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Obama Tags in for Kennedy at Commencement Address
May 22, 2008 3:53 PM
ABC News' Sunlen Miller Reports: Senator Barack Obama, D-Ill., will fill in for Senator Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., in giving the commencement address at Wesleyan University this Sunday.
Kennedy was slated to give the university's address but, since being diagnosed with brain cancer this week, asked Obama to take his place.
"Ted and I talked about me filling in for him at Wesleyan University earlier this week," Senator Obama said in a statement, "Considering what he's done for me and for our country, there's nothing I wouldn’t do for him. So I'm looking forward to standing in his place on Sunday even though I know I won't be able to fill his shoes."
Kennedy, the liberal lion of the Senate, endorsed Obama's presidential bid on January 28 and has since his the '08 trail many times campaigning on Obama's behalf.
Kennedy's family has several ties to Wesleyan. His son, Edward Jr., graduated from the school in 1983 and his step-daughter Caroline Raclin is set to receive her bachelor's degree at Sunday's ceremonies. Wesleyan also granted the senator an honorary doctorate in 1984.
In a statement released by Kennedy's office, "Throughout the last week, Senator Obama has offered his support to Senator Kennedy including stepping in to deliver the commencement address at Wesleyan University. Senator Kennedy accepted knowing it would be an historic opportunity for the school and all those attending...He's enormously grateful to Senator Obama and the support he's received from all of his colleagues this last week."
Wesleyan holds its 176th Commencement ceremony on campus on Sunday at 11am. The speech will be Obama's first commencement address of the 2008 graduation season.
May 22, 2008 in Kucinich, Dennis | Permalink | User Comments (125)
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WESLEYAN is not Welsley! They are 2 very different schools, and WESLEYAN is a co-ed liberal arts school in CT. Hilary Clinton did NOT graduate from here.
Posted by: Laura | May 22, 2008 4:50:50 PM
What if Hillary stopped talking about the gas tax because the reaction of the people was against it? Does that not make her a candidate who listens to her constituency? I will say it again - those who cannot respond to the changing landscape will be hopelessly mired in obsolete, irrelevant choices. Being flexible is not a bad thing. Would you want a candidate who kept flogging a dead horse of an issue when public response reveals that the people are not behind it? Come on - those who would bash Hillary will always be able to twist things around to use as criticism. I see her as someone who will respond based on current issues and current circumstances and it only strengthens my belief that she is the best candidate by far than any other running. Go ahead and disagree, but you won't change my opinion. HILLARY IS THE BEST CHOICE.
Posted by: Wendy4Decency | May 22, 2008 4:51:29 PM
Justme, I agree with you....
Posted by: indy_voter | May 22, 2008 4:51:35 PM
Talk about voter remorse
A new poll released today in California finds political momentum shifting dramatically toward Barack Obama?and away from both Hillary Clinton and John McCain?in the nation's most populous state. According to a survey conducted over the past 10 days by the Public Policy Institute of California, 59 percent of likely voters here now have a "favorable" impression of Democrat Obama, while a majority view both of the other candidates unfavorably. In a state whose Democratic primary Clinton won in February, 51 percent of voters now say they have an unfavorable opinion of her; 53 percent of voters feel the same way about Republican McCain.
Obama, meanwhile, seems to be making strides across nearly every constituency. If the general election were held today, 54 percent of Californians say they would vote for him, compared with 37 percent for McCain. That gap has widened by 8 points since March. Obama enjoys the support of more than 80 percent of Democrats here, along with over half (55 percent) of independents. He leads McCain among men and women and is viewed favorably by nearly 70 percent of Latinos?a powerful political group, experts note, not just in California but in several other western states, including Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada.
Posted by: bhrandon | May 22, 2008 4:52:02 PM
Haters,
from commencement speech to Presidential address..January 2009!!
Get used to it folks...America has come a long way and President Barak Obama is able and ready to take America to Real Greatness!!
Posted by: skionx | May 22, 2008 4:52:05 PM
Obama will be very happy to meet his youth supporters.
They are not bitter at all , right?
Posted by: catleya | May 22, 2008 4:55:27 PM
Yeah...I don't get the fuss at this point. Even if they seat MI and FL as Hillary's wins....doesn't BO still win with all his super d support and all? Someone explain. I'm a Hillar/McCain person and I sure like the Republican winner take all method better.
Posted by: Debra | May 22, 2008 4:56:45 PM
Well first of all he has not won anyhing yet kennedy is so nice but the truth is wasgington has not done a damm thing since they signed the civil rights act they never do much that is why this country is falling. They are always talking like they care they think we are stupid and we must be to put up with it Ive been hearing about oil and health care and education and Roev Wade for all my adult life every four years they pick thier king and we are left with the crumbs . You don't see the rich of the world knocking at are door wanting to move in just the poor.I have little respect fo rany of them.Sorry he is sick at least he has health care.
Posted by: Bishop | May 22, 2008 4:59:43 PM
so democrat4mccain
you only believe polls where hillary is winning
ok thats cool
Hey where is the gas tax holiday bill from hillary?
