May 14, 2007

Pols Don Their Caps & Gowns

Tony Snow It's that time of year again, and with Washington entangled in the ongoing battle over Iraq and presidential candidates eyeing next year's increasingly early primaries, politicians are scrambling for that sweetest of spring gigs: the college commencement address.

Here's a snapshot of some of the speeches graduates were treated to over the weekend:

President Bush at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa.: "Be the face that brings a smile to the hurt and forgotten. Lead lives of purpose and character -- make a difference in someone else's life. And if you do, you will lead richer lives, you will build a more hopeful nation, and you'll never be disappointed."

Nancy Pelosi at Webster University in St. Louis, Mo.: "At a time when some world leaders question the value of constructive dialogue with our adversaries, young people are engaged in their own international dialogue, on campuses and through e-mail, instant messaging and blogs. They are talking about their hopes for a brighter future -- of their desire for peace and prosperity."

Hillary Rodham Clinton at Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C.: "I urge you to follow in the footsteps of those who took risks for a better life, for equality and freedom and for America to fulfill its founding values and ideals."

Mitt Romney at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Mich.: "The right course for America in a world where evil still exists is not acquiescence and weakness, it is assertiveness and strength."

John Edwards at New England College in Henniker, N.H.: "America needs fundamental, bold change, transformational change.... The power to change our country comes from you."

Tony Snow at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.: "You don’t have any idea where your life is going to lead. When I was your age, I had long hair, a beard and thought of myself as a socialist. You are going to pinball all over the place, from experience to experience, job to job. And I want you to remember that you’ve got company. And that if you engage them with heart and mind, with faith and energy, you are going to find yourself on a cresting wave."

(Photo Courtesy Of Catholic University)

Posted at 2:27 PM
Posted to: Hillary Rodham Clinton, House, John Edwards, Mitt Romney, Tony Snow
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