Ryan takes Miami U.’s displeasure in stride

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) acknowledged the minor controversy his commencement speech at Miami University sparked while delivering the address Saturday.

“Now I have read that Miami Student editorial about this commencement, headlined ‘Bicentennial class deserves more prominent speakers,'” Ryan said in his speech Saturday. “You know what? I agree. Why, this new fellow Steve Dreihaus — he’s only been a Congressman for 126 days!”

The student paper had scoffed at Ryan’s selection as speaker earlier this semester.

Ryan took it in stride, using the opportunity to poke fun at President Obama.

“But at least Steve is an alumnus,” he said. “You might have settled for someone who didn’t even attend Miami and has held office an even shorter time…like President Obama!”

Tags Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities Barack Obama Commencement speech Human Interest Miami Miami University Ohio Paul Ryan Paul Ryan Person Career Presidency of Barack Obama Quotation United States

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