From podcasts to web series to GIFs, it’s clear President Barack Obama is no stranger to new media. In fact, it has been a strength of his administration these past six and a half years, and a key mode of communication with the younger generation, using it to promote the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and connect directly with his constituents.
With election 2016 news ramping up, here’s a look back at our current POTUS’s best new-media endeavors.
Between Two Ferns
On one stop of Obama’s 2014 promotional tour for the ACA and its newly renovated site, healthcare.gov, the Man in Charge filmed a bizarre conversation for Zach Galifianakis’ funnyordie.com web series Between Two Ferns. The eight-minute short was seemingly all insults hurled between the two men, with humorous plugs for healthcare.gov thrown between the barbs. To date, it has gained over 31 million views.
Stephen Colbert // Late Night
On one of the last episodes of The Colbert Report’s nine-year run, President Obama made a surprise appearance and took over the host’s long-running “The Wørd” segment, which he re-branded as “The De¢ree.” Here, he turned another buzzworthy moment into a chance to educate the statistically young viewers of the show on Healthcare.gov.
Obama is no stranger to the late-night circuit. Not only is he the first sitting president to be a guest on late-night television, he’s made 28 appearances (15 as POTUS, 14 as senator).
VOX
In a series of videos produced and published by VOX.com, Obama speaks with editor Matthew Yglasias about war, foreign and domestic policy, and the current state of the world. The interview, despite it being without any new, previously unrecorded statements by the President, went viral due to numerous moving graphics inserted into the video. For content watchers online, it served as a highly accessible recap of Obama’s past six years in office and a preview of plans for his final two years.
Buzzfeed
In a trending article entitled “Things Everybody Does but Doesn’t Talk About,” GIFs show the Leader of the Free World doing everyday, “normal” things like checking himself out in the mirror, making funny faces, trying on sunglasses, and sketching his crush Michelle. All these and more are featured in a video at the top of the article, showcasing Obama as “just a guy,” and one with a sense of humor. As another part of his ACA promotional tour, it was a highly inventive and shareable way to both educate and entertain.
#AskPOTUS
This past June, Obama acquired and launched his official new Twitter handle: @POTUS. With @BarackObama still being monitored and updated by his team, the @POTUS handle provides a way for users to personally interact with the Head of State.
Twitter got very close with Obama a few weeks ago with live chat using the hashtag #AskPOTUS, where he answered tweets ranging in topic from foreign policy to music taste, to guac recipes.
Suffice to say, whomever the American public chooses in 2016, that person will have a lot to live up to in the realm of new media. President Obama has redefined the office in terms of its celebrity, its voice, and the way it affects our online lives. Though members of the older generation may scoff at these efforts, the numbers show that when Obama speaks through new media, people are certainly listening.
Whether it’s Bernie, Hillary, or Donald, whoever becomes the 45th can all learn from the 44th: A few GIFs can go a long way.
Metter Media LLC is a Boston-based social media management company that implements community-based, localized social engagement strategies for small businesses and corporations alike. Need help with your social media? Email Lauren today.
