TORONTO – “Hey, everyone: I’ll be taking your questions online today.”

With one simple tweet, U.S. President Obama caused thousands of internet users to inadvertently crash Reddit – one of the most visited sites on the internet.

Reddit was left sporadically unviewable by thousands of people after Obama announced that he would make an unsolicited appearance on Wednesday.

Just after 4 p.m. EDT, Obama tweeted that he would be doing an “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) discussion on Reddit.

The AMA discussions on Reddit are informal discussions where people voluntarily subject themselves to questioning from internet users.

People answering questions are forced to provide verification – something which Obama was quick to do.

Hey, everyone: I’ll be taking your questions online today. Ask yours here: OFA.BO/gBof44 -bo – Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 29, 2012



The discussion, beginning at 4:30 p.m. lasted for little more than a half hour. Obama submitted a post saying he had to fly back to Washington, D.C. “in time for dinner,” and left a parting message for the thousands of Reddit users who took part in the discussion.

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“I want to thank everybody at reddit for participating – this is an example of how technology and the internet can empower the sorts of conversations that strengthen our democracy over the long run,” Obama wrote. “AND REMEMBER TO VOTE IN NOVEMBER – if you need to know how to register, go to Gottaregister.com.”

Obama also shared his thoughts on his Reddit discussion.

“By the way, if you want to know what I think about this whole reddit experience – NOT BAD!”

Read the entire President Barack Obama AMA here.

Obama’s answer to a question pertaining to space exploration:

“Making sure we stay at the forefront of space exploration is a big priority for my administration. The passing of Neil Armstrong this week is a reminder of the inspiration and wonder that our space program has provided in the past; the curiosity probe on mars is a reminder of what remains to be discovered. The key is to make sure that we invest in cutting edge research that can take us to the next level – so even as we continue work with the international space station, we are focused on a potential mission to a asteroid as a prelude to a manned Mars flight.”

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Obama responding to a question about internet freedom:

“Internet freedom is something I know you all care passionately about; I do too. We will fight hard to make sure that the internet remains the open forum for everybody – from those who are expressing an idea to those to want to start a business. And although there will be occasional disagreements on the details of various legislative proposals, I won’t stray from that principle – and it will be reflected in the platform.”

Obama responding to a question about Afghanistan:

“The decision to surge our forces in afghanistan. Any time you send our brave men and women into battle, you know that not everyone will come home safely, and that necessarily weighs heavily on you. The decision did help us blunt the taliban’s momentum, and is allowing us to transition to afghan lead – so we will have recovered that surge at the end of this month, and will end the war at the end of 2014. But knowing of the heroes that have fallen is something you never forget.”



Obama responding to a question about the upcoming Presidential election:

“Win or lose, I’ll be thanking everybody who is working so hard – especially all the volunteers in field offices all across the country, and the amazing young people in our campaign offices.”

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Obama responding to a question about money in politics and campaign fundraising:

“”Money has always been a factor in politics, but we are seeing something new in the no-holds barred flow of seven and eight figure checks, most undisclosed, into super-PACs; they fundamentally threaten to overwhelm the political process over the long run and drown out the voices of ordinary citizens. We need to start with passing the Disclose Act that is already written and been sponsored in Congress – to at least force disclosure of who is giving to who. We should also pass legislation prohibiting the bundling of campaign contributions from lobbyists. Over the longer term, I think we need to seriously consider mobilizing a constitutional amendment process to overturn Citizens United (assuming the Supreme Court doesn’t revisit it). Even if the amendment process falls short, it can shine a spotlight of the super-PAC phenomenon and help apply pressure for change.”

Obama responding to a question about the official White House beer:

“It will be out soon! I can tell from first hand experience, it is tasty.”

Obama’s answer to being asked who is favourite basketball player is:

“Jordan – I’m a Bulls guy.”

Obama’s response to a recent law-school graduate who complained of bleak job prospects:

“I understand how tough it is out there for recent grads. You’re right – your long term prospects are great, but that doesn’t help in the short term. Obviously some of the steps we have taken already help young people at the start of their careers. Because of the health care bill, you can stay on your parent’s plan until you’re twenty six. Because of our student loan bill, we are lowering the debt burdens that young people have to carry. But the key for your future, and all our futures, is an economy that is growing and creating solid middle class jobs – and that’s why the choice in this election is so important. The other party has two ideas for growth – more taxs cuts for the wealthy (paid for by raising tax burdens on the middle class and gutting investments like education) and getting rid of regulations we’ve put in place to control the excesses on wall street and help consumers. These ideas have been tried, they didnt work, and will make the economy worse. I want to keep promoting advanced manufacturing that will bring jobs back to America, promote all-American energy sources (including wind and solar), keep investing in education and make college more affordable, rebuild our infrastructure, invest in science, and reduce our deficit in a balanced way with prudent spending cuts and higher taxes on folks making more than $250,000/year. I don’t promise that this will solve all our immediate economic challenges, but my plans will lay the foundation for long term growth for your generation, and for generations to follow. So don’t be discouraged – we didn’t get into this fix overnight, and we won’t get out overnight, but we are making progress and with your help will make more.”

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Obama’s response to a question about work, life balance:

“It’s hard – truthfully the main thing other than work is just making sure that I’m spending enough time with michelle and the girls. The big advantage I have is that I live above the store – so I have no commute! So we make sure that when I’m in DC I never miss dinner with them at 6:30 pm – even if I have to go back down to the Oval for work later in the evening. I do work out every morning as well, and try to get a basketball or golf game in on the weekends just to get out of the bubble. Speaking of balance, though, I need to get going so I’m back in DC in time for dinner. But I want to thank everybody at reddit for participating – this is an example of how technology and the internet can empower the sorts of conversations that strengthen our democracy over the long run. AND REMEMBER TO VOTE IN NOVEMBER – if you need to know how to register, go to Gottaregister.com. By the way, if you want to know what I think about this whole reddit experience – NOT BAD!”

