Will Economy Tone Down the Inauguration?

Opulent or muted, Obama has chance to set tone for presidency

By the Associated Press

Posted Dec 7, 2008 4:22 PM CST

(AP) – Unemployment is on the rise. The stock market is in the tank. Is this any time for a party? For the sake of the masses expected for President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration, let's hope so. While Obama must be sensitive to the nation's time of war and recession, there's still reason to expect a rollicking time. "Americans are people who love to indulge," one expert says.

"We're mindful of the fact that people in this country are hurting," says a spokeswoman for the Presidential Inaugural Committee, which has disclosed few details. "On the other hand, we see this as a time for people to celebrate their shared aspirations and goals." Though never cheap—George W. Bush raised $42 million to finance his second inauguration—an inauguration helps set the tone for a presidency, says a political scholar.

Workers construct the inaugural platform at the west end of the Capitol in Washington in preparation for Barack Obama's presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

In this Jan. 20, 1981 file photo, President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, dance at an inaugural ball in Washington. Though costly, an inauguration can help set the tone for a presidency. (AP Photo/File)

With the Capitol in the background, a worker paints the center stand of the inaugural platform as preparation continues for Barack Obama's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

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Will Economy Tone Down the Inauguration?

Opulent or muted, Obama has chance to set tone for presidency

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Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

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Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

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At least 28 more plan to seek one

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Will Economy Tone Down the Inauguration?

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Barack Obama • inauguration • President Obama • Inauguration Day • Presidential Inaugural Committee

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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