The College Fix

President Obama is scheduled to address a crowd at the University of Michigan on Friday, in what is likely to be a follow-up to his State of the Union address. Anton Dirnberger, chair of the College Republicans at U-M, expressed excitement that the president was coming to campus, but expected to disagree with much of the speech:

Anton Dirnberger, chair of the University’s chapter of College Republicans, said though he disagrees with Obama’s views on several issues, he respects the “office of the presidency.”

“I think as a Wolverine, that’s great to have the President — no matter what party he is a part of — come to campus,” Dirnberger said.

However, Dirnberger expressed frustration that Obama is attempting to garner electoral support amid economic difficulties that continue to afflict the nation, adding that he anticipates that the president will be more focused on campaigning in his speech than discussing impactful policy.

“It’s pretty much a campaign speech — we all know that,” Dirnberger said. “I wish, and I think a lot of people do, that he would spend more time trying to work out some ideal situations to get some Americans back to work.”

Dirnberger said though he would be somewhat interested in hearing Obama’s views on higher education, he would rather hear him speak about his decision to reject plans for the Keystone XL oil pipeline — a transnational project that would install an oil pipeline stretching from Canada to Texas.

“I know he definitely won’t be talking about that, but that’s what I would like to hear,” Dirnberger said.

Dirnberger said he hopes that Obama won’t suggest raising taxes to make college more affordable.

As for being both excited about the president coming to campus and wary of the horrible policies he will likely promote, I can sympathize with Dirnberger. President Obama delivered the commencement address to the University of Michigan graduating class of 2010–of which I was a member.

Like The College Fix on Facebook.