On Tuesday’s CBS Early Show, correspondent Nancy Cordes reported on the Obamas hosting their first state dinner in the White House and declared: “Everyone wants one, but only a few hundred are lucky enough to get an invitation to the hottest ticket in town...”
Cordes concluded her brief report by mentioning: “Pop entertainer and Chicagoan Jennifer Hudson will entertain the guests, giving everyone, including the Obamas, ample opportunity to dance.” Footage was played of the first couple dancing as co-host Maggie Rodriguez added: “Which we know they love to do.”
Rodriguez spoke with former Clinton White House official Laura Schwartz, who remarked: “What an exciting day today.” Rodriguez agreed: “I know.” She then asked Schwartz: “...what do you think the Obamas want this dinner to say about them?” Schwartz described the event as the Obamas “inviting the world into their home” and noted the couple’s frequent global travel: “...the Obamas have been traveling quite a lot this first year, which is very exciting, it’s good for America. It’s good to be involved.”
Here is a full transcript of the segment:
7:14AM TEASE:HARRY SMITH: Up next, it’s the hottest it ticket in D.C. We’re going to tell you which Hollywood stars are invited to the Obama’s first state dinner.
7:17AM SEGMENT:
MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ: The Obama’s first state dinner is tonight and almost everything about it is a closely guarded secret, from who’s invited to what’s on the menu. But we have got a sneak peek for you this morning, courtesy of CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes.
NANCY CORDES: Everyone wants one, but only a few hundred are lucky enough to get an invitation to the hottest ticket in town, the President and Mrs. Obama’s first state dinner. The guest of honor is India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife. Many of the details are still hush-hush, but the evening is expected to be a mix of Washington heavy weights, staff members, and Hollywood big wigs. Expected to attend are Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, but not her husband, former President Bill Clinton, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. From the entertainment world, likely guests include Obama fund-raiser Steven Spielberg, Ari Emanuel, and film maker M. Night Shyamalan. The Obamas chose to host the event on the South Lawn, under a white tent which can accommodate close to 400 guests. While no one is giving a price tag on this dinner, previous state dinners ranged anywhere from $60,000 to upwards of several hundred thousand.
NIA-MALIKA HENDERSON [POLITICO]: It’s larger than Bush’s official dinner in 2005, where there were about 150 people there, but smaller than the Clinton’s dinner, which had about 700 people there.
CORDES: Pop entertainer and Chicagoan Jennifer Hudson will entertain the guests, giving everyone, including the Obamas, ample opportunity to dance. Nancy Cordes, CBS News, Washington.
[FOOTAGE OF OBAMAS DANCING]
RODRIGUEZ: Which we know they love to do. Joining us now from Washington, our old friend Laura Schwartz, former White House director of events during the Clinton administration. Helped plan many of these state dinners. Hey Laura, good to see.
LAURA SCHWARTZ: Good morning, Maggie. What an exciting day today.
RODRIGUEZ: I know. From what you heard about the details that Nancy just gave us, what do you think the Obamas want this dinner to say about them?
SCHWARTZ: Well, I think this is their – you know, this is their first state dinner, so they are inviting the world into their home by way of the prime minister of India and it really is the time to put that outstretched hand of America here at home. You know, the Obamas have been traveling quite a lot this first year, which is very exciting, it’s good for America. It’s good to be involved. But this is the first time these honors are given here at home, the people’s house, right behind me.
RODRIGUEZ: We know that celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelson will be preparing the menu. Is it customary to honor the guest of honor, in this case the Indian prime minister, with the food or in another way?
SCHWARTZ: Absolutely, Maggie. You what happens, about two months before now, one of the delegation members have come over from India, they sit down, they talk about the likes and the dislikes of the prime minister and the spouse. Any food allergies. In this case the prime minister is a vegetarian. And then the White House wants to highlight the best of America. So they’re bringing Marcus Samuelson into work with Chef Cristeta Comerford, the White House chef, who’s fabulous in her own right and she still will oversee the entire dinner, but Marcus Samuelson will definitely add a little zing.
RODRIGUEZ: Oh, unfortunately we’re out of time. Laura Schwartz, thank you so much.
SCHWARTZ: Thanks, Maggie.
RODRIGUEZ: You’re welcome.
—Kyle Drennen is a news analyst at the Media Research Center. You can follow him on Twitter here.






















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If a Republican were
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 18:38 ET by MidAmericaIf a Republican President was having a state dinner there would be long segments on wounded soldiers, hungry children in America and of course, the homeless.
Lester Holt was just on (I
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 19:56 ET by motherbeltLester Holt was just on (I don't know which network he's on) and that was the top tease...the event of the season it was called.
