Over the past eight years, the President, the First Lady, and the Obama White House have used social media and technology to engage with people around the country and the world on the most important issues of our time. From the very beginning, our mission has been to reach people on the channels and platforms where they already spend their time. This work began before President Obama took office in 2009, and, now, this work will continue. 

As this Administration draws to a close, we wanted to share how you can continue to follow and engage with President Obama, the First Lady, and other Obama White House officials, as well as how you can find content posted over the past eight years after January 20, 2017. Moving forward, the President and First Lady can be followed on familiar handles: @BarackObama and @MichelleObama. 

In October, we laid out plans to preserve and pass on the digital legacy of the Obama administration and have been working to ensure this unprecedented digital transition meets three key goals. First, we are preserving the material we’ve created with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Second, we are working to ensure these materials continue to be accessible on the platforms where they were created, allowing for continued access to the content posted over the past eight years. Finally, we are working to ensure that the next White House and future administrations can continue to use and develop the digital channels we have created to connect directly with the people they serve. 

We are grateful to the people around the country and the world who have engaged with us online over the past eight years. We listened to you, we learned from you, and we strove to create opportunities for you to play an active role in your government by fulfilling the most important role in our government: the role of citizen.

Digital assets that will remain with the White House

We are working to ensure that the next White House and future administrations can continue to use and develop the digital channels we have created to connect directly with the people they serve. The following assets will remain with the institution:

• Twitter (handle and followers, with no tweets on the timeline): @WhiteHouse, @POTUS, @VP, @FLOTUS, @PressSec, @LaCasaBlanca, @WHLive, @VPLive, @Cabinet
• Facebook (username and followers, with no posts on the timeline): Facebook.com/WhiteHouse, Facebook.com/whitehouse.espanol
• Instagram (handle and follower, with no posts on the timeline): Instagram.com/WhiteHouse
• Snapchat (username and followers): WhiteHouse
• ​YouTube (username and subscribers, with no videos): YouTube.com/WhiteHouse
• Medium (username and followers, with no posts): Medium.com/@WhiteHouse
• Tumblr (username and followers, with no posts): Tumblr.com/WhiteHouse
• Flickr (username and subscribers, with no photos): Flickr.com/WhiteHouse

Where you can access archival Obama White House content

After January 20, 2017, materials will continue to be accessible on the platforms where they were created, allowing the public continued access to the content posted over the past eight years.

WhiteHouse.gov becomes ObamaWhiteHouse.gov
The Obama White House website – which includes press articles, blog posts, videos, and photos – will be available at ObamaWhiteHouse.gov, a site maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), beginning on January 20, 2017. If you are looking for a post or page on the Obama administration’s WhiteHouse.gov from 2009 through 2017, you can find it by changing the URL to ObamaWhiteHouse.gov. For example, after the transition, this blog post will be available at ObamaWhiteHouse.gov/obama-administration-digital-transition-moving-forward.

President Obama, Vice President Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Dr. Biden
Archived content posted to these social media accounts during the Obama administration will be maintained by NARA at the following handles:

• President Obama:
  • @POTUS on Twitter will be archived at @POTUS44
  • ​Facebook.com/POTUS will be archived at Facebook.com/POTUS44
  • Medium.com/@PresidentObama will be archived at Medium.com/@POTUS44
• Vice President Biden:
  • @VP on Twitter will be archived at @VP44
  • ​Facebook.com/VicePresidentBiden will be archived at Facebook.com/VicePresidentBiden44
  • ​Instagram.com/VP will be archived at Instagram.com/VP44
  • ​Medium.com/@VPOTUS44 will be archived at Medium.com/@VPOTUS44
• First Lady Michelle Obama:
  • @FLOTUS on Twitter will be archived at @FLOTUS44
  • ​@MichelleObama on Instagram will be archived at @MichelleObama44
  • ​Medium.com/@FLOTUS will be archived at @FLOTUS44
• Dr. Jill Biden:
  • @DrBiden on Twitter will be archived at @DrBiden44
  • ​@DrBiden on Instagram will be archived at @DrBiden44​
  • Medium.com/@DrBiden will be archived at Medium.com/@DrBiden44

White House Social Media
Archived content posted to institutional White House social media accounts during the Obama administration will be maintained by NARA at the following handles:

• @WhiteHouse on Twitter will be archived at @ObamaWhiteHouse
• Facebook.com/WhiteHouse will be archived at Facebook.com/ObamaWhiteHouse
• Instagram.com/WhiteHouse will be archived at Instagram.com/ObamaWhiteHouse
• @LaCasaBlanca on Twitter will be archived at @LaCasaBlanca44
• Facebook.com/whitehouse.espanol will be archived at Facebook.com/LaCasaBlancaObama
• ​Medium.com/WhiteHouse will be archived at Medium.com/@ObamaWhiteHouse
• Flickr.com/WhiteHouse will be archived at Flickr.com/ObamaWhiteHouse
• YouTube.com/WhiteHouse will be archived at YouTube.com/ObamaWhiteHouse
• ​Tumblr.com/WhiteHouse will be archived at Obamaobamawhitehouse.tumblr.com

Some other content you may be looking for can be found here: 

• @ONDCP will be archived at @ONDCP44
• @ONDCPespanol will be archived at @ONDCPespanol44
• ​@OMBPress will be archived at @OMBPress44
• @WhiteHouseOSTP will be archived at @WHOSTP44
• @WhiteHouseCEQ will be archived at @WhiteHouseCEQ44
• @OpenGov will be archived at @OpenGov44
• @USCTO will be archived at @USCTO44
• @CEAChair will be archived at @CEAChair44
• ​@WHWeb will be arhived at @WHWeb44

How you can keep following the President, First Lady, and other White House Officials:

President Obama
After January 20, 2017, President Obama will use the following accounts:

• @BarackObama on Twitter
• Facebook.com/BarackObama
• Instagram.com/BarackObama
• For updates on the Obama Presidential Center, you can follow @ObamaFoundation on Twitter

First Lady Michelle Obama
You can follow First Lady Michelle Obama after January 20, 2017 at the following accounts:

• @MichelleObama on Twitter
• Instagram.com/MichelleObama
• Snapchat: MichelleObama
• Facebook.com/MichelleObama​

Vice President Biden
You can follow Vice President Biden after January 20, 2017 at the following accounts:

• @JoeBiden on Twitter
• Facebook.com/JoeBiden

Dr. Jill Biden
You can follow Dr. Jill Biden after January 20, 2017 at the following accounts:

• @DrBiden on Twitter
• Instagram.com/DrBiden

White House Officials (You can follow an twitter list of Obama White House officials here):

• Denis McDonough: You can continue to follow Denis at @DenisMcDonough on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Denis44.
• Valerie Jarrett: You can continue to follow Valerie at @ValerieJarrett on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @VJ44.
• Josh Earnest: You can continue to follow Josh at @JoshEarnest on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @PressSec44. 
• Susan Rice: You can continue to follow Susan at @AmbassadorRice on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @AmbRice44.
• Ben Rhodes: You can continue to follow Ben at @brhodes on Twitter. Archive content will be available at @Rhodes44.
• Jason Goldman: You can continue to follow Jason at @Goldman on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Goldman44.
• Brian Deese: You can continue to follow Brian at @BrianCDeese on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Deese44.
• Jason Furman: You can continue to follow Jason at @JasonFurman on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @CEAChair44.
• Cecilia Muñoz: You can continue to follow Cecilia at @cecmunoz on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Cecilia44.
• DJ Patil: You can continue to follow DJ at @dpatil on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @DJ44. 
• Jen Psaki: You can continue to follow Jen at @JRPsaki on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Psaki44.
• Megan Smith: You can continue to follow Megan at @SmithMegan. Archived content will be available at @USTO44. 
• Pete Souza: You can continue to follow Pete at @PeteSouza on Twitter and @PeteSouza on Instagram. Archived content will be available at @petesouza44 on Twitter and @petesouza44 on Instagram.
• Brandi Hoffine: You can continue to follow Brandi at @brandihoffine on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Hoffine44.
• Charlie Anderson: You can continue to follow Charlie at @EconCharlie on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Charlie44. 
• Ed Felten: You can continue to follow Ed at @EdFelten on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @EdFelten44.
• Eric Schultz: You can continue to follow Eric at @ericschultz on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Schultz44. 
• Jay Shambaugh: You can continue to follow Jay at @JayCShambaugh on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @CEAJay.
• Jesse Lee: You can continue to follow Jesse at @jessecharleslee on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @jesseclee44.
• Joanna Rosholm: You can contine to follow Joanna @jojorosholm on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Rosholm44.
• Katie Hill: You can continue to follow Katie at @KatieMHill. Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Hill44.
• Kori Schulman: You can continue to follow Kori at @KoriSchulman on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @ks44.
• Kristin Lee: You can continue to follow Kristin at @kristindlee on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Lee44.
• ​Liz Allen: You can continue to follow Liz at @LizMarieAllen on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @LizAllen44.
• Ned Price: You can continue to follow Ned at @NedPrice on Twitter. Archived content will be available at Price44. 
• Patrick Rodenbush: You can continue to follow Patrick at @pnrodenbush on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Patrick44.
• Paulette Aniskoff: You can continue to follow Paulette at @PAniskoff on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Paniskoff44.
• R. David Edelman: You can continue to follow David at @R_D on Twitter. Archive content will be available at @rD44.
• Shaun Donovan: You can continue to follow Shaun at @Shaun_Don66 on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @ShaunOMB.
• Tara McGuinness: You can continue to follow Tara at @taradmcguinness on Twitter. Archived content will be available at @Tara44.
• Todd Park: Archived content will be available at @Todd_Park44. 

