CNN

Hollywood bought their president this time, why not shower him with their lavish gifts, makes perfect sense to me. When they are stupid enought to pay $8,000 for a gawdy purse, or pay $500 for a ragged pair of levis, which I took to the dump the other day, what can we expect. They aren't all that bright! Someday young people will wake up and stop worshipping the ground they walk on and see them for what they are.

so these rich people would rather waste money on a lost cause then help the needy of america? what about the mother feeding her baby out of a trash can or the homeless guy sleeping under a bridge?

Hey better their money than mine.

Please realease my comment posted at 12:38pm, it's been in 'awaiting moderation' status for almost 2hrs now.

Come on CNN, give a girl a break!

Im not a celeb but I only give money to the NRC.

Last but not least, this is America. People do whatever they want with their money, as long as it is legal.

Inagurations have been privately funded for quite a while. Police and security are paid for by the government. The maximum donation is $50,000. The last time (2004) the max was $250,000. The party taking over the White House sets the limits. This will be the most costly inaguration ever because it will have by far the most people attending. All inaugurations are bought and paid for. The people donating their money are doing so because they want to. It's their money. Liberals support the democrats and conservatives support the republicans. The liberals with big bucks want to throw a party...just like the conservatives do when they take the White House. In a perfect world there would be no homeless people or hungry people. Unfortunately the world isn't perfect. Either go there and join in, stay at home and watch on tv or complain about what those terrible democrats are up to now and throw a little hissy fit. I'll be watching from my living room and popping open a bottle of bubbly. The last eight years were the longest of my life.

I for one will be glad when this inauguration is over as I am sick of hearing about the trash that is coming to Washington. Let us see what will be accomplished or wont be accomplished. I personally do not think BO has a clue what he will be dealing with and he will need all the help he can get as this will not a community organizer project anymore. As he fails and fails big time the Bush presidency will be looking better and better and yes we were kept safe in America. I fear for my safety under the Obama presidency as Obama will not have a clue what to do if we would have another terrorist attack......

People who have money are free to spend it as they want. If they want to spend it on a national occasion which most likely will have a postive morale boost for the citizens...great. I am also sure that if you had access to the check books of those donating money, you would find that they donate money to charities for those needing help.

If my memory serves me right.....haven't other presidents received funds from celebrities. Think about it.

To Lauren,...They DO give money to charities also. This is just ONE of the "gifts" they got recognized for! Don't even in a moment think that all Hollywood does is for the "well off". Get the WHOLE picture b4 showing your ignorance. PEACE

Leigh, why can't people do what ever they want to with their money?Wow how do I know you are poor? Scott, who told you, your tax dollarswas going to anoiting your chosen ONE? Lauren, how do you know what they are doing with the rest of their money?

Like I told a friend, who hated my Christianity background, if he wants be to stop believing in God, then he'll need to sleep in the cemetary for 7 days with his cats and dogs. If he doesnt see shadows of the dark side, I'll deny God his existence. He never dare to ask me to deny God again.

I'm totally excited Warren will partake in this HISTORIC moment. Go Jesus Go!! For those of you that do not like Christians, I just want to remind you that the Spiritually world of the demons know who he is!!! His name is used to cast the demon-posessed by missionaries!! He is Your Saviour!!!

Whatever you are, just be TRUE to yourself.

Dave, Illinois January 1st, 2009 10:58 am ET ...I'm not a fan of all this celebrity stuff, but many of them do indeed support alot of charities and give tons of money to those as well. And I rather see the money come from them, then to come from corporations, lobbyists and other vultures who have an agenda. This man has done something no one thought could be done and he deserves an inauguration that all presidents before him have had. I don't get the impression that he asked for the 'celebrity' title. He had no control over that. This party is for the country as well. It's a sign of hope and God knows we need it. I only wish I could go...but I'll be watching every minute of it on tv. So lighten up...

Chuck Norris endorsed Huckabee. Fred Thompson is a celebrity. Tina Fey was McCain's VP. Enough said.

I agee with Stan and Ken.. Thier Money could be Used in Better ways, Like The International Red Cross and Doctors without Borders to Help the Poor and suffering folks in Palestine ! Shame On them for Looking the Other way! I was a Obama suporter and gave My Unemployment money to help see him elected... This is NOT the change I was looking for !!! I am disapointed in the way the whole thing is being handled at the Taxpayers Expense, Most of Us are still Looking for Work and trying to Make ends Meet...... I will NOT be watching the festivties or the events, There are More things Pressing in the world than to watch Celebrities Mingle and Party !!! Former Obama Suporter in Madison Wisconsin

Celebrities alway give to unworthy causes. Look at the trips they make to Cuba and Venezuela to lavish praise on totalitarian dictators. The combined I.Q. of the Hollywood elite is something close to zero.

It seems to me that some judge their patriotism by how much cash they contribute to their ideoloigcal cause (i.e. Soros) and others judge their patriotism by how much emotion they contribute to their ideological cuase (i.e. our brave soldiers)

You know this is great. Another one of Obama's campaign promises that he is keeping before he even gets into office. Obama promised transparency in government and he has already started.

Unfortunately, the problem is transparency. People forget that every president that has ever been inaugurated has had an inauguration celebration. Obama limited his donanations. Previous presidents have not. Please keep in mind that EVERY PRESIDENT has had an inauguration party. This is just the first time that is so transparent for everyone to see. Sometimes it just doesn't pay to have more information because it only gives you more to argue about. What you don't know, you can't argue about.

As for the amounts given, donors can give to whomever that they wish that is why they call it a DONATION. Those same people may have given money to charitable organizations. Those who think that they should give money to charitable organizations should check out those websites and see if the same donors are on there. Some people do give to more than one benefit. So, saying that, this money could have been used some place else, well if you do your research, you may find that some of their money have benefitted others. The problem is that those organizations may not be so transparent and they may have given more than $50,000. I look forward to January 20th!

The inauguration is an economic stimulus plan for the 100 mile radius around DC. Millions will be spent in the tourist industry, and provide jobs from now until the end of January. The emphasis of this article is about how Hollywood celebrities are donating money to support the economy of the DC area with their private economic stimulus – saving the taxpayer a lot of money to stimulate the economy of the DC area. MORE, MORE, MORE. The more money spent on this through private donations, the less taxpayer money is needed to stimulate the economy.

It amazes me that PE Obama and his teams have long spoken of transparency and when they put forth the effort, the media has doubts. Many in the public accuse contributors of buying and paying for a President and many accuse the Obama team of hiding many other large contributions from Lobbyist. It appears that as I have long thought, nothing one does is going to accepted by either the public, the media or the opposition from the Presidential races.

The Federal Government sets aside a sum of money for the Presidential Inauguration with the understanding that any amount in excess of that funding shall be the responsibility of the President Elect and his Transition Team. If you are one that is supportive of the PE and have the financial resources then you should contribute if you so choose. People that do not have access to that type of resources can contribute also based on their ability and desire to do so but please people stop with the idea that anyone is buying a Presidency and please media stop creating unfounded rumors for the sake of generating your own revenue.

We have much bigger problems facing our country at this time and do not have time for the petty bickering and infighting. If we continue along these lines this country is doomed to failure. Come together and channel our energies on making a valid recovery effort.

Obama is getting donations from PEOPLE, not the OIL INDUSTRY, HALLIBURTON and the others that paid for the BUSH/CHENEY inauguration. As for the money being better spent. We just authorized $700 billion in bailout. Plenty of money to help every little guy in the country. That's BUSH and his government that spent that money. NOT Obama.

Yes, I'm the little guy who also donated to the campaign and inauguration. Just like those celebrities. That means Obama owes ME. And I've made sure he KNOWS IT. And he does know it.

The people listed, especially Steven Speilberg, donate way more money to charities and foundations.

Perhaps CNN should include these charitable donations with their contributions to the inauguration.

