Stevie Wonder, Barack and Michelle Obama

It was party time at the White House -- again.

Are we in a recession? Are we in dire economic straits?

In spite of all the economic turmoil and the misery of the American people, Barack Obama is managing to find plenty of time to have a good time.

Wednesday night's event: Stevie Wonder Celebration

From FOX News:

The East Room of the White House, normally a place for staid presidential news conferences and other stuffy Washington happenings, was transformed into a nightclub Wednesday night as musical genius Stevie Wonder stepped onto the stage and rocked the house.

Wonder is the winner of The Library of Congress' Gershwin Prize, which was bestowed on him by President Obama.

In a celebration to be broadcast on PBS Thursday night, Wonder kicked things off with a flawless version of Sir Duke and later, classics like Isn't She Lovely and Superstition. However, the night was also a tribute to Wonder. Stars as varied in musical style as Tony Bennett and Paul Simon to Will.i.am and Martina McBride paraded though; each with their own rendition of Wonder's unmistakable hits.

The first couple -- Michelle looking stunning in an emerald gown -- along with Vice President Biden and his wife Jill, took in the show from the front row. But it was Wonder's performances that were the stars of the night; something that neither Obama let slip by.

The first lady recalled listening to Wonder's music as a little girl with her grandfather; something that she took with her into her relationship with her now-husband Barack Obama, "Years later, when I discovered what Stevie meant when he sang about love, Barack and I chose the song, 'You and I' as our wedding song."

When President Obama stepped up to the mic, he echoed the influence Wonder's music had on the couple. In only a half-joking manner he noted, "I think it's fair to say that had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan, Michelle might not have dated me. We might not have married. And the fact that we agreed on Stevie was a part of the essence of our courtship."

So Stevie Wonder played a pivotal role in bringing Barack and Michelle together. If not for Wonder, they may not have married. Wow!

Did Obama include that important fact in his autobiographical writings?

Anyway, it sounds like it was quite a lavish party. Michelle Obama looked "stunning in an emerald gown."

How much does she spend on her clothes? Is excess and material extravagance really appropriate now?

Who pays for the stars to converge on the White House? Was the bill for Wednesday night's bash picked up by the taxpayers?

Good grief! Are the Obamas cutting back at all?

Transcript excerpt from Obama's address to Congress:

OBAMA: Here in Washington, we've all seen how quickly good intentions can turn into broken promises and wasteful spending. And with a plan of this scale comes enormous responsibility to get it right.

And that's why I've asked Vice President Biden to lead a tough, unprecedented oversight effort, because nobody messes with Joe.

(APPLAUSE)

I...

(APPLAUSE)

I have told each of my cabinet, as well as mayors and governors across the country, that they will be held accountable by me and the American people for every dollar they spend.

I've appointed a proven and aggressive inspector general to ferret out any and all cases of waste and fraud.

And we have created a new Web site called recovery.gov so that every American can find out how and where their money is being spent.

I propose that Obama bring transparency to spending on White House social events. I think we should be able to track the tax dollars that are going to fund parties.

But I don't want Joe Biden in charge of the oversight effort.