So today, in a collaboration with Oculus and Felix & Paul Studios, the President and First Lady are using virtual reality to bring the history of the White House directly to you. Narrated by the President, “the People’s House” offers an intimate, 360-degree exploration of rooms in the White House residence and the West Wing, as well as a look back at some of the most significant moments that took place there over the past eight years. It’s a first-ever virtual reality experience with the President and First Lady in the White House. Here’s a preview:

The tour takes viewers through rooms in the White House like the Old Family Dining Room, as well as places that many Americans have never seen before: the Oval Office, the Situation Room, the Rose Garden, and the Treaty Room (the President’s private office). Through it all, you’ll hear the President and First Lady’s personal reflections on historic moments that occurred in each place, whether that’s the response to the economic crisis, the raid on Osama bin Laden, or his statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to make marriage equality the law of the land.

All of this reflects what President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wanted to do when they first step foot in the White House eight years ago. In 2009, they made it their particular mission to open wide the doors of this museum of American history to everyone, near and far. They invited the Girl Scouts to camp out on the South Lawn, they opened up the Old Family Dining Room on the White House tour, they got rid of the ban on photography for visitors, and more so the American people could see – and share – what it’s like to live here. Virtual Reality is the latest technology they can use in service of this mission.

After all, as the President said, each First Family is merely a "renter." This house, and the history made here, belongs to you.

President Obama is the first “social media president”: the first to have @POTUS on Twitter, the first to go live on Facebook from the Oval Office, the first to answer questions from citizens on YouTube, the first to use a filter on Snapchat. Over the past eight years, the President, Vice President, First Lady, and the White House have used social media and technology to engage with people around the country and the world on the most important issues of our time (while having some fun along the way). 

Looking back over the past eight years, our digital footprint reflects some broader changes in the ways people consume news and information and engage with the world around them online. In 2009, in addition to rolling out a revamped WhiteHouse.gov featuring a blog, RSS, and an email list, we joined Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Vimeo, iTunes, and even MySpace. In 2011, we launched We the People, a platform for citizens to petition the White House. In 2013, the First Lady posted her first photo to Instagram. In 2015, President Obama sent his first tweet from @POTUS. In 2016, the White House debuted an official story on Snapchat for the State of the Union. This digital infrastructure is an asset not just for the next president but for all future presidents to build off of. The archive belongs to the American people.

From the very beginning, our mission has been to reach Americans and people around the world on the channels and platforms where they already spend their time. This work began on President Obama’s 2008 campaign and, over the course of this Administration, has increasingly meant meeting people where they are online, using technology to re-imagine traditional formats, and creating unique opportunities for people to interact with their government.

The past eight years have left us with tremendous optimism about how future administrations might use these tools to create even more pathways for meaningful civic participation. 

So after all this – nearly eight years of digital firsts, more than 470,000 We the People petitions, nearly 30,000 @WhiteHouse tweets, and thousands of hours of video footage – what happens when the next administration takes office? 

The President has made clear that a smooth transition between administrations is one of his top priorities, and digital is a key component of that effort. While much of the digital transition is unprecedented in the United States, the peaceful transition of power is not. There are some important principles we can work from. Accordingly, we have been working to ensure that our digital transition meets three key goals. First, we are preserving the material we’ve created with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). From tweets to snaps, all of the material we’ve published online will be preserved with NARA just as previous administrations have done with records ranging from handwritten notes to faxes to emails. Second, wherever possible, we are working to ensure these materials continue to be accessible on the platforms where they were created, allowing for real time access to the content we’ve developed. Finally, we are working to ensure that the next president and administration – regardless of party – can continue to use and develop the digital assets we have created to connect directly with the people they serve. 

Here is an overview of our plans for how this will work:

Social Media:

On Twitter, for example, the handle @POTUS will be made available to the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017. The account will retain its more than 11 million followers, but start with no tweets on the timeline. @POTUS44, a newly created handle maintained by NARA, will contain all of President Obama’s tweets and will be accessible to the public on Twitter as an archive of President Obama’s use of the account. In addition, President Obama’s tweets will also be archived at NARA, where they will be preserved and accessible in the same manner as all other Presidential records. This will also be the case for other Twitter handles, including @WhiteHouse, @FLOTUS, @PressSec, and @VP. Individual official accounts, like @KS44, will transition to NARA and continue to be accessible for the public to view as an archive of all tweets sent by White House staff. 

On Instagram and Facebook, the incoming White House will gain access to the White House username, URL, and retain the followers, but will start with no content on the timeline. An archive of White House content that was posted to the Obama White House Instagram and Facebook will continue to be accessible to the public at Instagram.com/ObamaWhiteHouse and Facebook.com/ObamaWhiteHouse. Facebook accounts for President Obama and the Vice President and the Instagram accounts belonging to the First Lady and Vice President will be moved to new “44” usernames and preserved by NARA. 

We’ll follow a similar approach with other official accounts on platforms including Medium, Tumblr, and YouTube. These presences will be made available to the 45th White House, including the “White House” username, /WhiteHouse URL, and the followers, but start with no content on the accounts. The Obama White House content will be preserved and accessible in the same manner as all other presidential records and continue to be available on the platform at a new URL. 

We the People:

Today, the White House’s We The People website has more than 12 million verified users that have created more than 470,000 petitions to their government on the issues they care the most about. The White House mobilizes government officials to respond to every petition that receives at least 100,000 signatures. Over the years, we’ve seen it become a powerful platform, with petitions reaching senior staff and the President’s desk and even shaping policy on topics including cell phone unlocking and net neutrality. The We the People code has been open-sourced and we’re taking every step possible to make it easy for future administrations to carry on this tradition. The petitions and our responses will also be archived with NARA.  

WhiteHouse.gov:

Similar to the Clinton and Bush White House websites, President Obama’s WhiteHouse.gov will be preserved on the web and frozen after January 20th and made available at ObamaWhiteHouse.gov. The incoming White House will receive the WhiteHouse.gov domain and all content that has been posted to WhiteHouse.gov during the Obama administration will be archived with NARA. 

Video and Photos:

Over the past eight years, we’ve racked up thousands of hours of video footage and millions of photos. That’s all being transferred to NARA, where it will be preserved and made available to the public pursuant to the Presidential Records Act. The photos that have been released on WhiteHouse.gov, Flickr, Instagram and the video content on YouTube, Vimeo, and other White House presences will continue to be available on these platforms with updated usernames and will also be maintained by NARA. Full resolution versions of all the photo and video content that has been posted online will also be archived with NARA. 

Opening Up the Data to the Public:

In addition to the steps that the White House and NARA are taking, we want to open up this process to the American people. Specifically, by the end of this Administration, we're committed to publicly sharing our social media content in an easily accessible and comprehensive way (e.g., zip files to download). In the interim, we're inviting the American public – from students and data engineers, to artists and researchers – to come up with creative ways to archive this content and make it both useful and available for years to come. From Twitter bots and art projects to printed books and query tools, we’re open to it all. The White House will make our social media data available early to people who are interested in building something for the public. For more information on how to submit an idea, click here. 

Submit Your Idea

Given the unprecedented nature and scale of the digital transition, we anticipate we’ll learn a lot along the way – so these plans may evolve. You can follow along @WHWeb for updates on the digital transition process, data releases, and more. 

In a first-ever VR experience featuring President Obama, witness Marine One lower into Ahwahnee Meadow, float in a canoe on the Merced River, and gaze up at the sequoias in Mariposa Grove and take in stunning views of Yosemite Falls. 

“Going to a place like Yosemite changes you; it stays with you for the rest of your life ... And I want all of our kids, and all of their kids, to have this chance too.”

President Obama

Through the Ages: President Obama Celebrates America’s National Parks was created by National Geographic, Felix & Paul Studios, and Oculus, and is available today on the Oculus Store and as a 360 video on Facebook.

Experience Yosemite in VR, then join the centennial celebration by visiting a National Park IRL for free from August 25-28th. Get started at FindYourPark.com.

Learn more about the places featured in the film: 

Scene 1: El Cap Meadow

El Cap Meadow, along Northside Drive in Yosemite Valley, provides a breathtaking view straight up El Capitan, a massive granite monolith that towers 3,593 feet above the Valley floor. From spring to fall, climbers come from all over the globe to scale El Capitan. El Capitan meadow, located on the west end of Yosemite Valley, offers a great view of other notable Yosemite formations as well, like the Cathedral Rocks.

Scene 2: Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

The Mariposa Grove contains about 500 mature giant sequoias. Among the largest living things on earth, giant sequoias are not as tall as their cousins, the coast redwoods, but are more massive. They are also among the longest-living trees. Some ancient trees are over 3,000 years old!

