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An open gala, but not for all

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 6, 2009 05:37 PM

For a president-elect and inauguration all about openness and small-d democracy, it seems a curious choice.

Barack Obama's inaugural committee said this afternoon that HBO will televise the opening entertainment gala on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 18, two days before he is sworn in as the 44th president.

The committee said the premium cable channel will use an open signal and work with its distributors to make the program free to every American with cable or satellite TV -- but that would still leave out the millions who rely on antennae to get TV reception.

The opening celebration, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, will feature "some of the biggest acts in the world of entertainment to celebrate our common heritage and our new direction," the committee said. Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden will attend the event, which will be free and open to the public.

"We are very excited that HBO will be televising the kick-off event for our Inaugural," inaugural committee Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau said in a statement. "Their proven track record as a leader in television will help ensure an event that reflects President-elect Obama's commitment to holding an inauguration that is open, accessible and reflects America's spirit of unity. The Presidential Inaugural Committee is committed to staging an Opening Celebration that reflects the best of our nation, and we are pleased that millions of people across the country will be able to share in this historic experience."

Bill Nelson, Chairman & CEO of Home Box Office, said in a statement: "We are honored to be broadcasting an event of this national significance featuring some of the leading talent from the music and entertainment industry. HBO is proud to work with all of our distributors to make this event accessible to as many citizens as possible."

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"Their proven track record as a leader in television will help ensure an event that reflects President-elect Obama's commitment to holding an inauguration that is open, accessible and reflects America's spirit of unity."

Not exactly "open" when its on HBO

Posted by ALP January 6, 09 08:13 PM
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Anybody surprised as the propaganda train rolls on? Of course HBO's team of highly skilled producers would be picked over one of the also ran's. The O team knows how to stage a spectacle.. this point cannot be argued. Somebody should check in on Chris Mathews and make sure he is ok. I mean if asked I'm sure he would have been more than happy to carry O around piggyback style for the days leading up to the big day.

Do you think they will get Frank Capra to direct?

Posted by Heat Miser January 7, 09 07:16 AM
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What a stunning example of the pay-to-play mentality in politics! Citizens who choose not to pay for cable (or cannot afford it) will be left out of the information loop and will have greater difficulty exercising their civic duties.

Posted by About It January 7, 09 10:30 AM
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I cannot believe that I voted for someone who doesn't feel the people who put him in office are worthy of sharing this historic occasion. Is this the first of many disappointments we will see over the next 4 years? It kind of makes me want to go back to not bothering to vote.

Posted by Melanie Jones January 7, 09 03:15 PM
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In response to Melanie Jones' question: the answer is "Yes".

Snowed again, weren't you? Did you really think that "change" was a-comin'?

Posted by Linda January 8, 09 11:50 AM
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I thought Obama wasn't an elitist?

Posted by Max January 16, 09 08:39 AM
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the show is being shared with other stations... but only for the 80% of Americans who have cable. Go to your local bar/restaurant and insist they put it on.

Posted by Kathy Moylan January 18, 09 03:03 PM
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