Oprah's Obama party instructions

OK, listen up, party people.

Those of you heading over to Oprah's big house in Montecito for the big Obama fundraising party on Sept. 8--and you all know who you are--need to know some very important planning information, which The Times' Tina Daunt has just obtained exclusively.

Yes, yes, you've each already shelled out at least $2,300--and maybe $4,600 if you're thinking of the general election too. That's for the invite alone.

Now, according to the instructions just sent out to attendees by Julianna Smoot, Obama's national finance director, here come the clothing requirements:

First, you need to wear "Garden Attire." And that don't mean clothes to go garden in, folks. It means summery, sheer, lots of linen, maybe some floppy hats, blazers, contrasting slacks and open collars for the guys (because you know Barack likes open collars).

Also--and this is very important--they're not calling it a fundraiser anymore. Fundraiser is kind of crass, don't you think? Sounds like they're after money. And fundraiser is what Hillary Clinton is calling her event over at Magic Johnson's house six days later. So, the Oprah-Obama event has become "a celebration."

The celebration will be held on Oprah's meadow. You've got one of those too, don't you? Big grassy...

area like where livestock graze only without the piles of you-know-what to step in. "Comfortable footwear is recommended," the instructions say. "Ladies, flat shoes are a must!"

What if it rains?

Also, even though you've already dropped thousands on this affair, you may well have been considering bringing a gift for Barack and Oprah. Don't do that! "Due to security and space limitations, no gifts or packages for Ms. Winfrey or Senator Obama will be accepted onsite." So, you'll probably want to ship your special somethings.

There are no repeat no tickets to this event. So don't be buying any from scalpers. Your name will be on an approved list, and government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or U.S. passport will be required for entrance. Invitations are strictly non-transferable, so if you aren't on the official list, take a hike. The confirmation e-mail letter is the only document. "Do not duplicate or distribute."

"All purses and bags will be searched." And "For the comfort of all guests, no cameras or recording devices will be permitted."

The party will be from 3 to 7 p.m. that Saturday. The official check-in place is now being called the Greeting Center. It will be off-site at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, Gate B, in Santa Barbara and open for check-in or greeting only from 2:15 until 3:45. So don't be late, or your $2,300 will only get you an empty check-in desk. Valet parking is required. Then guests will be escorted onto a motorcoach for "the short ride to the celebration."

Oh, and if you plan to stay overnight, some blocks of rooms have been set aside at several area hotels. Be sure to ask for the special Obama 08 rate, which starts at $280 at the Upham Hotel and runs up to only $1,600 for the night at the Bacara Resort and Spa. So you might want to stay two.

--Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Bernie]

I don't really think these rules are so "strange". If I were going, I would want to be safe, and so do they. What is wrong with that?

[Wallace]

Bernie,

Why is "strange" in quotes in your comment? Where in this piece does it say any of this is strange? What do you know that the rest of us don't?

There's nothing strange about it (and pause to wait for the giggles to pass). Now, go get your "comfortable footwear" and let's get on to the serious business of nominating a candidate for leader of the free world, but only after we make sure we're all wearing the right clothes for the season...

[Artis Gilmore]

"No cameras or recording devices will be permitted."

Not even being able to see the glitterati eating rubber chicken and laughing at tired bons mots sounds awfully uptight for a populist man of the people. But
given all the cellphones with builtin cameras I wish them hearty good luck in enforcing that rule. I'm expecting party photos of drunken shenanigans to hit Flickr while the event is still in progress.

[rearose]

OBAMA IS NOT A SPECIAL PERSON- HES NOTHING COMPARE TO THE CLINTONS- HES SO SARCASTIC/ARROGANT AND GALANT. HE THINK HES FINE AND I BET HIS INSECURE BEC. OF HIS BAD ATTITTUDE. SO COMPLACENT-SO STUBBORN AND SO ECCENTRIC GUY.
RESTRICTION? TOO MUCH. IS HE PRES OF ANOTHER COUNTRY-

[Pat]

Ticket to event - $2,300. New wardrobe consistent with Ms. Smoot's directives - $450. Opportunity to hear the first term senator make another inarticulate foreign policy gaffe while Oprah nods approvingly....priceless.

[Madison]

What exactly are we celebrating anyway?

[yuna]

Obama thinks he's special when he is same as other candidates just for RIGHT NOW

[seattlesnoop]

When a so-called celebrity decides to stage a celebration for anyone, I don't care who they are or what party they affiliated with...that is enough to make me think even longer and harder about that proposed candidate's credentials. Celebrities and politics do not mix.

[Kevin Norte]

I think it is very sad that a woman like Oprah would celebrate someone who will not win. Al that money could have gone to charity. She does a fine talk about child abuse and sexual abuse among various other nobel causes, but $2,300 for a "celebration" that is meaningless is truly tragic and a waste of good money. Many good people would write a check to be at an event that was truly a "celebration" of a good cause and not a lost cause. The only people who will be at that "celebration" are people who want to bow to the Queen and her fantasy son, "Prince Charming".

[MetroVaquero]

celebrating the azz kicking he's going to get.

[Lyn]

M, My, My, aren't some of us nasty or is it jealous.

BTW Oprah gives plenty of money to charity and raises plenty for charity also. What she wants to do with the rest of her money is her business.

