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Maddow Addresses Smith Commencement


Maddow Commencementx390 (Screengrab) | Advocate.com

Rachel Maddow addressed the class of 2010 at Smith College on Sunday. The MSNBC host told the graduates, “Personal triumphs are overrated.”

Maddow invoked the destructive obsession of the early-20th century Prohibition campaigner Carry Nation to support her point about the dangers of overly zealous agendas. She compared the corruption of the Prohibition era to the Interior Department under the Bush administration, with “that one office where they were snorting meth off the toaster oven.”

Smith College also bestowed the degree of doctor of laws honoris causa on Maddow.

“When given the choice between fame and glory, take glory,” said Maddow to the 800 graduates.

Watch the video of the speech below.

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Reader Comments
  • Name: StevemD2
    Date posted: 5/18/2010 2:11:56 AM
    Hometown: Baltimore

    Comment:

    I hope everyone realizes that not only did Carrie Nations Ideas go down in flames ultimately, but we need to send the crazy christians with their hearing from god self delusions down in flames also. BTW, Rachel is gay - I don't think that is any secret. And I met her at the big SLDN dinner in DC last march. If you want to comment to her, her Email - certainly run through others - is Rachael@MSNBC.com And lets hope there is a lot of lesbians in that crowd, along with str8 people - who will go forth and get involved in Politics for the betterment of the life of gay people in the Homophobic States of America

  • Name: CJ
    Date posted: 5/18/2010 1:54:46 AM
    Hometown: San Francisco

    Comment:

    What a disappointing speaker to have. Instead of choosing a biased commentator that is known for hate, why not get someone who inspires people. Much of her speech was like listening to her show - constant complaining and attacking those she disagrees with. Who wants to listen to THAT on their graduation day? I'd much rather have something non-political and hopeful vs. a re-run of her nightly attack and complain sessions.

  • Name: Carol
    Date posted: 5/17/2010 12:31:23 PM
    Hometown: MO

    Comment:

    I hope those Smith Graduates listened to all of her address at their commencement. I like Rachel's mind and humour.

  • Name: Jim
    Date posted: 5/17/2010 10:53:31 AM
    Hometown: Colorado Springs

    Comment:

    Rachel is a true American patriot and should be commended for her work each and every day to improve our nation and get us back to the dream we all know we can achieve. Hers is a pragmatic yet idealistic vision of the role of an active and committed populace to the art and science of self-governance. It was an excellent speech, tempered with the real life examples of us at our "less than stellar" and how we rise above our own imperfections to continue to be a beacon of democracy to the planet. Rachel reminds us that, even with our flaws, we are slowly iterating to that more perfect union. Hear, hear.

  • Name: micah
    Date posted: 5/17/2010 9:50:18 AM
    Hometown: boston

    Comment:

    i wish rachel maddow had been the speaker at my graduation.

  • Name: Nathan
    Date posted: 5/17/2010 9:44:35 AM
    Hometown: Franklin

    Comment:

    Rachel Maddow did a damn good job.



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