After an exhausting re-election victory that drained supporters of hundreds of millions of dollars, some of President Obama's advisers are reportedly urging that the second inaugural scrap a praiseworthy innovation of his first: the banning of corporate donations to pay for the day's many expensive galas.
The first inaugural was a memorable day of exuberant history for the nation as Mr. Obama took the oath. The ban on corporate money was among many encouraging signs that the capital's addiction to insiders and their money might be one of his targets.
To turn back from the ban at the moment of renewed hopes for the president's second term would send the wrong signal to a nation wary of Washington's business as usual. Four years ago, the president-elect asked private donors to pay for the expensive parties that mark the day of celebration. He was able to raise more than $50 million from individuals while saying no thank you to corporations, labor unions, political action committees and registered lobbyists.
This time, planners fear that private donors are so wrung dry from the record billion-dollar re-election campaign that it will be hard to tap them for the inaugural balls, concerts and parties, The Wall Street Journal has reported. Taxpayers pay for the security and logistics, but the big galas to take place on Jan. 21 are privately financed. (Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office to President Obama privately at the White House on Jan. 20, which is a Sunday.)
Some fund-raising advisers contend the inaugural is a civic event that should be open to corporate support, just like museum exhibitions. But do the celebrants really want to be caught dancing to the tune of corporate donors?
The president's inaugural team might consider more modest options appropriate for the nation's continuing hard times and Washington's budget wrangling — cutting back on the festivities to save some money. No need for political sackcloth and ashes, just some restraint amid a hard-won day for honoring democracy's renewal.
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