Jan 20, 2009 10:18am
Mrs. Obama Comes Bearing Gifts
EmailOne reason Michelle Obama might be so popular at the White House coffee this morning is that she brought gifts.
From ABC’s Sunlen Miller: "Upon arriving at the White House, this morning Michelle Obama presented Mrs. Bush with a gift. It was a pen and journal for her memoirs."
The thing is, we all know what the gift is now, but Mrs. Bush might not! The eagle-eyed Ann Compton reports:
"Laura took the box inside but didnt open it … she could be seen as she handed it to an aide." Gosh I hope she doesn’t re-gift, because that would be embarassing! Our DC crew reports that the gift appeared to come in a bag from the "Tiny Jewel Box," a tony store in Washington.
White House Blinks Amid Catholic Church Anger? 
Navy SEAL Commander Advised: Get the Hell Out of the Media
Subject: why are we spending so much money on this Inauguration?
Importance: High
Why are spending so much money on this Inauguration, this is the most money we have ever spent! When our economy is in a recession, borderline depression. When the government has to lend money to banks and car manufacturers, etc…When it is clear that we should be spending less..seems to me that Obama is not to a great start.. What government Einsteins decided, lets spend more money, and take more money from the working people, they can pay it back.
They (the government) act like they have a revolving credit card, spend, spend, spend… we can always pay it back later…actually the tax payers can.
Do you know how much money we are spending just on 5,000.00 porter pottys!!!! That’s right tax payers money straight to the crapper.. Obama way to bless America.. We wanted Change right!
Sincerely,
Cruz Family in Florida
Posted by: Melissa Cruz | January 20, 2009, 10:23 am 10:23 am
Melissa – Importance: High???
Don’t really know how blog comments work, do you?? Just full of yourself, aren’t you? Love to see your name in print??
Give it a rest.
Posted by: Sunil | January 20, 2009, 10:33 am 10:33 am
“They (the government) act like they have a revolving credit card, spend, spend, spend… we can always pay it back later…actually the tax payers can.”
Enjoy your share of the ever growing “National Debt”. They most certainly are!!
Posted by: fool's gold | January 20, 2009, 10:35 am 10:35 am
I would have to say that I agree with you Sunil, but I also realize some people are just never happy with themselves or for others. I am not gonna let those people win. Enjoy this day for what it means, whatever that may be.
Posted by: KayCee | January 20, 2009, 10:39 am 10:39 am
Bush spent 2x as much on his inauguration as has Obama. Check your facts.
Posted by: zbo | January 20, 2009, 10:44 am 10:44 am
There is one thing that you along with the whole world needs to celebrate–the peaceful transfer of power honestly acquired from the people. Complaining about money spent on this Inauguration, porta-potties included, is comparable to complaining that you are in good health. We are blessed today! Offer up a prayer of thanksgiving rather than petty observations and complaints.
J.S.
Posted by: J. Simmons | January 20, 2009, 10:44 am 10:44 am
I agree with Cruz. Most of us are without a job and most of us know the condition of the economy and look at all of the money that is being spent today. With our country in the shape it is today could this day been scaled back. If our new President really wanted change I agree with you he is not getting off to a great start. The Americans need that money to eat and keep warm while the fat cats in Washington are getting fatter and having one great party today. I wish I could afford to have a party! So great statement Cruz family!
Posted by: Depress American | January 20, 2009, 10:47 am 10:47 am
And the biggest spending took place the last 8 years. We had a surplus! Why all the whining about the cost of this Inauguration, when the majority of the money was raised by private donations, I donated! Why not whine about the fact that we are in this mess because of the last 8 yrs! Give it a rest, we have a new President, today we celebrate!
Posted by: try the truth | January 20, 2009, 10:47 am 10:47 am
A face in the Dark
Alight in darkness a face I can see.
He offers up hope for you and for me.
Proclaiming tis time we plant a seed.
In a garden devoid of bias and greed.
Together we join with one common soul. Unite all as one
to reach for a goal. A man he is made of flesh and bone.
Speaking words to be etched in stone. Reminding us all
that we can believe. Leaders that build, not just deceive.
Inspiring youth a new world to build.