The lead story, however, was that the President now has a plan to finish the war in Afghanistan. Which he plans to announce....next week...Tuesday....probably in a live TV address, I'm guessing....
Now, after three months of dithering, and the media breathlessly informing us every few days that he was thinking, he was listening, he asked for plans, he didn't like any of the plans, he asked for new plans.....he was thinking, he was getting close to a decision......now they say he has made a decision...and we have to wait until next week to find out what it is.
He couldn't call a press conference tomorrow and just do it????
Well, we waited three months, what's a few more days?
mb~
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 20:00 ET by Kat Outta the Bag"The lead story, however, was that the President now has a plan to finish the war in Afghanistan. Which he plans to announce....next week...Tuesday....probably in a live TV address, I'm guessing...."
Yes, it's already been announced it will be a primetime address. Natch.
Re TV address
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 20:32 ET by slickwillie2001Word leaking out now that it might be a scam. He may 'approve' the 37,000, but schedule their arrival in Afghanistan over a period of up to two years. (Blaming the poor system of roads in Afghanistan!) That will be two years more for him to dither or cancel outright. Clever ruse actually, I wonder who thought it up?
what? hottest?
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 13:03 ET by Patriot IIYou know what? I would not walk across the street to go to one of this lying communists scums parties!!!!
oh I can hear the lead story now if that was Bush...
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 20:06 ET by Jnoble"The President flies to an elegant party over seas! But at home (insert B-roll footage of a crowded homeless shelter and a close-up shot of a wide-eyed 4 year old child in tears) things are very different. Double-digit unemployment. The worst economy since 1983. And tonight some are asking (which means us) "Mr President, is it really appropriate in these tough times what you're doing?"
Oh wait, Bush isn't around anymore? Well....never mind then.
Bookmark This
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 22:07 ET by countmein5050Bookmark this because liberals totally forget what hissy fits they threw every single time the Bush family boarded a plane. They had fits every single time Bush swung a golf club...but suddenly now....in the face of the worst economic melt down since Carter...it's GOOD THEY TRAVEL...Good that THEY DANCE...Good that OBAMA HAS BROKEN BUSH'S RECORD FOR GOLF GAMES...IN HIS ENTIRE SERVICE!!! Ah...liberals just want to glorify THEIR people...THE ELITES...the CEREBRALS...THE DOUCHE BAGS.
what do you think the Obamas want this dinner to say about them?
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 18:44 ET by JTP"We won"
"Live for yourself...there's no one else more worth living for.
Begging hands and bleeding hearts will only cry out for more"- Rush--Anthem
There's no bread, let them
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 19:40 ET by bse5150There's no bread, let them eat cake!
There's no end to what they'll take!
- Rush, Bastille Day
And the perfect song for Lady MEchelle Marie Antoinette Obama and her wild, ferociously expensive soirees. Held while the rest of us are broke, unemployed, or on the battlefield.
"Lesson's taught but never learned...
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 20:00 ET by Jnoble"...all around us anger burns..."
And don't forget especially with this crew:
"Power isn't all that money buys"
I think most Americans would
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 18:59 ET by rbosqueI think most Americans would not sit at the table of a man bent on destroying our way of life.
IT'S NOT "THEIR" HOUSE
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 19:12 ET by jacktheripperDAMMIT
Proud HillBilly from NNY
As we have 17.5% of
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 19:25 ET by Gat New YorkAs we have 17.5% of Americans out of work - no strategy in Afghanistan - and a President whose is rapidly becoming the most unpopular in history.
As Rome burned, Nero fiddled.
I thought they all were hot tickets
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 19:34 ET by octaviojWas it not the case that all state dinners, no matter what president, are hot tickets? I always thought so. Is it news because it is president Obama now?
Globe hopping
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 19:37 ET by Kat Outta the Bag“...the Obamas have been traveling quite a lot this first year, which is very exciting, it’s good for America.”
Except that they keep coming back. Damn.
LOL Kat!
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 19:41 ET by bse5150LOL Kat!
I know, right? If only,
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 19:41 ET by BO STINKSsomeone would kidnap them (not their girls) when they are out of the country..... Do you think the ransom would every be paid?
"How strangely will the Tools of a Tyrant pervert the Plain Meaning of Words!" ~Sam Adams
This is getting old
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 19:55 ET by red_dragon311This is getting old but ....what was said when Bush was "...traveling quite a lot..."
this makes me sick
Even the Bible argees Psalm 109:8 "Let his days be few; and let another take office."
And Bush didn't even
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 20:00 ET by motherbeltAnd Bush didn't even "travel" as in jaunting around the world....he mostly went to his ranch in Texas. And the media hated that, because Texas was far from the glitz and the nightlife that they loved. They hated it that Bush was not a night owl and a party animal. So of course, they love this party atmosphere that the Obamas are creating.
