Obama's speech to students turns out innocuous; was it intended that way?

Although the speech was watered-down pap, one must ask WHY a speech at this time at all? It is plausible that it was first considered part of this week's oratorical blitz ( although more like Bernanke's dollars from helicopters than the German bombings )but Obama had to back off when there was an uproar. ARLINGTON, Va. – In a pep talk that kept clear of politics, President Barack Obama...was not the first one to offer a back-to-school address...Yet this speech came with a dose of controversy, as...many...warned Obama was trying to sell his political agenda. That concern was caused in part by an accompanying administration lesson plan encouraging students to "help the president," which the White House later revised.****Since when does the Federal government provide "lesson plans?"**** ..."When I was your age," Obama said, "I was a little bit of a goof-off. My main goal was to get on the varsity basketball team and have fun." ****That, and his admitted use of drugs, makes one wonder how he nevertheless managed to get into Occidental first and then Columbia, where both applications and academic records remain secret.**** ...During his meeting inside, one young person asked why the country doesn't have universal health insurance. "I think we need it. I think we can do it," Obama replied. The president said the country can afford to insure all Americans and that doing so will save money in the long run."****Gee, I wonder where that question came from; another "plant" from a Democratic operatve?****...Duncan acknowledged Tuesday that some of the prepared guidance for school officials included a suggestion that students could compose essays stating how they could help support Obama — an idea the education secretary acknowledged was wrongheaded...At another point, Obama told the students that "a lot of people are counting on me..."