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President Obama: I Won't Speak at Malia's Graduation Because 'I'm Going to Cry'

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President Obama: I Won't Speak at Malia's Graduation Because 'I'm Going to Cry'
Susan Walsh/AP Photo
ByARLETTE SAENZ and ALEXANDER MALLIN
January 20, 2016, 10:58 PM

— -- When it comes to his daughter Malia’s upcoming high school graduation, President Obama is already preparing to shed a few tears.

While lunching at the Jolly Pumpkin Brewery in Detroit today, Obama told his lunch companions that he turned down a request to speak at Malia’s graduation, saying he will be too emotional.

“Malia's school asked if I wanted to speak at commencement and I said no,” the president said. “I'm going to be wearing dark glasses ... and I’m going to cry.”

The entirety of President Obama's comments could not be overheard as his exchange was caught only sporadically on audio.

Malia, the president’s elder daughter, is currently in her senior year of high school and is set to graduate this spring.

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