CNN

Hee, Hee, Hee. Over the next several years, which position on this question is likely to benefit the most from this absurdity? On the one hand we have the guardians of the status quo and on the other the leader of the change. I'm guessing we'll look back to this silliness four years from now and give ASU an ample share of the credit for moving Arizona's electoral votes to the Presidents' reelection. Go Sun Devils!

Ridiculous! But who cares. That state's senior senator can barely read and write.

I think we should give the Annointed One an Honorary Degree from ASU. How about an Honorary Degree in "MARKETING" ??? He certainly did a good job in marketing himself for a position in the most important job in the world with the least amount of qualifications!

The best part is THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES is quickly becoming a reality that the rest of us knew well before the election last November.

No offense to ASU, but Obama graduated from Columbia U, and later Harvard. He doesn't need your degree.

hmm... ASU trying to grab some headlines that might backfire: serioulsy, who really cares about an honorary degree? Its supposed to bring prestige to the school, not to the person who receives it. Which begs the question: why did they invite him in the first place?

Everyone is inbred and members of the KKK up there in Hoosier-land, that's their motiviation for snubbing Obama.

And many of these state university deans are republicans, seated by governers of the republican states. And this is their brilliant means of taking down a president?

How is this not a sign of racism? …and I’m really not one to jump of the racism band wagon, but what do they mean he hasn’t accomplished anything! Nobody really cares about ASU, however this makes their school look pretty foolish, and why is he bothering with a school like this anyway.

ASU is pathetic. Students should protest their board members making their school look idiotic!

Good to hear that!

I guess in Arizona being the first African American president ...and first black editor of the Harvard Law Review ...and what else? is not the stuff of achievement as compared to one term in the Senate and a landslide defeat in a presidential campaign. Go figure.

I think that the staff at Arizona State University are being petty and childish. If you don't want to give the man honor for his accomplishments, don't ask him to speak at your commencement. Becoming the first African American President of the United States is worthy of honor by most standards – rational and irrational. ASU is setting a bad example for their students, and they should apologize for allowing the appearance of such foolishness. They should have just invited John McCain if he's their preference. And seriously, who really cares about Arizona State University anyway...Obama is a Harvard Law graduate....

The President should withdraw from his appearance at ASU. He has dedicated 25 years to public service, has helped thousands of people in Illinois and is working to achieve great changes in the nation's education system. He was the first African American editor of the Harvard Law Review and, oh yeah, the first African American PRESIDENT of the United States. I am guessing that these yahoos are all members of the Arizona Republican party and that they all lisetn to Rush. They sound as if they are approximately of his mentality. I have looked at the ASU website. The students are so crazy to see President Obama that there are warnings about buying and selling tickets to the commencement. The President should withdraw and teach these lowlife yahoos a lesson.

. . . and here's an excerpt from a story about last year's Wesleyan commencement, at which Obama pinch-hit for ailing Sen. Ted Kennedy:

Obama, who graduated from Columbia University in New York and obtained a law degree from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, had no previous ties to Wesleyan. Today he received an honorary degree of laws from the school.

This is ridiculous. They want the president to speak but no honorary? If I were the president I would tel ASU he has better things to do. ASU also is an AS

Why is anyone surprised at Arizona States decision? I am sure the President knows how they really feel about him and he is not hurt. I, however, would not go, I would let them find someone else, like John McCain or better yet, call George Bush, he's not busy.

Who cares its just Arizona State, only scrubs go their, the smart kids go to the university of Arizona.

The President should tell ASU to stick it and not go.

Bravo ASU, finally someone recognizing the fraud that is our president.

Arizona State University must be managed by some of the stupidest people on planet Earth. The President is going to address your graduating class and you act like this? I find their behavior totally inexplicable. (That means that I cannot find one rational reason why the managers of the University would behave this way.) I am an instructor at a small college; if President Obama agreed to speak at our graduating ceremony, believe me he would get the highest honors we could find to bestow on him.

Its hard to take, but what else is new? People are petty!

What's interesting is that a another president, one who was a war-monger and sanctioned TORTURE....... was approved of by the pro-lifers!
Hypocrites.

Why should anyone be surprised by this, from a state that would not recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a national holiday. This is the home of John McCain, give me a break. Whoever makes the decisions on who should or should not be given a honorary degree should read President Obama's Bio.

Good for ASU!!!!

Notre Dame should be ashamed of themselves. They pride themselves on being one of the largest Catholic Universities in the country, yet the invite a pro-abortionist in every sense to be their commencement speaker. Donations outweigh morals......what a shame!!

CONGRATULATIONS ASU – for having more principles and guts than the media, the congress and frankly many Americans that want to proclaim obama's triumphs and successes when he has had none yet. That is not to say he won't actually accomplish something worthwhile and admirable in his life. I for one am anxious for him to decide what he stands for and quick changing for whomever he is addressing.

I didn't know Bill O'Reilly was on the board for ASU...?

I agree with the school and I am a huge Obama supporter. To many people have called him the "greatest" or the "best" and he has yet to prove that fact. Obama will make his path and history will reflect, there is no need to honor someone this early..Good call from this school and others could learn from their example.

Who cares about Arizona State's decision not to award the president with an honorary degree; I am sure he has bigger fish to fry at this time. The president has already received degrees from 2 of the US' most distinguished universities-I think I speak for everyone when I say, "this is Arizona State's lost" UGHHHH!

That's just flat-out rude! I can't imagine why the President is wasting his time on these university commencement addresses anyway - surely there are other, more appreciative venues for his inspiration and wisdom!

Who cares. ASU made the right decision and Obama's great so why is this a headache? Sounds like an exaggeration by the press to me.

Really? ASU is one step above a community college and two steps below Bob Jones University. They can keep their degree and give it to one of their half-drunk, under-educated and over-sexed students.

IMO, I think is their loss. President Obama does not need the "Honorary Degree" form ASU. Isn't this the state that was the last one to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday as a holiday. I'm not surprised.

Could it be that the problem with Arizona is due to the fact that
the Republicans are in that State ??? The Republicans are finding fault with everything else !! I wish that they would "get a life!"

Its not news that he has not accomplished anything.

Pres. Obama has degrees from Columbia and Harvard. An honorary degree from ASU would be the equivalent to toilet paper on the bottom of his shoe.

Oh boo hoo. Cry me a river.

why should he care is arizona state decides to snub him? he doesn't need an honorary degree from them... he has REAL degrees from columbia & harvard. you know, school's that actually matter.

He should tell both of them ...."thanks but no thanks"...get someone else....he has plenty to do and doesn't need this pettiness.

You can add Erma Bombeck to the list of honorary ASU degree holders. Exactly what has she contributed? This smacks of major racism. Keep in mind Arizona wouldn't acknowledge Martin Luther King Day until the NFL threatened to take the super bowl from there. I'd say being the first african american president in history is a pretty big contribution to society.

University of AZ and Notre Dame once again provig that higher education does not mean you have brains. All this outrage about fetus', priest sex abuse = SILENCE. Get your own glass cathedral in order Bishop. or at least be honest, say your big bucks Republican alumni are pissed and you need their donations, so you are bowing to the frat boy antics. I'm sure the President is quite happy with his real degrees from Columbia and Harvard.

All I can say is I'm not suprised. These people should be ashamed, of themselves. I bet they would praise him if any of the stim money came there way!! some things never change no matter how far you've come.

The commencement season controversies are continuing for the White House.***"His body of work is yet to come. That's why we're not recognizing him with a degree at the beginning of his presidency," Media Relations Director Sharon Keller told the AP Thursday. You are a lie and a Racist ......Same with the protestors re Notre Dame
I know you wont admited it but it is all about Race (1st Black President )
**we as a country should look At what's happening now Tornados,Wildfires,kidnapping,Killing ... God is trying to tell us something .... The university's guidelines say the degree is merited by "significant contributions to education and society over the course of a person's career," though Sandra Day O'Connor and Barry Goldwater — both Arizonans — received the honor after the latter had served just over one term in the Senate, and the former was roughly three years into her Supreme Court tenure. Also honored: activist Cesar Chavez, legendary Arizona senator and former presidential candidate Mo Udall, and broadcaster Walter Cronkite.Notre Dame I don't recall any Protest regarding the Child Molestation

Just to show how low-rent ASU is, Yale gave John F. Kennedy an honorary degree after only a few months in the White House–following about a dozen years of unremarkable service in the Congress.

I emailed the ASU chancellor to let him now denying our PRESIDENT an honorary degree after inviting him to speak at the 2009 commencement speaks volumes and should be reconsidered. What a huge mistake ASU is making. What President Obama has already achieved in his life is enough to earn an honorary degree. I guess the President will have to settle for his REAL degree from Harvard.

President Obama: tell both ASU and U of Notre Dame to stick their invitations up where the sun does not shine.

Both institutions are disrespectful of you, your accomplishments and your position as POTUS. Why did they invite you?

DON'T go! DON'T let them USE you to draw those larger-than-life crowds they've never had before. YOU and ONLY you WILL guaranteed the media publicity – they're trying to create.

They will THUMB their noses in you face. No matter what you've achieved – You will NEVER be good enough for THEM!

maybe if he does his bow, they will give him his honorary degree !

Arizona is also the state that does not want to celebrate Martin Luther King day....Perhaps the fact that Obama is the first black president of the USA has something to do with the University's decision.
Furthermore, President Obama has already earn a degree from Harvard, an honorary degree from Arizona would be an step down for him.
Arizona is not Ivy league.

This is all about "Policticks" and Nothing more I'm sure there are other schools out there that would welcome The President ..

it's ironic that McCain was from Arizona....their just bitter.

Wonder how much Arizona Republicans had to do with that one.

Would it be at all possible to focus on the 8,000 graduating students who actually earned their degrees from ASU, or does it once again have to be all about President Obama? As usual, the media blows an issue way out of proportion and takes the focus off of what truly matters–in this case, the students who are graduating from college and deserve not to have their day of celebration marred by meaningless political garbage.

what a crock!!! Not good enough yet??? He is already more accomplished than Bush. my God!! he is president of the United States and he does not warrant an honorary dgree???Ridiculous!!!Must be a republican state!!!

Hilarious. As if Obama would even want a degree from a dumpy, second-rate school like ASU. Save him the trouble.

Who cares about Arizona State University? The President didn't ask to go there. They contacted him. The degrees the President has are better than anything Arizona State Univ. can offer. Honary degrees don't mean anything. They gave Barry Goldwater one, so that proves it doesn't mean a thing. If I was him I was the snub the ASU. He has thousands other schools he could go to and that would appreciate him. He could go to an intelligent school like Stanford.

This is ARIZONA for goodness Sakes. They only just recognized MLK day 10yrs agao? He is lucky to have even received an invite to speak, in "THIS" state. I look forward to seeing the President of the United States of America.

WHICH IS IT? Is this retribution from ASU because the President supported the Steelers in the Super Bowl; or is this retribution because that young 'whipper-snapper' from Chicago (Senator Obama) beat Senator McCain of Arizona in the most historic Presidential election ever?

What, winning a democratic presidential eIection against a 20+ year senator from your home state wasn't enough? It's Arizona State! – Can't you get a degree in the mail! I am pretty sure that anyone who got into Harvard and was president of the Harvard Law Review would have no trouble at ASU. How partisan can one get? LOL!

good. he hasn't earned it.

Since Arizona State is one of the biggest party schools in the country, maybe if Obama held a kegger they would reconsider.

This is laughable! Seriously, Obama not only went to better schools than ASU, served in the Senate and became the first African American President of the United States. Still "his body of work is yet to come"... GET REAL!

Harvard, Columbia....Arizona State?

My guess is that President Obama will humbly accept ASU's decision, whether it is warranted or not. So far my take of him is that he has his ego in check and does not stand on ceremony or pomp and circumstance...truly admirable traits that over time will help to define his great breadth of good work for "a greater society" if you will. The right wing GOP has criticized his visibility as seeking celebrity or to assuage his ego. The truth rather is that he is keeping his campaign promise to make government more transparent, including the presidency, in stark contrast to the previous secret/ covert and invisible Bush presidency. Time will tell. It always does.

We still have double standards and the reality is minority people have to do more than white people all the time for any positive recognition. But obama is half white!!!!!

Obama should just not attend, its obvious that some people in the ASU administration are still bitter over the defeat of their Senator, John McCain. Send Biden instead, ASU doesn't deserve Obama's time.

A-S-WHO? Obama has degrees from Columbia and Harvard... I think he'll be ok without a degree from this Arizona school.

Don't the colleges think ahead before asking someone to attend their ceremonies offering an honorary degree.

Obama is and always will be a polarizing figure. He is by far the most politically radical president in US history.

Good for them...Our President needs to prove he is more than an excellent speech giver with the help of his teleprompter before he receives honorary degrees from any college or university

President Obama should boycott the Arizona State University's commencment!!

Looks like no Bail Out for ASU...

Congratulations to the ASU staff for holding their ground! Now, if the rest of America can get the point and do the same!!!!

Arizona State is what it is: puerile, which should explain its infantile behavior.

As a professor of some thirty years experience in higher education, I am embarrassed and appalled at this cliché demonstration of arrogance in academia. Why ask the President to speak if you feel his accomplishments don't merit the awarding of an honorary degree? Get off your high horse Arizona State. How dare you turn this event, one that should celebrate the accomplishments of your students, into a cheap political ploy? You should be ashamed of yourselves, but that would require some real self-reflection in real-world terms. This is exactly the way much of academia unfortunately has earned its reputation of down-the-nose snootiness. Kudos to Notre Dame for having the guts to act responsibly and respectfully.

Shame on ASU – it seems that his educational background, his years as a community organizer and work in the senate would be sufficient. I think it has alot to do with the fact that John McCain is from AZ!

Obviously, since the professors vote on who gets an honorary degree, we have a buch of Palinites at ASU.

Agreed that, in some instances, the University of Arizona's decision to w/hold an honorary degree until the potential recipient's "body of works" merits same may be justified. However, in this instance, the university is dead wrong. For any minority (i.e. one of African or Hispanic or Asian or Native American) to ascend to the presidency of this country is already a complete and unparalleled successful "body of work." For any minority or, for that matter, a majority member of our population to accomplish that "body of work" in the fashion that President Obama has done would be beyond comprehension. He has already changed the face of American politics, given America and the world unparalleled sense of renewed hope, vision, a renewed sense of purpose, a renewed appreciation of intellectual achievement, and an unparalleled example of parental love/support/fidelity, et al, et al. Anything that follows during his presidency will simply be another layer on an already accomplished public life.

Come on University of Arizona! ! You're fortunate to have been honored with the presence of this already remarkable and accomplished individual with an aleady accomplished "body of works."

It's their degree – they can give it to whoever they want to. Obama's career has been short. And so far, the only thing he's been able to show is that he can unite a large portion of the Democratic Party. ASU just doesn't want to look foolish 10 years from now if the Stimulus package, mortgate bailout, etc. etc. turns out to be a regrettable failure.
If he's really so hot for an honorary degree from ASU, I'm sure they'll be happy to reconsider him in another year or so.

I guess Sen. McCain's warnings about cutting back funding if they gave his campain opponent that degree scared off the university. Just kidding, but it wouldn't have surprised me if he did...

I'm sensing alittle R-A-C-I-S-M. A African-Amercian who is a Harvard educated lawyer, who was a Senator, and now he is the President of the United States, but Oops this little black man really hasn't accomplish that much. I know the President is going to handle this bull the same way he handle everything else, with class and dignity. It's to bad ASU don't know the meaning of those words. As for as Norte Dame goes, and these Catholics I'm still trying to get over how those innocent boys were allowed to be toys for those Priests. I am against abortion, but I am for my right to make the decision.

So what? He's already got real degrees from better schools.

Are you kidding me? "His achievements have yet to merit this honor" What about him becoming the first person of color to lead a western nation. A first world nation that is Euro-dominated? I get the signifigance of that and I am a white guy in my early thirties.

One term for Barry Goldwater was 6 years, and O'Connor's nomination to the Supreme Court was the culmination of an already distinguished career. Obama hasn't been on the job 6 months! No eyebrows raised here.

Geez, I thought only that kind of stupid mentality was in the State of Idaho, guess Arizona' the little red neck bro of Idaho.

don't you think Obama has more important issues to worry about!!!!! This should the be that last thing that should cause him any headache.

President Obama does not need an “honorary degree” he has earned the equivalent of a PHD from Harvard in Law and taught there as well.

No doubt some bitter Republican Contributors to the Arizona State University pulled a few strings to insult our President.

Obama should go and talk this graduating class anyways. I expect he will. It appears to me that his ego does not need to be fed by such insignificant trivia. My impression is that President Obama gains sufficient personal satisfaction from saving the US, and possibly the world’s, economy and promulgating world peace.

Next the US Naval Acad. will say that he didn't serve in the military so he can't come again. Notre Dame should be ashamed. Aren't Catholics supposed to be Christians? And aren't Christians supposed to exhibit the love of God? When did they become holier than God, and begin judging individuals? Sin and moral issues are judged and sentenced in the High Court of God.

President Obama is an honorable human being. He is on the verge of becoming one of our greatest Presidents. These dissenters are promoting a Republican agenda, and using pertinent issues to advance their causes. Abortion is a hot topic, so they gather up the anti-Obama 'pro-life' activists. Most of them don't even care about the rights of the unborn. They care about diminishing the character of P.. Obama.

ASU, an institution that should be thrilled the President was gracious enough to give them credibility, has the gall to say his body of work does not meet their requirements is laughable. Their most notable degree as far as I know, is one in fashion design. I never heard of them before today.....T

Okay CNN, just want to make sure I understand the gravity of the situation as you've packaged it. The man with an undergraduate degree from Columbia University, Law degree from Harvard University, President of the Harvard Law Review, not to mention President of the United States of America, is somehow feeling perplexed and distraught, (if we're to grasp the nuance of the photo you selected for the piece), about not receiving an honorary degree from Arizona State University? Couldn't you have also added the photo from the campaign stop in North Carolina when President Obama had tears running down his cheeks when speaking about the loss of his grandmother. That photo would have cemented in the reader's mind the deep angst and despair the President is suffering due to these commencement "snubs". How does the man find the fortitude to climb out of bed in the morning? I know that if I were forced to endure such "headaches" I'd stop shaving, seek refuge in my recliner and live the rest of my days in my pajamas and bath robe.

CNN, your take on some things is truly laughable! Help the economy, hire some legitimate journalists!

Why did it take so long for christians to stand up for what they believe believe in? Faith is unshakeable. It only caves in when the foundation becomes weak. Can you see a christian leading in an Asian world? I have not seen one or can't think of one. Unless they come clothed in wolf skin. Deep Faith must be a prerequisite for a President to even come close to feeling safe anymore.

I hate to addmit it but I live in this(AZ) state and the Maricopa Republicans are scum devils.

RUMOR HAS IT . . . that in absolute discuss for losing an historic Presidential election to a young 'whipper-snapper' from Chicago; Senator McCain and wife Cindy threatened to withdraw $Millions from ASU if they didn't rescind the honorary degree to President Obama.

People are finally starting to realize what and who Obama really is,it will become more evident with time,even for the Democrats.

I agree that president Obama doesn't yet have the resume to warrant an honorary degree. However, since ASU invited him and then put him in awkward position, I believe the president should decline to speak at the ASU graduation.

