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Barack Obama's win in last year's US Presidential election was one of 2008's most memorable moments, and all of a sudden no one doubted in the young African-American's popularity and the role that media had in his rise to power. Well, his historic inauguration is only a day away, and if you're looking for a spot to watch history unfold, it'll be hard to miss... although I don't think there's been a time in my life when I wanted to be in Washington DC more than now.

Washington DC is going to throw a US$160-million inaugural party for Barack Obama tomorrow, dwarfing the US$42-million party that George W. Bush enjoyed four years ago and the US$29.6-million one for Bill Clinton's second term. Called for as they may be, the lavish celebrations to be had have drawn its fair share of criticism from Republicans and naysayers.

Obama undoubtedly faces a tough, tough task once the parties are over – he'll face an economy in crisis, an environment in peril, the Middle East in chaos, and international ties at the brink of collapse. Most of the criticism directed at the overgenerous celebrations ask whether now is really the time to party, but they at the same time sound like knee-jerk sour-graping.

If you ask me, though, Obama's inauguration should be worth at least four times the one Bush enjoyed. In addition to celebrating his rise to power, it's also celebrating the exit of Bush and his failed policies. That by itself is worth drinking myself to sleep.

Besides, judging from history, the inaugural party can set the tone for the rest of the presidency. And if Obama's going to clean up the mess left behind by Bush, he's going to need all the help he can get.


Tech companies and TV networks are teaming up to bring Obama's inaugural party to as many people as possible. All of the major networks in the US will be covering the swearing in and the subsequent parties, and telecasts of the ceremonies can be viewed on their websites, as well. If you're going to be in transit or otherwise out of the house by 11:30 a.m EST (that's 11:30 p.m. Hong Kong time), you can still watch history unfold on your laptop or mobile device – all you need is a connection to the Internet. You can count on me to be home at that time though, since it'll be hard to enjoy a beer otherwise.


Apparently, it's not just tech/media gurus like Chris Gomez who approves of the lavish celebrations. Musicians such as Beyonce, Bono, and Bruce Springsteen are going to be around for the parties. Other big names include John Legend, Josh Groban, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder, and well-known Obama supporter will.i.am.


No matter what the naysayers say, January 20, 2009 is going to be a day to remember for the entire world – and I'm going to be there to enjoy every single minute.