Contrary to prior reports, President Barack Obama will not act as the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Bud Billiken parade.
The president was invited, but due to scheduling limitations he was forced to decline.
"Due to his schedule this August, the President will not be able to attend the 2012 Bud Billiken parade – but the President will continue to be a strong supporter of the parade, and of its broader mission: placing a priority on education, supporting our children, and making sure they have the skills they need to achieve their goals. As part of his continued commitment to this historically significant event on Chicago’s south side, the Obama campaign will have a strong presence at this year’s Bud Billiken parade," a campaign source tells Ward Room.
This year would have marked Obama's second run as Grand Marshal of the long running South Side parade. In 2007, then-Senator Barack Obama marshaled the parade.
Obama's scheduled presence at the August 11 parade came roughly three months before voters will head to the polls to decide between him and presidential challenger Mitt Romney (R-Mass).
