Charlie Baker still regrets going to Harvard
The Massachusetts governor got a degree from the college he wishes he went to Sunday.
Charlie Baker graduated from Harvard in 1979.
Gov. Charlie Baker addressed graduating college students at a commencement Sunday, but not in the actual state he governs.
Rather, Baker gave the commencement speech for Hamilton College.
“I’m sure you’re wondering why the governor of Massachusetts was selected to be your commencement speaker,” he told the students of the small liberal arts school in upstate New York.
In 2014, then-candidate Baker was asked by The Boston Globe what was his greatest regret. His response: “Not going to Hamilton College.”
“I never really felt comfortable at Harvard,” he told the Globe.
Baker recalled his answer Sunday, garnering a round of applause from the Hamilton audience.
“It’s true,” he said with a nod.
As Baker recalled, his response created a “bit of a stir” in Massachusetts in 2014.
“Hamilton over Harvard? Holy Cow! All the rest of the issues faded away for a day or two, as it reverberated around the commonwealth,” he said. Shortly after those comments, he said he received a box of “Hamilton College swag” on his doorstep, with a thank you note from the admissions office.
“We’re benefitting greatly from your confession,” it said, according to Baker.
Baker was able to overcome his blasphemous comments to win the 2014 election and has gone on to become one of the nation’s most popular governors. To add icing on the cake, he also received an honorary degree from Hamilton on Sunday.
Watch Baker’s full speech below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXoEeyMBLWY
