Inauguration weekend: Washington gets ready to party

CBS/iStockphoto

"I like a good party," President Obama insisted this week, defending his social relationships with members of Congress.

That said, the president argued that business ultimately gets done in Washington when the American people demand it. "And that will be true whether I'm the life of the party or a stick in the mud," he said.

That may in part explain why, at a time when Americans are expecting lawmakers to address serious issues like the debt ceiling and gun control, the Presidential Inaugural Committee is celebrating the president's second-term swearing in with just two official balls, compared to the 10 held in 2009. To be sure, those two parties will be impressive -- tens of thousands of people are expected to attend, and they may get a glimpse of the president as they elbow their way to the front of the bar.

• Obama to be sworn in with King, Lincoln Bibles
• Complete coverage: The 2013 inauguration

But for the Washingtonians who are serious about partying, there are more than 100 other events happening over inaugural weekend. These events aren't affiliated with the Presidential Inaugural Committee; independent groups are simply taking advantage of the celebratory weekend to party -- often with lawmakers. There are parties, balls, brunches and receptions planned for the weekend, where Obama administration officials, members of Congress and their staffers will mingle over cocktails with anyone who has the cash to get in.

Usually, the people willing to put up the cash for a swanky party have an agenda to push. And in spite of the president's lofty views of governance, many in Washington realize that having a party is a good way to win over lawmakers.

"It's a different way to get a message across -- with a drink in your hand, sitting in a nice setting -- as opposed to hammering things out over a table," said Doug Durante of the Clean Fuels Foundation. His organization is helping to organize the Environmental and Clean Energy Inaugural Ball, billed as a classy event where, for $200 a ticket, those interested in the environment and the clean energy industry can mingle with lawmakers while enjoying an open bar, a full dinner buffet and a live band.

"No one's really talking serious business, but the overall message is quite clear," Durante said. "It's got a different and to some degree lasting effect [than a business meeting] because it's a good time -- people don't remember bad meetings."

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[SUZAMBA]

The Obama's love the American Taxpayers, they get to party on our money!
They truly know how to spend money. And Obama just gave himself a boost by increasing it for the next three months! Perfect timing if you ask me.

[SeeBSnews4u]

As Jeep moves production to China. Remeber that politifact "lie of the year" for yahooos. Turns out to be true. And not one mention of this huh cbs...Great reporters you got there guys, keep up the good work. Bet you wont see this on ANY major network.

http://www.denverpost.com/recommended/ci_22381603

[stamicrach]

DITTO to everyone of the previous comments.!!!

These are the places where your entire government is bought- and- paid for.

Why do Americans allow this to continue.??

There should be a law that states "any politician who accepts money from any special interest group, Wall Street. big banks, big business etc. should be dismissed on the spot".!!

The law should state that the politicians can make decisions only with the salaries we pay them; with all outside contributions banned.

The working American has to work every day and conduct all their business with the money they EARN.!!

For the last four years; with all the bi-partisanship bickering and stonewalling, the Democrooks and the Repugnanticans haven't "EARNED" one red cent.

Beginning today; don't pay them for anything but the legislation passed that will benefit the US and the American people without any outside
contributions (BRIBES).!!!

[model67a]

Obama has been living the high life since 2008. He should be an expert at partying and playing golf. No wonder he is trying to run for a third term he hates to give up the good life. The rest of us starve and he has weekly parties at the white house with celebrity entertainers at out expense of course his backers don't care because they don't pay any taxes just take working people's money.

[easymoola]

'Usually, the people willing to put up the cash for a swanky party have an agenda to push. And in spite of the president's lofty views of governance, many in Washington realize that having a party is a good way to win over lawmakers'

No kidding! While the rest of the country is taking on the looks of a 3rd world country here we have the ultimate way of life-at the tax payers expense. For the Presidents fans, perhaps a crumb or two will fall your way.

[TJphoto]

"anyone who has the cash to get in". I love it when I hear any member of Congress (R or D) say they are not for sale. If this is true, then why is the Congressional cap on interest rates for credit cards set at 32%, and who in Congress wants to stand before the cameras and say that is right and just. Any takers? Oh I'm sorry, you're all partying this week.

[tsigili]

That's Obama's main reason to be President......to live high on the public's nickle.