Obama flips on corporate cash for inauguration

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a reversal from four years ago, President Barack Obama will accept unlimited sums of corporate money to pay for his inauguration.

A spokeswoman for the Presidential Inaugural Committee said Friday that it will accept cash from companies and individuals to underwrite the costs of a weekend of festivities surrounding his second inauguration next month.

Money from lobbyists, political action committees or foreign donors will not be accepted.

Obama had banned corporate donors for his 2009 inauguration and for the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., last September. The move was designed to give the president's supporters ownership of the events.

The shift comes after the most expensive presidential campaign in history.

The inaugural committee says it will release the names of all donors.

[AOCGUY]

Personally I would be more than happy if the President was sworn in the Oval Office with a few family and friends in attendance. (I supose someone could video tape ithe proceedings on their cell phone and send it to the press) After that they could all head on down to the Olive Graden for a celebratory dinner. I will even toss in a $100 bucks or so for the wine. We don't need a stinkin parade and 5-10 balls.

[cliffndort]

Back in the old days, an Inauguration consisted of the President elect, placing his hand on a bible typically held by his wife, and swearing to uphold the constitution of the United States of America. A few pictures for the newspapers were taken, then maybe a nice dinner in the white house and a little dancing.

Now, an inauguration is more like a crowning of a king with the actual swearing in part almost meaningless. We have parades, multiple dinners and balls throughout DC, a huge celebration. The swearing in should be the most important, and the most solemn ritual followed. If any festivities want to be followed later, then the entire cost should be borne by the newly sworn in President. Fine if he million of dollars to fund the dinners, food, dancing, entertainment, gowns and tuxedos to be worn from private donors. Everyone thinks that this is OK. But don't forget, the president, his family, members of congress, high ranking people from other countries will also be attending these festivities. Who is paying for their time? We are.

[AOCGUY]

April 30, 1789 -- George Washington
•Oath of office taken out-of-doors.
•Set the precedent of kissing the Bible after the oath.
•Fireworks concluded the day's celebration, all of which was paid for by private citizens.


Hmmm . . . so back in what old days????

[diddy_back_again]

Pathetic president. Good thing Mitt wasn't elected, then CBS would actually be outraged at this.

[catmomtx]

Seems the only people outraged are Republicans who still seem to be having a hard time accepting that they lost!