ASU has been shamed.
I am appalled by the folks at ASU who don't consider being the first African-American man to be the President of the United States to be a significant contribution to the advancement of our society. I would very much like to know what each of these people did to earn their PhD's that is so much more significant than the outstanding contributions that Obama has made to our society already. These also include rescuing from the ashes the image of our great country in the world: a contribution of profound importance in this global economy (in six months we have gone from having someone throw a shoe at our President to having our new President receiving a hero's welcome across Europe). No significant contributions? Racist and/or politically motivated policies...? Let us ask ourselves how many people around the world have been inspired, motivated, and up lifted by Obama already and compare that to the exclusive list of honorary degree recipients at ASU. Just exactly how much higher do the ASU regents expect Obama to leap?

While the Arizona State U. decision will likely offend some, all unversties have an obligation to maintain the integrity of their degrees. ASU is correct to wait until Obama amasses achievements. A campaign win is not enough for an honorary degree. I hope the prez isn't offended. If he works hard and comes through for the American people, I'm sure lots of universities will give him an honorary degree.

Well he has earned a degree in how to keep our country on the track for bankruptcy. Maybe ASU can give him an honorary degree in destroying our country by instituting policies that will put more debt on our country than the previous 43 presidents combined.

His degree can state Obama picks up where GW left, bankrupting our wonderful country.

Yes you have to accomplish something first besides spending our money and talking.

As an alumni of A.S.U., I am appalled and disgusted at my school's regreftful decision. What an embarassment for A.S.U. and all over Arizona.

If the man had any honor at all, he would politely bow out of the Notre Dame commencement! Of course, as arrogant as he is, he probably won't "take the hint"! Can't believe they asked him to begin with!!!

For this craziness, President Obama should tell ASU where to stick it. He won't because of his classical, integrity, and gracious ways. I wondered how far the President would have went in his life if he would have went to ASU. Okay, ASU Stick where the sunlight don't shine.

Who cares he is still the President of the US

Much ado about nothing. The President probably agrees with their reasoning. As to the photo attached to this article... a little melodramatic don't you think?

So ... now academia is embarrassing itself by kowtowing to the sour-grapes religious right ...

So much for the separation of church and intellectual life!

If I were Obama, I'd suddenly come down with a stomach virus and not show up at all. Let me then figure out what to do?

Bo hoo. Arizona State University statement : "significant contributions to education and society over the course of a person's career". Just by overturning the ban on stem cell research Obama has made a significant contribution to science. Also, forgot the fact that he is a graduate of Harvard Law School. Arizona State University how sad???

This has GOP and Mc Cain written all over it. What a terrible insult to the President. (remember same state that fought the MLK Jr. holiday to the end). Pity.

Arizona is one of the most racist States you can live in with a population of less that a third blacks and the highest incarceration of blacks per capital than any other state. But yet ASU recruits blacks for their sports in football and baskeball to enroll. ASU should be boycotted from any federal funding.

Is awarding an honorary degree an automatic thing? I wouldn't think it's required at every university that the President speaks to. I believe, however, that ASU will come to regrets its short-sighted decision. Anyway, they sound kind of silly–well, he's good enough to be our speaker but not accomplished enough to award an honorary degree to. Obama will handle the situation with grace and aplomb, just as he has other situations where small-minded people underestimated him. With a law degree from Harvard, I'm sure he doesn't feel he needs more educational creds.

Morris Udall (D-Arizona) was a U.S. representative, not a U.S. senator. However, his son Mark Udall (D-Colorado) is a U.S. senator, and so is his nephew Tom Udall (D-New Mexico).

The far-right tantrum about Obama speaking at Notre Dame is dishonest - many pro-death penalty and pro-Iraq War politicians have spoken at Notre Dame, without objections from the far right, even though the death penalty and the Iraq war are just as inconsistent with Catholic moral teaching as Obama's belief that abortion should be legal.

The Catholic Church isn't, and shouldn't be, a branch of either political party.

President Obama.....continue to do the right thing...Go to this commencement, speak to the kids......this country is going crazy.....but the contraversies will continue as you continue to do what's right!! So many Presidents have secretly passed the buck along on so many issues......I respect and admire that you have the gumption, the smarts, and the audacity of hope to march onward for a better America......God be w/ you and your family.....A majority of the American people are still w/ you.......What a long four months it's been so far........

ASU refusing to bestow an honorary degree to President Obama after his commencement address is a failure to recognize a man that made his way from a single parented home to the home in which he lives in today, The White House. That alone is an accomplishment in itself and not to mention the fact that he is the first African- American to reach the most powerful office in the world. He was also the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review and also a former United States Senator. Yet, to say the least, his years of service to the people of Chicago accounts for something, don’t you think. Although he doesn’t need an honorary degree, it should be your honor, ASU, to have President Obama address the graduating students of your university. He definitely has worked for it……whether you think so or not.

Why am I not suprised? Arizona being the home of ever-bitter John McCain... which now we've learned apparently, the whole state is, too. Also, the line about "significant contributions to education", if they knew anything about Obama, is just that- before he got into politics, HIS WHOLE LIFE was dedicated to education.

What do expect from Arizona where McCain is the kingpin. I am sure he had something to say about this. Wonder if they will give it him instead?

This is silly snub by the university, but this shouldn't affect his decision to speak at the ceremony - he's a bigger man than that. Besides, the President has earned degrees from Columbia and Harvard.

Hey Barack are you dumb or what? An American serviceman is being held hostage and all we get from you is silence. Do you not know what the Marines are for? I consider your inaction treasonous.

HA HA Obama the hangover is wearing off and people are finally realizing that you are a failure and do not want their name attached to you destroying this country.

I understand this is the school's choice but if they were not going to give him the honorary degree, why then even invite him. I don't agree with his policies but as president, don't embarrass him! After "THE BOW" and his Blame America tour across EUROPE, he does not need help in that department!

It's okay he can address South Carolina State University and he'll be honored with or without proving himself. After all he still will be the President of the United States.

Rudeness never has good reason, but always finds justification.

Wonderful!

For once an establishment stands up for their foundation beliefs & refuses to cave in to the hysteria / messiah tsunami.

Now if we can get Congress to WAKE UP & follow suit this grand REPUBLIC of ours may have a chance of surviving until the elections of 2010.

I understand this is the school's choice but if they were not going to give him the honorary degree, why then even invite him. I don't agree with his policies but as president, don't embarrass him! After "THE BOW" and his Blame America tour across Eurpore he does not need help in that department!

ASU really knows how to hit him where it hurts: his educational shortcomings. I'm sure he'll cry all over his Harvard Law degree.

Oh really! Why would President Obama be upset about not receiving an honorary Degree from Arizona State University. He President of the United States. If anyone is benefiting from this deal I would say it's the University. Harvard Arizona on a scale from one to ten which one is at the top. When he leaves office and building his library I don't think not having anything from Arizona University is really going to matter. Sometime we think more of ourselves than what we ought too.

Where to begin? Well first of all it is an honorary degree so if they won't honor the best president to come along in my life time..... fine. Come up to Maine sir and we will honor you. Arizona is obviously sore that the capable but out-of-touch native son John McCain let the right wing of the party hijack the message and lost th election. Get over it ASU. Don't recind the degree though just don't offer it in the first place.
Just the right wingnuts looking for a chance to embarass the Prez. Got news for ya. This guy does not rattle easily.

I am certain the president has far more important things to mull over than the commencement controversy. There must be mostly Republicans on the awards committee.

Frankly, Mr. Obama already has a law degree from Harvard. Will anyone ever ask if he has a degree from Arizona State?

Do I have to ask what culture makes up the majority of this school. This is no big surprise given that fact and the fact that it is John McCain's home state. I'm sure he will get more prestigious honors during his career. They're right about one thing his accomplishments are just being.

Can anyone say disgruntaled.

Hmmm.........Arizona.....McCain's home state.....that explains THAT.
Indiana.....well it's Notre Dame so THAT explains that!

Bottom line.....if you want him invite him to speak....if you embarass him, or any public official.....don't expect any of them ever to speak there in the future! I would feel this way.....and I certainly understand if Obama felt this way.

Could the real reason be that, unlike O'Connor, Goldwater, et al, Obama is black?

Did they Give the last Bush one? If so, they must of raised the bar for his failures as President. Very amazing if they id give him one for all the progress and death he commanded.

I think they should name the school after him.

I will return to the Catholic Church when it learns to stay out of politics. I'm in my early 30's and most the people around my age that I know have also given up on Catholicism. If the Church does not change, it is going to fade away in this country as the older generations die off.

We were raised believing that the Catholic Church was ancient and beautiful religion. Now, it has reduced itself to the level of petty right-wing evangelicalism and people who cover up pedophilia. What a shame.

Maybe he should just give commencement addresses at European colleges, where he can find a more adoring crowd.

Like Obama needs an honorary degree from Arizona State anyway! The man already holds degrees from Columbia and Harvard – ie., REAL schools. In my opinion, they can keep their stinking degree and shove it. Who cares, ASU?

Whoa, some folks are actually treating Obama with some common sense. The way I see things he will never get that degree.

He has enough degrees anyway, that he DID earn. I am sure that this has nothing to do with the Senator from AZ does it?

Not surprising. ASU's biggest claims to fame are an occasionally decent football team and as a major party school. Obama should be pleased that ASU's President Crow doesn't see him as being worthy. President Crow is a great example of the Peter Principle. President Obama is a far smarter and more accomplished individual than anyone in the ASU hierarchy. Actually, you could lump several members of the ASU hierarchy together, and Obama would run circles around them! Makes me sad to be an ASU alumni....

This is very sad. It is an attempt to make the president look bad and give more talking points to the Right.

It is an insult to the president on the highest order. I would guess if Palin was the VP and came to speak they would have gave her one.

This to me has a hint of racism in it, let’s face it if BO was white and had accomplished the same he would be held as “all world” and would have been the Honorary degree.

