Why are we getting live coverage of a college commencement address with President O?

[bertman]

In my adult life I do not remember having a Presidential college commencement address televised on major networks.

This is weird and, in my opinion, an attempt to make our President's appearances mundane.

My apologies to Arizona State alums and staff. My comments have nothing to do with that fine university. I would feel this way even if it were at my alma mater.

[Clio the Leo]

1. Yes, you're right. The media has decided to destroy their golden boy..

... makes TOTAL sense. :think:

[Cha]

13. Just when you think you've

heard all the complaints you could possibly hear:wow:

[bertman]

14. "Destroy their golden boy"? Not quite. How about dilute his appeal by making his

appearances so frequent that they become mundane?

President Obama is an inspiring speaker and a breath of fresh air, for sure. I just don't want to see us start to take him for granted.

I saw him on CNN and MSNBC, for those who asked what channels he was on.

I remember seeing CLIPS of many Presidents giving such speeches, but NEVER did they pre-empt a regular program--but, hey I'm not a big TV watcher. Just for Rachel and Keith.

[Cha]

16. It's only in your head that Prez Obama

would become "more mundane" by getting his Commencement Speech aired on tv if that makes you feel any better.

[Muttocracy]

2. which networks are covering it? Is he going to have to write a different speech

for every commencement because they're so widely broadcast?

[mikiturner]

3. Considering it's his first commencement a president

Not too shocking.

[Catshrink]

4. Streaming

except those of us here in AZ with access to ASUs cable station.

[marybourg]

12. I watched it on ASU's PBS outlet here in AZ, but had no idea it was

being broadcast nationwide. It was a pretty informal graduation ceremony wasn't it? Some very impressive graduates, no?

[Cha]

17. Yes..

[Thrill]

5. I think everytime the President speaks its carried on some media.

Its the bully pulpit. If not all of it. Just some of it

[azmouse]

6. I think the exposure is good.

The idiot son is still fresh in people's minds and Pres Obama's intelligence is a stark contrast to the stupidity of the former occupant of the WH.

[NYC_SKP]

7. Partly, unlike Bush, he's worth watching... He's smart and charismatic, good TV.

I disagree that there's an effort to weaken him by overexposure, if that's what you meant.

He's just plain good for ratings, people like to watch him speak, even if they don't agree with him, IMO.

[sandnsea]

8. lol, that was an outstanding speech!

Body of Work. They dissed him about his "body of work" and he turns around and uses it as the theme to a speech to show them how ignorant and petty they are.

Fucking Brilliant!

[firedupdem]

10. +25! n/t

[Cleita]

9. Why not? The more people see a presidential appearing President instead

of the drunken sot who embarrassed and shamed us for the last eight years, the better.

[FightingIrish]

11. A great president speaking like he just did is still newsworthy.

It's like spring rain after a long drought.

[MADem]

15. I remember seeing Bush at the Naval Academy--other service academies, too.

It's his first outing, and Obama is being denied an honorary degree from those assclowns because they said that he has not done enough to suit them (guess being a Senator is what, chump change? Never mind that President thing). That's why it's news.

[kwenu]

18. I doubt there is any purpose other than trying to get a scoop.

[dgibby]

19. ASU

invited Obama to speak, but is refusing to bestow an honorary degree on him because "he has no body of work", according to them. I guess being elected the first Afro-American President of the US just doesn't measure up to their "high" standards.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dawn-teo/asu-stiffs-obama-claim-to_b_185296.htm

In essence, he is being covered because ASU's treatment of him is dismissive, disrespectful, controversial, and therefore, very, very newsworthy.