The controversy over inaugural spending

[jdramj]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

Really? Then, all the past references (by Repubs) as to Theresa Heinz-Kerry's money were for..? He was roundly slammed by them for having a wealthy wife. I really don't think he would have been as gauche as to thrown such an expensive soiree during such times, but I could be wrong. If he had, I would be doubly critical of him, as I would hold him to much higher standards.

Maybe his wife could have afforded to pay the costs all by herself

I just don't really see the arguement here....Clinton did it (with inflation it cost more) and Bush did it (still A LOT of money). Previous Presidents did it, and newly elected Presidents in the future will do all of this. You can't control private donations and how they are spent. If you were given money and told this is for an inaugural ball....would you really turn around and spend it elsewhere?