Scene 3: Arrival of Marine One in Ahwahnee Meadow

Peaceful Ahwahnee Meadow, located along the north wall of the Valley, offers a spectacular view of Half Dome and up to Glacier Point. Deer can often be seen browsing here in the evenings, and apple trees, remnants of some 19th-century Yosemite Valley residents, still dot the meadow, 

Scene 4: Lower Yosemite Falls

Originally carved by tributary glaciers thousands of years ago, Yosemite Creek was gradually enlarged by the heavy volume of water and ice which ran through this massive watershed. Now, when show melts, some 2,400 gallons per second of icy runoff can be funneled down the drainage, plunging over the sheer cliff down three cascades into the Valley below. These three cascades, totaling over 2,400 vertical feet, make Yosemite Falls one of the tallest waterfalls in the world. Albeit impressive during spring run off, Yosemite Falls in an ephemeral fall, meaning that it dries up completely during most summers. 

Scene 5: Canoe on Merced River

A lazy float along the peaceful Merced River is a great way to tour the towering granite cliffs and waterfalls around Yosemite Valley. Take in stunning views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Yosemite Falls as you float past the emerald-green meadows and pine and cedar forests of Yosemite Valley. Wildlife abounds along the trip -- keep your eyes peeled for deer, black bear, and many species of birds.

Scene 6: Return to Lower Yosemite Falls 

The Lower Yosemite Fall plaza area offers an amazing framed view of Yosemite Falls (all three cascades!), and a short, accessible trail will take you to the bottom of the crashing Lower Fall.

Scene 7: Glacier Point

Sitting 3,314 feet directly above Curry Village in Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point provides an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, up the Merced River Canyon, and across Yosemite's vast Wilderness. While the road is closed during the winter due to snow, adventurous visitors can ski to Glacier Point.

Scene 8: President Obama delivers remarks at Yosemite 

Scene 9: El Capitan

From spring to fall, climbers come from all over the globe to scale El Capitan. 

Scene 10: Vernal Fall

Unlike ephemeral Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall (317 feet high) flows all year, although it peaks during spring run off, usually in late May or June. You can see Vernal Fall from Glacier Point when the road is open, or it is accessible via trail when conditions permit. The Mist Trail, which rises steeply off the Valley floor, offers a good view of Vernal Fall after about 3/4 mile, and the moderately strenuous round-trip gets you to the base of the fall after just over 1 mile.

Scene 11: Tenaya Lake 

Very few lakes are easily accessible in Yosemite National Park. Tenaya Lake, located along the Tioga Road, is one of the easiest to get to when the Tioga Road is open (summer only), and is popular for picnicking and canoeing. The high granite peaks and dramatic domes provide a spectacular background for this lovely high country lake.

Today, we've got the encore. 

President Obama is once again sharing his summer picks -- an eclectic mix of hand-selected tracks on two lists that take listeners from day to night. The vacation playlists feature legendary songs from Prince and Aretha Franklin, some more recent tracks from hip hop artists like Common and Chance the Rapper and the musical styles of Manu Chao and Caetano Veloso. 

So check out what President Obama is listening to this summer. Browse the full playlists below and listen to many of the tracks on our Spotify here: Daytime and Nighttime

The President's Summer Playlist: Daytime

1. LoveHate Thing - Wale
2. Smooth Sailin' - Leon Bridges
3. Elevator Operator - Courtney Barnett
4. Home - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
5. Many the Miles - Sara Bareilles
6. Tightrope - Janelle Monáe
7. Classic Man - Jidenna
8. So Ambitious - Jay Z feat. Pharrell
9. Me Gustas Tu - Manu Chao
10. Forever Begins - Common
11. The Man - Aloe Blacc
12. As We Enter - Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley
13. Sinnerman - Nina Simone
14. U Got the Look - Prince
15. Rock Steady - Aretha Franklin
16. Good Vibrations - Beach Boys
17. Don't Owe You A Thang - Gary Clark Jr.
18. Man Like That - Gin Wigmore
19. II B.S. (edit) - Charles Mingus

​The President's Summer Playlist: Nighttime

1. If I Have My Way - Chrisette Michele
2. Espera - Esperanza Spalding
3. Tell It Like It Is - Aaron Neville
4. Alright - Ledisi
5. Trapped By A Thing Called Love - Denise LaSalle
6. Lady - D'Angelo
7. So Very Hard to Go - Tower of Power
8. Midnight Sun - Carmen McCrae
9. Cucurrucucú ​Paloma - Caetano Veloso
10. Green Aphrodisiac - Corinne Bailey Rae
11. I'll Be There for You / You're All I Need - Mary J. Blige / Method Man
12. Lover Man - Billie Holiday
13. Criminal - Fiona Apple
14. Acid Rain - Chance the Rapper
15. My Funny Valentine - Miles Davis
16. Do You Feel Me - Anthony Hamilton
17. I Get Lonely - Janet Jackson
18. Lean In - Lizz Wright
19. All Day Music - War
20. Say Yes - Floetry

Since we launched in 2015, the White House has also used Spotify to share the First Lady's girl-power picks for National Day of the Girl and holiday playlists curated by the Obamas and the Bidens. 

Don't miss a beat: Be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest playlists from the White House. 

Live from the East Room of the White House, YouTube creators Ingrid Nilsen, Destin Sandlin of "Smarter of Everyday," and sWooZie sat down with President Obama to discuss the issues that they and their fans care the most about. During the conversation, the President spoke about community policing, investments in space exploration, and the future of LGBT rights in America. He also weighed in the properties of the element "Obamium" and shared the stories behind some of the trinkets in his pocket today.

This interview continues our efforts to meet people where they are -- and make it possible for people around the country to watch and engage with the State of the Union in new ways. Check out the conversation with Ingrid, Destin, and sWooZie about the year ahead and the issues that will shape our country in the generations to come.

Explore the President's first-ever 360° photo

Watch the full video here and check out a few excerpts below:

President Obama on a Moonshot to Cure Cancer

Ingrid Nilsen: "Something that I heard you talk about in the State of the Union that you want to work on is cancer and cancer treatments. Because my mom is actually a cancer survivor, and so when I was watching the State of the Union, I actually ran back to my iPad when you mentioned that you want to cure cancer. And that’s a big thing to say, and I want to know, how close are we to finding a cure and can our government really do something about it?"

President Obama: "Well, I think we can do a lot. Look, my mom died of cancer when she was younger than I am now. It’s great that your mom is a survivor.  Vice President Biden obviously has just gone through a terrible situation where he lost his son to cancer, Beau Biden. Every family has been touched by this at some point.

It’s not going to happen next year or even five years from now. On the other hand, I think it is entirely possible that over the next 20 years, we see the kinds of strides in fighting cancer that we haven’t seen before. And the reason is, is because the human genome, our understanding of how cancer cells develop, the fact that we now recognize that different cancers may react differently to different medicines and even the same cancer may react differently if it’s in you versus if it’s in me -- all allows us to really start honing in and breaking down the elements at the base level that creates new cures.

And the key for us now is to put a lot more money into research, a lot more money into science. What I was talking about at the State of the Union, we’ve already increased the National Institute of Health’s budget for this area, but we can definitely continue to do more, and I want to make sure that we sustain those levels of cancer research.

If we do, I think we’re going to see some really big breakthroughs soon. And obviously that would have a revolutionary impact on the lives of people every day. By the way, some of this research is also directed at things like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s -- debilitating diseases that, as we learn more and more, we think that we may end up having an impact on it."

President Obama on "Obamium"

Destin Sandlin: "I asked Reddit what I should ask you. You have the top 'ask me anything' of all time, so you’re very familiar with Reddit. So one question that came up is, if there was an element named after you, Obamium...what would you want the physical properties [to be]?"

President Obama: "That’s interesting. Well, I would want it to be stable....I would want it to be a catalyst, but one that didn’t get too hot or too cold....and hopefully it would be one that was useful to humanity, that we could actually use, and wasn’t just some shiny object that somebody liked."

President Obama on Community Policing

sWooZie: "As a black male who wears his hat backward from time to time, I get racially profiled. The most recent story I have for you is driving, pulled over to send some text messages, cop pulled up behind me, called for backup, they’re all over me harassing me for my I.D., registration. Third cop is driving by kind of just like -- you know, I get harassed often. I’ve learned to live with the harassment, but people are dying now. I can’t sit by and let that happen...So I really want to know is [about police] accountability.What can you do with your time left? What can the government do with the time left?"

President Obama: "Well, first of all, I’m a black man who sometimes wears his hat backwards. And there have been times when I was younger when I was stopped for reasons that I wasn’t always clear about. But I think it’s also important for us not to completely generalize. Now, the overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers are doing a really tough job, and they’re doing it well. And they’re respectful and they’re doing it the right way. It is absolutely true that there’s always been pockets of police misconduct around the country, and we have to take that seriously. And what’s happened is not that this is new -- if you talk to anybody who is a little bit older and was African American in Chicago or New York or any place else back in the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, I promise you, it was a lot worse. So it’s not that the situation has gotten worse -- it’s that our awareness has increased.

And what we have to do -- and I put together a task force that included both police officers and police chiefs, but also folks who were organizing protests in Ferguson to come together. We put together a task force to get specific recommendations on how we could really deal with this in a serious way: Better data collection, body cameras, better training -- a whole package.  The problem is, is that most police departments, sheriff departments, those are individual jurisdictions.  They don’t fall just under federal control. 

So I can’t order all these reforms to be implemented, but what we’re trying to do is incentivize all these cities, counties to adopt these practices because when they do, not only is it good for the communities who finally feel like they are being well served and respected, but it’s also good for the police officers because they have an easier time doing their job if communities trust them."

