So how do you counterprogram against a Republican National Convention? Barack Obama did something clever, going to a group where he’d get wide readership, and among whom few were likely to torture themselves by watching the convention (or even Brokaw and Blitzer’s commentary.) He went to reddit.com, which — as all of you no doubt know because you are internet denizens by virtue of your reading (and some of you writing) in this very blog — is one of the top social media sites in the world.
I’m just kidding about your probably understanding it; I understand it mainly because of my nephew and his new bride, who is a Redditor with “double bonus karma points” or something bizarre like that. Anyway, this is what the kids are doing these days. OJ Blog’s audience might skew a little bit older than Reddit’s, which is why we mostly get those “male rejuvenation pills” ads on this site, so that may be why you’re not hip to the space alien with glowing red eyes. (What’s that you say — you don’t see those ads? Well, then I’m sorry I mentioned it.)
Anyway, President Obama was interviewed by people on Reddit who submitted questions to him, and while no big stories were broken, it’s at least of passing interest. (He also apparently crashed Reddit. Whatcha gonna do?) The permanent link to a collection of all the questions and answers is here — and here they are:
Question:
I am recent law school graduate. Despite graduating from a top school, I find myself unemployed with a large student loan debt burden. While I’m sure my immediate prospects will improve in time, it’s difficult to be optimistic about the future knowing that my ability to live a productive life — to have a fulfilling career, to buy a house, to someday raise a family — is hampered by my debt and the bleak economic outlook for young people. I know that I’m not alone in feeling this way. Many of us are demoralized. Your 2008 campaign was successful in large part due to the efforts of younger demographics. We worked for you, we campaigned for you, and we turned out in record numbers to vote for you. What can I say to encourage those in similar situations as I am to show up again in November? What hope can you offer us for your second term?
Answer:
I understand how tough it is out there for recent grads. You’re right – your long term prospects are great, but that doesn’t help in the short term. Obviously some of the steps we have taken already help young people at the start of their careers. Because of the health care bill, you can stay on your parent’s plan until you’re twenty six. Because of our student loan bill, we are lowering the debt burdens that young people have to carry. But the key for your future, and all our futures, is an economy that is growing and creating solid middle class jobs – and that’s why the choice in this election is so important. The other party has two ideas for growth – more taxs cuts for the wealthy (paid for by raising tax burdens on the middle class and gutting investments like education) and getting rid of regulations we’ve put in place to control the excesses on wall street and help consumers. These ideas have been tried, they didnt work, and will make the economy worse. I want to keep promoting advanced manufacturing that will bring jobs back to America, promote all-American energy sources (including wind and solar), keep investing in education and make college more affordable, rebuild our infrastructure, invest in science, and reduce our deficit in a balanced way with prudent spending cuts and higher taxes on folks making more than $250,000/year. I don’t promise that this will solve all our immediate economic challenges, but my plans will lay the foundation for long term growth for your generation, and for generations to follow. So don’t be discouraged – we didn’t get into this fix overnight, and we won’t get out overnight, but we are making progress and with your help will make more.
Question:
What’s the recipe for the White House’s beer?
Answer:
It will be out soon! I can tell from first hand experience, it is tasty.
Question:
What are you going to do to end the corrupting influence of money in politics during your second term?
Answer:
Money has always been a factor in politics, but we are seeing something new in the no-holds barred flow of seven and eight figure checks, most undisclosed, into super-PACs; they fundamentally threaten to overwhelm the political process over the long run and drown out the voices of ordinary citizens. We need to start with passing the Disclose Act that is already written and been sponsored in Congress – to at least force disclosure of who is giving to who. We should also pass legislation prohibiting the bundling of campaign contributions from lobbyists. Over the longer term, I think we need to seriously consider mobilizing a constitutional amendment process to overturn Citizens United (assuming the Supreme Court doesn’t revisit it). Even if the amendment process falls short, it can shine a spotlight of the super-PAC phenomenon and help apply pressure for change.
Question:
What was the most difficult decision that you had to make during this term?
Answer:
The decision to surge our forces in afghanistan. Any time you send our brave men and women into battle, you know that not everyone will come home safely, and that necessarily weighs heavily on you. The decision did help us blunt the taliban’s momentum, and is allowing us to transition to afghan lead – so we will have recovered that surge at the end of this month, and will end the war at the end of 2014. But knowing of the heroes that have fallen is something you never forget.
