What if Obama Came to Speak at UC Irvine?

Hat tip John Speedie for audio




"Dear Mr. President...."


It may happen, Anteaters. The University of California at Irvine has extended an invitation to the President to speak at their upcoming 2014 commencement. And what a fitting sendoff it would represent for out-going chancellor Michael Drake, who is taking the same position at Ohio State University.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/uci-602157-lawhon-school.html

And just think! The commencement would take place at hallowed Angels Stadium, no less, on the very field where baseball legends like Benji Gil, David Eckstein, Latroy Hawkins, and Kendry Morales once roamed (or in the case of the latter, flopped at home plate finishing off a game-winning home run and breaking his ankle in the process. I was at that game, but left before the dramatic ending.)


Historic Angels Stadium- home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim


But I digress.

You see, there's more than just what UCI spokeswoman Cathy Lawhon told the Orange County Register. The estimated costs (from what I hear) would be $10 million if held on campus and $3 million if held at Angels Stadium, which already has security facilities. As far as the cost of flying Air Force One out here, fuel, plus the costs of the Secret Service detail and presidential staff, that would presumably be picked up by the Federal Government (That's you, Tax-payer.)

In addition, there is a plan B. Word is that an invitation is also being sent to Colin Powell in case Obama declines. Word is Powell's fee would be $250,000 with a provision that if Powell is cancelled because Obama accepts, he (Powell) would receive a $50,000 fee.

I know. You thought money was tight in the UC system, right?

Right.