Happening right now live #YouTubeAsksObama pic.twitter.com/zLG2uvCa9J

— petesouza (@petesouza) January 15, 2016

Tomorrow, President Obama will deliver his final State of the Union address -- and after the speech, he’ll once again take questions from Americans across the country on YouTube. It’s a tradition that started in 2010 after President Obama’s very first State of the Union address -- and that we’ve continued each year since -- to connect directly to young people about some of the most important issues our time.

Over the years, the President has answered your questions about the economy, health care, climate change, foreign policy, and social justice issues. He’s answered your top-voted YouTube questions from the Library and the Diplomatic Room, joined a Google+ Hangout from the West Wing, held the first-ever virtual fireside chat, hit the road on a virtual road trip across America, and sat down with some of your favorite YouTube creators in the East Room.

This year after the speech, leading YouTube creators will ask President Obama the questions that are top of mind for them and their fans. The President will sit down with Destin Sandlin, an engineer from Alabama who explores the world through science on his education channel; Ingrid Nilsen, a 26-year-old from California who creates lifestyle content and inspired millions of fans when she came out on YouTube, and; Adande Thorne, better known as sWooZie, who’s a Florida native, professional gamer and video animator.

In a preview video about the State of the Union the President said, “This address will be for you.” And this is your interview -- so be sure to watch and engage:

• On Tuesday, January 12, tune in at 9 p.m. ET to watch the President deliver his final State of the Union address.
• Join the conversation and ask your questions using #YouTubeAsksObama on social media.
• Then on Friday, January 15, watch live at 2:15 p.m. ET for a post-State of the Union YouTube interview and find out if your question gets asked.

This interview continues our efforts to meet people where they are -- and make it possible for people around the country to watch and engage with the State of the Union in new ways. We hope you’ll tune into an enhanced stream of the speech, then watch Destin, Ingrid, and sWooZie join a discussion with the President about the year ahead and the issues that will shape our country in the generations to come.

So, gather with friends and family, take a listen, and get into the holiday spirit with the Obamas and the Bidens.

Holidays with the Obamas:  

1. O Tannenbaum, Vince Guaraldi Trio (A Charlie Brown Christmas)
2. Let It Snow, Boyz II Men
3. All I Want for Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey
4. Santa Clause Is Coming To Town, The Jackson 5
5. 8 Days of Christmas, Destiny’s Child
6. Someday at Christmas, Stevie Wonder
7. The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole
8. Silent Night, Ledisi
9. Do You Hear What I Hear, Yolanda Adams
10. Away In A Manger, Kenny Burrell
11. Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt
12. The First Noel, Frank Sinatra
13. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Luther Vandross
14. Little Drummer Boy, Whitney Houston

Holidays with the Bidens:  

1. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Bruce Springsteen
2. You Make it Feel Like Christmas, Neil Diamond
3. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Ella Fitzgerald
4. Adeste fidelis, Andrea Bocelli
5. Wexford Carol, Govannen
6. This Christmas, Mary J. Blige
7. A Sky Full of Stars, Coldplay
8. Celebrate Me Home, Kenny Loggins
9. Delaware Slide, George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers
10. Merry Christmas Baby, Bruce Springsteen
11. Snowfall, Tony Bennett
12. Cheek to Cheek, Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett
13. We Need a Little Christmas, Percy Faith
14. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), U2
15. Jingle Bells, Diana Krall
16. Christmas All Over Again, Tom Petty
17. Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime, Paul McCartney

This Summer, the White House launched an official channel on Spotify to share playlists created by members of the White House, as well as playlists curated around events and issues to engage the public. So far, President Obama has shared a couple of his Summer playlists, and the First Lady put together a girl power playlist to celebrate International Day of the Girl.

"I hope you'll join me in speaking out on climate change and educating your friends about why this issue is so important. At a time when nearly three in four adults online use Facebook, this feels like a great place to do it. Share your thoughts in the comments, and pass this message on to folks you think need to see it."

President Obama's Facebook page will serve as a new place online to engage directly with the American people, with videos and posts coming exclusively from him. The President is committed to making his Administration the most open and participatory in history, and this page will offer Americans a new venue to share their thoughts with the President on the issues that they care about the most.

Today, the White House is bringing together tribal leaders from the 567 federally-recognized tribes to participate in the 7th Annual White House Tribal Nations Conference. The Conference continues to build upon the President’s commitment to strengthen the government-to-government relationship with Indian Country and to improve the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives, with an emphasis on increasing opportunity for Native youth.

President Obama will also take this opportunity to sit down with young leaders who will share their unique perspectives on the challenges facing tribal communities and how we can work together to help young people reach their full potential. Here's how you can participate:

• Watch the conference right here and at WhiteHouse.gov/live
• Join the conversation with President Obama and Native youth by tuning in and adding your voice on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #GenIAsksObama.
• We’ll also keep you updated right here with photos, videos and discussions throughout the day

A Collection on Twitter

Last year, President Barack Obama launched a nationwide initiative to lift up the lives of Native youth in America, who, for too long, have gone unrecognized for their incredible talents and strengths. The Generation Indigenous (Gen-I) initiative seeks to shine a spotlight on Native youth who often grapple with challenges more severe than their non-Native peers, but who also refuse to be defined by statistics or stereotypes. Through Gen-I, many Native youth across the country are embodying the positive change they want to see in their communities, whether by mentoring others, learning their Native languages, or by serving on youth councils. In doing so, they contribute to what makes America such a rich and diverse country. The Administration is proud to stand behind Native youth by advancing new policies, increasing program resources, and providing new opportunities for engagement. This report provides an update on the progress made under Gen-I and how Gen-I will continue to move forward fueled by the strength and resilience of Native youth across the country. Learn more about Generation Indigenous in a new progress report.

Hear from some of these young leaders on how the Generation Indigenous initiative has given them a platform to elevate their voices and create positive change in their communities.

Get the facts about prescription drug abuse in this country, and then watch the conversation.

A Collection on Twitter

If you or a loved one need resources about the prescription drug and heroin overdose epidemic, visit hhs.gov/opioids.

During his visits to Seward, Dillingham and Kotzebue, President Obama is seeing the effects of climate change firsthand — and is sharing it directly with Americans across the country. For the first-time ever, the President is taking over the White House Instagram (and personally taking the photos!) to give you a look inside the trip, from the window of Marine One to a selfie with survivalist Bear Grylls. You can also check out his video updates and daily travelogue on Medium.

Take a look at what the President has posted so far and double tap his photos if you agree we need to take action on climate change. And be sure to keep following along at WhiteHouse.gov/Alaska.
 

Today, the White House joined Spotify — and our inaugural playlist was hand-picked by none other than President Obama. When asked to pick a few of his favorite songs for the summer, the President got serious. He grabbed a pen and paper and drafted up not one, but two separate summer playlists: One for the daytime, and one for the evening.

It's stocked with a selection of the classics — from Nina Simone's blues sensation "Feelin' Good" to the Temptations' "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" — mixed in with more recent tracks from artists like Florence & the Machine and The Lumineers.

Give them both a listen and a subscribe — we think you're going to love it.

And make sure you follow the White House on Spotify — because we've got a lot more to come, from issue-specific playlists to songs selected by other people in the White House.

President Obama's Summer Playlist: Day

1. Ain’t Too Proud to Beg – The Temptations
2. Live It Up – Isley Brothers
3. Memories Live – Talib Kweli & Hi Tek
4. Tombstone Blues – Bob Dylan
5. So Much Trouble in the World – Bob Marley
6. Paradise – Coldplay
7. Tengo Un Trato (Remix) – Mala Rodriguez
8. Wang Dang Doodle – Howlin Wolf
9. Another Star – Stevie Wonder
10. Hot Fun in the Summertime – Sly & the Family Stone
11. Boozophilia – Low Cut Connie
12. Wherever Is Your Heart  – Brandi Carlile
13. Good Day – Nappy Roots
14. Green Light – John Legend
15. Gimme Shelter – Rolling Stones
16. Rock Steady – Aretha Franklin
17. Down Down the Deep River – Okkervil River
18. Pusher Love Girl – Justin Timberlake
19. Shake It Out – Florence + The Machine
20. La Salsa La Traigo Yo – Sonora Carruseles

President Obama's Summer Playlist: Night

1. My Favorite Things – John Coltrane
2. Superpower (feat. Frank Ocean) – Beyoncé
3. Moondance – Van Morrison
4. Is Your Love Big Enough? – Lianne La Havas
5. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart – Al Green
6. Red & White & Blue & Gold – Aoife O’Donovan
7. Nothing Even Matters – Lauryn Hill
8. The Best Is Yet to Come – Frank Sinatra
9. You Don’t Know Me – Ray Charles
10. I Found My Everything – Mary J Blige
11. Help Me – Joni Mitchell
12. I’ve Got Dreams to Remember – Otis Redding
13. Suzanne – Leonard Cohen
14. Feeling Good – Nina Simone
15. Stubborn Love – The Lumineers
16. Until – Cassandra Wilson
17. UMI Says – Mos Def
18. The Very Thought of You – Billie Holiday
19. Flamenco Sketches – Miles Davis
20. Woo – Erykah Badu

Like that? You'll love our White House In Performance series. Over the course of the past few years, we've hosted a series of concerts right here in the White House — welcoming artists from Stevie Wonder to Paul McCartney to Jennifer Hudson. 

