CNN

MR PRESIDENT ELECT KINDLY STOP -DONT TAKE MONEY FROM BIG CORPORATIONS BUT RATHER TAKE $5000 FROM SMALL BUSINESSES AND THEN FOCUS ON BUILDING THEM.
WAIT A MUNITE -THE MAIN STREET FUNDED YOUR CAMPAIGN AND WE CAN DO IT AGAIN.

MONEY FROM BIG CORPORATIONS IS NOT A TRUE CHANGE

obama wouldn't be there if it is low profile.

Just make the celebration about half the size of your ego, that way you'll only have to bring in four climate machines, 100 million metric tons of sand, and 137 palm trees (1 for each day you were actually working in the Senate),...that shouldn't be too much.

You can just tax my children for the extra cash needed.

Your happiness is the only thing that matters.

Let me be one to say that as hard as it was to donate to Obama's campaign, doing so gave me the greatest feeling. Yeah these are tough economic times, but Obama is not an ordinary President, and definately NOT a Bush. So, even though financially it might be a pinch on the pocket book, donating to Obama in any way makes me feel good.

President Obama during an interview with Barbara Walters on 20/20 last Wednesday that "the inauguration would be simple due to it being improper to have a lavish one due to the economic situation that the country is in now" smart man Jim Hall Kansas City Missouri.

I hope the Fox News jerks are watching as his hand is placed upon the Bible .

For the first time in my life, I am visiting DC to attend a Presidential inauguration. I am thrilled to bits! It is so exciting to partake in this as Obama is the first person of color to be elected POTUS

Do not think of it as an inauguration so much as the lifting of the oppression of the rabid religious right fascists previously known as Republicans.

And that alone is reason for a high energy celebration, regardless of the state of the economy!

So What! Let Obama have this celebration. All the previous Presidents had it grand.

I don't see why he can't throw the party he deserves. If you have money, spend it.

"business as usual in Washington." could not have said it better myself. You that voted for him why don't you just fess up he got you to vote for him cause he is not white and you listened to his lies and believed them. it was not us that did not vote for him that were bigots or raciest it was you. Well enjoy the "business as usual in Washington" same ol same ol. So much for change.

enough with the punditry advice to president-elect on what he should and should not do, he is an intelligent man that is capable of knowing to do the right thing. It especially amusing to me when irrelevant losers like Rove and Krystol give advice to Obama. These fools should be laughed out of the 'news' business.

I disagree, What is different about this election and win is that 'the people' as a Nation supported this candidate and they should, and must, be a part of a large celebration which again is being financed through the individual donations. As well, I don't know about your family but in mine when stresses are high we always find an excuse for a party..it lightens the load and raises the attuitude into the positive.

Let President Elect Obama celebrate any way he pleases. This is an historic event, let him celebrate. If this was a white president elect, no one would suggest toning down the celebration. We were in a war with Iraq when George Bush was elected for his second term and that was a grand event. I am sick and tired of the media suggesting that Obama should tone down his inauguration.

Who is this "some say" who would object to a major bash? After 8 years of this administration, the nation is entitled to the biggest bash in history!

wooow plz ladies and gentlemens, remember its the Inauguration of the President of the free world/ lets say the President of the of the Entier World..set the Tone right Equal standing for the pledge of the entier world..=clean govment=stand for the nation in evry form
so hight festivity or low festivity doesn"t change nuthing
i think more u make it Low, more U send the wrong signal
lets the world wrap it Up again and stand hight wit prosperity
so plz Set the record Hight and let the world Celebrate again
Shaiiwn the netherland(Anna paulowna)

I think the subdued tone is appropriate. Consumer watchdog groups should warn people about the phony, scalped tickets. I would hate to see people who have been ripped off blame Obama. Go Obama and Biden!!!

There's been a lot of talk about spirits nowadays...summoning spirits...spirits of hope...even a movie about one "The Spirit". Makes you wonder what spirit is being invoked here:

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" Eph 2:2

Not all of us are blind to who you are!

Why do Democrats and Republicans hate one another?
The world is much too small for that.

I don't think that it would be prudent to stage some lavish and exorbitant ceremony at this point,but that being said,it is the presidential inauguration,an historical one at that,so people should
understand that"the show must go on".

It's been a long bitter campaign, the economy is bent out of shape and there is two ill conceived wars we still need to resolve. I think with all the sour news, we Americans can use a little uplifting celebration for our moral. After all, these problems won't disappear regardless of a grand inaugural event or a toned down one. It's not like we will lose focus over these issues over this ONE day – So make it ROCK!!!

I for one would like to have some sweets among the sour once in a while, that's living life.

