Open Air Obama Party in Central Park Proposed

Get shut out of the big inaugural party? PolitickerNY is reporting that "City Councilman Eric Gioia wants Jumbotrons erected in Central Park for all those New Yorkers who can’t score a ticket or get to Washington D.C. to celebrate Barack Obama’s inauguration in January." In order to make the party happen, private funding would need to come in to play, but Gioia seems determined, saying that “New York has a history of celebrating great human achievement." He also added a comment about his venue choice, saying, “If it’s good enough for Bon Jovi, it should be good enough for the inauguration.” If it happens, hopefully the private funds will also cover some heat lamps. Image of the DC Metro's special Obama inauguration SmarTrip card from DCist

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By Jen Carlson in News on November 25, 2008 11:50 AM

Comments [rss]

Rfive

How about an indoor space like an armory? Or find a local public school that is screening it for their students? My school is presenting the inauguration in the auditorium and in its smaller theaters.

The kool-aid has already been digested folks. Just looking for appetizers to go with it.

Kingpin

If this had been a standard practice for years I might be of a different mind, but c'mon...

Enough with the Obama egoboosting. Why is he so deserving of a huge public spectacle in Central Park compared to his predessors? What's wrong, as bclm noted, with just watching it on TV at home? That's how it's been done for years now, and seems a lot more sensible a idea.

Look, good for you that Obama won but please stop thinking he's the next messiah, he's just a human being and so is as fallible as the rest of us.

Dude69

Another dumbass Democrat wasting NY taxpayer money just to kiss his future boss' ass! Bring lots of tissues, boys!

JacqueMehoff

I like councilman Gioia,

if he could find funding, good for him for thinking BIG.

how bout a smaller park? with access to food and facilities and not penned up like cattle.

FelixtheCat & Christine Quinn'

idiot, first they will use taxpayer's money and they will scare those poor carriage horses

meganificent

while this sounds like a cool event, it would have to be entirely privately funded for me to support this. seems ludicrous to use any taxpayer money considering the MTA's massive debt and the shape of the subway system.

thefacts

Gioia is such a publicity hound.

Isn't he worried about a wilding incident?

Outter Burrougher

if i don't win in the schumer lottery, my plan is to host people at my apartment, but this actually sounds kind of cool.

the article says that private funding would come into play. also, again, we can have concerts there, but (remotely) taking part in a civic event is considered too much?

Rocknrope

Not going to happen. People would be up in arms for using taxpayer money for this, large private companies are not going to sponsor something political like this, and there are not enough small mom and pops willing to throw in their cash given the economy.

Here's a better idea. Go to your local Obama-supporting tavern. Do a shot every time he mentions the word "change." Buy a round whenever he mentions the road "will not be easy."

bclm

I understand the sentiment behind the proposal, but if you can't make it down to DC, why not consider...watching it on TV in the comfort and warmth of your home? You'll probably have a better view of the whole thing from there. If I don't score a ticket from my senators (not the NY ones, that's a lost cause), I doubt I am going to head down to DC to shiver on my feet for hours.