9781422277300

Introduction: A President Goes Online

When the conversation ended, the president urged people to get out and vote. “I want to thank everybody at Reddit for par- ticipating—this is an example of how technology and the inter- net can empower the sorts of conversations that strengthen our democracy over the long run,” he wrote. “By the way, if you want to know what I think about this whole reddit experience—NOT BAD!” Reaching Out I nteracting with Reddit’s users seemed to come second nature to the president, who ultimately beat Romney three months lat- er. In the old days, the only way presidents could reach the public en masse was to go on radio or television, or answer questions directly from reporters, who may or may not put those answers on the nightly news or in the next day’s edition. But Reddit and its Ask Me Anything forum was a way for Obama to make an end run around the media and talk directly with voters. Showing up on Reddit was also a way for the pres- ident to relate to the public and show that he was just like them. It was a smart move and the president could not have picked a better site. Reddit promotes itself as “The Front Page of the internet.” Not only is the site a complex mix of news, social commentary, and links to other websites, but it is also a way for people to communicate on issues that they feel are important. Some of the conversations are cordial, others not so much.

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