Well Mr President elect, why not publish a list of all the $50,000 corporate, PAC, and lobbyist contributions you take in for this party? You remember the corporate, PAC, and lobbyists, don't you ? Those are the folks you promised never to deal with.

This is an outrage! This is clearly....

sigh.

Remember back before the election when everything on the ticker got 250 comments in an hour?

And in the true spirit of coming together and cooperation, it'd be great to see people donate their services (I'm thinking in particular of the entertainers who have been asked to perform – I'm sure they can afford to pay their way).

Blurp!...

As he always does, Barack Obama will handle this situation as it should be handled. This is a man that I can say with complete certainty that I trust implicity! I know this man has the best interests of this country and its people at heart.

All ceremonies of this sort must have a certain pomp and circumstance. After all, this is the President of the United States' swearing in ceremony. We can afford to make this a day to remember. But I agree that there should be limits due to the circumstances of the time. And yet, I want to see a day to remember!

May Barack Obama be kept safe is my concern as well. We do not need another Abraham Lincoln, JFK or MLK experience. We need this man to be able to complete his Presidency and his policies for change. There are too many people who would NOT like to see this happen for my taste.

Just saying.... God Bless the man and the day!

I don't think it will be over the top, but I do think it should be celebrated as the exciting, historic event it will be....people should be allowed to celebrate however they see fit.
The organizers I'm sure will not want to make people think that no amount of money is too much for this event and I'm sure Obama himself would not want it to be seen as that also.
It is going to attract millions of people from here and around the world and it's going to be absolutely thrilling to be part of it and witness history being made....whether we are actually there or have to watch it on TV, it's going to be a great day.

I don't think the tone needs to be somber, but spending $48 million might be seen as a lapse in judgment given the circumstances. I do think a celebration is right and he should have the opportunity to celebrate an achievement that he worked hard to attain.

The people of America can not wait to celebrate the ending of the "ERA OF BUSH"! Starting 2009 with PRESIDENT BARAK OBAMA is the FIRST REALIZATION OF AMERICA'S HOPE FOR NEW DIRECTION AND A BETTER AMERICA!!!!! On January 20th, 2009 AMERICA will show the world how great democracy is!!!!! On January 20th, 2009 America's Sons and Daughters will come out in full force to say we SUPPORT THIS PRESIDENT!!!!! MAKE SURE WE DO IT RIGHT!!! DO NOT HOLD ANYTHING BACK FROM OUR CELEBRATION!!! .........after all the WORLD will be watching!!!!!! SEE YOU THERE!!!

Personally, I think all inauguration festivities should be shelved. It's unseemly given how people are struggling. Don't get me wrong, I'm an Obama supporter and I'm extremely proud of everything the Dems achieved this year, but party on your own time with your own money.

They shouldn't have a limits on donations for this!

GO OBAMA, GO AMERICA!!!

Those corporation executives who feel the pinch of not being able to donate that extra $200,000 to the inauguration should feel free to donate that money to high school seniors like my daughter, who have good grades, are active in extracurricular activities, work summers and weekends saving money for college, and want to give something back to society after college. Yeah, I know. I won't hold my breath.

$42.8 million dollars??? Why does an inauguration cost that much money?

If ever there was a time to celebrate the time is now and after all it's only a one day affair that doesn't affect the economy. This ignauguration is history making and no bars should be set.

I'll admit that I am hurting financially, but I would not mind if Barack Obama through a multi million dollar bash. He's made a once in a lifetime achievement, something that onlyh 1 out of 300,000,000 Americans have done, and something only 44 people in the history of our country have achieved. I don't think he should have to have a lame cheap party just because people will think its "unseemly." And Obama throwing a cheap lame party will not solve anything.

Why don't the people that vote all these politicians in start to realize what they are doing. They want to save money but they can go and spend millions of dollars on parties,vehicles, hair cuts, etc. Why don't they give this money to the people that voted them in? It's rediculous to have them spend this much money in the time we have right now. Another point they want to bring up is our economy. This isn't showing the people that they want to save now does it. All these politians need to wake up, no I'm sorry the people that vote these guys in need to wake up. Thes guys are spending our money and I say our money left and right and they still get voted in, I've got another point with our country. Why is it we have to get all our stuff from overseas? This is not america anymore, we have become a foriegn country, Obama says he wants to create jobs here o\in the u.s. then start back making our stuff back in the u.s. instead of getting it from overseas? PEOPLE WAKE UP?

THE WHOLE WORLD WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO

THIS INAUGURATION. IT IS A FACT THAT, NO ONE

WILL RUN HIS ADMINISTRATION BUT PRESIDENT OBAMA.

