April 13, 2004

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The Ultimate Venue

Let’s say you’re a very senior government official. You’ve been mired in controversy lately; perhaps you’re feeling a bit embattled. Now you’re looking for a platform to explain your vision of the world… something more momentous than a think-tank session… but less combative than a press conference. Ah, yes: a college commencement ceremony.

But where to commence? Where, of all the fine American universities that are rolling a new batch of grads out into the world this spring?

Oh please, like there’s any question! All the bigwigs know the Red Cedar is where it’s at. Condoleezza Rice will speak at Michigan State’s graduation this year. Two years ago, it was Dick Cheney.

MSU’s president, Peter McPherson, is the hook-up. He worked with Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld in the Ford White House. And he’s still a playa: He left MSU briefly to lead the interim Iraqi Treasury Department last summer.

(Thanks to Dan for the link!)