Question:
What is the first thing you’ll do on November 7th, win or lose?
Answer:
Win or lose, I’ll be thanking everybody who is working so hard – especially all the volunteers in field offices all across the country, and the amazing young people in our campaign offices.
Question:
How are you going help small businesses in 2013 and 2014? and what if any bills are you going to implement for small businesses, in 2013, and 2014?
Answer:
We’ve really focused on this since I came into office – 18 tax cuts for small business, easier funding from the SBA. Going forward, I want to keep taxes low for the 98 percent of small businesses that have $250,000 or less in income, make it easier for small business to access financing, and expand their opportunities to export. And we will be implementing the Jobs Act bill that I signed that will make it easier for startups to access crowd-funding and reduce their tax burden at the start-up stage.
Question:
Who’s your favourite Basketball player?
Answer:
Jordan – I’m a Bulls guy.
Question:
We know how Republicans feel about protecting Internet Freedom. Is Internet Freedom an issue you’d push to add to the Democratic Party’s 2012 platform?
Answer:
Internet freedom is something I know you all care passionately about; I do too. We will fight hard to make sure that the internet remains the open forum for everybody – from those who are expressing an idea to those to want to start a business. And although there will be occasional disagreements on the details of various legislative proposals, I won’t stray from that principle – and it will be reflected in the platform.
Question:
Are you considering increasing funds to the space program?
Answer:
Making sure we stay at the forefront of space exploration is a big priority for my administration. The passing of Neil Armstrong this week is a reminder of the inspiration and wonder that our space program has provided in the past; the curiosity probe on mars is a reminder of what remains to be discovered. The key is to make sure that we invest in cutting edge research that can take us to the next level – so even as we continue work with the international space station, we are focused on a potential mission to a asteroid as a prelude to a manned Mars flight.
Question:
How do you balance family life and hobbies with, well, being the POTUS?
Answer:
It’s hard – truthfully the main thing other than work is just making sure that I’m spending enough time with michelle and the girls. The big advantage I have is that I live above the store – so I have no commute! So we make sure that when I’m in DC I never miss dinner with them at 6:30 pm – even if I have to go back down to the Oval for work later in the evening. I do work out every morning as well, and try to get a basketball or golf game in on the weekends just to get out of the bubble. Speaking of balance, though, I need to get going so I’m back in DC in time for dinner. But I want to thank everybody at reddit for participating – this is an example of how technology and the internet can empower the sorts of conversations that strengthen our democracy over the long run. AND REMEMBER TO VOTE IN NOVEMBER – if you need to know how to register, go to Gottaregister.com. By the way, if you want to know what I think about this whole reddit experience – NOT BAD!
Now you’ve read something from Reddit! Be sure to tell your kids how cool you are! If they look confused, they’re probably just messing with you, trying to keep you away from the Information Fountain of youth..
When I saw him do the AMA (Ask Me Anything), I definitely thought that this guy is great at connecting with his crowd. Obviously a different type of communication than we normally see which is awesome. Don’t always like what he has to say, but he sure knows how to connect.
Eh, that’s all an act. Secretly, he’s a Socialist Muslim who’s plotting the downfall of America and the establishment of Sharia law.
Don’t forget that he’s coming for your guns and is going to make it mandatory that you don’t work, and are required to use food stamps.
Damn, I ALWAYS underestimate just how much he will change all our lives. Thanks for setting me straight!
There is extreme thinking on both sides…just like Romney only cares about the wealthy and that he wants everyone to die early in life to save on healthcare. IMO, most believe that the POTUS can do more than they actually have the power to do. They have to continue to work with the legislative branches under the bounds of the SCOTUS.
Regardless, Obama knows how to communicate and connect much better than most in politics.
Romney said:
“I’m not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there. If it needs repair, I’ll fix it.”
Does Romney want to change the “safety net” in any way? Would those changes make the safety net MORE available to the increasing numbers of poor in America? It seems to me that there is a legitimate case to be made, based on his published statements, the way he does business, and his policies that yes, Mitt Romney only cares about the wealthy. That’s because he’s in the “make the wealthy more wealthy and it will make us all richer” wing of the party. That’s his focus…make the wealthy more wealthy.
