The hottest ticket in the free world is to the first White House State Dinner of the Obama presidency.
The Obamas are honoring visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, but in their own way -- unlike prior state dinners in the high-ceilinged State Dining Room, the Obamas will gather a few hundred VIPs in a heated tent on the South Lawn.
Below, the attendees from Chicago. But perhaps, more importantly, who's not on the list?
Oprah Winfrey, for one, who broke precedent to support Obama during his campaign. Maybe she had a scheduling conflict? In LA? Oprah BFF and party alternate Gayle King's was on the list.
Also not on the most exclusive guest list in the DC area: Dick Durbin, an early supporter.
And of course, Mayor Daley, despite the inclusion of New York's Mayor Bloomberg. Curses.
Here's the list:
The President & First Lady Michelle Obama
The Honorable (Mr.) David Axelrod, White House Communications
Mrs. Susan Axelrod
The Honorable (Ms.) Melody Barnes, Domestic Policy Council
Mr. Marland E. Buckner
Mr. Ari Emanuel
Mrs. Sarah Emanuel
The Honorable (Mr.) Rahm Emanuel, Chief of Staff to the President
Ms. Amy Rule
The Honorable (Attorney General) Eric Holder, United States Attorney General, Department of Justice
Dr. Sharon Malone, MD
Ms. Gayle King
Mr. Judd Miner
Mrs. Linda Miner
Mr. Newt Minow
Mrs. Josephine Minow
Mr. Martin Nesbitt
Ms. Anita Blanchard
The Honorable (Governor) Deval Patrick, Governor of Massachusetts (D)
Mrs. Diane Patrick, First Lady of Massachusetts
Mrs. Penny Pritzker
Dr. Brian Traubert
Mrs. Marian Robinson
Ms. Desiree Rogers, Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary
Mr. John Rogers
The Honorable (Rep.) Jan Schakowsky, United States Representative (D/Illinois)
Mr. Robert Creamer
Dr. Eric E. Whitaker
Dr. Cheryl Whitaker
For the full list of all expected attendees, see chicagtribune.com.
