Obama's Inauguration Fund-Raising Tops $24 Million

WASHINGTON -- President-elect Barack Obama has raised more than $24 million for his inauguration so far, much of it with single checks of $25,000 or $50,000 from executives from Silicon Valley, Wall Street and Hollywood as well as from former supporters of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The prominent donors include George Soros, the billionaire financier of liberal causes; the director Steven Spielberg; the actress Halle Berry; and Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of Motown Records.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[ThePeacemakers]

I imagine the event will employ a lot of people.
Also, the fundraising will offset cost to taxpayers (though not all of it).

[whatevahs]

And the people making those "donations" will all be expecting something later when they come calling with their hands out.
Mark my words!

[harriettubman]

Speilberg will go down in history with more then "great producer" on his epitaph. That man has done more for mankind then any other producer I can think of. He did The Color Purple, Amidstad, among other movies, plus donated millions to start the Holo*aust museum, which is absolutely historical, well organized and structured.

With today's economy though, I think Obama shouldn't go overboard with his inauguration. He's made history but who needs a $200,000,000 celebration?

[whatevahs]

yeah, I find it rather hypocritical that so many democrats are supportive of this overblown and overpriced inauguration after they criticized GW Bush for the price tags on both of his inaugurations. Of course the "argument" by the dems is that Obama deserves it because he's the first black president and blah, blah, blah...
But with the economy in the dumps like it is, couldn't that same $200 million be used to help out some hard working Americans who are facing evictions or loss of employment? How many sick people without health coverage could that money help?
I think we're getting a preview of the Obama presidency: lots of nice talk and rhetoric with no delivery!

[Gumby123]

Wow, alot of Big Media types putting some serious script!

[MurphySinlaw]

haley can be the
ambassador of
"hotness!"
m.

[hortonhearsawho2]

If she could see Alaska the GOP would call on her, betcha!

[banja]

I nominate Halle Berry for ambassador to France, give Carla Bruni a run for her money.

[bayside]

What a waste of money for one nights pleasure.. If is just like bush party.. I believe he should have some sort of party but this is not change..

[amistad]

Inagurations have been going on long before Obama was born, or Obama became President.
This is an hisoric event. Get over it.

[ResistanceisFutile]

Change, who needs any stinking change.

It is time to stop wasting resources on these self congratulatory events!

[hortonhearsawho2]

Hit that little color switch thingy on the tube...Vio­la, you will see the difference right away.

[westreal]

I love politically involved people.

[hortonhearsawho2]

i love her.

[Pulemerci]

Obama is the perfect example of the Golden Rule. Those who have the gold, rule. He spent over $750 million during his campaign for POTUS. That is a staggering amount of money and obliterates the previous record of fund raising of Bush and Kerry's $500 million COMBINED. Talk about change! To think that there's nothing left form that vast amount of money to have the innauguration is sad. Especially as many people are being laid off and businesses are closing. Don't get me wrong, of course he should have an innauguration, especially a historic time like this. But $25 million. Please. I'll be sending my donation to the Smile Train and the Fresh Air Fund.

[hortonhearsawho2]

using a bible as a mouse pad is just not right...

[Dave01]

It should be used more like a mouse trap.

[montecarlo408]

Send your money where you please, just like millions of people sent their money where they pleased-to Obama's campaign and inauguration. Funny, I didn't hear all of this uproar during the 1980 inauguration and the First Lady's subsequent spending extravaganza decorating the White House.

[amistad]

Jealous.

[LABC]

Oh look, it's a sore loser poster reunion - still think we care, huh?

[leeman79]

Halle is HOTT!

[banja]

I concur, very hot

[hortonhearsawho2]

I could see her in Russia...t­odd thinking to himself.

[rogerz]

It feels good scraping together what little cash I have and donating it so help Obama have a lavish party.I will think about it when I'm on my third shift.

[hortonhearsawho2]

the Shiftless beg to differ...

[leatherbunny]

Bless Steven Spielberg the best director of the free world, and all those who helped Elect Barack Obama as President. With the reminisce of Bush years, Obama will need all the support he can get.

[mergina]

What a SICKENING WASTE OF VAST SUMS OF WEALTH. How about this approach for a President. If you want to donate MILLION$ to see me take an oath of office, DON'T. Instead, DONATE IT TO CANCER RESEARCH or any number of OTHER FABULOUS AREAS DESPERATELY IN NEED OF DONATIONS, since GREED has everything priced out of control. This entire process really is SICKENING.

[leatherbunny]

Are you kidding? That is not a lot of money considering the cost for the damage control Bush has been doing over the last 8 years. What is it worth to you, mergina, 0$? Thanks for your support, perhaps try to make up what you didn't do by your actions moving forward with support for our new President. May your god bless you.

[hortonhearsawho2]

you shop at Saks...clo­thes come from there anyway, now you were saying.

[mergina]

Make sure you cuddle up to Warren that day, perhaps grease his palm with some of your $$$.

[hortonhearsawho2]

your not magical at all...