Topic: Arizona State University

Southern New Year's traditions involve eating black-eyed peas for luck, a superstition dating back to the American Civil War when the beans were vital sustenance. Discussion shifts to the merits of heirloom beans and pinto beans versus pineapple pizza. Additionally, the University of Texas football team secured an overtime victory against Arizona State.

John C. Dvorak recounts a dinner with "Obots" including New York Times reporter John Markoff and a professor from ASU. The progressive media professionals expressed absolute certainty that the Republican Party would block Donald Trump at the convention. Dvorak placed a $50 bet with them, confident that Trump will secure the nomination despite their high-fiving optimism.

President Barack Obama delivered a commencement address at Arizona State University, a location noted by the hosts for its reputation as a party school and its proximity to John McCain's home. The discussion touches on the "big three" pillars of Obama's platform: education, healthcare, and energy. Dvorak expresses skepticism regarding the choice of venue for a presidential address.

Observations of President Obama at the Arizona State commencement suggest he was staring intensely at a student on stage in a manner described as creepy. A separate incident in the Rose Garden involved Speaker Nancy Pelosi interrupting the President to offer effusive praise for his healthcare leadership. The hosts interpret Pelosi's actions as undermining the President's authority and note his apparent displeasure.