Amazing! Recession, bailouts and talk of Depression. However it seems that not everybody was bilked to the eyes by the biggest ponzi scheme in history. Only selectively so ensure headlines and good PR. Shame on you!

They are giving all this money, because their beliefs are the same as most liberals. KILL innocent lives, same sex marriage, ect. This immoral behavior will be the downfall of our country. I am an Independant, that believes that everyone has a right to live as they want but marriage should be between a man and woman. I believe that in certain instances abortion is necessary. But abortion should never be okay for women to use due to their iresponsiblity to take care of this BEFORE getting pregnant. You all condemn Sarah Palin for her stance on abortion and then her daughter gets pregnant. At least her beliefs stood strong on this issue. Her daughter had a child that will be loved and had a bright future, they did not let some Doctor perform an abortion and suck his brains out. My daughter got pregnant at 17, she did not have an abortion. She asked me during this pregnancy if I would ever be proud of her again. I told her that when she proved to me what kind of mother she would be to her child, then I would be proud of her. She never let me or her child down, and he has been one of the greatest joys of our lives. He is now 23 yrs old and is going to be a father himself. Yes–that scared 17 year made a great mother and he in turn will be a great father. All of you liberals commenting on her daughter, may need to look in your own backyard and you may find out that you and your teen agers are not so perfect!!! That is what I found out 23 years ago–but I would not change anything–I have had all of these years as his grandmother and it has been a pleasure!!

I give my homemade handbag money to the "Theodore Nuggents Animal Preservation Fund.

T. Boone Pickens has lots of money, so what ...and does what he chooses with it...but at least he is not flaunting for his dollars for selfish gratification and is one of the few rich honestly trying to make a difference for the betterment of USA (enviroment). Even if it serves the purpose of earning him more money at least He is trying to help and that is what matters.

Too bad they couldn't donate money to the disabled soldiers returning home who in turn fought for their (celebrities) freedom to make all of that money!

ALL People ARE FREE to give money to whom they please! LET'S NOT FORGET THE MILLIONS GIVEN TO G.W. BUSH!

INAUGURATIONS ARE FUNDED .......PRIVATELY....... SO NO TAX MONEY IS SPENT, WHICH IS .......RIGHT!

HAPPY, BLESSED, HOPEFUL & PEACEFUL NEW YEAR TO ALL ...even to you, far-right-nuts!

HOPE WON..............HOPE WON........... HOPE WON.........HOPE WON.....

It will be interesting to listen to these same people tell us how we, the stupid ignorant conservatives, are causing global warming, while they fly to this drunkfest in their private jets and then ride around in gas guzzling limousines to attend all the parties that will leave more trash in a few hours than a small city of 100,000 will leave in a month. HYPROCRACY! CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!

TCM: What a sad life you must lead. All you do is complain about Obama's celebrity status and denigrade the people who support him.

"I wonder if Cheney would have supported Bush if he were black."..that is how stupid you sound!!

AND WHY WERE WE NOT WHINNING, WHEN THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF JOBS, HAVE BEEN OUT-SOURCED FOR THE LAST 8 YEARS ? ? ?

I smell tax write off here!!. Donations of that size to help the poor, the food banks, and the homeless would be a better thing, but not so glamorous.

What's the big deal folks? These guys can afford it and they do have the right to do what they want with THEIR money. It may seem alot to many, but to someone that makes the kind of money they do, it's simply pocket change.

You need to put things into perspective – the more we earn is the more we spend, and then some. I bet $50, 000 to these folks is like $50 to someone making $50,000 a year.

As per Chris Rock – 'don't hate the player, hate the game'.

Happy New Year!!!

I gave to the" Poor Republicans Fund for More Guns", deer meat I shot in cages on Ted Nugents ranch in Texas.

The 4 year party of the same old tax and spend liberals will be starting on the 20th. Oh, for those in uniform, welfare will be getting better pay raises than you, I know form my 20 years in uniform under both parties who gave us better pay raises.

