Gingrich still doesn't want Obama to speak at Notre Dame

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich today reiterated his opposition to Notre Dame's decision to have President Obama deliver the commencement address next week.

NEWSCOM/FILE

May 10, 2009

Nope, he hasn't changed his mind.

Newt Gingrich still doesn't like the idea of President Obama delivering the commencement address and receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame next weekend.

Gingrich, a recent convert to Catholicism, was asked about the controversy this morning on FOX News Sunday.

"I think that to the degree that Notre Dame still thinks of itself as a Catholic institution, it raises real questions," Gingrich said.

"One, it invites somebody who, as a state senator, voted to protect the right of abortionists to kill babies ... who were still alive after the abortion," he continued. "And I think the president's position has been the most radical pro-abortion of any American president. So I think there is a legitimate question there."

Tweet

The former House Speaker originally voiced his opposition on Twitter back in March.

"It is sad to see Notre Dame invite President Obama to give the commencement address since his policies are so anti catholic values," he tweeted.

Poll

Despite many high-profile Catholics opposing the appearance, most American Catholics are supportive. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that 54 percent of those polled are OK with it.

"These findings are consistent with Catholics' overall views of Obama: A majority voted for him in the 2008 presidential election and express approval of his performance in office thus far,'' Pew reports. "The new findings are also consistent with Catholics' views on abortion and embryonic stem cell research, with pluralities in the poll expressing support for each.''

Biden

Meanwhile, Vice President Biden delivered a commencement address to Syracuse University today. The Daily Orange reports that Biden told student body president Colin Fanning that he would have "loved" him.

"Hey Colin, I'll tell you what, you would have loved me," Biden said. "I never had to be told that play was important. It just came naturally. It came naturally all the way through law school. Oh, God."

Back to School

Although we don't know if Obama's remarks have been written yet, his speechwriters may want to look at one of the most inspirational speeches ever delivered.

Although it was from a movie, who wasn't inspired by Thornton Mellon's brief but touching words in "Old School" "Back to School"?

"Thank you, Dean Martin, President Sinclair...and members of the graduating class.
"I have only one thing to say to you today. It's a jungle out there. You gotta look out for number one. But don't step in number two.
"And so, to all you graduates...as you go out into the world my advice to you is...
"Don't go! It's rough out there. Move back with your parents. Let them worry about it."

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