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Read: Obama delivers high school commencement speech

A screenshot of former President Obama during his commencement address. Photo: Yahoo/YouTube

Former President Obama told graduating high school students Saturday that doing what's "convenient" and "easy" is "how little kids think." "Unfortunately a lot of so-called grownups, including some with fancy titles, important jobs, still think that way, which is why things are so screwed up," he added.

Why it matters: Obama's comments during his virtual commencement speech for the "Graduate Together: High School Class of 2020 Commencement," hosted by NBA star LeBron James, marked his second thinly veiled swipe at President Trump Saturday, although he didn't name him in either speech.

Read the full transcript of Obama's speech to graduating high school students via DocumentCloud below:

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Erica Pandey, author of @Work
Aug 19, 2020 - Economy & Business

1 in 5 college students don't plan to go back this fall

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

As the coronavirus pandemic pushes more and more universities to switch to remote learning — at least to start — 22% of college students across all four years are planning not to enroll this fall, according to a new College Reaction/Axios poll.

Why it matters: Scores of colleges were already approaching a financial cliff before the pandemic began. Steep drops in enrollment could push some over the edge.

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Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
6 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Kellyanne Conway's parting power pointers

Kellyanne Conway addresses the 2020 Republican National Convention. Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images

Kellyanne Conway has seen power exercised as a pollster, campaign manager and senior counselor to President Trump. Now that his term in office has concluded, she shared her thoughts with Axios.

Why it matters: If there's a currency in this town, it's power, so we've asked several former Washington power brokers to share their best advice as a new administration and new Congress settle in.

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Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
6 hours ago - Politics & Policy

GOP holdouts press on with plans to crush Cheney

Screenshot of emails to a member of Congress from individuals who signed an Americans for Limited Government petition against Rep. Liz Cheney. Photo obtained by Axios

Pro-Trump holdouts in the House are forging ahead with an uphill campaign to oust Rep. Liz Cheney as head of the chamber's Republican caucus even though Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told them to back down.

Why it matters: What happens next will be a test of McCarthy's party control and the sincerity of his opposition to the movement. Cheney (R-Wyo.) is seen as a potential leadership rival to the California Republican.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow