Obama hosts Google 'hangout'
By Dan Lothian, CNN White House Correspondent and Becky Brittain, White House Producer
January 31, 2012 -- Updated 0428 GMT (1228 HKT)
President Obama held a Google+ 'Hangout" on Monday.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- President holds online town hall meeting via Google+
- Obama answers variety of questions, including what he'll do when out of office
- Most of the forum focuses on the economy
Washington (CNN) -- While reaching out to supporters through one of the latest high-tech means, President Obama expanded his social media experience by holding a Google+ video chat room interview Monday afternoon.
In an election year, it's probably not good politics to talk about what you look forward to doing after your time in the White House, but that's exactly what President Obama did when asked about the frustrations of living in the security bubble.
"It's the toughest thing about being president. Look, this is the greatest job on Earth, and it's such an honor to serve, but it is true sometimes, you get a little stir crazy," he said "One of the things I look forward to after I've had this extraordinary honor is just taking a walk or waking up on Saturday morning, not shaving and going to the local Starbucks and not having to worry about it."
The president was also asked to sing and dance, (which he refused) to say hello to one of the questioners' young children, and from an Obama impersonator a question about the impact of comedy sketches on the election.
"I don't know if any of this stuff affects an election, but I know that it makes our country stronger that you can make fun of the president -- or anybody -- and everybody can get a laugh," President Obama said. "And that also makes sure to remind me that I work for you guys."
Most of the forum, which came in the form of live video connections and video YouTube questions, focused on the economy.
"We're starting to see some signs that the economy is picking up. We've created 3 million jobs over 22 months, and we saw the largest boost in manufacturing jobs that we've seen since the '90s. Best job growth we've seen since 2005. But we've still got a lot more to do," President Obama said. "I have to keep this recovery going, that's why it's so important for us to extend the payroll tax cut."
I know that it makes our country stronger that you can make fun of the president -- or anybody -- and everybody can get a laugh
U.S. President Barack Obama
The live video chat room included five Americans in cities across the country. Participants were able to follow up with the president after his answers in real time.
Jennifer Wedel in Corpus Christi, Texas, asked the president why the government continues to extend visas for immigrant workers when there are many people, like her husband, who have been out of work.
President Obama offered to look at her husband's resume to help him find an engineering job. "Forward me his resume," he told her. "The word we're getting is someone in that high-tech field should be able to find something right away. I want to follow up on that."
The questions were chosen by Google team members from among the most top-rated of those submitted. Google maintains the White House had no role in the selection of the participants.
Obama also held a similar Facebook town hall at the Web giant's headquarters in Palo Alto, California, in the spring, and a YouTube town hall at the White House in February.
Part of complete coverage on
Get all the latest news in Campaign 2012 at CNN's Election Center. There's the latest news, a delegate counter and much more.
With the Republican presidential race all but over, the focus shifts to presumptive nominee Mitt Romney's choice of a running mate. Here's a list of those who have generated some buzz.
May 11, 2012 -- Updated 0006 GMT (0806 HKT)
If you weren't lucky enough to win a seat at the table for dinner tonight with George Clooney and President Barack Obama, fear not. You may still have a chance to party with the president and a celebrity or two in the near future.
May 11, 2012 -- Updated 1623 GMT (0023 HKT)
With Mitt Romney's victories in the April 24 Republican primaries, a new phase of the campaign began at Obama re-election headquarters in Chicago. After a year spent hiring staff and building an organization, Obama for America finally had what it had been waiting for: an opponent.
April 25, 2012 -- Updated 0042 GMT (0842 HKT)
With student loan rates set to double in July, President Obama is using the issue to try to recapture the elusive youth vote.
Steps by both political parties to court younger voters proved it's the youth voting bloc's turn to come under the national spotlight, attention that will continue through the November general election.
Famed pastor Joel Osteen reiterated his position that Mitt Romney is a Christian, saying as long as the likely GOP presidential nominee believes that Jesus is the Son of God then he subscribes to the Christian faith.
April 16, 2012 -- Updated 1852 GMT (0252 HKT)
This presidential election tells us something unexpected about American politics. It appears that both parties will have pragmatic problem-solvers at the top of their tickets.
April 16, 2012 -- Updated 1848 GMT (0248 HKT)
The Senate will not get the 60 votes needed to move ahead with the so-called Buffett Rule. Did the White House spent a week pushing it just to make a political point?
March 30, 2012 -- Updated 1836 GMT (0236 HKT)
Another major conservative figure backs Mitt Romney, adding to chorus calling for the divisive GOP nomination battle to come to an end.
April 1, 2012 -- Updated 0454 GMT (1254 HKT)
Video: Presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum address the Waukesha County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner in Wisconsin.
March 27, 2012 -- Updated 2154 GMT (0554 HKT)
Challengers to Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney say they intend to keep battling until the nomination gets settled.
March 31, 2012 -- Updated 1055 GMT (1855 HKT)
Video: House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan endorsed Romney's bid for the White House. CNN's Paul Steinhauser reports.
March 30, 2012 -- Updated 1240 GMT (2040 HKT)
Video: Florida GOP Sen. Marco Rubio makes it clear he will not run for vice president and explains why he endorsed Mitt Romney.
March 25, 2012 -- Updated 1903 GMT (0303 HKT)
After a big win in Louisiana, Rick Santorum said Republicans are showing that Mitt Romney has not locked up the GOP nomination.
March 30, 2012 -- Updated 2318 GMT (0718 HKT)
Video: President Obama tells a crowd in Maine that the GOP's you're-on-your-own economic policy is a "sign of madness."
March 22, 2012 -- Updated 2135 GMT (0535 HKT)
President Obama said critics weren't paying attention to increased oil production at home and were lying about the cause of rising gas prices.
March 28, 2012 -- Updated 1239 GMT (2039 HKT)
Video: Mitt Romney created a whole new controversy after calling Russia our "number one geopolitical foe." Jim Acosta reports.
Track who's up and who's down with the freshest national polls on the CNN Polling Center.
March 22, 2012 -- Updated 0937 GMT (1737 HKT)
Jeb Bush endorsed Mitt Romney but a top adviser's televised comment gave his rivals fresh ammo.
Today's five most popular stories