You talk about extreme thinking on both sides. Show me the PROMINENT Democrats who are saying that Romney wants everyone to die early. Yet I can point you to the Dinesh D’Souzas, the Limbaughs, the Jerome Corsi’s, the Michele Malkins…these are VERY prominent spokespeople and bestselling authors. The list goes on and on. These people are very prominent voices on the right and they are shaping the trajectory of the Republican Party. Your attempt to equate that with some nobodies on the left doesn’t hold water.
First, I am not a huge Romney fan.
He said he would fix it if it needs repair…that seems like a logical answer to me. Your conclusion that he cares only about the rich is extreme IMO.
I will try to find some prominent (what is that anyways; I have not heard of some of those you name below, but I am not prominent though) Dem who indicates that he wants people to die early…I believe that some of the commentators on the news have said that (i.e. MSNBC crowd), but I definitely could be wrong.
There is a lot of fixing to do in this country…I believe that there are tremendous errors on both sides. The extremes on both sides do not do the country good. If one cannot see the errors in their own closer party affiliation (I lean more conservative and I can certainly see downfalls in the Republican party), that is a problem in my opinion- just an opinion though.
He said he’s not worried about the very poor. And my opinion of what Romney cares about is based on what I see, hear and read, and on his past actions. In other words, it’s based on empirical evidence. It’s not some wild-eyed opinion that is detached from reality…you know, like the one that says Obama is a Muslim.
Alan Grayson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-usmvYOPfco
I am not sure if he meets the definition of prominent or not but he is an elected official from FL and is part of the House, but essentially that is what exactly what I am thinking of when I said my statement on dieing early.
I think he has clarified his thinking on that comment, which seems to be more in the lines of the country has put in place safety nets for the poor, if those safety nets need fixing, then lets fix them.
You are entitled to your opinion, although I believe that he is concerned with not only the wealthy but also the middle class. He seems to have a desire to help people like me, people who employ others like me, people who just ran their tax projections for next year and are scared about the increases they will see like I just did. He also wants to help those who make a boat load of money also, but he is not concerned only with the wealthy IMO.
What does Mitt Romney want to do to the “safety net” programs?
Sounds like from the above, if the safety net is in need of repair, he will fix it.
Additionally, you said that people are saying that Romney wants people to die early in life…that’s not what Grayson said. He never mentioned Romney.
So he doesn’t want to cut spending from any of the safety net programs?
This was broadcast on Fox News. The same cable news channel that The Grating Juan touts for it’s magnificent popularity and incredible ratings…in other words, a lot of people heard this.
It’s called exposure…millions of people heard this.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/01/fox-news-obama-trying-to_n_181858.html
Ouch, you got me…I should have said the GOP wants people to die early; I stand corrected.
Anon- see below as it hard for me to keep the separate thoughts in one “reply” string.
ALAN GRAYSON THE ATTACK HIT DOG WHO GOT HIS ASS KICKED OUT OF CONGRESS .. and the torture diamond is what the american people are putting up with this clown in office RENEMBER the public secter is doing just fine . and you didnt build it nice pres we have hopefully the other 13 states dont think like calif = and get this guy out of office
You know, Gr81, except for your comment this is an interesting, provocative, and useful discussion thread, of the type that makes me proud of the diverse yet intelligent OJB community. Thanks for reminding us what life is like on other websites’ comments sections — but you can stop now.
Anon…which prominent Repub indicated that Obama is a Muslim plotting for the downfall of America so he can implement Sharia law? I am not doubting it was said (nothing surprises me on how stupid some comments can be- especially by commentators who are not elected, yet alone by those who are lawmakers), but curious who said it.
Anon (re safety nets)- I don’t know if Romney wants to cut any safety net programs; as indicated above, he seems to think that if they need repair, that they should be repaired.
I would hope that any of our leaders would be willing to look at the safety net programs, all of them, and see if they are achieving the purpose that they are meant to achieve. If they are not, then they probably should be either fixed to achieve the desired purpose, scrapped or replaced with something else that does accomplish the purpose.
I feel like you are setting me up for a side bite of some sort, so go for it…
You don’t know if Romney wants to cut spending on the safety net programs because he won’t say specifically if his budget would require that. He refuses to address it. But you’re a numbers guy….YOU do the math…
1. He’s putting Social Security off limits to cuts.
2. He doesn’t raise taxes
3. He increases defense spending
4. Yet he claims he’s going to balance the budget.
You do the math.
