The Cost of Obama's Inauguration

The AP and mainstream comedians are outraged at the rumored cost of the Obama inauguration bash that is coming up. Over at The Guardian, one author writes "Police State Inauguration for King Obama: Unprecedented Security & Cost for Obama's First Inauguration," and goes on to describe how "central Washington will be transformed into an armed camp next week." Opps, never mind, I got that wrong- that's how the media described Bush's 2nd inauguration. Sorry.

At least this CNN article rips Obama for the massive expense of his inauguration "Some critics have questioned spending millions on inauguration festivities in a time of war and after the collapse of the nations economy recently." Oh wait, never mind, again that's the media ripping into Bush. CNN's coverage of Obama's inauguration makes no mention of those who criticize the cost.

At least comedians, who never hold back from ripping politicians, are involved. I found a list of potential jokes they will be rolling out here. "President Obama is being criticized because his inaugural celebration cost $40 million. When asked about it, the president-elect said, 'Sorry, but my daughters insisted on free rap CD's'" Conan O'Brien joked. Just kidding- he would never make fun of Obama- the joke was about Bush and alcoholism, funny subjects both to O'Brien. Here is a good one Jay Leno- "There were a total of ten balls last night and President Obama went to all ten. He even went to the ball hosted by William Ayers, but no one recalls seeing him there"- just kidding, that was Leno ripping into Bush.

One more good one- "They say that the security arrangements for the up coming presidential inauguration will be the most extensive in history. And that's just to keep the Obama twins away from the crack" from Craig Ferguson. Again, just kidding, the real joke was about Bush and drinking, but for some reason joking about Bush's underage daughters drinking is funny, and implying that Obama's underage daughters might do drugs is just wrong. Must be due to the difference in age? It couldn't be due to race- Obama's election has saved us from that sin, and soon will save us from the sins of torture and global warming too.

Yeah, if my post today shocked you, here is the kicker- Obama's inauguration cost is estimated to reach $160 million. That is more than Bush's second inauguration. That is more than Bush's first one... more than Clinton's 2nd... more than Clinton's 1st... and more than H.W. Bush's... combined.