I’m writing this from the Bay Area. Out here, many of us consider UPenn to be a fall-back position. Sort of a curious, atavistic institution that turns out grinds.

It must be really, really boring to dwell on a ; when a new idea or clever inversion might give some hope that Penn can contribute to our 21st Century.

I completely agree with Eric on this one. This is meaninigless rhetoric, pure and simple. Other than a quick reference to Pennsylvania being “a birthplace of our union,” this article could have been written to anyone almost anywhere and been just as (ir)relevant.
That Obama throws in dubious statements like “Pennsylvania knows we need less tough talk…” just reinforces the patronizing and superficial tone of the whole article.

‘Here, in a state that stands for what’s possible in America, we can choose to take this country in a new direction.’

What the hell is that about? I don?t wish to offend Pennsylvanians, and Iive only ever gone as far as the nearest part of the Poconos to Philadelphia, but why the hell is this a state that shows us what’s possible in America? Is it Philadelphia’s corrupt politics and economic stagnation? Is it the Amish or the even bigger state of stagnation in Pittsburgh?”

I believe that what Senator Obama is talking about is Pennsylvania’s history. Y’know, the one that includes the drafting and signing of the US Constitution, and all that jazz.

Aaaaaaand it’s pretty weak to attack the guy on grammar usage. Just saying.

I believe that what Senator Obama is talking about is Pennsylvania’s history. Y’know, the one that includes the drafting of the US Constitution and all.

Aaaaaaand it’s pretty weak to attack the guy on grammar usage. Just saying.