President Obama hosted his first-ever #AskPOTUS Twitter chat on Thursday using his newly acquired @POTUS handle.
The chat took place after the president’s hurricane preparedness briefing, and the subject of the online question-and-answer session was climate change. But much like many social media users, Obama found it a little hard to stay on topic. The conversation quickly turned to other issues, including the upcoming NBA finals.
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Obama kicked things off by asking for questions about climate change.
Just got a hurricane preparedness briefing in Miami. Acting on climate change is critical. Got climate Qs? I'll answer at 1pm ET. #AskPOTUS
— President Obama (@POTUS) May 28, 2015.@HtetWint renewable energy key, already increased solar 10x and wind 3x, now need to invest more in r&d and provide regulatory incentives
— President Obama (@POTUS) May 28, 2015.@ZCarlander more severe weather events lead to displacement, scarcity, stressed populations; all increase likelihood of global conflict.
— President Obama (@POTUS) May 28, 2015.@arianastover Kids instinctively understand importance of environment, impact on animals, health. Weave it into science and social studies
— President Obama (@POTUS) May 28, 2015Obama also took questions about student loan debt and the controversial trade agreement known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
.@gkermmm 1/ TPP is still being negotiated! But legislation requires the full text for 60 days before I sign.
— President Obama (@POTUS) May 28, 2015@.gkermmm 2/ after I sign agreement, Congress will have months of debate before a vote. Nothing secret about it.
— President Obama (@POTUS) May 28, 2015. @Jamesthe4tress Already expanded Pell Grants and capped student loan interest rates; now want to make 2 yrs of community college free.
— President Obama (@POTUS) May 28, 2015Some participants used the Q & A to grill Obama on his thoughts about the upcoming NBA finals.
.@NathenVieira jr smith having a great season but the heart of the Cavs is Lebron. And no one can outshoot Curry – maybe Korver if wide open
— President Obama (@POTUS) May 28, 2015.@apat246 @chicagobulls love thibs and think he did a great job. Sorry to see him go but expect he will be snatched up soon by another team.
— President Obama (@POTUS) May 28, 2015Obama ended the chat with a call to action, urging twitter used to keep the conversation going.
Thanks for the questions! This was fun. I've got to run, but let’s do it again soon. Tell me what you're doing to #ActOnClimate.
— President Obama (@POTUS) May 28, 2015