Posted by: bhrandon | May 22, 2008 5:00:40 PM
Obama stand in for Kennedy and Kennedy wants his wife to stand in for him in the senate.
I would which is more interesting news, guess it's the part where the great one Obama is going to give a speech.
Posted by: SJ | May 22, 2008 5:02:08 PM
Wendy4Decency, Seems to me the Democratic party rules were set well in advance and it is the Clintons who are now trying to change rules. Clinton supporters need to get over this election. As much as I dislike Hillary for the blatant politics she and her husband play in the end I know that Hillary and Bill will support the Democratic nominee. Their supporters should do so as well if they are to call themselves Democrats. Otherwise, I would suggest you quit the Democratic party because I don't think you truly believe the values of the party. Quit first before you start expousing the nonsense of voting for a write-in candidate. As an Independent voter I do not have a problem voting for any party or writing in a candidate (which I would if Hillary is nominated). I just cannot understand that behavior from those who have chosen to join a party. Sounds a bit childlish to me...
Posted by: indy_voter | May 22, 2008 5:02:34 PM
democrat4mccain
if they seat mi and fl in teh way SHE wants she may be ahead in popular vote..... but ONLY if she doesnt COUNT every vote
and guess what the rules are delegates, hillary knows this, your candidates stupid tactics to move the goal posts or change the rules is only going to hurt her
TIME OUT i know you are on the 99 yard line, but i just wanted to add taht we are now switching goals and im going to take the ball because im a girl
lol nice try
i cant wait for the smack down on hillary
Posted by: bhrandon | May 22, 2008 5:03:22 PM
Brent,
Good comment.
Posted by: catleya | May 22, 2008 5:03:41 PM
Justme.........Call it what ever you'd like, but it's nothing more than Political Grandstanding. This just gives Obama another spotlight.
Posted by: Eric | May 22, 2008 5:06:00 PM
Wendy4Decency-I am a HRC supporter, but SMS has some good points. Why must we continue to support her when she does something as un-presidential as that. I only have 1 vote and I am seriously considering shifting my support to BHO, Why should I let JSM win because my preferred candidate is losing a democratic race and misleading me into false hopes.(Michigan and Florida) If she became president would she then change the rules she agreed to one she takes power.
And another thing, I don't feel that she lost because she was a woman, remember everyone else running for the nomination that dropped out were men. I just don't think she was the right woman, I don't want a woman in the white house only because she happens to be a woman I want the best possible woman in there.
We all have our faults, but is this really the best woman we can find for the job? I hope not or we are all in trouble.
Posted by: Nina | May 22, 2008 5:07:43 PM
DemocratforMcCain,
Yes, according to the research about more than 50% of colleges students take drugs.
This is very scary.
I guess they vote for Obama because they know Obama took drug and for them it's cool.
Remember, Obama wants to legalize mariyuana?
Posted by: catleya | May 22, 2008 5:08:32 PM
Catleya: You said..."Remember, Obama wants to legalize mariyuana?".....I'll make sure I note that in the margin next to education improvement.
Posted by: OnTheGloryRoad | May 22, 2008 5:10:44 PM
My God. How cruel can you all be? The man just found out he has a brain tumor. So what if he goes sailing? So what if he does not feel up to giving a speech? In the overall scheme of life some things are not that important. But for people to complain because Obama is going to step in for a friend is just plain horrible. I pray that if anything horrific or tragic happen to you all that you have a friend that will step in.
Posted by: cruel | May 22, 2008 5:12:52 PM
tv - I agree with you. I'm adamantly opposed to Obama, but I agree with you completely. It is totally ugly to kick someone when they're down, or criticize people just because they support a different candidate. Though I don't necessary support Ted Kennedy in his endorsement of BO, or on many other issues, I agree with him on still other issues... but regardless, I admire the Kennedys as a family, who have borne more than their share of tragedy, and Ted and his family are in my prayers and thoughts in the difficult times ahead, and I wish him a speedy recovery so he can get back to work. I support everone's right to their opinion, and I will do my best to campaign for Hillary, and I would only ask that people of both camps please respect the rights of others to their opinions, and that everyone's votes should count. I do think this primary has been thrown by a number of factors, mostly the media and the DNC "leadership," and it is sad how many people are not thinking but using their emotions instead of their intelligence and also failing to do research before they spout hatred and ignorance. But they're still entitled to their opinions, but I wish they'd cool it on the hate and disrespect. That is not good for anyone, and does not bode well for this country's future in general, and signals a decline in values and intelligence and wisdom in the US as well. We really need to become personally responsible for our actions and return to a set of higher values overall. Thank you for this opportunity to speak out, and for reading my posts.
Posted by: Wendy4Decency | May 22, 2008 5:12:57 PM
Hey Deborah,
If you choose Mccain, you choose four more years of the Iraq war. Remember that.
Posted by: donis georgiou | May 22, 2008 5:14:48 PM
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