Obama Takes Message of Hope to Wesleyan

Dem urges grads to bypass 'money culture'
By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff
Posted May 25, 2008 4:56 PM CDT

Barack Obama stepped in for Ted Kennedy to deliver Wesleyan University’s commencement address today, and urged graduates to look beyond "our money culture" to a higher cause. “There is nothing naïve about your impulse to change this world,” Obama told the 800 graduates and guests gathered at the small, Connecticut liberal arts college.

“It’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential,” he said, “and discover the role you’ll play in writing the next great chapter in America’s story.” Obama also honored Kennedy, who was diagnosed last week with a brain tumor. Laughter ensued when the candidate flubbed Wesleyan’s name, calling it “Wellesley-an.” (More Barack Obama stories.)

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