I guess he has to settle for “all world” they seem to appreciate him a little more.

Can some one post the names of the yahoos that made that decision so they can be petitioned.

[...] an honourary degree from ASU(December 15, 2005). But ASU has just announced that President Obama is not yet deserving of an honourary degree from their prestigious [...]

This is so laughable! The man is firsty the POTUS, served in the senate, was a constitutional lawyer, president of the Harvard Law Review, a 2 time best selling author, and EARNED 2 degrees from Ivy League institutions, and this sub par STATE school wants to deny him an honorary degree!!??? REALLY!!??? Thats laughable! They should be honored that the POTUS chose to bestow their students the privilege of being addressed by the President!

The nerve! Im just floored by the comedy of it all! Shame on ASU!

Arizona, one of the most conservative states in the Union, struggled with the concept of the MLK holiday, finaly it was forced by circumstance to honor it. Can we safely say conservatives are generally prejudiced? Not exactly, as Ronald Regan signed the bill in 1983 to honor MLK with a national holiday.

Good to know the heads of ASU are prejudice and a little upset their hometown boy, McCain, didn't get elected. Won't be sending my kids there....

It had to come from McCain state
-The First African American President of Harvard Law Review
-The First Community Orginizer to become president
-The First African American to become presdient
-Changing US policy toward Cuba in a half century

Not giving enough to the society, When compared to Walter Cronkite, or a one term Senator

Wow, I bet they supported McCain

Wow! They are not going to just hand it to him? How about for being the first black president?

If I were Obama, I would tell ASU to shove it! But knowing Obama, he will most likely show up, give a hell of a speach with class & dignity, make ASU hold their heads in shame, and walk away with his 1000 watt smile.

Sacrilegious, it's.

Outraged libs to play the race card in five, four, three, two, one ...

President Obama deserves the utmost thanks and support from all citizens. This man has put himself and his family at grave risk to try and heal an ailing nation! You , out there, who put him down, rail against him and pick him apart at every little chance you get, should be ashamed! People in other Countries, like me, appreciate him so much, and have great admiration for him. It is too bad his own people DON'T!!!!! That attitude is probably why Your Country is in such a mess! Give the guy a break, and help him with constructive criticism. It is easy to sit on the sidelines and whine.

I thought institutions of higher learning were places where ALL opinions could be voiced and a free exchange of ideas could take place. What we don't need is more division based on religious beliefs and viewpoints. (See "Middle East") Last time I checked, even God hadn't stopped the devil from speaking to the hearts and minds of men, so are we more holy than God? Relax, truth will prevail.

I'm sure President Obama is going to resign his position since he will not be given an honorary degree.

Boy, thank god he doesn't have to worry about the economy, housing market, pirates, or anything important.

So it's perfectly fine to award honorary degrees to Blake Edwards (director of the Pink Panther) and Jerry Colangelo (owner of the Phoenix Suns) and real estate attorney John Christian but the President of the United States hasn't contributed enough to society? I guess he'll just have to live with the shame of owning just a Harvard Law Degree.

Kudos to the University of Notre Dame for not backing down!

Mr. Obama,

Come to USC, We'll show you how we treat Arizona schools and for that matter, the University of Notre Dame. You are always welcome here.

Fight On!

Given it's past history of bestowing honorary degrees., has Arizona State University just revealed itself as the new Bob Jones U of the Southwest? ASU's hypocrisy is astounding.

To Bishop D'Arcy, isn't it a little hypocritical to be so judgmental when many priests molested young boys. Boy, if we could all be perfect.

Obama's education:

– Graduated: Columbia University (1983) – Major: Political Science
– Law Degree from Harvard (1991) – Major: J.D. – Magna Cum Laude
Oh yeah, and he is president of the United States

I think he will be fine without some handout from a lesser school than the the schools above in which he earned his degrees. (This says more about the school than it does the president)

The reason for this happening is pretty well black and white. If I was Obama I would boycott these institutions and not bother addressing them in any way.

Let them get a lunatic like Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh to give the address.

All Arizona State University has done is put the university on the map as a place educated individuals should avoid. Can you imagine? We have a history-in-the-making president, one of the most significant African Americans in American history and these bozos take this political stance? If I attended Arizona State I would be mortified and ashamed. Hey, perhaps Sarah Palin is available?

who cares. he is not doing it for the award!!, they can give it to Rush Linbaugh.

Nice how the author of this story tries to find some evidence of racism by bringing up O'Connor and Goldwater. True, Obama did 'serve' one term as a US Senator, of course he wasn't there for most of it, but oh well. I guess ASU doesn't look at the fact that this man has been propped up to god status, was handpicked by the media, as a result of either their stupidity and/or guilt, and despite the fact that he reads well off the teleprompter he hasn't done anything truly helpful for America as qualifications to get an honorary degree. What, you mean the fact that he is negotiating with thugs is not a sign of his greatness.

Looks like ASU better prepare for a bunch of reporters doing 'in depth' stories of their racism. Guess there's gonna be a few DNC sponsored billboards there as well.

Congrats, ASU. You just made yourself the laughing stock of the commencement season.

Getting elected President of United States seems like a pretty impressive achievement considering only 44 people have held that office over the past 220 years. But I guess that's not good enough for a school that awards academic degrees in things like "tourism."

Araziona State looks foolish on this one. Not unexpected I must say.

This is definitely a snub of President Obama. Barry Goldwater received an honorary degree after only one term in the Senate? Obama has been in the Senate, and now is the President. What more does he have to do to be equal to Barry Goldwater? I can bet that they have given honorary degrees to people who have accomplished less. Is it standard to not award an honorary degree to the commencement speaker, or just when your home state boy loses to the speaker?

Oh Golly Gosh... I'm pretty sure this will devastate the leader of the free world who has served the nation as a Senator following degrees from COLUMBIA and HARVARD... yes, yes, his life will not be complete with an honorary slip of paper from the Sun Devils. A university whose greatest known accomplishment is having stunningly hot and frisky Coeds. Poor guy.

Small minded, intolerance. President Obama respects their point of view, they don't respect his. This country will never come together as long as intolerance is rampant.

I think that Arizoina is still a little miffed their home town candidate didn't win.

Enough about Obama, he already thinks he's a Rock Star. An honorary degree, what a joke. Save it for someone who cares. What has he done so great to desevre one .What in the world could he possibly have to say to inspire to new graduates. He can't speak off the cuff, always needs the teleprompterand, only says what he thinks people want to hear. The man lies to one group only to pacify another. Obama has cost the taxpayers enough for security with his hundreds of bodyguards, new monster SUV, hey Barack how many mpg do you get!

This is a silly story. I'm pretty sure President Obama is not too concerned about getting a fake degree. As for ASU, I just see it as the old guard having a hard time exiting gracefully. As Pat Buchanon said this morning(paraphrasing), President Obama should go there, give his speech, receive his standing ovation and not worry about getting an honorary degree.

What I want to know is, why do college and university commities invite someone they don't care for?

Here is the funny thing about this whole pile of nothing the media is trying to make of this, do anyone really thinks he is worried about ASU or ND actions? I think not. The man is the President of the United States, a former Senator, and a Harvard Law Grad, so go figure. But on top, of that when he does speak to the body of students at those Universities, it will probably be one the best speeches they will ever hear.

Who writes these headlines? How on earth could this be a headache for the whitehouse? Are u kidding me? The man is a Harvard graduate for crying out loud. Where is Arizona? Stueps!

If you are a priest and you molest little children it's okay, by Catholic Church standards? But if you are the President of the United States, favor a woman's right to choose, and stem cell research you get criticized by a the Diocese. This is why I am not Catholic anymore.

As for ASU, home state of John McCain.... nuff said.

You mean to tell me someone actually wants to see how Obama performs as President before they give him an award?!?! HOW DARE YOU?! How dare you have expectations of the great one?
Oh yeah they must be racist.

That is the best statement I have seen CNN post. I've been saying it all along. Everyone is praising this man and he hasn't even done anything - but cause controveries with his cabinet nominees in which most of them have been confirmed.

Nothing like playing politics rather than honoring someone who came from a mix-raced family, raised by a single mom, then raised by grandparents, then went to college, then worked as a community staffer, then got elected Senator, wrote two best selling books, and finally achieved the highest office in the world . . . and the first African American to do it.

Yeah . . . he hasn't got a body of work yet!!!

ASU is a sorry excuse for a University! What a joke! A brilliant man who has shaped the history of the US in becoming the first African American President has not achieved enough? His name is known from coast to coast around the globe, even in the most desolate regions of the world. He ran such a brilliant campaign and has shown himself to be an extraordinary politician. He redefined presidential elections and modernized the way a president and campaign communicate with citizens. And that is nothing? I don't know one leading figure from ASU! What idiots!!

Great Job ASU and Notre Dame. Others schools out their should learn from the actions of these 2 schools who put their principles first.

Obama has not accomplished a thing in his life besides running for the most likeable guy in the world who bows to other world leaders. Remember their is a big difference between being "LIKED" and being "RESPECTED".

Go Sun Devils & Fighting Irish...

Once again Arizona doesnt fail in it's bid to be the most incredulous state in the nation. The President doesnt need an honorary degree from ASU.... He has a "REAL" degree from Harvard.

Hmmmm....Let's see:

First African American to be president of the Harvard Law Review

Harvard Constitutional Law professor

2 best selling books

Illinois state senator

US Senator

First African American to become President of the United States

Yeah that's right. "His body of work is yet to come." If this is what they do to someone who has achieve as much as our president has done, then their degree isn't worth the paper it is printed on. Pres. Obama if you want a REAL honorary degree, come to Temple University's commencements on May 14th. We would be honored to have you as a speaker.

It's unbelievable, President Obama doesn't seem to realize he there only to serve at the behest of catholics. Or are the pedophilic cult 'leaders' angry because the Obamas don't have any young boys for them to abuse?