Devoid of limits the past has instilled.
Ray of hope from mountain and range.
Promising hope for a future of change.
Leading us on a path paved with hope.
For our country to unite and cope.
Burden of power will prove his worth.
Words to be tested by deeds on earth.
Given the roots of greed all in power.
His seed we must guard hour by hour.
A voice speaks to leave us his mark.
Wise and inspired, a face in the dark.
Posted by: cjvwise1 | January 20, 2009, 10:54 am 10:54 am
A face in the Dark
Alight in darkness a face I can see.
He offers up hope for you and for me.
Proclaiming tis time we plant a seed.
In a garden devoid of bias and greed.
Together we join with one common soul. Unite all as one
to reach for a goal. A man he is made of flesh and bone.
Speaking words to be etched in stone. Reminding us all
that we can believe. Leaders that build, not just deceive.
Inspiring youth a new world to build.
Devoid of limits the past has instilled.
Ray of hope from mountain and range.
Promising hope for a future of change.
Leading us on a path paved with hope.
For our country to unite and cope.
Burden of power will prove his worth.
Words to be tested by deeds on earth.
Given the roots of greed all in power.
His seed we must guard hour by hour.
A voice speaks to leave us his mark.
Wise and inspired, a face in the dark.
Posted by: cjvwise1 | January 20, 2009, 10:57 am 10:57 am
I feel this is a day to celebrate, who cares the cost, if Washington didn’t spend the money on this, it would be something else. Besides donations were made for this event long ago. Our country needs a celebration in the middle of this dark time economically speeking, we need a little celebration, to helpt lift our eyes to the brighter days of change. So, everyone, look ahead to the future, to the change, and to the hope Obama brings, leave the negative stuff behind.
Posted by: RMOONCAT | January 20, 2009, 11:08 am 11:08 am
I agree with you completely Melissa Cruz. Because the people that are not working or actually working at a minimum wage don’t care because it really does not affect them for those who work hard for their money and are still paying school loans because they wanted a job that pays. But I didn’t think of it as to yea I want a future for my kids and will go to school for a good paying job to just have my taxes taken from me to support those that do not want to work and like you said $5,000 toilets. This is the change we are getting that those that voted for this president wanted! Once they are elected you really see the true person!
Posted by: Basia | January 20, 2009, 11:23 am 11:23 am
FYI, it was reported in the news this morning that the majority of the costs are being paid for by rich donors. It is not coming out of the Treasury. So relax, it is not coming from money that could be used to bail anyone out…, unless, of course, the rich people would like to engage in bail-out philantropy.
mf
Posted by: mf | January 20, 2009, 11:31 am 11:31 am
First of all this mess we are in was not started because of Bush. It had started with Clinton. Bush came into presidency in a recession as well. For those who are trying to blaim this on our last president “GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT”. Watch in the next year or even two how bad it is going to get. And what is funny is the Mrs.’ comment on how she is finally proud to be an american. I voted for the one that actually was in the service who was fighting for our country fighting for the Americans that are proud to be here.
Posted by: Basia | January 20, 2009, 11:31 am 11:31 am
FYI…The money from the treasury is going toward paying for some rich guy to put his kid in Summer Camp!
But our money is going toward what it really is supposed to right!!!
These idiots make me laugh!
Posted by: Basia | January 20, 2009, 11:34 am 11:34 am
THIS IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE INAUGRATION IN HISTORY! MORE THAN BUSH EVER SPENT!
Posted by: jaon | January 20, 2009, 11:37 am 11:37 am
It is sad that people are so jealous or petty that they look for flaws before there are any. This is a very special day, and as said by many, alot of the money for this event was raised. If you are complaining about the economy you need to look at the president that is leaving. Obama should not be persecuted for today’s celebration. I am sure all these people whining cannot come up with solutions to fix the economy. After today Obama has four years to fix the mess that Bush has placed us in for the past eight years. He should at least have a day of celebration because he has a very long and hard road ahead of him to find solutions. So to all the complainers-maybe that is why you are unemployed, you spend to much time whining and not looking
Posted by: Sweets | January 20, 2009, 11:39 am 11:39 am
whether we like it or not Mr. Obama is our new President! Let’s sit back and watch and pray that this will be the “Change” we are hoping for.
