Governor David Paterson met with students at Morrisville State College yesterday to talk about the budget, and was forced to admit that his proposed "obesity tax" was all but defeated, Newsday reports. In response to a student's question about the "foolish tax on soda," Paterson said he doesn't "think the legislature will pass it...But often publicity is as important as legislation." The plan would have put an 18% tax on soda and other sugary drinks containing less than 70% fruit juice, raising an estimated $1 billion for the state while discouraging the consumption of such crap. But the beverage industry was prepared to fight it in court, and yesterday the governor spun the failed proposal as simply part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness. He also warned students who think diet cola is the health-conscious choice: "Sure there's sugar in regular soda, but the chemicals in diet soda will kill you, too." Apparently, the students were just too mature to ask him to elaborate on the dangers of Coke.