Oh, and you can ask someone who relies on something like food stamps whether or not the program is achieving its purpose.
I agree, I wish he would indicate how he is going to make the math work. With Soc Sec and Defense taking up such a huge portion of the budget, it is tough to not touch either and still balance the budget UNLESS you increase top line revenue. I don’t think he is opposed to raising tax revenue, just not rates. Essentially, improve the economy, get people working and then tax revenue will improve without raising rates. Works in theory- wish theory came into reality more often.
Funny you should ask about the food stamps (different name now, it is a debit type card)…yes, this is an extreme example but the one I have most recent to today: I was in a market up in Oregon a few weeks ago and this nice guy who I was chatting with while getting a few groceries checks out at the same time as I do- he has a bunch of junk food and a big beer (I remember b/c my daughter felt like she “needed” the same type of crappy food he had; we got some yummy blackberries). He checks out and hands his debit card to the checker and it pops up a description on the big computer screen that it was obvious it was a gov’t sponsored program he was using to pay for his junk food and beer and he saw that I was a little shocked (shame on me for looking, I guess). He looks at me and says something in the realm of “take what you can get, right?”. Now he did shell over about $1.50 in cash so maybe the beer was not paid for with the card, but…is the goal of the program to provide junk food? Yes, this is one example and there are many others who are putting milk in their children’s tummies.
Providing food to those who cannot afford it is a great thing to do as a society and we should support that through our government and also private charity. Should that goal include food with a lack of nutritional value? Maybe, maybe not- look at it, for sure.
Well let me drill down on this a bit…
Are you of the opinion that the budget can be balanced, even amidst increases in defense spending, JUST through improving the economy and boosting revenue?
Furthermore, are you of the opinion that that approach is enough to eliminate our staggering debt?
Can it be balanced? Absolutely it can be, IF tax revenues increase enough. It is just purely mathematically possible. Will it be balanced purely on increased revenue? i personally doubt it, until we have multiple years of boom times. Is boom times likely to happen in the near time? I also doubt that- I feel like their is a “new normal” out there.
I personally feel that both sides of the equation should be worked on- increasing revenue and decreasing spending.
You bring up a good point on the staggering debt…not only is it not good enough just to balance the budget (i.e. revenue equals expenditures), but we really need to have revenue far exceed expenditures in order to reduce the debt we already have.
You’re right. BOTH sides of the equation need to be addressed. And Simpson/Bowles did that. Yet the vast majority of the Republican Party (including Paul Ryan) does not support Simpson/Bowles. In fact, the Republican Party is largely beholden to figures like Grover Norquist, who say that ANY adjustment to tax policy that would raise revenue is the exact same thing as a tax rate increase. THAT is the thinking that currently controls the GOP.
That said, I think it was a huge mistake for Obama to effectively ignore the Simpson/Bowles blueprint when it came out. He talks about it more frequently now, but he’s a little late to the game.
S/B is quite complicated and I don’t believe that it is viewed negatively by Repubs SOLELY b/c of the tax issues. I may be wrong here, but I believe that S/B would increase tax revenue from the same tax base whereas the Repub’s I believe want to see tax revenue increase through increasing the tax base. To equate it to a retail store: increase revenue through a “sale” which will in turn increase net income due to volume sold even if we have less profit margin.
I am not terribly familiar with S/B, but if I recall there were a number of items which I personally somewhat found intriguing such as reducing the tax rates, eliminating a lot of personal tax giveaways, domestic taxation (i.e. no tax on foreign earnings)…I believe that there are a number of Dem’s who were not too fond of S/B either.
Anon (re Fox/Sharia Law)- Not sure that I heard the speakers saying that Obama wanted to implement Sharia Law (they indicated that it was a potential nominee) nor do I think either of the two people on the newscast were exactly Prominent Repubs, but sure did get national exposure and I see how one could definitely make the leap….was this your example of a prominent Repub indicating that Obama was a Muslim plotting for the downfall of America so he can implement Sharia Law or was it just an example of a poor example of reporting?
Didn’t Herman Cain at least imply it? Ah, for the good old days, when he was the Republican frontrunner.
999 baby, now there was some good math for guys like me…I probably still have my what if projections from those days.