Image Credit: Jewel Samad/Getty Images
There’s been a lot of big news today breaking online and in social media: Kate is having a baby, The Pope is on Twitter, Chris Brown is back on Twitter (Ugh), so naturally the President scheduled a Twitter Q&A to discuss it all.
Just kidding. His 2 p.m. live chat stuck entirely — with one exception — to fiscal cliff negotiations, primarily centered around his main point that without a deal being reached, the average middle-class family will have about $2000 less to spend or save next year. For those who think even a soundbite is too dense, check out his 140-character responses!
Sticking with the hashtag #My2k the President encouraged followers to ask him questions – which he then answered briefly before signing off each one with his standard ‘-bo’. For the conspiracy theorists among you, the White House also uploaded a photo of Obama’s hands typing out the answers (OR WERE THEY?!).
Unlike the President’s reddit Ask Me Anything chat a few months ago, the questions were handpicked by the White House and then were retweeted along with President Obama’s answers. You can check out a full play-by-play on The White House’s Twitter feed; check out some of the highlights below:
hey guys – this is barack. ready to answer your questions on fiscal cliff & #my2k. Let's get started. -bo—
The White House (@whitehouse) December 03, 2012
Mr. President, can you assure us that any "fiscal cliff" negotiations regarding entitlement reform will not hurt the most needy? #My2K—
Phillip M. McKenzie (@pmmckenzie) December 03, 2012
.@pmmckenzie we can reduce deficit in balanced way by ending tax cuts for top 2% + reforms that strengthen safety net & invest in future -bo—
The White House (@whitehouse) December 03, 2012
@BarackObama #My2k As a recent college grad w/o a full time job, these cuts wouldn't help me, would they?—
Mandi (@dontbeaprat) December 03, 2012
.@dontbeaprat cuts w/out revenue=reductions in student loans; work/study & college tax credits expire. Bad for growth. like your hair! -bo—
The White House (@whitehouse) December 03, 2012
@whitehouse what is your opposition to taking away deductions for the 2% rather than up the rate? Seems like a reasonable compromise #My2K—
Hunter (@huntertred) December 03, 2012
.@huntertred not enough revenue, unless you end charitable deductions, etc. less revenue=more cuts in education etc wh.gov/5rTh -bo—
The White House (@whitehouse) December 03, 2012
@BarackObama Mr. President, Why not place more emphasis on reducing government spending, than on raising revenues? #My2K #WHChat—
David Osteen (@davidosteen) December 03, 2012
.@davidosteen (part 1) already cut $1T+ in gov spending last yr. Discretionary spending lowest as % of GDP since ike. #my2k—
The White House (@whitehouse) December 03, 2012
.@davidosteen (part 2) Open to more smart cuts but not in areas like R&D, edu that help growth & jobs, or hurt vulnerable (eg disabled) – bo—
The White House (@whitehouse) December 03, 2012
The chat wrapped up with the only non-fiscal cliff question of the 45-minute event:
Who will win it all first: Chicago #WhiteSox, #Bulls, or #Bears? #NFL #NBA #MLB cc: #My2k @BarackObama @whitehouse—
Mica (@Mica4Life) December 03, 2012
.@Mica4Life da bears still gotta shot, despite sad loss this weekend! plus rose will return for playoffs!!! -bo—
The White House (@whitehouse) December 03, 2012
Gotta go. Thx. Keep pressure on Congress. Call, email, tweet your Member & tell them what 2k means to you. Lets get it done. #my2k -bo—
The White House (@whitehouse) December 03, 2012
Obvious winner: Mandi, who I think we can assume is never changing her hair color again.
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