THEY CAN CONTRIBUTE WHATEVER THEY WANT. IT WILL

MAKE NO DIFFERENCE. & WE DON'T CARE IF HE SHOWS UP

IN A BURLAP CLOTH & SERVES LETTUCE & WATER. WE WILL

CELABRATE THE DAY HE TAKES OFFICE FOR

AS LONG AS WE LIVE. THIS CAN ONLY HAPPEN IN AMERICA.

Simplicity is beauty.

It's also usually a lot less expensive.

I'm all for downsizing everything including Congressional pay – which they will probably vote to increase in January. As long as Americans are losing jobs and homes, I think they should NOT get an increase in pay.

This is a man who will shine brightly no matter how small or large the attention placed on him!

God is with him, and the ceremonies will be spectacular without pomp and circumstances.

Why don't the people that vote all these politicians in start to realize what they are doing. They want to save money but the can go and spend millions of dollars on parties,vehicles, hair cuts, etc. Why don't they give this money to the people that voted them in? It's rediculous to have them spend this much money in the time we have right now. Another point they want to bring up is oujr economy. This isn't showing the people that they want to save now does it. All these politians need to wake up, no I'm sorry the people that vote these huys in need to wake up. Thes guys are spending our and I say our money left and right and they still get voted in, I've got another point with our country. Why is it we have to get all our stuff from overseas? This is not america anymore, we have become a foriegn country, Obama says he wants to create jobs here o\in the u.s. then start back making our stuff back in the u.s. instead of getting it from overseas? PEOPLE WAKE UP?

it's probably a smart move but i think the event should still be grand enough because this is really a historic moment in american culture... Obama is smart, he will know how to set the tone in his speech and manners (remember the tone in front of 250 000 people in chicago Nov. 4th...)

Safety is as important as a fiscally modest inauguration. Record numbers of people are anticipated to attend, whether or not they secure a ticket. This increases the risk, IMHO and I pray safety is not part of a budget reduction.

The american people has expressed desire for "Change" on Nov.4th.

Let us celebrate this up coming inauguration with Frugality .

Best.

I think it should be huge. Sorry. Even though it's a tough economy this is an epic and epoc event in our history. This IS a time to party. I want to see the new admin do it right.

The noise of the water can not prevent sea creatures from sleeping.
When you crie you can at leat see.
It's a historic moment that needed to be celabrated.

I believe the price gouging for hotel rooms, transportation, etc. is obscene. Price gouging at gas stations and markets during natural disasters is illegal. Why are these hotels allowed to jack prices to thousands of dollars per night for Inaugurations? Shame on them all. Only the wealthiest people can afford to attend and that's a shame. I'll bet that the 3 auto executives will be there!

Senator Obama would have to go some to out do the ostentatious inaugral party that Bush and the others have had. In fact, since Bush and the Republican party is largely to blame for this mess, I think it would be an outstanding gesture for them to donate to the festivities as a way of apologizing for causing all this. Just a thought.

It's nice to be considering the economy right now, but, there is also a fine line between that and the historic proportions this event will be! I can understand the "not going over the top" part. Just keep it inline with the significance of the election outcome. I'm sure Obama will/is doing what is best for the American people.

WISH I COULD BE THERE!

This is the time the Obama henchmen and loyalists get their proper reward with appointments to his cabinet and cherry positions in the white house.

The more things change the more they remain the same with old familiar faces from the Clinton admin popping up all over.

There is no chance, not a sliver of a chance, that these tired old warmed-over Dems will change a thing in Washington.

If this cronyism goes any further, look for Dukakis and Carter to get back on the payroll.

World events are going to eat all these guys for lunch.

I suspect the incoming administration can read the tea leaves about how the media and the public will react to a real blow-out. The outgoing administration couldn't care less...and that's a fact.

Though it is refreshing to see a incoming admininstration keep a pulse on the people, I hope that tradition and celebration will not be totally forgotten. It appears the limits set will still allow for the American people to celebrate and herald in our new President. Again, another good indiation of things to come from soon to be President Obama and his administration. I am so happy for him and America.

Would you please allow PRESIDENT OBAMA and his cabinet to use their own discretion as to how they want things handled.This being a historic inauguration,let it be planned as deemed fit if the means is available.one life to live!

