Reelection Trumps All

Why do you think that Mr. Obama would want to give the commencement speech at Barnard rather than at his alma mater, Columbia?  Why do you think Barnard would drop Jill Abramson, the first NYT female executive editor, as the speaker? It's all politics.  Obama thinks his speaking at a women's college will help his cause with female voters.  Barnard was in a tough spot.  How do you say no to the President?  If I were female, Obama's action would not endear him to me.