, though we'll never really know how much it cost. Cadillac spokesman David Caldwell said the car's exact specifications are a big secret, including the safety features and production cost.

But Forbes reports it's not all flak jackets and armored cars:
To manage an event of this scale, the District of Columbia will spend a mammoth $47 million. It is not enough.... Much of the $45 million will go toward creating a dynamic Inauguration experience for the everyday visitor, not just funding exclusive events. "We don't even consider these events to be extravagant," says Linda Douglas, a spokeswoman from the Presidential Inauguration Committee. "With crowds of this size, most of our attention is being devoted to opening up as many events to the public."

The good news for taxpayers: Inaugural celebrations are paid for by the inaugural committee — and Obama has, once again, been a very successful fundraiser — at least $35 million by recent counts. Carole Florman, spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, told the New York Daily News:
"We're always very budget conscious. But we're sending a message to the entire world about our peaceful transition of power, and you don't want it to look like a schlock affair. It needs to be appropriate to the magnitude of events that it is."

And if you're eager to whoop it up in the same sassy fashion as our government, Washington hotels have come up with tons of ways for you to spend your money. The Washingtonian has made a list of some of the best ... and worst.

"Most unusual item in a hotel package: Round-trip airfare and hotel for four in St. Petersburg, Russia, part of the Omni Shoreham’s Live Like a President package—the trip is aimed at gaining “foreign-policy experience.” The $440,000 package also includes an in-suite dinner with entertainer Mark Russell.

Most controversial item: A puppy—in honor of Obama’s promise to get his daughters a dog — was originally part of the package deal at the Omni Shoreham but was dropped when the hotel caught heat from animal lovers. Instead, the hotel will make a donation to the Washington Humane Society."
So don't feel bad if you're sitting on the couch watching the historic festivities from home — at least you'll be saving some pennies.

This must be the "Change" that they voted fpr.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

Better check the cost figures . . . there's a substantial lack of basis, but when has that ever stopped the media?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/us/politics/06donors.html

BTW, the Bush 2004 inauguration, total cost, was well over $100M.

http://mediamatters.org/items/200901180003

Not according to the AP article above: "The short answer? More than $150 million — and yep, that's the most expensive ever. (By comparison, George W. Bush's 2005 inauguration cost $42.3 million. Bill Clinton managed with $33 million in 1993.)"

I'll take AP over Medimatters every time, no question.

Besides, WGAS how much they spend in self-glorification? It informs the electorate concerning the priorities of the elected. That's a good thing.

B

one would think, considering the very powerful and promising language of this man, that Hillary and Mrs. Obama would cater the party and all the delegates / cabinet members / family, friends and fans would be invited to Senator Obama's house.. or at least his local town hall.

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Bot, isn't the AP article leaving out some facts, like the one about the $42M GWB figure not including the $100K of other expenses that the AP is counting for the $150M guess it's making?

I suppose those who would complain about this (and I'll admit, it's a piece of change all right) are going to next bemoan the large amount of monies devoted each year to the absolutely necessary NASCAR machine and its many auxiliaries. But that's private money, eh? Hey, it all comes out of our economy somehow, and plenty of people are champing at the bit to make this inaugural a big one.

It's already a hit for me, just hearing Pete Seeger and Springsteen on stage singing "This land is Your Land." I mean, who'd a thought -- stalwart red commie Seeger singing at a presidential inaugural event.

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Dunno how or whence their figures. They could be wrong.

My impression of AP is greater factual reliability than the entity called, "mediamatters". Medimatters is a leftwing Limbaughesque group focused on media. It's virtual trash. That is, trash for wrapping fish guts in, if it were paper. IMO.

Does the gov subsidize NASCAR? Does NASCAR represent a vital constitutional office? If it does then I'm with you?

Don't expect that question to be as rhetorical as you think it should be.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

NASCAR is entertainment for the masses. All sorts of events have been gov. sponsored over the years, involving presenting our dear leader for the entertainment of the masses.

The fuel that NASCAR burns in the coliseum for really high quality entertainment is secured with the muscle of taxpayer funded military adventures.

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Not to mention direct sponsor costs.
Let's see. There's the ARMY car (Ryan Newman) , the NATIONAL GUARD car (Dale Jr.), the Air Force car. (Reed Sorensen). What happened to the Navy. They used to have a car in the "Saturday series".
Guess they figure it's good for recruiting to have Dale Earnhart Jr. showing the US Army logo to millions of folks every week. Priceless advertising.

NASCAR track owners did get breaks and incentives in a budget bill last year.

That's about what I thought. I knew about the Army car (how could one not see that?). Didn't know about NG. Figured the local gov probably subsidizes some of the construction or gives tax breaks.

Yet another reason to vote the bastards out.

NOT an excuse for yet another prima donna to spend tax dollars on his own self-glorification.

B

Unlike previous inaugural committees, the 2009 Presidetial Inaugural Committee does not accept contributions from corporations, political action committees, labor unions, current federally-registered lobbyists, non-U.S. citizens and registered foreign agents and does not accept individual contributions in excess of $50,000.

Donations are not tax deductible.

Compared with the 2005 Coroprate Sponsorship Bash