RealClearPolitics ... "In nine days, this town will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s speech with a ceremony at the same Soldiers' National Cemetery featuring the U.S. Marine Band, Governor Tom Corbett, and a reading of the Gettysburg Address.
"One person who will not be among those honoring Lincoln is President Barack Obama.
"The White House gave no reason why the president would not attend." ...
"His dismissal of the request shows a man so detached from the duty of history, from the men who served in the White House before him, that it is unspeakable in its audacity.
"Ask almost any person in this historic town; even his most ardent supporters here are stunned.
"Obama long ago veered away from any affinity he may have believed he had with Lincoln, which gives credibility to the criticism that his connection to Lincoln was always a political calculation rather than a true bond."