From what I understand, there were different sections of seating. The delegates were on the floor and the majority of the rest of the seats were for the community. There were obviously VIPS and celebrities in attendance and I don’t know if this is the case, but I for one would not be upset at all if those people that sat in the suites and private club areas paid for their tickets – after all, they are hardly “the public” and can afford to do so. In fact, it seems to be in accordance with the Democrats and their views that those who can afford to pay – do, while the regular American that is struggling with bills gets a helping hand. Whether you agree with that stance or not, it is far from hypocritical.

I know many people that sat in the community seats. I did. And I didn’t meet a single one who had to pay for their ticket.

Like someone mentioned before, the campaign only said that the Community Credentials/tickets were free – the tickets given to the general public. They probably didn’t publicize it because there must have been a very limited number of seats for purchase/donation that were sent to a specific invitation list that they knew would/could afford to pay.

“Community Credential” was just the Obama campaign’s euphemism for “ticket.” (It sounded more communal.)

And if there was nothing deceptive going on, why did they stop doing it the minute the media made an inquiry? I think they got caught with their hand in the proverbial cookie jar. If not, the natural response would have been: “Hey — we’re selling the premium seats. Nothing to see here. Move along.”

You seem to be operating under Gore Rules, in which what you imagined that candidate said is more important than what they said in real life.

So the Obama campaign is giving some tickets away but selling others for (presumably) the best seats in the house. And your problem with this is….what exactly?

That they’re advertised as being free. And the campaign is selling them in secret. Other than that, it’s all above board.

So the Obama campaign is giving some tickets away but selling others for (presumably) the best seats in the house. And your problem with this is….what exactly?

Problem? That they HID it and told the press (and the rank-and-file) that tickets would all be free. If the Britney Spears tour advertised “general admission” tickets (all seats for $50) and then it came out that floor seats were reserved for a secret group of VIPs who were able to pay $1,000 to get their daughters up close and personal … dontcha think it would be seen as just a bit slimy?