A Party for the People
Hidden in today's "Election Central Morning Round-Up" was this wonderful piece of news:
Obama Adds 'Neighborhood Ball' to Festivities. Of all the comments to this morning's Round-Up, not one TPM reader mentioned it. Over at HuffPo, however, many people wrote in some wonderful comments to the story, and I really enjoyed reading them today.
Some of my favorite comments:
"Wow. Every day, our new President shows the people that he thinks about us, and cares for us. What a change!" - thepoliticalcat
"The populace ball is a wonderful idea and indicative of Obama's commitment to serving the general public, not only the wealthiest few Americans and corporate interests.
But, after the party...
We need a single-payer health insurance system to be implemented immediately, we need to provide quality affordable education opportunities (free or low cost) for anyone who desires to attend college, we need to create a comprehensive social safety net that serves the poorest in our communities, we need to revisit our trade policies that reward corporations for shipping American jobs off-shore, we need to rebuild the nation's collapsing infrastructure, we need to restore our standing in the international community and restore reverence to the U.S. Constitution here at home.
That, and we need to prosecute Bush and Cheney for war crimes and treason." - Eres
"For those that are not in the know - the funds PE Obama raised for his inaugural events is paying for all of this. I don't know how much he raised but as evident during his campaign his supporters don't have a problem donating small amounts to make a big difference. I of which am one of them and if any of you attend I hope you have a blessed, peaceful time." - Hank10303
"Classy move. Period." - StillweRise
"No a Ball for those who have made it possible for him to be President of the United States. Something that has never been done before!" - ggmome
I am in agreement with all of the above comments. I think it's a wonderful gesture of inclusion that no other President has thought to make before.
Although I won't be able to go to the Inauguration after all, I have many friends who will be attending, and my ex-boyfriend Billy's father, being a Tuskegee Airman, is getting a ticket as well, so it's my hope that everyone who isn't invited to the Inaugural Ball will be able to attend this event instead. My best wishes to everyone who is able to go to DC this month -- please know that I and many others will be with you in spirit.
Obama Adds 'Neighborhood Ball' to Festivities. Of all the comments to this morning's Round-Up, not one TPM reader mentioned it. Over at HuffPo, however, many people wrote in some wonderful comments to the story, and I really enjoyed reading them today.
Some of my favorite comments:
"Wow. Every day, our new President shows the people that he thinks about us, and cares for us. What a change!" - thepoliticalcat
"The populace ball is a wonderful idea and indicative of Obama's commitment to serving the general public, not only the wealthiest few Americans and corporate interests.
But, after the party...
We need a single-payer health insurance system to be implemented immediately, we need to provide quality affordable education opportunities (free or low cost) for anyone who desires to attend college, we need to create a comprehensive social safety net that serves the poorest in our communities, we need to revisit our trade policies that reward corporations for shipping American jobs off-shore, we need to rebuild the nation's collapsing infrastructure, we need to restore our standing in the international community and restore reverence to the U.S. Constitution here at home.
That, and we need to prosecute Bush and Cheney for war crimes and treason." - Eres
"For those that are not in the know - the funds PE Obama raised for his inaugural events is paying for all of this. I don't know how much he raised but as evident during his campaign his supporters don't have a problem donating small amounts to make a big difference. I of which am one of them and if any of you attend I hope you have a blessed, peaceful time." - Hank10303
"Classy move. Period." - StillweRise
"No a Ball for those who have made it possible for him to be President of the United States. Something that has never been done before!" - ggmome
I am in agreement with all of the above comments. I think it's a wonderful gesture of inclusion that no other President has thought to make before.
Although I won't be able to go to the Inauguration after all, I have many friends who will be attending, and my ex-boyfriend Billy's father, being a Tuskegee Airman, is getting a ticket as well, so it's my hope that everyone who isn't invited to the Inaugural Ball will be able to attend this event instead. My best wishes to everyone who is able to go to DC this month -- please know that I and many others will be with you in spirit.
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LisB. The night has come. The work day is over.
And you are with us once again.
I feel bad you are not going. I thought, at least I would have a friend there.
But on your computer or your ipod or your special phone, we will watch it together.
I was so happy to see support from people like Barkley, Jordon, even Tiger (but I think any monies he sent in were on the sly) as well as the regular Hollywood Aristocrats.
Of the People, by the People and for the People.
I weep as I write this.
THERE IS HOPE.