I don't remember Republicans complaining when GWB had his Rangers raising money hand over fist from the oil industry. Or are these Hillary's Hellraiser (or what ever they are), if so would you be complaining if she did it for her or whoever your candidate was?

[Rafael Perez]

Barack Obama is more than special. He is God's gift to Mankind and Womankind. America would be lucky and wise to elect such a president.\
A great choice for once.

[psgoodguy]

i'll look forward to the "james frey" treatment she'll give him when he loses. we all know that girlfriend likes to get her pound of flesh when she doesn't get her way.

[Klaus]

This pro-Hillary hit piece is inane and hypocritical. How about we put some Hillary fundraisers under this sort of gossip-harpy scrutiny? Additionally, the comments in response to this blog are simply laughable. You want money to go to a good cause? There's no better cause than fighting to elect a president who, unlike Hillary, is not awash corporate lobbyist money, had the good judgment and foresight to realize that invading Iraq would be the worst foreign policy blunder in American history, and also unlike Hillary "52%-disapproval" Clinton, actually has a chance of winning in 2008.

[reader]

Why was this column published? What is so strange about advising invitees what to wear. I'm sure nobody would want to show up for an outdoor event in heels and an evening dress or tux. If you really want to look at something fake and pretentious, look at Fred Thompson's "little red pickup truck" which I linked to above.

[Sistah Ester Ray]

Oh Oprah, Oprah, please stop with the I'm so wonderful, and I throw such wonderful events blabbery. You really have reached another realm with your, I'm richer than you, and I'm better than you, and you are lucky to live on the same planet with my wonder self, attitude. True humility Oprah doesn't scream look at me, look at me. True goodness and humility is as nameless and faceless as some of the street people you will no doubt pass, on your way to "celebrate".

[alain moybray]

Money money money money moneymoneymoneymoney.
This is what this campaign is all about. Forget ending the war.
Too busy collecting money to talk about it.
Forget Katrina victims. Too busy.
Forget FISA and the flushing away of habeus corpus.
Money moneymoneymoneymoneymoney.

And if we wind up voting for Nader don't blame us.

[Kate]

We are all desperate for a change in our national leadership. "New blood" just may be the answer - "old blood" isn't. If we don't open our minds and hearts and really look at the Big Picture, well Folks, we're going to perpetuate what we already have, albeit for the next set of lobbied interests - $$$.

[scottriviera]

oh dear, there goes the neighborhood.

[Pavane]

Sounds like a lovely event to me. And you know it is going to be beautiful. Oprah does a lot of things for everybody. Including children. So good for her for doing what she wants in supporting Obama. Chances are, he will be our next V.P. And despite the sneering tone of this article regarding Oprah's requirements, her 'celebration' has the look and feel of class ... something the current administration knows nothing about. Oh, the Neocons are good at corruption and killing, but class? None. So, her approach is a breath of relief and fresh meadow air. I wish I could go.

[Rus Styles]

Oh boy...The "green-eyed" monster is a live and kicking today. Look, you Oprahphobes need to get a grip and stop the hatin.This woman--from very humble roots--has accomplished more than anyother woman I can think of, and more than most man. She did at time when blacks were still being overtly discriminaated against. Further, she didn't fit the prototypical mold; dark, fat and female. Physically abused as a child to boot. I don't watch her very often because I think most of the topics are fluff, but I sure as hell respect and admire what she's done with her life. If you can't appreciate that, it could be only one or two reasons. Jealousy or no appreciation for greatness. Or both.

For the inane post that calls Obama silly names. How about discussing the man's political positions. That's what really matters. We've got big trouble in America, and we desperately need not only a thinking president, but also a thinking electorate. Think people, ans stop calling names like children in a sandbox!

[WTF]

Wow, I'm dumbfounded that this is even worthy of posting, but what shocked me more was your comments. Celebrities and politics don't mix? Since when? Aren't they americans too? Forget about the war??? It's one of Obama's key issues, he spends more time talking about the war than anything else! Since when did ANY candidate that didn''t raise a gazillion dollars win an election? Isn't it better that an accual person donate alot of money to a campaign rather that a lobbyist or corporation that want favors returned once the candidate is in office? If you think it's such a brilliant idea to throw another Washington dinosaur in the whitehouse, and let 2 single families run the country for 3 decades, maybe you should focus your energy on laying out some good arguments rather than create this petty fake outrage. Andrew Malcom, whoever you are, if you have to dig this deep for a story, maybe blogging isnt for you.

[dattexas]

wow, you're article really tries to find fault with these party rules, but you fail miserably. there is nothing at all wrong with these rules, and you're an idiot for trying to make something out of nothing.

[Jeff]

I don't understand why people are trashing Oprah for having this event. Unfortunately money is necessary under our current system and until we change that this is what candidates need to do in order to mount a successful campaign. I like Barack Obama but I have not decided whom to support in the primaries. Oprah has the money and clout to do what she wants. She earned it all and should be applauded for getting involved. If all this talk of big money gets you crazy then do something about it and get involved in the process. The American people can change anything if they get involved. Of course most can not afford to give $2300.00 to a candidate but getting educated about the issues costs nothing. 2008 is the most important election in some time. Get involved and vote.

[Joe]

Sounds like many here are jealous. I hope people were screaming money, money, money when Spelberg threw an event for Mrs. Clinton.