History Revisited: Inauguration Costs

by Chris Jones on January 14, 2009 · 23 comments

08 01 17 money8 300x229 History Revisited: Inauguration Costs

Barack Obama’s inauguration will cost at least $130 million dollars making it by far the most expensive in American history. That doesn’t particularly bother me given the circumstances except for one thing — the hypocrisy of it all.

Liberals howled after Bush’s re-election in 2004. His inauguration cost was a record $55 million which is chump change compared to Barry’s. Salon.com argued that because of the unpopularity and cost of the Iraq war it was inappropriate to have such a lavish event.

I would argue that because the economy is on the brink of collapse and the country is dead broke, it seems more than a little inappropriate to spend more than $100 million dollars on a glitzy star studded inauguration.

-Chris Jones

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Tagged as: Barack Obama, George Bush, Hypocrisy, inauguration, liberal hypocrisy

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  • Paula

    I completely agree with Chris. I am completely appalled by the excessive spending on this event. Can anyone really remember any particular inauguration event over their lifetime? And why is this one costing about 3 times more than the last when the average American is tighting their belt until it hurts. Looks like Pres Obama is already letting the government run him.

  • Lori

    We have people who are losing their homes, can’t afford the meds or food, but yet they can spend this much money on one day’s events. But then again, if he was not allowed to spend what he wanted, the african american community would say it was because of he is color and we would be oppressing them once again. I am NOT in the least bit prejudice, I’m just tired of everything being a color issue.

  • Jack Ryan

    Funny how conservatives suddenly get worked up about spending after 8 years of pure fiscal irresponsibility and waste.

  • http://www.thehotjoints.com/ Chris Jones

    I’m not defending any of the fiscal mismanagement under Bush, I’m simply pointing out the hypocrisy on the left.

  • http://yahoo Ken Smith

    I just lost my job and am wondering which bills I should pay and which ones not to.My last check for 12 days included $455.60 in deductions for taxes and insurance.I wonder how many people could benefit with 150 million dollars.When I hear a candidate talk about ceasing the party’s and useless events then I’ll listen.Our country cannot sustain this kind of irresponsibility anymore.

  • Dave M

    once again, obama, shows just what kind of change is instore. this country is in dire crisis,Americans are losing their homes!,yet, the party goes on.Americans are losing their jobs!,yet the party goes on. americans are losing their lives, yet the party goes on! I’ve had it with the hypocrisy and irresponsibility from the very beginning! We see spending as if they are all in some kind of drugged stupor.wake the F**k up! yes, change is in store and this is just the beginning..God help us!

  • gman

    Go Obama!!!!!

  • Dan M

    Obama is the ultimate hypocrite. The country is in financial dire starights, yet he spends 3 times more than Bush on an inauguration party! That proves that he doesn’t really care about the American people. All he cares about is himself.

  • Momajo

    In these uncertain times when finances are the center of attention, it is a shame that the President Elect is spending such a phenominal amount on his inauguration. My husband’s business has hit rock bottom. His pay check for the past YEAR was less that $3,000!!! Yes, you read that correctly. Thankfully, I have a steady job and we’ve been able to survive. In the meantime, congress is bailing out the big boys who will use OUR tax dollars to take extravagant trips and pay their employees humongous bonuses. It’s the middle class, like us, who are suffering and we can’t even get a grant that we will gladly repay to help us through. And now, this man who promised “change” is doing just that….he is changing things by paying over three times what any other president has paid for his inauguration. How self-centered and arrogant can he be! I read in a well known publication that his spokesperson said that people of the US will not view these costs as expensive or extravagant….WRONG!! I read where he has raised enough to pay about a third of the costs, but what about the rest? That same spokesperson said the people will view this a celebration of common values…WRONG AGAIN! If this entire country agrees with his values, then may God have mercy on us.

  • KRowan

    I have no problem with EITHER party having a top-notch gala to celebrate. I live 70 miles from DC and all hotels and restaurants are booked solid so it is helping the economy in our area, definitely! The issue I have is WHO PAYS FOR IT. When I throw a party, it comes out of my own cash. And the president should have to pay for his own bash, too. Not to mention the Hollywood gangs that preach “giving”; they should be giving their entertainment for FREE. Funny how Obama said that people that were against more taxation were selfish. I think we are just tired of Washington partying at our own expense.
    He’s such a hypocrite!!!!!!!