Please! That old racist state Arizona. They shouldn't have even invited him if they weren't going to treat him appropriately. Somebody on that board is PISSED that he is the speaker and they are demanding that he not get the degree (not that he needs it!).

It's the principle. And the principle is, that if they do not honor him appropriately, they are screaming to the nation that they don't like our black president. Period.

Good thing I'm not the president cause I wouldn't go. Since Obama is the president and a servant of our citizens and he is going to serve regardless of past protocol or principle. In the end it's not about honoring the president as much as it is about honoring the accomplishiments of the graduates.

well, he then fits the category....significant social contribution....
But I agree, never give praise before it's due.

Well, why in the world did ASU ask him to speak at their commencement if they just planned to insult him?!?! This makes ASU look bad.

I believe President Obama will not stoop to the level of bickering over this issue, so neither should we.

Besides, he has a real degree from Harvard Law. Arizona State has nothing on that.

Our Harvard graduate, Law Professor, Author, Senator and first African-American President of the US should "respectfully" refuse their degree when they decide that he has finally become an accomplished person.

Hey, if ASU and Notre Dame don't want the President of the United States, We will take him here at Washington University in St. Louis!!!!!

Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If Jesus had sat down with folks like him, His table would have been empty. The University of Notre Dame is exemplifying Christ by allowing someone ideologically different from Catholics to speak at their table. I commend them on setting this example.

Well, all I can say is, "Swell. Just when we thought that judgmental racists were quieted down in academia."

Hopefully, they won't have the opportunity to confer a degree on President Obama again.

Talk about Political Bull droppings ...

Obama doesn't need your degree ...

A piece of wrinkled paper ...

He's got a country to run ...

Yes, obviously becoming PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES is not an accomplishment worthy of an honorary degree from the most prestigious of institutions, Arizona State University.

I know I am in moderation like always, but here it goes...

I live in AZ and believe that President Obama should be given the Honorary Degree from ASU. My daughter attends college there, has put herself through by grants and loans, and I have a son that is applying there also. We believe in hard work and determination not hand outs. We know that President Obama has done more for the country in the almost 3 months in office then our last president did in his 8 years. Why is it an issue with ASU to not recognize him?

Just because it is AZ and McCain did not win does not mean we have to become the "State of NO" or the "University of NO" we already have a party for that and Notre Dame took credit for the University already!

Yes, and apparently Erma Bombeck was worthy of the honor 1980. Clearly their standards are quite high.

Obama has a degree from Harvard.
Time to boycott Arizona.
Obama should cancel his speech.

Obama 2012

Finally some people not blinded by celebrity !

I am sure President Obama can live without an honorary degree from Arizona State. Big deal! What news!

furious and this is going to cost ND huge donations over the coming years. The alumni are totally against a President that promotes the killing of fetuses. ND is a predominant catholic university and killing fetuses is abhorrent to catholics.

Poor Notre Dame, sabotaged by the Catholics.

"Significant contributions over the course of one's career..." for the first African American President does not seem to meet ASU's standards. If Obama never did anything else while president, he already has matched the criteria laid out by ASU. Is McCain a Board of Trustee?

Actually being the President of the USA is a greater achievement than an fake diploma. For most graduates, The best part of commencement is getting out of School! Kind of like wiping your feet after walking throught the mud. [notice I said feet after wiping and no mention of the flush]

Blant Racism. Go firgure the university of the home of president hopeful John McCain. I say to ASU grow-up this man does not need your honory degree to validate him. A man who graduated head of his class from America's most prestigous college. You have the nerves to question his commitment and contribution... PLEASE. If I was President Obama would rescind the offer.

MODERATION! The facts are true–ASU IS ranked at the bottom in college evaluation by US NEWS. Also it is not :moderate" to invite a guest=- any guest=and then insult him.

Bill

Should Arizona State offer an honorary doctorate to President Obama at some point in the future, I certainly hope he accepts it and proves he is less a weasel than they. I also hope he has some fun with them in his speech.

......I forgot to mention Columbia.

Really CNN?? A commencement headeache? Isn't there any real news out there? Why don't you see how many other universities aren't awarding the President an honorary degree? What a joke you are CNN; journalism worthy of Star magazine.

I'm tired of hearing about the whole Notre Dame thing. The University invited him, and he accepted. Now, if he HADN'T accepted, the press would be all over him like white on rice for that. Our President wakes up every single day in someone's crosshairs, and it's just sickening.

Not very nice–for a school that is ranked 121st in the nation by US News & World Report they are lucky that the President agreed to come and speak. If you don't plan to honor him-then why invite him

Bill

President Obama consider the source. You don't need ASU, Norte Dame or any of those idiot so called higher education institutions. It's racism as usual.

Not surprised that a racist state like arizona would have a university
that feels that way. After all they were one of the last states to recognize
the Martin Luther King holiday.

Finally an organzation – Arizona State – have stepped forward and stated the bovious: President Obama has yet to do anything significant. One could argue that he has done more harm to the country than good ....but we will wait a bit for that story to unfold

Wow. And just what were Bush's achievements and contributions??? Unbelievable. People are so petty. He is everyone's president and he is working simself into the ground trying to keep this country afloat. Show some appreciation you ingrates!

I am glad our public and private Universities are still able to see Obama for what he truly is and acknowledge that he really has not accomplished anything. So far his only real quality was a good public speaker and they don't give honorary degrees for that. Come to think of it, without the teleprompters in front of him he is not really even a good speaker. How do you say that in Austrian?

Come on CNN-this is not a headache for the WH, it is a headache for the university. The outrage in Arizona is amazing. The calls for them to undo this ridiculous announcement is hurting the university, not the President.

Clearly politically motivated at best, racially motivated at worst.

Why don't they just have John McCain speak. If they want to disrespect the President, then they don't deserve his presence!!

The mere fact that he ascended to be the first African-American president, let alone his educational accomplishments and work in the community, doesn't merit a significant contribution to society? ASU's honorary degree obviously isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

This is clearly a vindictive move by all those McCain supporters at ASU. Who am I kidding, its not vindictive its racist.

They're just "bitter" cause Obama beat one of their own, MCcain. Arizona's opinion really doesn't matter. Arizona didn't even want to designate Martin Luther King's birthday as a legal holiday. So...why should anyone be surprised with the ignorance from a state wherein many ignorant opinions thrive???

It should be noted that Arizona State also saw fit to bestow an honorary degree on the Chinese Communist Wu Qidi, but the President of the United States has "yet to rate the honor." What an embarrassment and insult to all Americans.

How ironic Arizona was the last state to recognize martin Luther Kings birthday as a national holiday they had to be brought kicking and screaming so I would tell the university to kiiss where the sun dont shine.

Mr. Lawrence Douglas Wilder, the first black governor in Virginia was honored by ASU... but not the first black president?

ASU Feel free to invite that LOSER McCain

ASU is not the ultimate in academic excellence. I'm willing to venture and guess that President Obama's law degree from Harvard would outweigh any degree from ASU.

The title line of this article must have been written by John King , as it is not in sinc with the contents of the full story... Typical John King type of slant to all his news stories.... I still think he is on the FOX NEWS payroll.

Idiots!! Now you can see why ASU is rated at 121st in national college
rankings by US News–and they are being generous. If they didn't plan to honor him -a former head of he Harvard Law Review- why invite him.

Perhaps you should have invited Newt Gingrich–his work is already behind him

Bill

I see no controversy. The last time I checked Universities are not government controlled yet, they still have a freedom to choose or say what they want. ASU is right so is Notre Dame for asking Obama to speak or rescinding their invitation.

Who cares? Obama doesn't need an honorary degree from ASU, nor acceptance from Notre Dame fans. He already has a degree from Havard! If these universities do not appreciate the great honor of him speaking at their graduation ceremonies, I'm sure that there are plenty of other universities that would be glad to have him and to present him with an honary degree.

Wow, a university putting politics ahead of education.

It's obvious. He should come back to visit us at Wesleyan University! We would welcome him with open arms and give him 5 awards if he wanted. Then we would plaster his pictures all over the school website to draw in new students.

I personally feel that the university has a right to stand by their choices. On the other hand, it's ASU. I'm sorry but as a school who has easily received the ranking for #1 party/drinking school of the U.S. in previous polls, should this actually bother anyone? Glad to see that intellectually advanced schools do not act with such petty mannerisms so far, despite religious pressures and ignorance.

I think ASu was right in there dessicon in not giving President Obama a honorary degree when he speaks to the graduating class. For he has yet to show the American people what he is all about. So far I have not seen him follow through on some things he said he would do as President.

Well its their choice to decide whether or not to award one. But it looks bad because honorary degrees are symbolic only and deciding not to give one to a president (new or not) is significant. Oh.. and it just had to be Arizona.

If I were pres Obama I would tell them to go ask mccain maybe they think he would be worth their degree.

If the Naval Academy cancels Obama, than maybe he can find a kindergarten class somewhere he can speak to?

Odd title – "Headache for the WH". I don't think this "snub" is a headache for the WH at all. It will be a major headache for ASU before it is all said and done.

As for the Notre Dame issue, it has sparked a need debate of the issues. Why have Bush speak after killing more prisoners as Texas Govener (which is against the Pope and Church doctrine) and protest Obama. You cannot pick and chose your beliefs.

It's not like Harvard, MIT or Stanford decided not to reward the President with an honorary degree.

Move on to bigger and better things!

ASU is restoring my confidence in the decision making ability in academia. In spite of all of the "Yea...we elected Obama!!!" hoopla, they are exactly correct.

So far what has he done? With a rubber-stamp congress he has borrowed a few trillion dollars from the US population and this whole stimulus thing may end up being just a really expensive mistake. ASU is smart enough not to hang an honorary degree on a public figure at this point when the jury is still out.

