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Cost of Obama's Inauguration - Historical Comparison

By Kevin McGourty

Real Estate Agent with Realty ONE Group

January 21, 2009 04:05 AM

There has been a lot of rumors regarding the cost of this impressive inauguration. Below is a historical comparison of past inaugurations. I think a report from "The Lariat Online" (Baylor University) probably gave the most accurate breakdown. Personally, I think the inaugurations are getting a little more elaborate then necessary, but then again, how much is spent on Super Bowl ads this year? 2009 Super Bowl ad will cost a record $3 million per 30-second ad. So the country basically bought a little over 15 ads. Even though I have reservations about President Obama, I think the investment will pay off for this country. Right now he just needs to get out there and throw some completions and get us moving downfield.

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Bruce & Mary Smith

Savannah Lakes Homes - McCormick, SC

REALTORS, Savannah Lakes Village McCormick SC

Interesting information! Nothing is cheap these days! During the past few days, we have listened to stories of other inaugurations. It seems that they get more and more involved and more costly! Guess this group has to get down to work now!

Jan 21, 2009 04:15 AM

Cindy Jones

Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA

Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

You have to ask yourself why George Bush's second inauguration cost us anything? A seated president coming in for a second term shouldn't really need anything more than a re-affirming swearing in ceremony. Think how far that 40M would have gone to other causes besides feeding lobbyists and political fat cats.

Jan 21, 2009 04:18 AM

Rob & Jeannie Steward - Realtors®

RE/MAX Advantage - Nashville, TN

We Work TWICE As Hard For You! - Ashton Group

This just goes to show that it takes lots of money to run for office. I know what you're saying... "Duh!"

But I have a problem with the old adage of telling children that they can be President someday. It's really much more complicated then just throwing your hat in the ring.

Jan 21, 2009 04:25 AM

Nicole Weidauer

Keller Williams Greater Seattle - Shoreline, WA

Wow- it's amazing how things change isn't it. I don't know if all that money needs to be put into it. If most of that money spent was on security then I have no problem with that but everything else should have been scaled down in these tough economic times.

Thanks for sharing, Nicole Weidauer

The Egerer & Weidauer Team, Keller Williams Realty North Seattle

Jan 21, 2009 04:26 AM

Kevin McGourty

Realty ONE Group - Phoenix, AZ

Mr. & Mrs. Smith - History will one day prove to us, again, the intelligence of our choices.

Jan 21, 2009 04:29 AM

The Stewards - Yes, I am all in favor of following your dreams. At the same time, how many broken down athletes are scattered along the trail to the NFL?

Jan 21, 2009 04:32 AM

Nicole - Good point. I am sure many others would agree with you regarding national security over a big party. Thanks for commenting.

Jan 21, 2009 04:41 AM

Cindy -True - a returning president probably doesn't need nearly the fan-fair of a first time inauguration. Thanks for commeting.

Jan 21, 2009 04:43 AM

Connie Harvey

Pilkerton Realtors - Brentwood, TN

Realtor - Nashville TN Real Estate

Kevin - I have read in more than one place that the actual costs were over $100,000,000. If I come across it again I'll send it to you. Most of the cost was the added security that was needed for the larger than usual crowds. Would have paid off a lot of mortgages!

Jan 22, 2009 01:28 AM

Cecily Parks

iMove Group, Knipe Realty NW, Inc. - Salem, OR

Wow! The things I could do with that amount of money!!! Amazing, isn't it? That's about 5000 trips to the salon and 1000 vacations...hee...hee.

Jan 22, 2009 01:42 AM

Connie - Yes, I read that it was as high as $150m to $170m, but I guess that was comparing apples to oranges. Other inauguration price tags did not factor in all the security which Obama's higher numbers did. I figured I would give Pres. Obama the benefit of the doubt.

Jan 22, 2009 03:51 AM

Cecily - Ahhh.. you would have given French Queen Marie Anoinette a run for her money -- "Let them eat cake." (Actually, your response was hilarious.)

Jan 22, 2009 03:55 AM

Cherimie Crane

Cherimie Crane & Associates - Beaufort, SC

WOW!!! In know that isn't a profound comment, but WOW.

Jan 27, 2009 12:05 AM

I will take any comment you leave. I really enjoy reading your blog.

Jan 27, 2009 02:53 AM

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