Even if I was a DIE-HARD Republican I could NOT vote for PALIN

You have that wrong, Dave. It's summa that signifies the very top, magna is just below summa.

 

Summa Cum laude top
Magna Cum Laude exceptionally good but not top
Cum Laude Excellent

 

Ok then what is this I heard that Sarah Palin graduated "KUM QUAT"! ?

 

Trader -- yes, you're right. (If you read on through the thread I conceded this quite a while ago.)

Obama graduated at the top of his class, but not first in his class.