1. Arizona State is being petty. Nothing more, nothing less.
2. Funny how the so-called "staunch Catholics" had no problem with Republican politicians who support the death penalty speaking at Notre Dame, even though the Catholic Church condemns the death penalty in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.

Not only is it rude to do this, you don't rescind an invitation to the President of the United States. Everyone should boycott Arizona State University and not send any donations........

Why is this news. Move on

Obama already graduated from Columbia and Harvard Law. I wouldn't think he really cares about a honorary degree from ASU.

WOW! And Bush's "body of work" could fit in a locker at the Crawford bus station (or an indictment), and he got honorary degrees. Arizona is McCain country. Is anyone really surprised at this?

Who would want an honorary degree from Arizona State? It's biggest reputation is as a party school. Their idea of a body of work is a big pile of empty beer cans.

I agree with ASU. He hasn't accomplished anything. Unless you count winning the "which is Cinderella prettiest step sister" contest known as our presidential election.

The man has not been in office for 100 days yet and you are judging him on what he has done. Why are you even asking him to address these students, sure he has more important things to do than talk to a bunch of college grads especially in Arizona why didn't you ask favorite son MCCain or his miss palin to address your college.
It probably really won't stop him from making this country great again if you don't give him an honorary degree, what is it worth anyway, he has all he needs!!!

He shouldn't go but he will because he's better than that.
ASU students shoud be embarrased.
Look up the list of people that did get honorary degrees from ASU and laugh at this is a JOKE!!!

This is rediculous. The man doesn't need to further proove himself to a state school. Why even ask him to speak if this rediculous move was going to be made. They are acting as if a state school "honorary degree" will shine brighter on the wall next to his OTHER life accomplishments....hmmm namely the seal of the President of the United States of American.

Looks like the Chosen One isn't so popular after all.

only fair. At least unlike the media comparing him to Lilcon just after a few days in office

The graduates of ASU should boycott contributions to a school that demonstrates such questionable logic and leadership. The President must be a GENIUS. If you look at the list of prior recepients you would recognize that their 'excuse' is baloney. Regardless of their illogical and perhaps ridiculous response, you have to wonder why they would choose Obama to even give the commencement speech if he is not of the caliber of person who should receive an "honorary" degree, like Barry Goldwater and George Romney or Doug Wilder or the Chinese Communist Education Minister. What you do find is the list of McCain contributors on ASU's board . And doesn't it sound funny to hear "he's (Obama) not experienced enough". Kind of sounds like a campaign chant of McCain's. ASU is a third rate school and Obama should never have accepted the request to begin with. Leave them with inviting McCain for the 30th time.

CHEERS! to Arizona State University for recognizing what the "voters" in this country failed to see.

The office of the Presidency of the US has become a "GED training school" for an impostor, who has no credentials.

Why not? He as accomplished more in three months than Bush did in eight years. Perhaps if McCain would have won the election he would have been awarded this, but he didn't win- Arizona State in on University. They are missing the boat and history will prove it.

Keeping the power-hungry Clintons out of the Oval Office was quite an amazing accomplishment if you ask me

Well, Arizona does have some bizarre politics. I have read the occasional local paper during layovers at Sky Harbor airport, and they news they read there has a definite right-wing slant to it. Those folks have no idea what is happening in the rest of the nation. I suspect that the ASU president received more than a few calls from Republican state legislators who reminded him of the upcoming university budget and suggested that he might give the Obama award more thought. He apparently got the message.

Oh noes, he won't have a degree from ASU....the school for lower learning. He's only got one from Harvard and is President of the USA.

Boy, you sure showed him. And, yea, you gave your coveted award to someone who held office for 1 year?

Ever look at the number of blacks compared to whites at ASU? Call a 'spade' a 'spade'....they are extremem racists over there.

These people are unbelievable. Nothing but a bunch of racists.

It would be a great time in American history when folks stop putting their poltics before common sense.

This is ridiculous. It is a great honor to have the President speak to them and his accomplishments are greater than most people have ever achieved. It is clearly either political or racial and I am sorry that President Obama is even going there. They should all be ashamed of themselves.

ASU is a joke!! It is nothing but a party school and a prestigious university like Notre Dame is awarding Pres. Obama an honorary degree. He is also speaking at the US Naval Academy. I could not figure why he accepted the invitation to speak at ASU. Arizona is rife with Repugs and no doubt that is why he is not getting an honorarium. He has more degrees and more intelligence than anyone in that school. They should have come up with a better excuse. Half of the students are selling their tickets to graduation to people who appreciate our wonderful President and want to hear him speak.

who cares.another cnn non story.no wonder cnn is third place on cable news.

ASU certainly has some idiots making their decisions. Let's see, President Obama is a published author, served in the US Senate,
President of the law review, Harvard grad, and, oh yes, he is our President. What do the ASU board have to brag about? I guess they
need to change their initials from ASU to AS_ as that is how they will
now be remembered.

Shame on ASU!

Sounds like ASU is being racist to me. There's no way around it and no other explanation unless they'd like to give more details as to their decision.

This snub to the President says more about ASU than Obama.

Mo Udall was a Congressman: He was NEVER in the Senate. Do your homework, CNN !

What?! This is just so hilariously stupid, I don't even know where to start, so I won't LMAO. I can't wait to hear him crack jokes at himself about this one LOL. He's going to make ASU wish they hadn't done that. Do the words Harvard, Senator, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, mean anything to these nimrods?! LOLOL

This is just stupid. Are these supposed to be America's brightest? Seem rather dim-witted.

II don't think he should attend Arizona State University’s graduation. He should decline.
In regards to University of Notre Dame – I think if the FBI runs a check on those priests who are protesting, they too have something on them. They should give it a try.

Clearly Arizona State Univ. (no coincidence its Sen. McCain's state) is playing politics, but oh well...so what? President Obama has earned degrees from Harvard Law and Columbia Universities. He is an accomplished author, Legislator and now Cheif Executive and Statesman of our great country. He doesn't need Arizona's land grant college to give him an honorary degree. Pleeease.

This is no big deal. Their correct. He's only been President for three months and needs to establish a "record."

I don't see this as a 'bad thing."

In the land of Barry Goldwater and John McCain, and the state that held out on acknowledging MLK Day for years, where we to expect a different response towards President Obama at ASU?

Big deal. Seems like Obama has already achieved plenty, but it's clearly up to the school. And it's not like Obama was going there because he really, really wanted a degree fro Arizona State.

One of the missions of a university (in theory, if not always in practice) should be to present differing points of view in order to allow for reasoned and rational debate. Protesting against someone whose beliefs are opposite yours is perfectly acceptable. Denying that person the right to speak is not.

I wonder if the Right to Life crowd who have been so vocal in their opposition to President Obama because of his views on abortion would be as equally vocal on former President Bush were he asked to speak at Notre Dame given his views on the death penalty?

If they were, I could at least admire them for their consistency. As it is, I'm just disappointed by their hypocrisy.

If all life is sacred and worthy of protection, then the level of their protests against abortion and the death penalty should approximate each other. Unfortunately, death row convicts aren't quite as equal as the unborn.

hmmm, first black president has not made a significant contribution to society?

Diocese have more fish to fried like all the guy Presits they produce.

Fortunately for President Obama, he is smart enough to received any degree he sets his mind to receiving by earning it. He is a the few who does not need to give a speech at a graduation to receive it.

He still believes in the people of his country, I sometimes find it difficult to do so when I read or hear the news and opionions of the House, the Senate and the experts.

Everything I know about the man says he believes in a womans right to choose. That is not the same thing that has been put out there.. that he believes in abortion, partcial birth abortion and on and on and on.

Me and 1.3 billion Red Chinese don't give a crap.

"The university says that the president's achievements have yet to rate the honor..."

HELLO... Mr Obama just become the first black president of the United States Of America. How much greater of an historical achievement were you seeking AZ???!!!

Why is it a headache for the administration again?

You can thank John McCain for the Arizona State snub.

This is a pure case of racism. Nothing else. President Obama should just cancel and ignore them.

Hurray for ASU!!

They have the courage to do the RIGHT THING, unlike Notre Dame, a Catholic School, who invites the WORST President in US History when it comes to protecting the rights of the unborn!

If I were a graduating Cadet at the US Naval Academy... I would have to skip graduation due to a horrible cold that suddenly came on. The irony... President Barack "Waive-the-white-flag" Obama addressing the future warriors of our nation.

Oh, how I like the way we make our choices. For crying out loud, the man is the President of the United States. Arizona State University should take a stand and publicly disinvite the President. Then we would know for sure that the insitution is part of the Republican unoiled machine. How quick true motivations are uncovered.

Anyone, regardless of the color of their skin, who is elected POTUS and has already imlemented dramatic change by reversing Bush policies on torture, Guantanomo Bay, stem cells should be treated the same as a Supreme Court justice with 3 years on the high court or a US Senator with just over one term in the Senate. Sounds like Arizona has a little affirmative action for whites going on.

What a shame these schools are showing to many Americans. This is so disrespectful and ugly in so many ways. I will continue to pray for the Obama family and the evil ways of so many Americans. God will have the last say. I hope The Obama's and the white house staff make a good decision on how to handle all of this. I know if President Obama was a white man (even if one didn't like him) the schools would not have a problem with him speaking or giving the honorary degree. The American People have VOTE and he is the President of these United States...let's work together and show some PRIDE to the other countries.

What Bull crap this is. What a country we live in.

He hasnt done anything??? Really? Well lets see, he signed into law the equal pay for women act, he brought countries that have not spoke to us for 8 yeas to the table, and has brought the world to our side again. He shut down an illigal prison in Cuba, and has actually made the US look compitent again. Arizona is red as blood that is the ONLY reason they dont honor him. He deserves it, had mclame been president we would havegiven it to him, for doing NOTHING. I am leaving AZ for this reason, its WAY to redneck and uneducated

Slow news day, eh? Why is any of this important or even relevant?