Posted by: Philip | January 20, 2009, 11:41 am 11:41 am
This has to be the worse feed!!!! It keeps freezing and when I try to get back on, I have to watch that damn Audi commerical. At least Audi, it getting something out of this
Posted by: Norn | January 20, 2009, 11:46 am 11:46 am
The bailout money the government is giving banks, AIG and possibly the automakers is obscene. It would be far better to give every citizen over the age of 25 $500,000.00. That would certainly stimulate the economy and it would save millions from losing their homes. The U.S. is in for a rough ride economically regardless of who is getting inaugurated this morning. Although my candidate lost the election, I wish Obama well and will be praying for him.
Posted by: Dee | January 20, 2009, 11:50 am 11:50 am
This is what is wrong with our country. Can’t we all begin anew with a true sense of purpose. It is time for all of us to again “be our brother’s keeper”. Let’s work together to make this a country of people who care! If you are not part of the change you will be part of the problem!
Posted by: Becka | January 20, 2009, 11:52 am 11:52 am
I think there are two sides to this coin. I mean if you really think about it, people are making money with all the business booming in DC today. There are two million people there and you don’t think they’re pushing money through the economy as we speak? But of course we are in a troubled time and the economy is hurting so I do see both sides. We should concentrate on the meaning of today and the new freedom we really have in front of us. Because in all reality what is unattainable now? Lets stand a proud people today as Americans and enjoy the fine face of our accomplishments!
Posted by: Kat | January 20, 2009, 11:53 am 11:53 am
Stop the complaints!!! Be happy and encouraged for CHANGE Today is a new day The Obama’s are a blessed family
and he rasied alot of money for this day. This is his day and he going to make the next 8yrs our best years be patient and know that a CHANGE has come what ever you want in life now is the time to go get it. If you don’t have a job apply for one its not his fault your not working lets not play the blame game we are all in the same situation but we don’t have to stay there thats the most important part “we fall down but we get up” be blessed and trust God for he knows our needs be and stay POSITIVE Good things hapeen for happy people CHANGE starts with SELF the power is in you….
ME
Posted by: Mechiel | January 20, 2009, 11:53 am 11:53 am
The Porta Potties that cost $5,000 are for you Melissa, and any other person who may show up. And I welcome the wealthy contributions to help our nation celebrate. The people who are complaining obviously didn’t vote for Barack to begin with. So I say those people need to turn off the TV and not watch. They can save money that way. Quit feeling sorry for yourself Melissa Cruz. If you had a more positive attitude, you might get farther in life.
Posted by: kathy | January 20, 2009, 11:54 am 11:54 am
This is a day in history…never before has the US elected a less-experienced Pres.
Posted by: Ken Mueller | January 20, 2009, 11:55 am 11:55 am
Careful, you’ll need a mop for all that gushing!
Posted by: Bill | January 20, 2009, 11:58 am 11:58 am
Obama is not my president. Never will be. Get ready for 4 years of what you did to Bush. Obama=Hitler.
Posted by: Hugh | January 20, 2009, 11:59 am 11:59 am
That’s a pretty dumb comment, Cruz. Are the 600,000+ people who will be there tonight supposed to use the reflecting pool as a toilet?
Posted by: MV | January 20, 2009, 12:02 pm 12:02 pm
..this is to Melissa, Sunil, Norm, and all those who think they ahve the ‘right’ to criticize someone else opinion…. melissa you really do not have a clue… and Sunil maybe you should file the required 1040NR instead of funneling money back to your homeland and just in case you do not know htat is called tax invasion and you could be jailed and hten deported so I think yor comment is warranted in any forum. And for the rest of you and your comments on the economy and who spending what… where is your voice or your blogs when the ‘boys’ on Wall Street are living life as usually and the ‘girls’ are retaliated against for having such a life… where is the equality? I do not appreciate the advertent racial overtures by teh Afrcian American AKA black community.. the time for change has come… it is time you earn a living instead of expecting a hand-out… welfare or AFDC is meant as a hand-up not a legacy to leave to your children… change has come the African American AKA black community is NO LONGER a minority and your success wil be individual not collectively… Enjoy your journey!