Dear Mr. Alexander,

The pain I have now due to the economy, the 10 trillion dollar deficit, foreclosures, etc. will be faced head on by an incoming president that actually gives a care about my suffering. I dont mind at all that President Elect Obama has an inaugural ceremony that costs millions, hell Im willing to send donations. What I dont want to happen is the media make a mountain out of a mole hill just because it is PE Obama's ceremony. As you stated, 42.8 million was spent for President Bush's second term and we were in a war that we were lied to about, so why not spend a bit more just because we want to rejoice and see better days? As the president for the Taxpayers for Common Sense, I think if you wanted to look out for the tax payers, you should have spoken out a bit sooner on other issues.

Your thoughts are appreciated, but we see an end to a regime that should have been over 4 years ago. We want to celebrate, and that we will! Thank you

This incoming adiminstration can serve cheez-whiz on ritz crackers and fruit punch as far as I'm concern, cause the thing I want most is for the exsisting admistration to go bye, bye! I do understand what is being asked of the future adminstration, because I myself have planned to not celebrate Christmas for 2 reasons. The first would be cause I can't afford it, but more importantly because there are so many people who are less fortunate and I don't feel this is a time for anyone to go overboard with any spending as a common courtesy for your fellow man. We are Americans and since there is a new order of business, I feel we could possibly start taking care of each other with kindness and respect, but that's just my take on this very broken economy.

I think Obama's inauguration should be a joyous and proud celebration. He is a good and descent man, with fresh & new ideas who represents a change that is on the way, a new beginning from the sickening way this country has done business for the past 8 years and for the reputation we have with the rest of the world for allowing it to happen.

I think Obama deserves a beautiful inauguration day. I don't think it has to be lavish and wasteful. I don't think everyone should by a tuxedo and ball gown but there needs to be dancing in the street.

Yeh right ! When has any politician held the line ? And Obama is a politician ,nothing more nothing less !

The Obama Doctrine is already being formulated:

Ask donations for big events that promote yourself.
Offer condolences to victims of terrorist attacks but do nothing.
Create study groups to study problems but do nothing.

What a sham.

ENOUGH WITH THE PALIN STORIES...... NO ONE CARES BUT THIS BOOB IS DOING.

Question for those who think Obama will make everything alright:

When Obama pursues the Bush foreign policy for the next two years, with no "change", will you make excuses for him, or, will you realize that Bush was doing the right things (minus the war in the first place, but, you either have to believe he had bad intel or, he lied – who knows) and is on the path to resolving all of this? Or, when it does resolve itself without the slightest change in foreign policy, will you continue to bow down before the messiah?

I ask because that IS exactly what is going to happen. No change in policy. No troops coming home. And, things are going to resolve themselves. Obama will eventually transfer troops to Afghanistan, and continue to resolve things there. Exactly what Bush has set up.

Well, I highly doubt the 2 million that show up in Washington are coming there to be subdued – they're coming there to celebrate history and to celebrate this historic moment and this man that we will call our President!
And those that stay home and watch live coverage do NOT want to be subjected to gloom and doom and republican rhethoric... they will turn the channel quickly soon as the republican naysayers start spewing their vile innuendo and unwarranted attacks.
Do yourself a favor CNN – only have guest that are high spirited and happy over this historical event, and leave the critics home.

Why cut back now? Obama and the Dems have been blowing money as though it grows on trees to showcase the "chosen one". What a joke to pretend that they will "scale down".

Obama spent almost $650 Million from supporters and gave ACORN $800,000 and now all of a sudden he wants to save money.

Please go away- and stay away

Barack Obama is a joke. He want to have bog show and spend taxpayer's money.

I have a great idea: let everyone in america that wants to contribute do so! Especially corporations (even the ones that have their hands out for bailouts). Then, divide the collected money evenly and distribute to every man woman and child in this country. I bet that would be more "seemly".

I'm okay with skipping the party on January 20th, what about you?

Don't even think about throwing a wet blanket on Obamas inauguration. This is an inauguration of historic means and I plan to celebrate it to the fullest!
Not only are we celebrating the Obama victory, we're also celebrating the fact that Bush is finally out of the White House!!
So, stop being party poopers CNN and enjoy the festivities – you'll have plenty of good to cover, so leave the naysaying critics at home (Ben Stein, and the rest of the republican doomsayers).
Can't you for once stop worrying about what the republicans are going to say and just enjoy the momentous day? You'll lose many viewers when your "panel" starts being spoilsports and Obama bashers.
Enjoy the inauguration and be happy for our country!

No doubt about this, Barack Obama is very intelligent and he's God sent...to bring peace to the world and give hope to the hopeless....always remember Isiah 54 verse 17, that is your motto.

Although inaugerations are a necessity, would like to see it
done in a conservative manner. Have no idea how much is
spent, but with the economy as it is, it does not have to be
as elaborate.

obama the greatest president in americas history. be safe mr. president.