I guess Obama hasn't done enough keg stands or smoked enough bongs for ASU's stringent standards....

Bah, who needs a honorary degree. Let Obama's work speak for itself.

lol@ Arizona State... He's a grad from Columbia and Harvard.. why would he care!

As far as Notre Dame is concerned, Laurence O'Donnell said it best. The Catholic church is against abortion and the death penalty. Democrats usually defend the right to have an abortion ... Republicans usually defend executing people (some of whom we know from DNA have been innocent).

There is no intellectually honest way for some Catholics to embrace George Bush as a commencement speaker but to complain about an invitation to our Commander-in-Chief, Barack Obama. By their dogma, they should have problems with both.

Bush's first commencement address? Notre Dame. They gave the moron a degree despite his only real accomplishment to that point having been his election as governor and then as POTUS. He'd failed at every single private business endeavor in which he engaged prior to that and had been a terrible student, not even getting into law school. So yeah, let the tapdancing hypocrisy continue!

how embarrassing for any ASU alumni. They seem petty, vindicitve and pretty dumb actually. The man has degrees from Columbia and Harvard and they think they are too good for him? Unbelievable.

Not that he need a degree from ASU! He already has one from Harvard university, But what a kind of joke is this??? The man is president of the USA and extremely educated, yet not worthy of a pitiful degree from an average university? Please.

It's funny how CNN show this picture of President Obama as if he is dismayed by ASU's decision...lol He's got a Harvard Law Degree, helloooo.

Not only that, but the measure of a man is the fight that he makes, and the grit that he daily shows

The way he stands upon his feet and takes life's numerous bumps and blows

A coward can smile when there is nothing to fear and nothing his progress bars

But it takes a man to stand and cheer when the other fellow stars

It isn't the victory afterall, but the fight that a brother makes,

A man when driven against the wall still stands erect and takes,

The blows of fate with his head held high bleeding, bruised, and pale,

Is the man who will win, and fate defied, for he isn't afraid to Fail!

(Test of a Man, author UNKNOWN)

Shameful and unbecoming. ASU still mad about McCain loss.

How ignorant. It's just like a "man of the cloth" to continue to divide the people of the world. I was raised in a Catholic family, but now I raise my children in a manner that I hope will lead them not to recognize others for differences. I would rather they embrace diversity.

So, Obama has a different opinion than many Catholics on one topic. This one difference should not lead him to be excluded. Bridging gaps between the many ideologies of the world is and will always be Obama's hallmark. It’s this leading by example that makes him so great.

One change

Boy…I bet President Obama is going to be so disappointed not to attend ASU — Not! Why on earth would he care? And why did ASU feel the need to put out a press release to say they're not going to "honor" him. Are they so desperate for publicity. Another non-issue CNN — you're getting good at them.

All these racist, dirtball Obama haters need to be put on their own island and left there to rot! These people pass themselves off as mature, educated people when at the end of the day they they're no better than an overgrown child with binky issues and a full diaper! GROW UP CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!

I'm a little confuse about this one! Me thinks it's he's color Period

Mccain lost and the media keep treating him like the winner....

So what, Obama doesn't pick up another peice of useless paper to hang on his "I love me wall" oh, boohoo. As ASU said, what has Obama done to receive an honorary degree? In fact, honor degrees mean nothing.
Obama has other things to worry about: like figuring how he's going to put a muzzle on that dimwitted VP of his. Biden is Obama's Dan Quayle.

Someone over there is playing incredibly petty politics, and it should bite them on the backside. Yeah... the man's only become the President of the United States, no way does that meet Arizona State's rigorous criteria for an achievement significant enough to warrant an honorary degree. Pffft... "leader of the free world"... big deal. First African American in history to pull it off... trivial!

Obama has ACTUAL degrees from Columbia and Harvard for cripes sake, and mighty Arizona State thinks he lacks the necessary resume to be bestowed with an honorary degree? Whoever made this decision is clearly not over McCain losing.

Because being elected America's first black president is not that big of an accomplishment in some people's eyes, apparently.
I just don't get some colleges.

They're just mad that Obama beat their man McCain in last year's election

Barack Obama accomplished what NO ONE ELSE IN THE COUNTRY has accomplished. But for the good old AZ – not good enough. Sounds like sour grapes from John McCain country. LOL

Ok so what does boycotting Obama has to do with the Bishop because last I check to impose your free will on someone whose free will told him to speak at an inivitation presented by a skill was up to both partied decision.

Mr. President – I hope you cancel this appointment. You are my President and I do not want your precious minutes wasted on these people.

Well in his defense I'd say the president has done quite a bit already. Unfortunately it mostly includes bankrupting the next few generations and bloating government at an alarming rate.

Boy...I bet President Obama is going to be so disappointed not to attend ASU - Not! Why on earth would he care? And why did ASU feel the need to put out a press release to say they're not going to invite him. Are they so desperate for publicity. Another non-issue CNN - you're getting good at them.

Then do not attend Mr. Prez.

As one who is heavily invested in tuition for my children at Notre Dame, I am THRILLED they have invited President Obama to speak. Hopefully Fr. Jenkins will stick to his guns and receive the President warmly next month. Hopefully the idiotic protestors will have the common sense & decency to not ruin this commencement for the graduates.

Someone quick, look up where Bush made his very first commencement speach and whether he was granted an honorary degree. Note: He'd only been governor for a few years, had failed in every single business endeavor he'd engaged in prior to that and had been a terrible student all his life.

And c'mon...Arizona? I mean, let's get real here...they probably only invited him so they could couple it with this snub.

This is ridiculous. The first African American President who is someone to be admired deserves the honorary degree although why he would want one from Arizona is beyond me

If they can honor Cesar Chavez, they should honor Obama... they are very similar in many respects and Obama has lived in the US most of his life so he has that advantage over Chavez.

As for Notre Dame, I would not speak where my presence was not wanted.

Let me get this straight; after all, snobbery is as snobbery does: President Obama is, for some reason, choosing to honor this undistinguished college by speaking there, and they rare up on their hind legs and presume to judge his accomplishments? Why his presence there at all? To prove that a Harvard graduate can also notice Airzona State? Okay, done. And Arizona State, whoever speaks for it, instead of being grateful and humbled, withholds their little honorarium from him? Okay, this has triggered my inner snob, I admit it, but...Arizona? What gives?

I agree with ASU. Why should he recieve a honorary degree? He hasn't done anything. I'm not sure why he's even president.

How embarrassing for the President. If this happened to GW Bush this would be plastered all over the front page of every newspaper and the MSNBC and CNN would have a field day. Obama just got DISSED.

What do you expect from Arizona. Not surprised.

For all of the libs out there that say the Republican party will be extinct, I say this, "Are you insane?" You guys have just recaptured the Presidency for the first time in 8 years. You have held that office only 12 years since 1969, so don't get ahead of yourselves. Let me say that again. 12 out of the last 40 years. The Republicans are not going anywhere fast. We are the party of Lincoln and Reagan. You are the party or Carter and LBJ. You need to read the writing on the wall and see that across the boards, your polling numbers are dropping like a sack of cement. Republicans tend to do well in rough economic times. That is a fact. And when Barry and the crew run this economy further and further into the ground people will rise up and vote them out. Mark my words. The democrats are the obstructionist, litigation, whiner, PC, victim hood party. That is not what America is about. Go ahead and flame this post, but I know deep down inside you are afraid. Why else would you keep Sarah Palin in the news? If she is so inconsequential why are there daily stories about her? You fear that people will find out the truth about your party and jump ship.

I wouldn't worry. This is from an institution that gave Kermit the Frog an Honorary Degree in 1996. Too bad they're blinded to facts that we know their intentions. Mr. President, you're more worthy than a meaningless faux Degree, especially from Arizona. Your educational background and your American success speaks for itself. ASU, give your degree to the bottom 3 of his class, Senator McCain. LOL! That's where it belongs.

Ouch.....sssssss... Burn...

I wonder how this will effect the institutions PR image in the future and student enrollment? That statement was really harsh.

I respect the position of ASU. Obama will eventually earn the right to an honorary degree once these draconian ASU benchmarks have been satisfied.

Obama should politely decline the invitation to Notre Dame. It's obvious that he isn't wanted there and I fear that these ideologically and religously motivated people will use this event to create a grand spectacle with lots of controversy. By finding an acceptable excuse of having something else to do, the prez can avoid this whole fiasco and focus on the issues that we elected him to do.

I just don't understand. Is the point to make the children suffer from not having a historic President visit their school? Or is it to overturn – protest Roe v. Wade?

Its the law...no matter how anybody feels about it (including the President). Granted, he has the chance to do something about it but his predecessor didn't – And ?????

I wish these people would be as passionate about saving the millions of poor children currently suffering starving and dying all over the world. If they went that route, their position might seem less hypocritical. I said "Might"

Let me also be the first to say it will only be a matter of seconds before a democrat turns this into a racial thing.

Seems like they want the headline of having a historic President at there commencement, but do not want to afford him the honor his deserves simply by the office he holds.

I say that the President should rescind he's acceptance!

Let me be the first to say, ha ha ha ha.

He did just beat the Senator from Arizona for the Presidency. Is this a surprise that they don't honor his accomplishment of being the first black man to rise from a poor, struggling, mixed-race family to become President of the United States. Can't think of any better contriubution than being the role model that he is. ASU should be ashamed of itself for thinking is such a limited fashion about the definition of success.

Isn't Arizona State one of the nation's top party schools?

this is insane and so disrespectful of our president. i think obama should tell them all to shove it! he has enough people that love him supporting him therefore he shouln't waste a minute of his precious time on such low-rent biggets.
the world loves you mr. president, don't forget that!!