Posted by: Sick N Tired | January 20, 2009, 12:04 pm 12:04 pm
Hey Hugh,
Whether you like it or not he is your president if not then get the heck out. I never liked Bush but have two family members in Iraq and would never say that! SHAME ON YOU!!!
Posted by: Kat | January 20, 2009, 12:06 pm 12:06 pm
I voted for Obama, but I still wish politicians wouldn’t spend so much money to run for office or for any inauguration especially at a time when Americans are suffering so much. I hope the celebrities invited to perform, volunteered their time and aren’t getting paid. I can’t immagine how much they charge to sing.
It is still inspiring to watch, however and I hope our nation can come together, both republicans and democrats and stop being so divisive.
Posted by: mia | January 20, 2009, 12:07 pm 12:07 pm
This is really amazing, we’re watching this after exams at school. WOO OBAMA is now on the us website as the new president of the United STates of america the crowd is going insane!!
-M
Posted by: Moses Laporte | January 20, 2009, 12:08 pm 12:08 pm
@zbo
YOU get your facts straight you moron, Bush spent 40M B Hussein spen 150M AND in a recession.
Posted by: ks | January 20, 2009, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
Okay, you want facts? I’ll give you facts. Fact: The cost of the last inauguration was 43 million compared to this spectacle at 150 million. Of this 150 million, only about 45 million has been “raised”. The other 105 million is your taxpayer money. Fact: Our economy is in the tank because of the Democrats holding power since 2006. The Republicans tried in vain to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but the Democrats shot them down. So before you go spouting off about “facts”, make sure you really know what they are.
Posted by: Sherri | January 20, 2009, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
I can’t wait for the promises to stop and for them to actually be fulfilled. This will be an interesting ride.
Posted by: sara | January 20, 2009, 12:14 pm 12:14 pm
If people would check their facts…Bush did spend $40M and Obama is expected to spend $150M. His campaign is footing the bill for @$41M. It still leaves $100M to the taxpayers. I’m all for the President of the U.S. to celebrate with the PEOPLE the new administration and all, but $150M is a little extravagant. Sorry, I think it is…
Posted by: Darlene | January 20, 2009, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
The title says Laura gave Michelle a gift???
Posted by: Becky Haselton | January 20, 2009, 12:18 pm 12:18 pm
Mrs. Bush has received thousands of gifts as First Lady. And as she is required by law for all previous gifts, she cannot keep or use it personally. It must be logged, cataloged and kept in a library, never to be actually used by Mrs. Bush. If Mrs. Obama wanted to give her a true gift, she could have sent it to her on Wednesday.
Posted by: Barnone | January 20, 2009, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm
Im not a democrat, but my understanding from a very credible source is that washington is picking up the tab for the security detail, but the rest is actually being funded by private donations, among them the Obama campaign fund, the democratic party and ticket sales, as well as celebrity donations. Yeah, its $150M, but we’re not picking up the whole tab.
The man can definitely drum up some money, might as well use it.
Posted by: Kenji | January 20, 2009, 12:26 pm 12:26 pm
The date of 1/20/09 will be forever known as the day that an inexperianced flake, who associates with convicted terrorists, assumed power of the United States of America.
Posted by: Lola | January 20, 2009, 12:28 pm 12:28 pm
We are spending so much money to protect the people’s choice which after all democracy is all about. The people chose Obama and we all know about the KKK whack jobs want to do to the new president. I think anyone that asks why we are spending so much money has an another motive for asking such an idiotic question. Basically we would look very stupid if we spend all these hundreds of billions to install democracy in Iraq but cant protect our own.
Posted by: Bill Wilson | January 20, 2009, 12:37 pm 12:37 pm
Taxpayers are paying for the majority of this celebration. President Obama is
entitled to a celebration, but this is not the time for extravagance. When today is over those that are struggling to keep their heads above water(White and African American)Nothing will have changed in their lives. I am also tired of Only African Americans depicted through the media as going through tough times. It is the same for all races.
