I think it's interesting that Obama can make that sort of lecture and be reasonably well-received while a Republican (any Republican) would be branded as mean-spirited. 

Poverty is absolutely not ever an excuse for absenteeism.

This reminds me of the early 90's when Bill Clinton finally pushed through welfare reform.  It had always been a strong Republican issue, but only a Democrat could clothe it in a way that made it acceptable. 

There are some cultural arguments to be made in favor of an Obama presidency after 8 years of Republican "leadership."  I'm all for Obama being honest about this issue. 

And Blockdog was right:  it's not only a Black issue.  But it's clearly an epidemic in majority Black communities.