This is utterly stupid. I'd have respect for these schools if they just said they didn't like him because of whatever reason instead of sugarcoating the whole thing. Why only in America does this happen?

How dare you not bow to the Obama?...he bows to others...

Mo Udall was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 30 years, retired in 1991. He was not a member of the U.S. Senate. I do agree that he was a legendary figure.

ASU should be ashamed of itself. Maybe this is their way of honoring John McCain by not honoring President Obama. This man was the first AA on the Harvard Editoral review, Author of 2 best selling books, respected law professor and oh yea, He is the freakin POTUS! How much more can one achieve in a lifetime. There is something definitely wrong with this picture!

"The university says that the president's achievements have yet to rate the honor" – yes – let's see what he actually does.

I hope Obama does great things during his term in office, but the hype of the election is over. We are all waiting to see what he does.

Just being a certain mix of race, and having a throng of screaming fans, not being-Bush, taking corporate money, and making good speeches is not a list of accomplishments.

Church: 1 United States: 0

No doubt the catholic overlords at ASU (fuming republican loosers) have threatened to withdraw funding for ASU if they honor BHO. GWB's destruction of the US image was hopefully awarded with a honorary degree in advance. Church + State = theocracy; in which case, stop calling Iran names. Is this subtle racism or what, and by the way, I'm not black. There is a time and place for telling people what to believe and not to believe, its called sunday at the church.

Agreed, I think they made the right decision...he's not accomplished anything!!

Obviously, ASU has no credibility here...President Obama should tell ASU to find a commencement speaker who would fit their intellect...maybe Joe the Plumber is available...or Rove, Palin, Steele ...y'know, someone who fits their criteria...."idiot".

Shame on ASU for this direct insult to the President of the United States.

I am definitely not Obama's biggest fan, but if you invite the President of the U.S. to speak, and he agrees, you should give him an honorary degree (or at the very least, not make a point of announcing that he won't get one). ASU is getting a little above themselves I think.

Than he sould not honor them by speaking at thier commencement exercise. ASU is full of crap. Not to be petty but what is there requirement, and why is this an issue. Did President Obama ask for an honorary degree? I don't think so. He is bestowed the highest honor in the Land right NOW, ASU is the POTUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As a Phoenix resident, I am not surprised but am dismayed that this sub-standard public institution would be so petty as to snub our president.

Very bad form.

Althought I really don't care if he receives an Honoary degree or not, this is just a "buckle under the pressure" situation . What the school and most will not recognize, is the significance of his presidency by just being a black candidate to galvanize americans to to vote for him. The Idea that he has inspired the youth of America and the world like no other candidate in our history should get him the degree. But to many in this country, I understand they don't understand this aspect, and will seek any reason not to extend this same honor.to him.

In other words, African americans have to prove their honor first, at their institution.

What a double standard, I guess in their eyes he's not worthly but hopefully he will prove them wrong.

WOW President Barack Obama is really going to lose sleep over this, Like he does not have more important things to worry about.

Makes sense to me. Why should any college or university award Obama an Honorary degree? He hasn't accomplished anything of signficance as a Senator and as a president the only thing he has accomplished is increase the debt of the US. Thanks for nothing Obama. BTW, as a senator, what did he do for the state if Illinois. Chicago's crime rate has skyrocketed and their former Governor was as corrupt as one of Chicago's mob bosses. Yet for some reason, people chose Obama to become president because he represented CHANGE. Oh yes, we're going to see that CHANGE alright. God help us all.

The President brings honor upon himself regardless of others, his is but to honor our nation with his actions not words and ceremony!!!

I like President Obama okay, but it's nice to see an institution that is not treating him as the "second coming." I agree he has not made any significant contributions to society through his work, though I do believe his election is a great step forward for America. Lets see if he can now live up to the expectations that he and his campaign staff promoted.

Arizona can fall off the face of the map as far as I'm concerned. Maybe their saving their oh so prestigious degree for Joe the Plummer!

If the same attention and outrage had been focused on the catholic priests that have been continually molesting innocent children, then they might have more credability in my eyes to complain. Additionally, millions of dollars could have been saved to help the poor .

"Sandra Day O'Connor and Barry Goldwater — both Arizonans — received the honor after the former had served just over one term in the Senate, and the latter was roughly three years into her Supreme Court tenure."

CNN, I'm pretty sure that Sandra Day O'Connor was never in the Senate, and that Barry Goldwater is a man. You should check out your use of "former" and "latter".

You'd think the books he wrote would count for something. Oh, well, it's only a state university.

I am a huge Obama supporter but I must agree with ASU's statement that our president has yet to earn an honorary degree. I am also opposed to abortion but I take exception to the Right To Life Committee asking Notre Dame to rescind their invitation. Abortion is a topic of ageless debate that belongs in the moral catagory, not the political arena. Women who are inclined to have an abortion will do so whether the procedure is legal or illegal.

What do you expect from the University of ARIZONA. Perhaps they are still miffed that their guy didn't win.

This is outrageous and sad – to be so disrespectful to a man who has obviously accomplished so much. Shame on ASU!

He has yet to prove himself as a President. Time will tell if he deserves an honorary degree.

Who cares what Arizona thinks? McCain probably complained.

And Notre Dame and the Catholic church are hypocrites. They expect their priests to be eunuchs (when there is no evidence that Jesus was celibate) and yet those same priests prey on young children. They refuse to allow birth control, yet do nothing to help their parishioners who then have huge families they cannot support. They hate abortion, but support war. No wonder America is so screwed up! We don't know what we believe, and what the church tells us to believe makes no sense.

Then they shouldn't have invited Obama in the first place...or it should have been determined at that time and advised to the WH that they wouldn't be extending an "honorary degree"...sounds like they are just looking for some media attention knowing that Obama will still come there to speak...but of course he has a REAL DEGREE from Harvard so I don't think his feelings are hurt...

As for Notre Dame..it is an honor to have ANY PRESIDENT speak at a commencement...his politics should not play a part in this at all unless he was planning on speaking about stem cell research, abortion, etc...which we ALL know he was not...

3 cheers to Arizona State University!

Unfortunately, 53% of those casting votes on November 4, 2008, failed to see a lack of accomplishments like ASU did.

You get what you pay for.

This is news? A controversy? One created by the press perhaps.

Liberal Schools please take note for future reference.

I guess Obama should have Geitner [sp?] going in and fire the president of the college for not giving Obama what he wants. Heck... they're doing it with the CEO's, why not college presidents next?

If Arizona State Univ will not award President Obama an honorary degree, why invite him to give the commencement address "if his body of work has yet to come"? Looks like racism to me. Wasn't Arizona the last state to approve Dr. Martin Luther King's holiday?

How racist of ASU!

The President could care less who gives him a free deree or not. He already got better degrees from better schools.

It's obviously a snub because he's in the wrong camp. No doubt, the school would have quite ceremoniously bestowed the degree upon the nit-wit Sarah Palin.

Sheesh. What a bore these Rethuglicans continue to be.

Our president is bigger than either school's decision. And I'm sure he'll do a great job regardless of the insults.

CNN, I think you are confused.

This will become a huge nightmare for ASU, and a huge triumph for
Obama as the students stand on their seats cheering him.

Besides, O already has run out of room on his wall, degrees from
Harvard, photos of him w Queen of England, w president of Russia,
etc.

Like this is news coming from McCain's state. I guess the repugs are going to be angry a long, long time, ever since the "maverick" was beaten by an African American. Still smarting are we Arizona?

i applaud the decision not to award an honary degree to this rookie that has done nothing.

This is NOT a headache for the White House...it is for ASU as it shows how stupid they are.

Geee...he is accomplished enough to give the commencement address but not accomplished enough to get an honorary degree.

Fortunately for ASU Obama has class and despite the snub he will be there and give the address.

Someday ASU may get some class!!!

There is nothing partisan about this. It's just plain common sense and it feels good to hear someone who's not doped up on this guy speak the truth.

Where is 'Journalist integrity' in America?

Barack Obama graduated from Harvard Law School. Does anyone really think he give a rat's behind about an honorary degree from Arizona Sate University? I'm sure he's in the oval office crying as I type...

OKAY....and? Moving on......

Wrong CNN, these are not the "headaches" of President Obama but the two instituiions involved.

Both institutions INVITED the President to speak, he is certainly not forcing anyone to listen to him. Now, vocal supporters of both schools are unhappy with the invite.

I personally would decline both the Arizona and Notre Dame invitiations and allow other universities the chance to hear President Obama speak on his inspiring story.

President Obama has a law degree graduating magna cum laude from Harvard. He won't miss a degree from Arizona State.

Looks like someone named John called in a favor.
Green is not a good color on him.

This seems really ridiculous to me on the part of ASU. Why am I not surprised that it comes from the state who voted not to celebrate the national holiday associated with MLK's birthday with the rest of the country. What harm would it do to give him an honorary degree? I am SURE, without a doubt, that they have issued less accomplished people honorary degrees in the past.

Why is this news? ASU's decision is not in anyway directed at Pres. Obama or the quality of work he is doing. They are very clear to point out that it has only to do with the breadth of his body of work, which is small as of yet because he has been in office a short time. Even the supposedly harmful language the article cites says as much.

That's right folks, we elected a president who hasn't done anything noteworthy other than getting elected to the next highest office. Remember when one of his surrogates was asked to name one of his achievements and couldn't come up with anything? I do.

I guess ASU doesn't have a public speaking or ethnic studies department that can award him with a worthless degree in their pointless specialty areas.

I don't see any problem here and doubt Obama does either.

One won't give a degree because it's real early...
One guy won't show because of personal beliefs...

What's the problem?

Mountain out of a mole hill CNN!

I think that President Obama should forgo going to ASU, until they feel he has done enough to receive an honoray degree.

To hades with Arizona anyway... this is all political junk.. i bet you they gave it to Bush and look what honor he brought us.?