Kat
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 20:07 ET by JnobleGood one!! LOL
OMG you are right!!!
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 20:42 ET by HogTideRebelCatsNext time the Imposter-in-Thief travels out of America,
DON'T come back.
I call bullsh*t
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 19:51 ET by Trix Rabbit1) The Chanukkah guest list is culled to 400 invitees because of costs and that the Obamas wanted to avoid the appearance of lavish parties during the recession. (h/t Tim Graham)
2) "Everyone wants one, but only a few hundred are lucky enough to get an invitation to the hottest ticket in town...” Wrong! I would rather be in traction than go waste my time with snobs, elitists, and butt-kissers.
3) Just remember. The planners of this soiree are digging very deep into your pockets to pay for this.
For the MSM: In your pomp and all your glory, you're a poorer man than me. As you lick the boots of death born out of fear.
Ian Anderson "Wind up"
I second your call of
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 20:03 ET by Kat Outta the BagI second your call of bullsh*t, Trix.
Why this week?
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 20:25 ET by ScottyKUtahI think Rush mentioned it today, but I was wondering why would they pick this week for this silly "State Dinner"? This is Thanksgiving, a uniquely American holiday where we all gather with family.
Isn't Obama the first president to have a official state dinner during Thanksgiving week?
Looks like it's just another attempt by him to keep the spotlight on him.
If O baz wanted a photo op
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 21:41 ET by kangarooIf O baz wanted a photo op this week, the pardoning of the turkey would of been fine.
Did he pardon the wife, whoops I mean turkey?
what do you think the Obamas want this dinner to say about them?
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 20:39 ET by HogTideRebelCatsI like Sheriff Matt Dillon of Gunsmoke lore
His quote, "get the hell out of Dodge".
My quote to ObamASS, "get the HELL out of Washington"!!!
I would eat out of a dumpster before I would ever go to his dumbASS State Dinner!!!
Mooobama
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 21:02 ET by Jack BauerObama is just so smart, and his protocol staff are also so smart...
...I expect they served Kobe Beef to the Indian Prime Minister -- he's Hindu I believe.
The stench of glitterati...
Tue, 11/24/2009 - 21:06 ET by wnaegeleSigh!
They live-we
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 00:59 ET by RR GOPThey live-we sleep.
Fortunately, it seems that some of those special sunglasses are finally getting out there.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 86% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
Nero fiddles..
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 01:19 ET by rfpzzzzzOnce again Nero fiddles while Rome burns. Hey, what war, what troops , what deficit , what unemployment,....lets party on your dime. Born to be inappropriate.
→ Nero
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 01:29 ET by Cool ArrowYeah, this guy is the smartest President we've ever had.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Nero got what he
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 01:35 ET by RR GOPNero got what he wanted...remember?
He burned down Rome and rebuilt it the way he wanted it including his huge Golden House and a colossal statue of himself (whose foundation still exists BTW).
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 86% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
The Face That Launched A Thousand Hurls
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 04:42 ET by DoktorFrankenI'm not sure what nauseates me more - reading this transcript from CBS or the thought of having to look at The First Linebacker while I ate. That 'Aunt Ester' puss could curdle puke.
Sarah Palin: The Most Dangerous Conservative In America
Dinner with the Bamster
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 08:36 ET by garyd99Isn't just wonderful that someone's son or daughter at the same time were having their own state dinner in Afghanistan under the stars in their very own tent. Absent of course were the wonderful perky Couric, Williams, and Roberts. The china they were allowed was steel trays from the Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson...... Obama administrations. The menu consisted of powdered eggs and KRations. It was impressive that the guests were arriving in their beautiful hummers and jeeps. The females trooper's donned their finest camouflaged fatigues with highly spit shined boots. The entertainment was provided by the USO provided CD player that ended at nine since that is when the electricity is shut off.
Thanks Bamster maybe you can make a decision by Christmas on more help. I guess this is how things are done when you have Venezuela type dictatorship for your leader.
Grouchy, schoolmarmish Obama rewards his pet students
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 10:49 ET by eksliband uses the ruler across the knuckles of students who dare to think differently than he does.
Hmm, was my natural
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 11:00 ET by RowaneHmm, was my natural assumption, that our country was BROKE, wrong? Do you suppose this shindig was thrown by some mystereous donor, or are they AGAIN blowing money they don't have?
"You know, when I was asked earlier about the issue of coal, uh, you
know — Under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would
necessarily skyrocket" - Barack Hussain Obama
10.2%
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 12:06 ET by ForbusZero fiddles while Rome burns.