- Inauguration 2009
Your guide to the region's top events, mixed with some commentary about life, media, gossip and politics in Washington, DC.
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By
Emily Leaman
Words do not begin to describe this image.
If NBC's Luke Russert looks a little out of it during the inaugural parade, it's because he was up all night drinking at the Rookery. Word just came across our desk that the newbie (er. . .wannabe?) pundit is throwing an inaugural bash.
We couldn't believe our eyes this morning when his invitation arrived in our in-box. The Photoshop job on the invitation alone warranted that we share it with the world. No, your computer's not tricking you—that's Russert's face on Uncle Sam's body. Seriously.
The party's being held at the Georgetown prepster spot the Rookery on January 18. It will include music by Old Man Brown and a deejay, plus hors d'oeuvres, and, of course, an open bar. The dress code: "jackets required." Doors open at 8.
Tickets are $95 for the first 50 sold. No word on what they'll jump to after that.
The invitation and party seem to continue Russert's slide away from serious journalism towards being an entertainment figure. Whereas he spent the fall on the campaign trail as a "real" reporter for NBC News, more recently he's been doing gigs like standing in Times Square on New Year's Eve "reporting" for Carson Daly.
Would any other network reporter throw himself such a self-indulgent party in the midst of a major news event like the inauguration? Not a chance, not even Chris Matthews. We're still waiting for our invite to David Gregory's "all you can drink" Meet the Press after-party. >> All Washingtonian.com inauguration coverage More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Society Photos
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Emily Leaman
Happy Wednesday, Washington! Here's the inauguration buzz around the Web this morning.
Planning to drive from Virginia to Washington during the inauguration? Think again—the biggest news of the past 24 hours has been that the Key Bridge will be closed to traffic on Inauguration Day. Officials previously announced that the 14th Street, Memorial, and Roosevelt bridges will not be open to regular traffic, either.
The Obama team is going the extra mile to ensure the president-elect is safe during the inauguration. He'll be toted around in a new, heavily armored Cadillac limo featuring run-flat tires, bulletproof glass, and a completely sealed interior to ward off a chemical attack, CBS News reports. HBO has purchased exclusive rights to broadcast the star-studded inaugural opening ceremony on January 18. The cost? $1.5 million. Here's the good news: The channel is planning to offer the event free to cable and satellite subscribers, in addition to its usual customers. This afternoon, Obama will meet with all the living ex-presidents at the White House for what is sure to be the ultimate power lunch. Like, ever. >> All Washingtonian.com inauguration coverage More>> Capital Comment Blog | News & Politics | Society Photos
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By
Emily Leaman
Last week, we told you about an essay contest being run by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) to win tickets to the inauguration. We've just received word that one of ten lucky winners has been selected.
According to an email sent to Obama supporters, Cynthia Russell from from Newberry, Florida, has been selected to attend several inaugural events, including the welcome ceremony on January 18, Obama's swearing-in, the inaugural parade, and the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.
Here's a snippet from Russell's winning essay, answering the question, "What does this inauguration mean to you?":
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By
Emily Leaman
Here’s our list of galas, balls, and parties happening around town during inauguration time. We’ll be updating this on a rolling basis as events are confirmed. Don’t see one listed? Send an e-mail to eleaman@washingtonian.com and we’ll get the information posted.
>>All Washingtonian.com Inauguration 2009 coverage If you're having trouble printing this list, click here.
NOTE: Balls with an asterisk (*) next to them are official balls, sanctioned by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. These are the only events that both the president-elect and vice president-elect are guaranteed to attend.
2009 Green Inaugural Ball
Date: January 19.
Location: National Portrait Gallery.
Time: 8 PM.
Hosts: 2009 Green Inaugural Ball Host Committee, composed of 25 environmental organizations.
Program: Former Vice President Al Gore as the event’s honorary chair.
This event is by invitation only. 2009 Inaugural Celebrity Basketball Game
Date: January 17.
Location: Calvin Coolidge Senior High School.
Time: 4 PM.
Hosts: SeeMeBall.com and Lonnie Harrell of the And 1 Mixtape Tour.
Program: Confirmed celebrity participants include the Redskins' Clinton Portis and Santana Moss, the Baltimore Ravens' Willis McGahee, the 49ers' Vernon Davis, and lots more. The event benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington.
Ticket price: $15; $100 for VIP tickets, which includes floor seats and free food and drinks.
Tickets are available here.
A Celebration of Change Inaugural Gala
Date: January 17.
Time: 7 PM.
Host: The Babyboomer Professionals.
Program: Live R&B band and dancing.
Food and drink: Hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
Ticket price: $175
Sold out.
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By
Emily Leaman
Hooray! Some answers!
With the inauguration just two weeks away, it's about time the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced the official inaugural balls.
In addition to the already-on-the-books Commander-in-Chief Ball and Neighborhood Ball, the PIC announced earlier this morning that Barack Obama will be host a Youth Inaugural Ball, five regional inaugural balls, and balls for his home states, Illinois and Hawaii. Joe Biden will host balls for his home states, Delaware and Pennsylvania, as well. This rounds out the list of ten official balls taking place this year.
The Youth Ball, geared toward those ages 18 to 35, will be held at the Washington Hilton; tickets will be $75. For twice the price—$150 a ticket—Obama's and Biden's home-state balls will be held at the Washington Convention Center.
The regional balls will be held at locations throughout the city. Here are the details:
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