Posted by: Kathleen | January 20, 2009, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
Melissa Cruz & jaon : I agree you that
THIS IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE INAUGRATION IN HISTORY.Obama & DNC have already failed to show “a small Government with effective work” during Obama’s the campaign. Also I’d like to pinpoint that
Michelle Obama was wearing a sparkling gold sheath dress with matching coat by Cuban-born American designer Isabel Toledo. Why first lady of USA, Michelle Obama didn’t choose the dress by few millions native-born American’s designer in the inauguration ????? It’s unacceptable for American.
Posted by: DNC must be changed. | January 20, 2009, 1:02 pm 1:02 pm
But how many of the unemployed were given temporary work and an income to set up the stages and the events that happened or are happening right now. The government may be spending a lot of money on the inauguration, but some people don’t have to collect unemployment or worry about paying their mortgage this month because of it.
Posted by: julie | January 20, 2009, 1:09 pm 1:09 pm
RESPONSE TO THE CRUZ FAMILY IN FLORIDA
ITS PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT JUST WON’T SAY NOTHING GOOD ABOUT ANYTHING. SURE THE COUNTRY IS IN A RECESSION, BUT ITS NOT OBAMA’S FAULT. IT’S NOW HIS INHERITED PROBLEM THOUGH. IT’S GOOD TO KNOW SOME PEOPLE STILL APPRECIATE HISTORY. STOP COMPLAINING AND ENJOY WHAT IS TAKING PLACE TODAY: HISTORY!!!!!!!!
Posted by: WALKERS | January 20, 2009, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
WHO CARES WHO DESIGNED MICHELLE’S DRESS. SHE HAD TO PAY FOR IT WITH HER MONEY NOT THE GOVERNMENT. SOME PEOPLE FIND THE MOST PETTY THING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. COMPLAIN ABOUT THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS THE BUST SPEND ON THE WAR TO FIND WEAPONS THAT DID NOT EXIST. COMPLAIN ABOUT THE LIVES OF SOLDIERS THAT WERE LOST BECAUSE BUSH MADE A MISTAKE THAT HE HAS YET TO ACKNOWLEDGE. THERE WERE NO WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION FOUND, SO COMPLAIN ABOUT THAT. COMPLAIN ABOUT THE ECONOMY THAT IS WORST THAN IT HAS BEEN SINCE THE GREAT DEPRESSION.
Posted by: WALKERS | January 20, 2009, 1:38 pm 1:38 pm
Why didn’t the News Team at ABC mention the hard work Mrs. Obama put in campaigning for her husband. They were completely silent and had more to say about her mother than her involvment in helping this man reach unprecedented heights. I’m not trying to pull the race card, becuase hell that really doesn’t matter anymore (ha ha ha). But a lot more work does need to be done to understand our differences and appreciate them.
To the whites who feel like their struggle is invisible in relation to the blacks struggle, its not so please don’t feel like that. Its also important to note that blacks have been struggling for MORE than 450 years resulting in low expectations from this country, so now we just need to let go of that persona and adopt a new one since we are all literally in the pot now!!!
Love to all of U………
Posted by: Vashti | January 20, 2009, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm
the money is already spend. Every time a black man tries to do something there is always some negative comments.
Go Obama nothing can stop you now.
Posted by: Kriss | January 20, 2009, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm
Kat=Seminar Poster/Obamabot.
Posted by: Hugh | January 20, 2009, 3:07 pm 3:07 pm
This is like France before the Revolution all the poor (no homes no food and no jobs) standing and watchintg all the rich beautiful people paying and showing off clothes and money…will the new first lady say let them eat corn bread …………..
Posted by: bj | January 20, 2009, 4:40 pm 4:40 pm
I am thrilled that the American people can find cause to celebrate in these hard times. An event of this size created employment opportunities for workers across all spectrums. Given the historical context of the celebration it was absolutely appropriate in scope and execution.
All across this great country people came together in a demonstration of hope and unity. My faith in the United States has been renewed and I once again believe in the promise of endless possibility.
I welcome those who take the time to be thoughtfully critical. The consideration of opposing view points is a corner stone in the process of finding just remedies for the problems that we face.
May you all find peace. Much love to you and yours.
Posted by: Dane | January 21, 2009, 5:12 pm 5:12 pm