Can you imagine this happening four years ago?

The university cites practical reasons for denying the Obama campaign’s request but the symbolism of their decision is hard to dismiss.

Obama’s rock star status has definitely diminished.

A University of Virginia spokeswoman says President Barack Obama will not be at the university when he comes to Charlottesville on Wednesday.  In a statement released Friday, it was confirmed that the university declined the president’s request to speak at UVA.

UVA says the Obama campaign requested the use of one of two outdoor venues – the Amphitheater or the Harrison-Small Library plaza.  The university declined the request for a number of reasons including class cancellations, which UVA estimates could be more than 186 classes on the second day of school.  The other main reason is they would have to take on the full cost of security, and because of university policy and their federal and state tax exempt status, they would have to offer the same opportunity to the other candidate so as not to show favor for either candidate.

Virginia’s top Democrat is playing down the snub.  While stopping in Albemarle County, Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Brian Moran told NBC29, “We’re proud that he’s coming.  We’re very excited that he’s coming to Charlottesville, regardless of where in Charlottesville.  Charlottesville is known for the University of Virginia, so I don’t think that’s going to be missed on anyone.”

Other than the denied request from the university, questions still remain about the where and when of the event.