Obama on his media diet: "I watch sports, mostly"
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President Biden and former President Obama at the Peacock Theater in L.A. on Saturday night. Photo: Alex Brandon/AP
Former President Obama dropped by a gathering of about 80 digital content creators — including stars of TikTok and Instagram Reels — during the campaign fundraiser for President Biden in L.A. on Saturday, and told them:
- "We live in a cynical time. Let's face it: I think a lot of the people who watch you, listen to you, who are fans of you — a lot of times they feel turned off by the political discourse."
- "I get it," Obama added. "You know, I frankly watch sports, mostly. Because it feels like everything is slash and burn."
Why it matters: Obama, 19 years younger than Biden, acknowledged that many of the young, progressive creators were skeptical of Biden — but argued that "he believes in the basic things that you believe in."
"Joe Biden, you may not agree with everything he does," Obama said. "By the way, you didn't agree with everything I did. And that's OK. Because in a big, messy, complicated country like this, there are going to be disagreements.
- "But Joe Biden's basic trajectory — what he believes in his core ... nine times out of 10, he's going to make decisions that accord with your core beliefs."
"I need you guys to use your influence, and it doesn't have to be boring. I don't expect you to have a bunch of charts and graphs," Obama added.
- "I understand folks are swiping or scrolling, and you've got to use humor and you've got to use other things that are engaging people."
The big picture: Events and grassroots fundraising content featuring President Obama — including emails, videos and contests — has generated about $65 million for the Biden-Harris campaign this cycle, an Obama official said.
- Eric Schultz, senior adviser to President Obama, said: "Given the stakes of this election, President Obama will do all he can to support President Biden's re-election. In fact, he looks forward to helping Democrats up and down the ballot make the case to voters this fall. Our strategy will be based on driving impact, especially where and when his voice can help move the needle."
