The renovated interior of Ford's Theatre, presenting a theatrical glimpse at President Abraham Lincoln's life to mark the reopening of the Washington playhouse where Lincoln was assassinated and the 200th anniversary of the 16th president's birth.( AP Photo/Ford's Theatre, Maxwell MacKenzie)
by Mark Silva
In pursuit of his homages to Abraham Lincoln, President Barack Obama's expected appearance at Ford's Theatre tonight may strike some as, well, dramatic.
The actor James Earl Jones and CBS news anchor Katie Couric are among the celebrities appearing at a celebration of the American president who saved the union and freed the slaves, tonight, on the eve of Lincoln's 200th birthday, in a star-studded gala for the $25-million renovation and reopening of Ford's Theatre.
The Washington theater where Lincoln was assassinated will reopen on Thursday following an 18-month face-lift that includes new, more comfortable seats, a modern lobby and new dressing rooms. A revamped museum will open this spring.
This evening, actor Sidney Poitier and "Star Wars" director George Lucas will be honored with the Lincoln Medal.
And Obama, who has evoked Lincoln's words and legacy in his presidential campaign and inauguration, is invited to the party - as is the President's Own Marine Band. Obama also plans to fly to Springfield, Ill., on Thursday for a celebration of Lincoln's birthday.in the city where Obama launched his own presidential bid two years ago.
Exxon Mobil Chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson, who oversaw fundraising, says more than $49 million for the renovation and ongoing projects has been raised - and the campaign is likely to exceed its $50 million goal. Exxon Mobil donated $5 million to the project, the District of Columbia government gave $10 million.
"I've been personally fascinated and inspired by Lincoln since I was a child," Tillerson said. "His ability to confront adversity with courage, find inspiration in challenges both personal and political, and shape leadership through the strength of diversity were extraordinary traits."
Also offering tributes to Lincoln tonight: From TV's "Private Practice," actors Ben Vereen and Jeffrey Wright, and opera singer Jessye Norman.
Ford's Theatre / AP photo. The AP also contributed to this report.
Comments
I see that the lame Lincoln comparisons are going to be a continuous theme. That would embarrass normal people, but politicians aren't normal and Obama as as typical a pol as you'll find anywhere. It's going to embarrass him at some point, though. Mark my words.
Posted by: MJ | February 11, 2009 6:18 PM
It sounds like MJ is still clinging to his theory that every politician from Chicago is automatically corrupt. I thought you might have grown out of that by now. But yes, the media does overdo the Lincoln comparisons.
Posted by: Flo | February 11, 2009 7:19 PM
It's not a theory, Flo, and it's not every one of them. It's only 99.5%. But I didn't even mention Chicago corruption here, so what gives?
Posted by: MJ | February 11, 2009 9:06 PM
GOod God above could we stop with the LIncoln stuff? The birthday is tomorrow, so maybe after that things will die down. One can only hope.
Kind of like we can only hope Obama will be a fraction of the president Lincoln was. So far, that hope is not being borne out. He's horrible.
Posted by: liz | February 11, 2009 9:22 PM
MJ, the little comment about "typical pol" reminded me of your stubborn unsubstantiated arguments during our debates prior to the election. That's what gives.
Posted by: Flo | February 11, 2009 9:48 PM
liz: Pray tell, why is he horrible?
Posted by: Joe | February 12, 2009 12:33 AM