I hate to pop a bubble but everything connected to the government is paid for by tax money one way or another. I feel sure that ,if the truth was told by Obama during the campaign ,a lot of the money came from people who did without food or necessities to send money to him . Washington DC will have to clean up the mess also at taxpayer expense.

Why aren't we discussing T. Boone Pickens' funding of the Swift Boat Vets?!

This story is nothing compared to that!!!

And so what.... It's their money, their choice for president, so why shouldn't they. Why don't you na sayers go back and look at WHO and HOW MUCH was donated to past administration inaug parties and then maybe you'll shut up. Unless, your one of THOSE who would bash ANYTHING connected to PEObama simply because he is who he is...

If you do believe lobbyist, corporations and special interest are not donating to this inauguration you will believe everything good about the administration and nothing bad about the administration that is put out for the next 4 years, just like LEMINGS!

I'd like to know why CNN neglects to inform readers here that Obama has been advertising/soliciting for donations to his inauguration to the avg citizens of IL? It's certainly no secret here. With all that surplus of $ from his campaign, couldn't he try something a bit more tactful in this day's economy? And people think he's a "strong and decisive" leader. I don't see it anymore.

Oh, and here is another example of how the Left spends their money – downspalin.blogspot.com. The true face of the Left now appears.

This is news??

Tell me, WHY couldn't this money have been donated to many other causes that desperately need the money? This makes me so sad. Our country has it's priorities mixed up when they can't take care of the common man but celebrities who are way overpaid to begin with can give to a president-elect who raised the most money ever during his run for office (lest we forget the big corporate payouts to his campain – anyone remember that secret meeting in Denver??). There is still plenty of those resources left, so why not use it to wrap up this inauguration stuff? In a time like this, yes let's be happy because of a new day, but my gosh people....put the money elsewhere so that it can be used for GOOD and to actually HELP your fellow countrymen. We have some serious issues that have always been around and many more that have been added to that list, in just the past few years. PLEASE America...let's keep everyone accountable to help our fellow countrymen. Everything – a family, companies, schools, and government (a country), is only as strong as its weakest link. Pray that we remember this from here on out. When times are good I don't think everyone pauses to remember what's important in life – and celebrities donating absurd amounts of money to an inauguration just don't cut it for me.

There should be something given back for the crap they are sending out of Hollywood. Kudos to the shyster who took them for a ride while they were looking for a fast buck in the ponzi scheme.

They should all contribute to his defense fund. Release the
Rezko and Gov. tapes. America has the right to know.

why do they not give it to the people who need it? Could it be that it would not make the news. I expect this to be moderated also and sent to CNN can.

AT LEAST IT ISN'T BIG CORPORATIONS OR LOBBYIST GROUPS LIKE THE REPUBLICANS GETS ALL THE TIME.

Maybe they should donate this money to our economy!

That's a whole lot of dough right there...

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU MR.PRESIDENT-elect,

TO YOUR GORGEOUS FAMILY & FRIENDS. ALSO

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AMERICANS.

I wonder why they didn't list me? i'm a big shot too ya know lol

"Steven Spielberg, Halle Berry, Sharon Stone, and Jamie Fox are among the Hollywood stars who have donated the maximum $50,000 to the Presidential Inauguration Committee."

It amazes me that these people have this much money to throw around. I hope the new president has a great party but maybe he could channel this money into other directions. Like towards us poor people who voted for him.

Aren't they allowed to? I imagine less famous people also donated quite a bit of money.

And in hard times such as these, just how much of our tax dollars is going into anoiting your chosen ONE ?

Why did they not donate that money to feed the homeless?

Why did they not donate that money to the single mother working two jobs, so she could buy the kids a nice Xmas dinner and small gifts?

Why,, simple,, because Obama is one of them, a Hollywood celebrity now.

Who cares about the poor and unfortunate when you can celebrate among your own elite crowd.

