A party any prez would be proud of

At least that's what the people at the Creative Coalition must think, because they announced publicly this week that they are busily making arrangements for its fabulous nonpartisan presidential inaugural celebration -- even though the race for the White House is still on. Given the politics of the coalition's members (mostly Democratic actors), it's not hard to imagine whom they envision dancing first at the party. (Does Barack Obama know how to waltz?)

People still may have questions about how seriously to take Hollywood's varied policy agenda, but no one doubts their ability as party planners. California has given 20 cents of every dollar donated to Obama and nearly as high a percentage to John McCain, and apparently that buys the right to decide how the victory is celebrated.

The Creative Coalition, which made a point of creating a presence at both parties' conventions this year, has already staked a first-comer's claim on the 8 p.m. time slot on Jan. 20 in Washington. (If there's one thing these guys understand it's how to program prime time).

The Coalition, a nonprofit social advocacy group for the entertainment industry, already has an impressive lineup of stars for the soiree: Spike Lee, Kerry Washington, Susan Sarandon, Alfre Woodard, Barry Levinson, Dana Delany, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Wendie Malick, Josh Lucas, Matthew Modine, Rachael Leigh Cook, Alan Cumming, Connie Britton, Richard Schiff, Ellen Burstyn, Giancarlo Esposito, Gloria Reuben, Lynn Whitfield, Tamara Tunie, Tom Fontana, Tony Goldwyn and Tim Daly. (Musical talent to be announced; in Denver with the Dems, the group's headliner was the Black Eyed Peas. In Minneapolis with the GOP, it was the Charlie Daniels Band.)

The coalition envisions using the gala as a fundraiser for charity. Which charity? That's still up in the air. In fact, many of the details of the party -- most importantly, who the guest of honor will be -- are still sketchy. It's a little like casting a $100-million film without knowing who's going to star.

But the group has set up a portal on its website (www.) for early ticket sales (standard admission starts at $10,000 for two. We're assuming there'll be an open bar).