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Obama Gives First YouTube Address as President-Elect


By

Billy Parker

Published Nov 15, 2008

Modified Nov 16, 2008


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By

Billy Parker

Published Nov 15, 2008

Modified Nov 16, 2008


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President-elect Obama released his first address to the nation via YouTube, a groundbreaking move that is seen as the next step in presidents interacting with the public since FDR began giving fireside chats through the radio waves 75 years ago.

In the brief four-minute weekly Democratic response to the president's radio address, Obama praised the President's efforts in responding to the global economic crisis with the G-20 summit and encouraged Congress to pass legislation "to give the economy the boost it needs." If action isn't taken immediately, Obama said that he would make it his first priority when he takes office in January.

Politico takes a look at the Obama's balancing act as far as his role in relation to G-20, sending representatives on his behalf (including former Secretary of State Madeline Albright) to meet with world leaders during the summit, while at the same time trying not to step on President Bush's toes nor catching flack for any failures of the summit before he has full control over his influence.

Update: Obama released his full Senate resignation letter: "I will never forget, and will forever be grateful, to the men and women of this great state who made my life in public service possible."

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FDR

fireside chats

g-20 summit

president bush

president-elect obama

radio address

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