You can take a look at a selection of videos from these concerts here.

Cody Keenan is an Assistant to the President and Director of Speechwriting at the White House. He oversees all of the President’s public remarks. Last week, he delivered a speech of his own for the first time.

In his commencement address to the graduating class of NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, Cody talked about lucky breaks, the importance of taking a full swing, and the moment he learned “that politics is not about sexy walk-and-talks, power lunches, or using witty banter to solve the world’s problems in an hour.”

You’re going to want to read this one:

Good morning! Thank you Jessica, thank you Dean Glied, faculty, families and friends:

So this is what it’s like to actually deliver a speech.

I confess it’s my first time. Usually, my job ends when I click “print.” But as strange as this feels, I’m excited to be here, because I remember well how much fun this day is. Congratulations to the Class of 2015!

I was sitting where you are, as a public policy graduate, just seven years ago. Which brings me to my first piece of advice. Stay out even later with your friends tonight. If you already did that last night, and I can tell that some of you did, do it again. With respect to your professors, the friends you’ve made here will be what lasts you longest.
By the way, give it up for your professors!

But I can tell you from experience that you will have so much fun watching what your fellow students do. You will see their names in the paper, sure, but more importantly, you will see their updates from the trenches — in schools, on the streets, from secluded corners of the world — everywhere that begs for people willing to do what we do — the hard work of change.

It will make you proud. It happens, sooner than you think. And it will confirm something:

You made the right choice. Public service is important. It matters.

Parents — your kids made the right choice. Public service is important. It matters. So thank you for helping us along the way.

And while today might feel bittersweet, the best stuff is still coming, I promise. Four years ago, I met a wonderful woman at the White House. Three nights ago, here in New York City, she agreed to marry me. One of her team’s many responsibilities, by the way, is to factcheck my team’s speeches. So she’s the envy of partners everywhere: she literally gets paid to tell me I’m wrong.

Get ready: She did not factcheck this one. And I admit I underestimated how hectic a proposal would make the past few days, so I had to finish this speech yesterday on a bench in Union Square Park. I’ve written in stranger places — but usually with fewer strangers yelling at me.

But it’s true — I am President Obama’s chief speechwriter. So who knows what he’s saying today. I did ask his advice for this, though. He said, why don’t you try something new for you — and keep it short?

Over the years, I’ve studied hundreds of commencements, drafted or edited more than a dozen, and come up with all manner of life lessons and clichés. What makes my task easier today is that you already know them. I don’t have to spend time trying to convince you to serve others, or to hitch your wagon to something bigger, or to change the world — you already made those choices when you chose a school of public service.

You have chosen a calling that is fundamentally hopeful — because it’s full of people who actually believe we can make a difference in this world.

Besides, I don’t have a lifetime of wisdom to offer you. There’s a solid chance that I’m the first commencement speaker in history to be three months removed from living in a group house. And I have no idea what I’ll be doing a year and a half from now, when my boss has to hand over the keys to the White House. All I have on most of you is a head start. So all I can offer you is the cheat codes — how I got here, and what I’ve learned by giving the prime of my life to public service.

When I moved to Washington right out of college, I knew one person — a fraternity brother teaching elementary school. So when it came to finding a job, I was on my own. I figured I went to a good school, and I’d seen every episode of The West Wing, how hard could it be?

Several failed interviews and dead-ends later, my ego was dust. Just when I was rethinking the whole thing, I saw a posting for an unpaid internship in a senator’s office — Ted Kennedy. In him, I saw someone who got things done, and cared about the people I cared about. So, oblivious to the way things work in Washington, I called and asked for his chief of staff. I was quickly transferred to an annoyed intern coordinator, who hired me over the phone on the spot. Not because I was super awesome — but, as she would tell me a few months later, because it was five pm on a Friday and she just wanted to go home.

I showed up on Monday morning in my $150 power suit, ready to make a name for myself in Congress.

I was one of fifty interns. And I was assigned to a windowless mailroom.

But I threw myself into it, reading and routing mail, walking the Senator’s dogs, Sunny and Splash, running memos to and from the Senate floor, whatever the job required. And three months later, I was hired to answer the phones and greet visitors to his front office for the princely sum of $18,500 a year. I lived with three guys and two girls in a group house and drank cheap beer. Life was actually pretty great. Over the next few years, I moved up the ranks, and eventually gained a small legislative portfolio of my own. I got to go to the Democratic National Convention in Boston, and found myself on the floor the night a man named Barack Obama introduced himself to the country. I even got an unexpected entrée into speechwriting when my boss, who usually wrote Senator Kennedy’s policy speeches, had too much on his plate and asked me if I wanted to give it a try. And that one led to a few more.

Then, like a lot of people who aren’t sure what to do with their life, I went to public policy school. And towards the end of my first year, a former colleague introduced me to Senator Obama’s chief speechwriter. The campaign had just started. He was swamped, which made him desperate enough to hire me, someone with maybe five speeches under my belt, as his unpaid intern. So, four years after my last internship, I was the lowest guy on the totem pole again.

And again, I threw myself into it, doing whatever the job required. I have no formal training as a speechwriter — to which critics of the President’s speeches would say, “duh.” But I had a facility with the written word, and what I lacked in skill, I tried to make up for with heart. And when the chief speechwriter had too much on his plate and needed someone to step up, I made sure I was ready.

The truth is, I have been really lucky in my career.

I wish I could tell you that my story was entirely self-made; that it included crushing failure followed by a “Rocky IV”-style montage of moving to a mountain cabin, growing a beard, and teaching myself how to write speeches from scratch all to a monster power ballad. But any successful person who tells you that luck hasn’t played a role in their success is lying to your face.

Now, you can improve your odds of getting a lucky break. Work your tail off. Be the last to leave the office at night. Appreciate being part of a team, rather than just acting like you do. Don’t just embrace, but enjoy being surrounded by people who are smarter than you are. And be nice. As it turns out, people notice these things, and reward you for them.

That’s not to say you can’t succeed by being insufferably brazen and overeager and narcissistic. I do work in Washington. Letting your ambition run wild is actually a pretty effective tactic. It’s just less fun to live with yourself.

So in my book, success is the place where hard work meets luck. But I know that “get lucky” isn’t great guidance — though I do hope you all get lucky. So with my remaining time, based on what I’ve learned along the way, I humbly offer two pieces of advice that hold true regardless of whether luck finds you or not, and might even take you to a better place.

The first is to remember that the career path you’ve chosen isn’t about you at all.

Now, that’s kind of implicit in the words “public service.” But I didn’t get it until I worked in that windowless mailroom back in the Senate. There, I learned that politics is not about sexy walk-and-talks, power lunches, or using witty banter to solve the world’s problems in an hour. With each envelope I opened; with each of the hundreds of letters and phone calls a day from people desperately asking a senator who was not their own for help; with each perfect stranger’s private hopes and pains laid bare across the page — I learned how deeply policy, politics, and public service matter. I learned that my job was no longer about me or my future.

When President Obama took office, and took us along with him, he asked his correspondence staff to give him ten letters a night from everyday Americans. As his speechwriter, I get to read those letters, too. And they really are a representative sample. Some are mean. Some are nice. Some are about specific issues. It wouldn’t surprise any of you that a lot are about the unfairness of student loan debt. But most of them are from ordinary people who work really hard, and do what’s expected of them, but can’t seem to make life work out the way we’re told it should. They don’t ask for anything — they just desperately want somebody to know.
I often think about what it takes for someone to sit down and write a letter that’s so personal. And even when they’re at the end of their rope; even when you can tell that they had to wipe a tear off the page — I still think there’s something inherently hopeful about what they’re doing. It’s the hope that the system still works; that someone will hear their story and care about what’s happening in their life.

It is a constant, searing reminder of why what we’re trying to do has to work.

Now, some of you will go on to work directly with the people whom you got in this business to help. Others of you will work in institutions like government, with colleagues who are well-meaning, but where bureaucracy and convention tend to divorce you from the very people who drew you to this calling in the first place. And that can take you down a road where you’re fighting with a speechwriter to actually write something along the lines of: “This synergistic public-private partnership will leverage innovative micro-financing mechanisms to deliver educational services to the city’s four year-old humans,” when you could just say “Boom — little Billy gets to go to Pre-K now.”

As an aside, my general rule is, “If you wouldn’t say that to a friend in a bar, don’t make me put it in a speech.”

You should join those institutions — but you should resist that separation. Even if you truly love writing regulations more than anything else — in which case, wow — wherever you go from here, always remember who brought you here. It grounds you. It’s why I stay in touch with some of the people whose stories the President tells.

Some of them have become friends. I’ve seen their kids grow up via Facebook. And sometimes, I’ve seen their lives improve because of something we did — which is exactly what this is all about.

Whenever the President suffers a political or policy setback, no matter how minor, you can bet that someone in the media will inevitably call it his biggest crisis yet, or, my favorite, “Obama’s Katrina,” of which there have been about twenty. But I’ll tell you, for me, it has never been darker than it was in January 2010. There was a special election to fill my old boss’s seat in the Senate after he passed away. A Republican won, which left us exactly one vote short on Obamacare. The irony was cruel — it was the cause of Ted Kennedy’s career.

