I remember hearing the figure but didn't have a source to go to. Fortunately, Paul at Wizbang does so I'm pointing to this article on his website:
Inaugural price tag in line with history
Now they tell us.
Inaugural price tag in line with historyReuters news agency this week headlined a story, “Critics Say Bush Inaugural Too Lavish for Wartime,” then quoted one “critic,” Rep. Anthony Weiner, New York Democrat, who complained that the estimated $40 million for the Bush-Cheney inauguration is extravagant. …
But a review of the cost for past inaugurations shows Mr. Bush's will cost less than President Clinton's second inauguration in 1997, which cost about $42 million. When the cost is adjusted for inflation, Mr. Clinton's second-term celebration exceeds Mr. Bush's by about 25 percent.
According to the Consumer Price Index, $42 million in 1997 is the equivalent of $49.5 in 2004.
The significant majority of funding for this year's festivities, including nine officials balls, are from private donations and tickets for events held by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, a similar setup to fund raising Mr. Clinton used to underwrite his inauguration. Mr. Clinton had a record 12 balls in 1997.
Multiple snaky things could
and probably shouldbe said about the people propagating this nonsense, but I'm feeling charitable on inauguration day.
I'll call them idiots tomorrow.
Update: Right Wing Duck has a surprisingly interesting accounting of the Inaugural expenses.
Heh…
Posted by DaveH at January 20, 2005 06:26 PM