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In reply to the discussion: Maher on Obama Library: "Couldn't that money be better spent on something else? Who's going to go to this?" [View all]
underpants
(197,752 posts)37. It was privately funded
The Obama Presidential Center and Library, which opened in Chicago in June 2026, was financed by an estimated $850 million raised privately through the Obama Foundation. While building costs were covered by private donors, public tax dollars have funded surrounding infrastructure updates and road reconfigurations.Key funding and financial details include
rivate Construction: The museum, library, and campus buildings were financed entirely by private contributions and managed by the Obama Foundation.
Public Infrastructure: State and local taxpayers contributed over $200 million for surrounding infrastructure upgrades, road redesigns, and utility relocations.Endowment &
Maintenance: The Obama Foundation previously discussed a $470 million endowment goal to sustain future operations, which has faced scrutiny as only $1 million has been deposited into the fund so far.
Official Archives: The physical and digital records of his administration are managed by the Barack Obama Presidential Library, an entity of the National Archives and Records Administration
Meet the megadonors who funded the Obama Foundation
https://chicago.suntimes.com/museums-zoos/2026/06/17/meet-the-mega-donors-who-funded-the-obama-foundation
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Maher on Obama Library: "Couldn't that money be better spent on something else? Who's going to go to this?" [View all]
sheshe2
Saturday
OP
There will never be a bill Maher library, or even commemorative anything. He will fade away to obscurity
Blues Heron
Saturday
#3
I think Bill is in early stages of dementia. All of the pot he smoked in his early years that were sprayed with DEET
Pisces
Saturday
#6
Great! Chicago is the one USA city I've wanted to visit but haven't....
electric_blue68
Saturday
#67
I'm thinking maybe later in May. It probably won't be hot yet, and snow chance will be gone....
electric_blue68
Saturday
#77
weather is hit and miss lately. i'm out in the western burbs of the city and we were all getting great summertime
orleans
Saturday
#83
Always good to hear from who ever lives in a particular city that I'd wsnt to travel to!
electric_blue68
Yesterday
#110
i can't even imagine the crowds on tuesdays for the next ... ? six months? two years? idk.
orleans
Saturday
#75
because he's still considered a lefty commentator... but really he's just a racist ass
LymphocyteLover
Yesterday
#120
The only thing left about Maher is the Democrats that have left him in the dust bin.
dem4decades
Yesterday
#138
He used to clearly promote Dem policies and bashed Republicans regularly
LymphocyteLover
20 hrs ago
#154
he was a vocal Obama supporter back in the day, but soured on Dems big time since then
LymphocyteLover
20 hrs ago
#151
His show is effectively a right-wing talking point, so those posts should be reported as such.
Xavier Breath
Saturday
#91
Notice these clowns whining about the Obama Center leave out the fact that it was NOT tax payer funded?
Attilatheblond
Saturday
#34
The baffling part is that he's been a stalwart reichwing mouthpiece for decades
Orrex
Yesterday
#125
I remember reading that Mahr takes pride in the fact that he has collected every issue of Playboy ever published...
lapucelle
Saturday
#56
I think it's rather stellar. I prefer the uncommon, the different, the avant-garde over the quotidian and bog standard.
Celerity
Yesterday
#114
It's a byproduct of the insane amount of money that's now in politics - I don't like the massive increase of money in
Midwestern Democrat
Yesterday
#135
It will be one of those buildings that eventually everyone can identify.
FascismIsDeath
12 hrs ago
#174
when i hear maher's name the words "smarmy little prick" & "smug asshole" come to mind nt
orleans
Saturday
#79
He and Ann Coulter used to date??? I heard that years ago. Anyone know for sure???
Yoyoyo77
17 hrs ago
#167
Just another racist, pseudo-intellectual pretending to be "above the fray." /nt
spudspud
Saturday
#89
"We could give Trump a $3 billion slush fund instead of a $2 billion slush fund! Or we could give ICE
struggle4progress
Saturday
#99
I wonder if Maher is still going to love him some Trump if he pulls some support for Israel.
LudwigPastorius
Yesterday
#113
Bill, keep this level of self-indulgence private. THIS is what no one wants to see.
JHB
Yesterday
#123
A ridiculous notion that people who watch/listen to Maher are on the hook to defend everything he says
True Dough
Yesterday
#136
So is there ever a breaking point as this asshole moves more and more to the right?
BannonsLiver
23 hrs ago
#143
Perhaps you should direct that question to the Dem guests who are all too willing to appear on Maher's show
True Dough
19 hrs ago
#156