The President was advised to set his sights lower, cut a deal to expand coverage to some more kids, and move on. But he refused to go small. He went big. Not for his own sake; not because he was concerned with his legacy; but because he had read too many stories, in too many letters, to let that mail go unanswered. And he won. And for all the noise and nonsense, there are about 16 million newly insured Americans whose lives are better because he did.

That brings me to my final piece of advice. Be afraid to fail.

Now, I know you’ve heard people say “don’t be afraid to fail.” You should ignore that advice. You should be so afraid of failure that you’re willing to do anything to succeed.
I say this as someone who works in a town where so much is driven by a fear of failure. It takes guts to run for office, and good people, with good intentions, fight and claw and suspend their pride to basically panhandle from millionaires to win that office. But when they win, a lot of them become afraid to lose. They end up playing it safe, not rocking the boat, not doing much of anything at all for fear of angering the base or making a “gaffe” — which is another word for “telling the truth.” That’s how you get people running for a fifth, sixth, seventh term saying that government is the problem, not me, send me back there to fix it — without even a hint of irony.

And I’ll tell you, as a writer, I know fear — or at least crippling self-doubt. I told another speechwriter I was doing this today, and he said, “just tell them not to become writers.” Because there’s nothing scarier than a blank page. It taunts you, because it knows you have to shape it into something with a purpose — a rally, a eulogy, a State of the Union Address.

But that’s the thing — fear of failure is a powerful motivator. I’d been in the White House for two years before I was asked to write a speech that would earn national attention. And I pretty much stayed up for sixty hours straight to make sure it was good. Fear of failure keeps you sharp, even if it keeps you sleepless. It’s why, for weeks before something like the State of the Union Address, my car is the last one in the parking lot at night. I’m afraid all the time. I’m afraid to let my colleagues see that I’m not as smart as they are. I’m afraid to let the President down. I was afraid to do this commencement, for fear of being exposed as a lousy speechwriter.
Though if you didn’t like it, I’m just going to blame it on the fact that it was really hard to concentrate in Union Square Park.

And I’m not perfect — I still succumb to that fear sometimes.

Not too long ago, the President and I were working on a speech that we knew would get a lot of attention. Here, let me point out that he’s really the chief speechwriter. He’s a better writer than I am — which he won’t hesitate to point out — and if he had 48 hours in a day, he’d write his own speeches. So I view my job as to gather his thoughts, and try to give him a draft he can work with — one that says what he would if he had the time.

So two days before the speech, I handed him the first draft in the Oval Office. A half hour later, his assistant called and asked me to come back. Typically, when that happens, it’s not just so he can tell you how awesome you are, and send you on your way. And that day, he started out by saying, “Look, this is well-written, and I could probably deliver it as is,” which almost never means he actually wants to deliver it as is. “But we have two days, so let’s make it better.”

And then he gave me one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten, one I wish he’d given me years ago. “You took a half-swing on this. Take a full swing.”

He was right — I did take a half swing. Because I was afraid of what people would think and how they would react. I was afraid of what he would think. And that made me forget a lot of what I’d learned over the years, which is that we have never regretted going big; we have never regretted provoking uncomfortable conversations; we have never regretted poking holes in the B.S. that pervades most political speech and commentary. I let my fear of failure rein me in, when usually, it’s what propels me forward.

And I did not make that mistake on the second draft.

The point is, fear of failure forces you to push yourself. And if there’s one place worth pushing yourself, it’s in public service. Complacency is the enemy of change, and we already have enough complacent people in power. The halls of power are full of the timid. Separate yourselves from them. You will always regret taking a half swing, I promise. You will never regret taking a full swing. If you’re going to strike out, you go down swinging — not by watching the pitch go by. There is something worse about failing that way.

Public service is a tough profession, whatever flavor of it you’re heading into. All the theory you learned here is about to run up against cold, hard practice. And I promise you, anytime you try to change something, you will run into a chorus of cynics who tell you that you can’t do it; it won’t work; we don’t do things this way; fall in line. Ignore them. No one remembers people like that. I don’t care if you’re delivering clean water in Africa, devising new traffic patterns in Wichita, or launching a educational nonprofit in TriBeCa — people remember those who take great risks and do big things on their behalf.

Cynicism is easy. Anyone can do it. Change is hard. That takes us.

Today is a day all about you, as it should be. It’s hard-earned, and well-deserved. But take a minute to think about who it was that set you on this course in the first place — not a policy, or a theory, but the people that policy would help. If they sat down today, and wrote you a letter about their lives, what would it say? Hold on to that. Stay true to that. Tell their story — then work to change their story.

One of the things I love about my new fiancée is that she still takes photos of the White House like she just got there. My hope for all of you, as you enter or re-enter your careers, is that you do it with those same wide eyes. Do it with the same sense of wonder you had when you first set foot in New York City. Because public service is important. It matters. Remember who brought you here, and take a full swing on their behalf. Because whether they know you or not, they’re still hopeful that somewhere, someone is listening.

So get out there and show them that we are.

Thank you, congratulations, and good luck.

Planning the for the Obama State China began in the fall of 2011, with Mrs. Obama working with many members of the Residence staff — ushers, chefs, and curators — to draw on their experience with design, form, scale, quantity, and the needs of food service.

First Lady Michelle Obama drops by to present the Obama China service in the China Room of the White House, April 23, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

The First Lady wanted it to have modern elements, but also for it to be practical. She sought a different color from the more primary red, green, blue, and yellow used on the more recent state services.

"The First Lady chose a blue inspired by the waters off the President’s home state of Hawai’i, calling it 'Kailua Blue.'"

A fluted band of the Kailua Blue color, framed by a textured gold rim and a simple gilt inner line, appears on all pieces of the service except the service and dinner plates.

A similar fluted band of color — in a matte gold finish — was selected for the wide rim of the large service plate. This plate is related to the gold-rimmed service plates acquired in 1955 by the Eisenhowers, to supplement the 1951 Truman state service, and the service plates in the 2000 White House Bicentennial service, now referred to as the Clinton State Service.

For the gilt-edged white dinner plate, an early historical precedent was selected. Relief decoration of pinwheels and leaf fronds was derived from a French Empire dinner service purchased for James Madison in 1806, when he was Secretary of State. The original personal service, made by Nast of Paris, was probably used by the Madisons in their temporary official residences after the British burned the President’s House in 1814. Examples can be seen in the White House China Room.

The individual tureen, a form not found in other White House services, shares both motifs—the fluted Kailua Blue band and the white relief band. It also adds to the practicality of the service, as it can be used for soup, small entrees or desserts.

The gold Presidential coat of arms appears at the center of the service plate and dessert plate, and on the side of the straight-sided can cup for coffee or tea. These are the forms seen first and last on the table at a formal White House dinner.

The eleven-piece setting for 320 was manufactured in the Obamas’ home state of Illinois by Pickard China of Antioch.

President Barack Obama previews the new Obama White House China pattern on display in the China Room of the White House, April 23, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama places an order with the waitress during a lunch with Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., Amanda Rothschild, Mary Stein and Morvika "Vika" Jordan to discuss balancing family and jobs, at Charmington’s Café in North Baltimore, Md., Jan. 15, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

As Americans sit down to file their taxes on April 15, President Obama is heading to Charlotte, North Carolina to join a conversation with working women about many of the issues they care about most, like paying for child care, sending their kids to college, or saving for retirement. In a live event with leading women’s sites BlogHer and SheKnows, the President will answer your questions and discuss the policies that he’s fighting for.

Be a part of the conversation:

• Post your questions now on BlogHer and SheKnows and join the discussion on social media with #ObamaTownHall. You can also share your ideas on economic issues through BlogHer's survey. 
• Watch the event live on Wednesday, April 15 at 2:35 p.m. ET on WhiteHouse.gov, BlogHer.com, and SheKnows.com.

During the town hall tomorrow, the President will lay out his plan to help working Americans meet the needs of their jobs and their families to bolster and expand the middle class. We hope you can tune in live and join the conversation online.

Watch the town hall on Wednesday, April 15 at 2:35 p.m. ET:

Ed. Note: The live Q&A has concluded. You can check out the full conversation below:

Last week, the Obama administration took important steps toward LGBT equality and fairness. President Obama's Executive Order on LGBT Workplace Discrimination went into effect -- protecting about 1.5 million Americans from discrimination based on who they are or who they love. The White House also responded to a petition signed by more than 120,000 Americans about banning the practice known as conversion therapy: President Obama agreed. 

To continue the conversation about last week's actions and the Administration's commitment to LGBT equality, we hosted a Tumblr Q&A on Friday with:

• Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President
• Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General
• Pam Hyde, Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 

Here's the full conversation:

Hello All!! Welcome to our tumblr q and a. Excited to be here to answer your questions. Ask away.

---

leikolemons asked:

How do the president and other officials feel about transgender and lgbt equality?

We answered:

We believe everyone should be treated equally regardless of who you love, what your gender identity or sexual orientation is.

Check out a new video with White House staff

-Valerie

---

interesting-mistakes asked:

We all know that being black can make any adverse situation ever harder. There's any step being taken towards protecting black LBGTs? (especially black trans women that have been killed in a large scale in the last couple of years)

We answered:

It’s important to address the intersectionality within the LGBTQ community. Just last week, we welcomed for the first time a group of transgender women of color leaders to the White House for a briefing on community challenges and violence. The week before, we hosted 90 Black LGBTQ Emerging Leaders from across the country to discuss leadership and public service. The White House Council on Women and Girls Executive Director Tina Tchen recently wrote about it on the blog.

