Obama’s Inauguration: Cost Estimates Fabricated?

Like many people, I was a bit shocked when I read that Obama’s inauguration was going to cost an estimated $150 million. But when I did a little checking, it seems that the number was simply made up, with no hard facts whatsoever.

Now I have no particular interest in the inauguration. I didn’t even vote for Obama (though I can’t say I’m sorry he won). But I always find it fascinating to come upon ways the media reports unsubstantiated “facts” that are then widely accepted.

Of course, when it comes to really significant events –say 9/11– I’m sure we can trust the basic official story. Certainly, they couldn’t make stuff up on that kind of scale. No way. Inconceivable.

Anyway, I found this story about the AP fabricating inauguration costs at the Huffington Post, which then provided a link to a more detailed story at Mediamatters.