Thats nice....but meanwhile, CNN – what is George W. Bush doing to the environment of this country – what things is he sliding in at the cost of the nations health of all creatures great and small – God made them all and we need to be responsible to protect them – fat cats are prowling the woods and waters and praries of this nation and they are going to take advantage while we look the other way!

WOOOW THATS GREAT NEWS. EVEN THEM THEY WANT THIS COUNTY TO MOVE ON.... GOO OBAMA WE LOVE U.

Commendable... I'm glad that those who have the money are generous enough to do so.

big surprise here! not! CNN, I could have told you that. It's hollywood. Man, maybe I could be a professional reporter

Typical liberals, talk about helping those less fortunate and then donate obscene amounts of money so that our new celebrity president can have a bigger party. How many meals, blankets, medicine, etc could that money buy.

And, his supporters are giving little bucks. He does not want
lobbyists, special interests etc footing the bill for his
inauguration so what is the big deal??

DUH! It's THEIR money do do with what they want. Go for it. I hope it makes a difference because the "other" party just hoards it for themselves!

Great! I just sent in a donation as well. I will be there no hotel or not – nothing will keep the family away! I was there for Clinton and will be there for this one as well.

I am so weary of the power of the rich and famous in this country. They have way too much influence.

Change that I could believe in would be Obama doing a low key celebration and all the rest of the money going to those who have lost their jobs under the Bush administration.

Wouldn't that send a very powerful message?

Instead, politics and influence as usual. There will be gluttonous excess in Washington as people in Rome Georgia are removed from their foreclosed homes.

Party on Nero!
Rest in the false hope that the people of Rome are being warmed by the flames.

Of course they do. He is after all, THEIR president.

How can anyone think Obama represents the average citizen?

i would have donated to the inaugural, but, after all the clinton/bush retreads, and rick warren's invitation, i think it's best i wait and see the policy 'changes', first,before giving to anyone. i may have to go from staunch supporter to staunch protester.

What's truly ridiculous is yet, another CNN poll, on this very Ticker, that's conveniently closed (quickly) to comment....referencing OBama's leadership rating to Bush's after 9/11....what a joke! another biased CNN poll...taken from liberally slanted sheeple....I only have one question....WHAT LEADERSHIP? Obama's led absolutely nothing, CNN, not even a midnight shift at Wendy's...so how could you possibly post such a biased, unsubstantiated article? And then quickly censor and close it after posting a few "Obama-favorable," comments? This is one of the worst news reports you've ever made...totally unfair, and unbalanced....and unprofessional.

Celebrities supporting their own...I wonder if Jamie Fox would've been so supportive had Obama claimed to be white? What's truly amazing is so many ignorant Americans follow what celebrities say; after all they set such excellent examples with DUI's, drug overdoses, rehab, multiple marriages with many kids from each one....such wonderful role models...Wake up libs...they're ACTORS...and they act like they know what they're talking about...hmm...that's why they say OBama's a celebrity...

Bought and paid for...what else is new?

Great! thank you Hollywood.

If I were as rich as the above named people, I would be there too. If that is how they choose to spend there money, so what??? People blow that much at a table in Vegas and no one cares so why should this bother anyone??? Good for them and I hope they have a great time Wish it were me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is your point?? Do youe see any huge companies and lobbyists on the list? Isn't the fact that the American people can see who the contributers are the real story?

It is unfortunate with every step forward the press wants to take two steps back. You have been crying for transparency as PE Obama promised and when you get it your first move is to try to create controversy!!...repeating J McCain's celebrity ads....one wonders how many of the press"elite" are actually jealous of both Obama's success and connection with the American people.

Good for them! President elect Obama deserves the same kind of inaugration as any other President. I hope he and his family have a fabulous day on the 20th of this month, I know I will! Here's to 1/20/2009! Cheers!

It is my understanding that this is one of the few if only inauguration soley funded by private donations instead of tax dollars!!! If that is true, then this story is a wash and irresponsible reporting. I don't think everyone should kiss President Obama's butt but simply give credit where due!!!