---

kneesocksevelynn asked:

Will any public statements be made about the protection and acceptance of trans people as a sign to other world leaders? Some countries aren't as fortunate as others with the acceptance of trans people and I imagine any public declaration would give precedence to make positive changes elsewhere too.

We answered:

Surgeon General: Great question! I believe we must lead by example, and one of the levers of my office is to be able to help advocate for initiatives and policy that will improve public health which, of course, knows no borders. In the Obama administration we are working to make our opposition to conversion therapy clear not only at home, but also to our friends and allies abroad. Read more here.

---

Hey, this is the Surgeon General ready to take your questions about Leelah’s Law.

---

witchxwood asked:

what are your plans on helping the transgender community? since a lot of violence seems to be directed towards them, with trans women of colour being the majority of that!

We answered:

Surgeon General: Being gay is not a disorder. Being transgender is not a malady that requires a cure. If I had been Leelah Alcorn’s physician, that’s exactly what I would have told her. My plan on helping transgender people – including transgender people of color – is to raise awareness about our opposition to conversion therapy and encourage health care professionals to do our part to educate parents and children confronting these issues.

---

saverock-ndroll asked:

Not a question, but I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting people like myself. I hope this trend of support may spread in our country so that none in my lgbtqa family may feel the fear of hatred, discrimination, or death.

We answered:

Thank YOU for making your voice a part of this discussion. Solutions can’t just come from government or public health professionals. If we’r’e going to build a stronger and healthier America, it’s going to take a concerted effort from ALL of us. Glad you are stepping up! -Dr. Murthy

---

gayallianceroc asked:

Transgender people face higher rates of unemployment, suicidal ideation and attempts, health disparities, and more: what is the administration committed to doing to reduce those disparities and substantively improve the quality of life of transgender Americans?

We answered:

We are committed to ensuring that transgender and gender non-conforming Americans are seated squarely within the fabric of American society, like all Americans. Over the last five years, we have taken important steps to ban workplace discrimination for transgender employees, provided resources to prevent bullying in schools based on gender identity, made clear that the protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 extend to discrimination based on gender identity, put in place non-discrimination protections on the basis of gender identity in the Affordable Care Act, and continue to appoint a record number of openly transgender Americans to the President’s Administration. Our commitment to reducing disparities and supporting the dignity of transgender Americans extends from the White House, to the Department of Justice, to the Department of Health and Human Services, and across the Administration. –Valerie & Dr. Murthy.

thefoxes-thehounds asked:

If conversion therapy is banned, how will the federal government successfully enforce that?

We answered:

A national ban would require legislation from Congress. In the meantime, we’re encouraging actions in the states. California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia have all banned licensed professionals from using conversion therapy on minors. Since last year, lawmakers in 18 other states have introduced similar legislation. We think action in the states is the best route to progress on this issue.

---

syntheticsiren asked:

It's been established for a while now that conversion therapy is not only ineffective, but generally leads to psychological damage to those affected. Does the Surgeon General have the ability to work with the professional organizations in that field to set guidelines for states to follow regarding licensing for therapy and counseling practices? If not, could this be directed so that it is at least not covered under health insurance plans?

We answered:

You make a really great point! In my role, I can work to educate health care professionals, public health officials, community leaders and state and local elected officials. And that’s precisely what we’re going to do. As you point out, groups like the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have already raised serious concerns about the use of conversion therapy. I share their concerns. We in the Obama administration are committed to improving our understanding of the potential harmful effects of conversion therapy, especially on minors. -Dr. Murthy

---

isaacfhtagn asked:

Do you think that the advancement and widespread use of social media has lead to an increase in accountability and transparency for the government? If so, how has that affected you? Do you think its a good thing?

We answered:

Yes! I think social media is a great way for us to interact and hear from the American people we are privileged to serve. You’re helping me prove that point right now :) -Dr. Murthy 

---

heyimblu asked:

What steps will you be taking to ensure this cruel practice ends? Do you think other laws will be created to help other people in the lgbt+ community? This law bans conversion therapy on minors, but what about adults? Just because they are legally adults doesn't mean those kind of people will stop trying to convert them in forceful manners.

We answered:

The key here – whether we’re talking about parents and their children or about adults – is EDUCATION. As America’s Doctor, my job is to help raise awareness about sound medical practices and the steps we can take together to improve America’s health. Conversion therapy is NOT sound medical practice. Moreover, we all need to work together to build greater understanding and acceptance throughout our society. Doctors can and should be part of that effort. -Dr. Murthy 

---

fandoms99 asked:

How do you feel about the LGBTQ community being treated in such a negative way and do you feel that you (as the government) can do to make them be seen in a more positive light or be accepted?

We answered:

Every day, I read heartbreaking letters and stories from LGBTQ people across the country facing serious adversity. I want my daughter and future grandchildren to live in a world where everyone is treated equally and fairly, and discrimination of any kind has no place in our country. And we all have to work together to create that more perfect Union. -Valerie 

---

jorjor08 asked:
(1/2) I don't have a question so much as a thank you. A thank you to the one president who was willing to be a voice for LGBT+ individuals. I have spent the better part of the past 6 years that President Obama has been in office doing exactly what the quote posted on Tumblr described. In the past 2 years however, I have come to an acceptance of myself and come out to my family and friends. While some reacted to the news better than others, every day it gets better.

We answered:

Thank YOU for your comment and for your courage in learning to accept yourself. You know, in her suicide note, Leelah Alcorn wrote, “People say ‘it gets better’ but that isn’t true in my case. It gets worse. Each day I get worse.” Here’s the thing you and I know: It DOES get better… but only if we all work together to MAKE it better. That takes families and community leaders. It takes elected officials and health professionals. And it takes people like you. By coming out to your family and friends, you are changing America for the better. So, seriously. Thank you. -Dr. Murthy

---

gaudiiart asked:

How are you ensuring young LGBT people are not discriminated in school?

We answered:

In 2010 we hosted the first ever White House summit on bullying and President Obama recorded an “It Gets Better” video. Since then, we’ve worked with the Department of Education to create StopBullying.gov and create resources to support LGBTQ young people in schools. With the work of of Gay-Straight Alliances, supportive administrators and teachers, and brave young people, we hope to continue to make schools safer and more welcoming for every student. –Valerie

---

fancyduckie asked:

Can we please make conversion therapy illegal at the federal level? States that still think that this is a good idea/legitimate form of therapy will not change their laws just because the President said it should be so. You should also note that this type of "therapy" INCREASES risk of suicide and other mental health issues, which is already alarmingly high among LGBTQ+ youth. Without a federally mandated law, you're leaving kids in red states behind, and some won't make it out alive.

We answered:

Thanks for your question. This is an issue that is personal to me. When I was young, I lost an uncle to suicide because of an untreated mental illness. One of my priorities over the next four years is to bring a greater focus on mental health and emotional well-being. My predecessor, Dr. David Satcher, issued the first Surgeon General’s report on mental health in 1999. We need to advance that work and I am committed to doing so over the next four years while I am in office. -Dr. Murthy

---

Thanks so much for joining us for today’s Tumblr Q&A. Let’s continue to lift up the stories of brave young people who are working to change our nation. Until next time! -Valerie & Dr. Murthy

---

notasammich asked:

What do you mean when you say you will "support" the effort? What steps will you actually be taking?

We answered:

Often, lack of support for LGBTQ identity, which young people experience as rejection, is really the heart of the matter. Working to help parents and families understand how to support their LGBTQ children is some of the most important work that we can do in ending the significant distress so many young LGBTQ people are experiencing. You can find more information here. Additionally, this year, a panel of national behavioral health experts will convene to discuss the issue of conversion therapy, and SAMHSA will produce a report on the topic. We hope this will inform future efforts in the area. -Pam, SAMHSA Administrator

---

franiel32 asked:

No questions, lol. I just wanted to say thank you. I know it hasn't been easy to be so forthrightly supportive of the LGBT community. It's been politically risky. But you've transformed my life and the lives of so many other Gay people. Given us a complete future in our own country. And I'll never forget that. Thanks. *huuuugs*

We answered:

Thank you for your support. We are proud of the Administration’s stance on this issue. SAMHSA has long recognized that discrimination, negative perceptions, stereotypes, and a lack of acceptance are some of the main reasons that more LGBTQ individuals are affected by behavioral health issues than their non-LGBTQ peers. -Pam, SAMHSA Administrator

---

acidangel1998 asked:

If you're going to run any campaign at all about LGBT issues, please don't make the same mistake a lot of them do. Demi, Bi, Ace, and Pansexuals get erased from almost every single one, and it is very disheartening to see that your sexuality is not only erased, but discredited as if it never existed. I struggled to discover my identity for two years because I thought on transexuals, gays, and lesbians were around. Run a campaign that displays those, and you will help more people than you know.

We answered:

At SAMHSA, we have Pride in our progress and we remain committed to addressing the behavioral needs of all sexual and gender minorities. Learn more about SAMHSA’s efforts to support these populations. -Pam, SAMHSA Administrator 

Learn more:

• Read the "We the People" Petition Response on Conversion Therapy
• Learn more about President Obama’s Executive Order on LGBT Workplace Discrimination

Today, the President and First Lady will host more than 35,000 people at the 137th-annual White House Easter Egg Roll. And, we’re excited to bring you new ways to experience the fun of the South Lawn from anywhere.

