Obama to stand in for Kennedy at Wesleyan commencement

[Terri S]

HYANNIS PORT -- US Senator Edward M. Kennedy will not give the commencement speech Sunday at Wesleyan University, but he has found a replacement who will also make headlines -- Barack Obama.

"Considering what he's done for me and for our country, there's nothing I wouldn't do for him," Obama, an Illinois senator and Democratic presidential candidate, said in a statement. "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."

Before the official announcement, Kennedy was coy when he spoke to reporters on a dock as he was heading out for an afternoon sail on his 50-foot schooner.

"I think it's unlikely," Kennedy said when asked whether he would give the speech.

A few minutes later, Kennedy's office issued a statement that said Obama would be giving the speech in his place, calling it "an historic opportunity for the school and all those attending." Kennedy's daughter, Caroline Raclin, will be graduating from Wesleyan on Sunday and his son, Teddy Jr., will be in attendance.

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[Raven]

1. I love it! Something very good coming out of a very bad situation! n/t

[Binka]

9. Me Too Raven My Sister And I Were Crying About Teddy Last Night At Dinner

Our father could be a Kennedy he looks so much like them. He and Ted are about the same age. My Dads name is Robert Francis......

[K Gardner]

2. Wonderful !!

[H2O Man]

3. Great!

Nominated.

[goldcanyonaz]

4. Why not his wife? i thought he wanted her to overtake his seat?

Would have been great exposure for her..

[FrenchieCat]

7. She has just gone through a lot. Her husband has been diagnosed with

a Brain Tumor.

I believe that giving her a little time to prepare would be more fair.

Don't you think so?

[goldcanyonaz]

8. You are right, really had not thought of that.

[NotThisTime]

5. It was good news and I was glad to hear it....

[BlooInBloo]

6. Wow!

[hisownpetard]

10. Terrific idea. So glad that Obama could comply, given how busy he is right now.

And what a thrill for the graduates and their families!

Get well, Teddy.

[stranger_with_candy]

11. Just heard about this on the local news

Hoping it's a public ceremony... i'm right down the street from Wesleyan.

[Barack_America]

12. FYI, it appears that Ted will still be in attendance...

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/politics/general/view/2008_05_23_Obama_to_fill_in_for_Ted_K_at_Wesleyan_graduation/srvc=home&position=recent

I bow before his political skill.