His 7 p.m. commencement speech at Arizona State University is a sold-out show expected to be witnessed by a crowd of 71,000 at the aging Sun Devil Stadium. A pre-graduation-ceremony show begins at 5 p.m. Needless to say, driving and parking near the stadium will be difficult around those times.
An ASU Web bulletin warns of the 100-degree-plus temperatures, advising hats and giving away a secret "Arizona native tip" to put a wet hankerchief on your neck. Water stations will be provided at the stadium because water bottles are among the many items being banned for security reasons.
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but keep it away from Obama:
Prohibited Items List for Attendees
Unopened packages.
Seat cushions and seats with back rests.
Weapons of any kind, including but not limited to guns, ammunition or knives (regardless of size).
Leatherman or similar tools.
Sharp and/or pointed objects (scissors, knitting needles, box cutters, etc.).
Mace or pepper spray.
Spray containers, aerosols, flammable liquids.
Air horns.
Explosives or fireworks.
Laser lights or pointers.
Containers of any type--glass bottles (perfume, drink bottles, etc.), cans or thermoses.
Foods that can be used as projectiles (oranges, apples, pears, etc.).
Alcohol of any kind.
Signs, banners or posters.
Balloons.
Coolers, grocery bags, tote bags or duffel bags.
Backpacks purses larger than 12"x12"x12".
Poles or tripods.
Laptops.
Umbrellas.
Metal objects.
We question the ban on signs, banners, and posters, which seems more for keeping critics at bay than preventing violence. But at least he's not trying to ban paper, like his security folks did when he came to Dobson High School. Attendees can take their digital cameras, binoculars, and cell phones (which must be considered too expensive to throw).
