Lyle A. Waisman/WireimageHappy Birthday, Mr. President!
Obama turns the big 5-0 today, but with the debt deal sealed, he got the celebrating started yesterday.
The birthday boy jetted off to Chicago to celebrate with a celeb-studded soiree and fundraiser. His first bash at the Aragon Ballroom featured performances from Jennifer Hudson, Herbie Hancock and OK Go.
Most than 1,700 guests bought tickets to the fancy fete. So exactly how much does it cost to party with the prez?
Attending this soiree was surprisingly affordable! Tickets started at only $50, with proceeds going toward the Obama Victory Fund.
Dining with Obama, however, is more pricey. He also hosted an intimate 100-person dinner party last night, and seats cost up to $35,800, with $5,000 going to the Obama reelection campaign.
Republicans criticized his lavish birthday bashes in the wake of the country's high unemployment rate, but we say you gotta fight for your right to party...and if you manage to raise some money while celebrating, go for it.
Cheers to political partying!