  • http://flavcountry.blogspot.com Flavor Country

    Stop an do research before you post stories like this and find out the full numbers. Bush’s inauguration actually cost $157 million total. The forty five million was actually the private donations alone, not the government assistance and other funds that were used to fund it.

    http://mediamatters.org/items/200901180003?f=h_top

  • http://www.thehotjoints.com/ Chris Jones

    I have no problem with inauguration parties on either side. What I object to is the left making a big deal out of Bush’s $55 million dollar party, but celebrating Obama’s $170 million dollar party.

    This should be no surprise though considering Obama spent about $850+ million dollars to get elected.

  • Michael

    I’m wondering how much of the 130 million is spent on increased security? Because, sadly, he needs it. Please respond.

  • Jamale Ra’Mone

    The millions that he is spending is just to me. The money he is spending on security is well spent. There will be millions of people who need protection. The people who are traveling to come see this event will spend tons of money which will boost the DC economy. Yes this will cost a lot but I believe that it is well spent. Not because history is being made but because if we didn’t spend so much money lives would be in risk.

  • http://www.thehotjoints.com/ Chris Jones

    That’s a fair point. No doubt, the security costs are enormous and I’m the last person to call for less security.

    But again, It’s the hypocrisy that I can’t stand. Liberals thought Bush’s party was too expensive because they hated his guts.

  • Stacey Tillman

    These numbers are very misleading. The majority of the increased costs are related to security. This inauguration is expected to draw the largest crowds in history and safety is the most important factor. The Fed is paying 49 million with D.C., Maryland and Virginia expected to spend about 75 million combined. Bush’s inaugural cost the Fed,D.C., Maryland and Virginia 115.5 million. Considering the crowds are expected to be nearly four times as big, they’ve done a great job. The rest of the inaugural celebrations, including the balls and the celebration concert were paid for by private donations-not tax payer money. So where’s the outrageous extravagance?

  • http://Yahoo Jim

    While I’m in support of joining our country in celebrating a historic event such as the first African American to become President, there are several ways the cost of this event could easily be kept to one-tenth of what it normally costs for past and current events. Here is one for example: We live in a world of technology with the ability to broadcast this and any event around the world…why does it have to be outside? To minimize the security costs, it could take place in the Capital Rotunda or the White House; the world can still see and celebrate. Sure, its not as personal but our economic situation requires taxpayers to sacrefice, how about Washington? As for all the parties and balls, I agree with previous comments that the candidates should pay for those out of their own pockets. Political parties, elected official and voters are all guilty of this waste. If drastic steps aren’t taken to get rid of rediculous expenditures like this (and others) that our political leaders endorse, when will it all end??? When will the burden be lightened for the average taxpayer??? I for one am just thankful that I trust in the Lord who sets leaders in their positions and that it is the Lord who is truly in control of all things.

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  • Bridget

    Maybe if you did the proper research you would see that previous inaugurations did not report their full spending. Also, you did not mention that he raised a large sum of money in private funds. Maybe before you all start typing through your rears you should read more than one story.

  • Joe Vetori

    Wait… Fiscal irresponsibility on OUR part?! Even while the Reps controlled both legislative branches they didn’t DO ANYTHING! It’s the liberals that have been passing things willy-nilly! The Democrats have had congress for the last three years now! They’ve been raising taxes, min. wage, all that crud. Giving more of our money away to other countries, you name it. Fiscal irresponsibility my foot. Bush doesn’t even have the right to propose spending, you idiot. Only senators can do that, you dumb piece of crud.

  • Joe Vetori

    Bridget-

    Read what investigators are saying about how Obama is getting several hundred million dollars a month kick backed to him by chicago political machines and gangs. And investigative reports have also shown that the rumor “Oh most of his donations were under 200 dollars.” is not true. In fact sixty-five percent of Obama’s cash can’t be accounted for by donations or even LOBBYISTS at all! Golly… I wonder where it came from…

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