January 5, 2009 6:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are such a sweetheart, dickday, you really are. But don't worry, we have friends from the chat who will be going and they will keep us all informed, they promised. :-D
I'll have to work that Tuesday but you can be sure that when I get home I'll be watching it on CSPAN and whatever channel will offer replays of the swearing in, etc. and you and I can chat and share youtube links. I'm sure many others will be happy to join us, too. It's going to be an awesome night of celebration.
January 5, 2009 6:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually there are many, many inaugural balls. At least there used to be. And I'm sure that kind of thing endures. (I'm going back to the 60's here, so if I'm wrong... I've been wrong for a long time!)
January 5, 2009 6:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hmm, in HuffPo it states: "President-Elect Obama is adding a "Neighborhood Ball" to the list of inaugural parties planned just over two weeks from now."
So you must be right, TheraP. I didn't realize there was usually more than one. But, still, the fact that he's planned it for people who normally couldn't attend the main ball is still a very sweet gesture, I think.
January 5, 2009 6:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely! I didn't mean to take away from the goodness of the people's party! I love the idea. :)
January 5, 2009 10:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
There are always *many* balls simultaneously (one guaranteed, for example, from the state the President is from). The President will not usually visit all of them (perhaps he will hit 8 or so).
http://www.inauguraltickets.com/balls.html
By the way, the BE THE CHANGE ball is being held in the Ronald Reagan building.
Presidential balls are like Oscar night parties -- there are definitely A-list balls and then the rest. What defines an A-list ball? The guests - and that includes a stop by from the First Couple.
Obama has once again shown his brilliance in image management -- there are so many newbies during this election that he can make it look like the traditions are new as well.
Why so many balls? Well, despite what they look like (a celebration) they are additional fundraisers!
January 5, 2009 8:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm going to be 6 hours off from you guys, but I'll be checking in! Can hardly wait! We may not be at the Ball, but we'll party like we are!
January 5, 2009 8:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'll get some blue Hawaiian Mix and stay up late with you.
(just not too late--we chickens are early risers)
January 5, 2009 10:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, chicken! I will look forward to it!
January 6, 2009 2:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
By the way, you can still get into the A-list balls.
All it takes is money.
January 5, 2009 8:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
There are many many balls and I see that Hawaii is having one for the first time. There are also lots of private parties. The balls are usually somewhat dismal affairs and I feel bad that the Obamas will have to drag themselves to at least 10 of them. Many are in the new convention center so they can knock off a few there. LisB, I am sorry you won't be coming to DC. I'll be there, I'm volunteering for the three days before and during the inauguration and if you need a place to stay, if that's the issue, let me know. Leave a note at lingr. The Obamas are all in DC today for good and there was a flurry of news about getting the girls to school today. The city already is electrified. VERY exciting. The viewing stands are up for the parade and we ARE READY FOR CHANGE. Two more weeks!!
January 5, 2009 9:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow! Thanks for checking in KateO! I hope you'll have rime for fun!
January 5, 2009 9:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, Kate!!! I wish I could be there but I have to put my job and my cat's health first. He still needs another vet visit, it looks like.
But I will enjoy watching it on TV and hearing first-hand reports from people like you who will be there. Please be sure to post about your experiences while volunteering, and YAY to you for doing that!!
January 5, 2009 10:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
KateO, you will report back, right?
January 5, 2009 10:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, I'm taking my camera and will report back. I still have no idea where they will put me, but I volunteered for Sunday-Tuesday so who knows. I might be helping seniors to the porta-potties or greeting people at the airport. They asked me if I had formal wear (hah! I said yes and can head to the consignment shop if need be). I really don't care where I get assigned, I'm just glad to be a part of it. LisB, take care of kitty. It really is exciting in DC now. Now that the Obamas are here, it actually feels real.
January 5, 2009 10:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is exciting, KateO. I can so picture it! I can imagine the feeling! We're all with you!
January 5, 2009 10:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm so excited for you I can hardly stand it...please do a real newsy post...we want lots of info! Have a blast for us!
January 6, 2009 2:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well, not exactly!
There's alot to question about Andrew Jackson's Presidency, but the sumbitch sure knew how to throw a party!
I've thought alot about Jackson's Inauguration as I've considered the one we are about to experience. I wish I could be there - even as a designated driver, if need be, or as a solid second for anyone should a lil' fisticuffs breaks out! ;O)
Happy Days Are Here Again!
January 6, 2009 7:44 AM | Reply | Permalink