Beware Phony Inaugural Ticket Scams

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Sun Nov 09, 2008 at 08:28:22 PM EST
Tags: Barack Obama, Inauguration (all tags)

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Some fraudsters are peddling phony tickets to President-Elect Barack Obama's inauguration. The Washington Post reports the only source for tickets, which are free, is the Congressional Offices. They are setting up a website with information.

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has printed about 250,000 tickets to the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony at the west front of the U.S. Capitol.

The tickets are free and will be given to members of Congress and to President-elect Barack Obama's presidential inaugural committee, once that is established. Those who want to attend the ceremony should contact their local member of Congress to request tickets.

One drawback for out-of-towners planning to attend: "Tickets will not be given out until one week before the inauguration." Maybe the airlines will offer last minute inauguration fares? I don't think so either, but I thought I'd throw the idea out there.

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Beware Phony Inaugural Ticket Scams | 8 comments (8 topical)

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Reminds me (none / 0) (#1)
by eric on Sun Nov 09, 2008 at 11:00:21 PM EST

of the fact that I had an invitation to the Clinton Inauguration in 1993. I didn't go - couldn't afford it - but I have it framed. Good times, the 90's, better for us all. Let's hope for some more peace and prosperity.

: We attended the Clinton-Gore inauguration and (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by Angel on Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 08:13:04 AM EST

it was so special! The Kennedy family sat directly behind us in the bleachers during the parade, and the Clintons, including Chelsea, were walking the route when they arrived at our section. Oh how excited we were to attend such a historic event. I would love to attend the Obama inauguration but it isn't in the cards this year because of the economy. I'll be happy to watch it on television!

So if I'm in DC... (none / 0) (#3)
by mike in dc on Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 08:14:51 AM EST

...I have to contact Eleanor Holmes Norton about getting tickets?

It's the People's party.... (none / 0) (#4)
by kdog on Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 08:52:05 AM EST

The inauguration should be general admission, first come first serve, no ticket required.

The balls can be for the insiders and those with congressional connections, let the people have the inauguration.

Seems to me (none / 0) (#5)
by Steve M on Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 09:29:55 AM EST

that if you're one of the "people" from a state like California you'd be forced to travel to Washington at great expense just to find out if you'll be able to get in. I think most folks would rather know that they have a ticket in advance, to be honest. Not every ticketing scheme is The Man trying to keep you down.


Fair enough... (none / 0) (#6)
by kdog on Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 09:36:41 AM EST

but why have congress-critters doling out the tickets? Unless you've got connections with your congress-critter I'm guessing you ain't getting in.


Consider it a public service (none / 0) (#7)
by Fabian on Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 09:43:35 AM EST

by a public servant.

Besides, while you are hassling them for a ticket, that leaves them and their staff less time to meet with lobbyists.


: Public servants..... (none / 0) (#8)
by kdog on Mon Nov 10, 2008 at 10:34:45 AM EST

or public swindlers?
If tickets end up on stub-hub for a couple g's apiece, we'll have our answer:)