For the first time ever, the White House and Snapchat are teaming up on an Easter Egg Roll "Our Story." Snapchatters on the South Lawn are invited to share their experience in Snaps with access to special Easter Egg Roll filters. Through the Snapchat app, anyone around the world can experience the live event as it happens with behind-the-scenes photos and videos.

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative, this year’s Easter Egg Roll theme is #GimmeFive – and Mrs. Obama is challenging Americans across the country to share five things they’re doing to eat better, stay active, and lead a healthier life. Though Instagram's photo booth experience, you can get an exclusive glimpse on the First Lady's Instagram, @MichelleObama. Performers, athletes, and families will join the First Lady’s #GimmeFive call to action – and you won’t want to miss it.

Once again, the Easter Egg Roll will be streamed live all day at WhiteHouse.gov/eastereggroll. You can watch remarks by the President and First Lady, as well as performances by Fifth Harmony, MKTO, “So You Think You Can Dance” All-Stars, and many more.

So, be sure to follow along and join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using the hashtag #GimmeFive.

Check out the White House #EasterEggRoll "Our Story" on @Snapchat today! http://t.co/jeqH3zhlix #GimmeFive pic.twitter.com/zovUyR56me

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 6, 2015

On the weekend of March 21, people all over the world will meet up and take photos together as part of the 11th Worldwide InstaMeet. To celebrate, we’re inviting some of our Instagram followers to filter their way through the White House and share its history, art, and architecture with their followers.

Here's what you need to know:

• We're hosting an InstaMeet at the White House on Saturday, March 21.
• Right now, you can apply to join at WhiteHouse.gov/social. (Don't wait! The form closes at 6 p.m. ET on Friday, March 6.)
• Spread the word using #WHInstaMeet.

President Obama and the First Lady are committed to opening the doors of the White House and truly making it the "People’s House." Our InstaMeet continues a series of online and offline engagement events that invite citizens around the country to engage with their government.

Apply to join our InstaMeet on March 21, then follow our official accounts: @WhiteHouse, @MichelleObama, and the Chief Official White House Photographer @PeteSouza.

Watch the video, then head over to HealthCare.gov to learn more about your options.

Need to get covered? Find a health plan that best fits your needs at HealthCare.gov.

Already covered? Commit to help someone you know get covered here.

Watch the video and learn more about their story.

Watch on YouTube

President Barack Obama meets Vidal Chastanet and Nadia Lopez and is photographed by Brandon Stanton for the "Humans of New York" blog in the Oval Office. February 5, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

A couple of weeks ago, a photo of 13-year-old Vidal appeared on Humans of New York, a popular blog. He talked about his principal Ms. Lopez, saying: "She told each one of us that we matter." After garnering more than 1 million likes and shares on social media, the photo gave rise to a national campaign that has raised more than $1 million for Mott Hall Bridges Academy, a middle school in Brownsville, Brooklyn -- the neighborhood with the highest crime rate in New York City. The funds will send students to visit Harvard, support summer programs and provide scholarships.

Their story inspired people all around the country, including the President.

What began on the streets of Brownsville, Brooklyn made its way to the Oval Office. Today, Vidal Chastanet, Nadia Lopez and Brandon Stanton, the Humans of New York creator and photographer, sat down with President Obama to share their incredible story.

President Barack Obama meets Vidal Chastanet and Nadia Lopez and is photographed by Brandon Stanton for the "Humans of New York" blog in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Watch on YouTube

The East Room was transformed yesterday as three YouTube stars recreated their libraries and living rooms for an interview with the President. Nearly 500,000 viewers tuned in live as YouTube creators Hank Green, GloZell, and Bethany Mota sat down for one-on-one interviews that covered topics from education and gridlock in Washington, to Cuba policy and how to get more young people engaged in politics.

During the event, President Obama signed something special for Hank Green: a picture of him holding a pharmacy receipt. "I have a chronic condition," Hank said, "and it's expensive to manage. But before I had insurance I could not take this medication. It's about $1,100 a month. And that is a receipt showing the $5 a month. So Obamacare has worked for me. So thanks for that."

Bethany Mota, a 19-year-old with a younger online audience, asked the President about why the younger generation should get involved in politics. Here's what he said:

There is no decision in our lives basically that isn’t touched in some way by the laws that we have.  And we’re really lucky that we live in a democracy where our voice matters...It’s as simple as this:  You decide you guys want to go see a movie and you got a group of friends, and somehow you got to figure out which movie you’re going to go see, because not everybody is going to agree all the time. And you’re going to have to have a debate and you’re going to have to make an argument, and then eventually you’re going to have to compromise -- otherwise you guys aren’t going to be hanging out together too much. Well, the same is true for our country.

We’ve got to make decisions about which direction we’re going to go on in, what we’re going to be doing, how we’re going to spend our money, how we’re going to treat each other. And you don’t want to be the person who just says, okay, whatever you guys want to do, I’ll just do that.

You want to express your voice and your values and what you care about. And that’s what politics is.

It’s not really that complicated, it’s just -- it’s something that people do all the time with their friends and with their family. And they negotiate, they compromise, they try to figure out how do we live together. And this is just done at a national level. And some of the issues get pretty complicated, but usually the values are the same ones that you talk about all the time: how do we treat each other with kindness; how do we look after one another; how are we fair to each other. 

I think that young people usually have good instincts, but sometimes they just get turned off by all the noise and yelling on TV, and that’s not how politics has to be.

Watch the full interview here, and stay tuned for videos from Hank, GloZell, and Bethany about their interview with the President and trip to D.C.

 

We're here! @glozell @hankgreen

Une photo publiée par Bethany Noel Mota (@bethanynoelm) le

Janv. 22, 2015 at 11:27 PST

Step 1: Meet Bo and Sunny Step 2: Meet President Obama #YouTubeAsksObama pic.twitter.com/ArO7Hi2L5p

— YouTube (@YouTube) January 22, 2015

 

It's gettin' real!! youtube.com/ObamaWhiteHouse in less than 2 hours!!

A photo posted by hankgreen (@hankgreen) on

Jan 22, 2015 at 12:18pm PST

Before the Affordable Care Act, @hankgreen's meds cost $1,000. Now, it's $5. http://t.co/Cylp5TL4TC #YouTubeAsksObama pic.twitter.com/rR3o5nxksf

— Kori Schulman (@ks44) January 22, 2015

Obama's goals for the next two years - Two years free community college, higher minimum wage #YouTubeAsksObama #GloZellAsksObama

— GloZell Green (@GloZell) January 22, 2015

#YouTubeAsksObama @BethanyMota eyes got huge when @BarackObama said her voice is more powerful than his. Great moment, so touching.

— Dr. Bethany Johns (@DrBethanyJohns) January 22, 2015

 

Thank you for having us Mr. President! You guys can check out the interview on YouTube. It's safe to say this is my favorite selfie ever

After President Obama delivers his State of the Union address tonight, we’re hosting a conversation live from the White House -- and we hope you'll join. This year, the State of the Union is more interactive than ever, with an enhanced livestream, dynamic "river of content," and lots of opportunities to engage with Administration officials, including the President.

When President Obama finishes his address from the Capitol, we’re going live from the White House to give you a unique look inside the speech and answer questions about the policies and ideas that he lays out.

Right after the speech, Senior Advisor Dan Pfeiffer will sit down for an interview with The Huffington Post's Sam Stein. You can tune in to the interview live at WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU and HuffingtonPost.com/Politics and ask questions with #SOTUChat.

Then, White House Economist Betsey Stevenson and the Office of Public Engagement’s Paulette Aniskoff and Yohannes Abraham are joining the discussion. They’ll take questions from a live audience of "SOTU Social" guests and answer more of your #SOTUChat questions.

Be sure to tune in to the President’s State of the Union address at 9pm ET, then stick around for an interview with the Huffington Post followed by a Q&A that you won't want to miss.

The State of the Union 2015: Everything You Need to Know

• Watch the exclusive enhanced speech live at WH.gov/SOTU on Tuesday, January 20, at 9 p.m. ET.
• Visit WH.gov/SOTU to sign up for speech reminders, ask a question for post-speech follow-up, and get updates on the issues.
• Share which issue you'd most like to see progress on in the time we have left.
• Be sure you get all the latest updates by following the White House on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr.

Every year since 2010, we’ve invited people around the country to ask President Obama their questions after his State of the Union address. You’ve asked about everything from the economy, to immigration reform, to the Affordable Care Act... and even suggestions on baby names. 

After President Obama addresses the nation on Tuesday, January 20, he’s once again turning to YouTube to discuss the policies laid out in the speech and answer your questions. This continues efforts by the President and his administration to speak directly to the American people online, and we're always looking for new ways to do just that.

That's why, this year, we’re trying something a little different:

We’re inviting a handful of YouTube creators to the White House to talk with the President in person, and you can watch it all live on Thursday, January 22. YouTube creators Bethany Mota, GloZell, and Hank Green will interview President Obama about the issues care they most about and what they’re hearing from their audiences.

What do you want the creators to ask the President? Follow the White House on YouTube, then use #YouTubeAsksObama on your social media channels -- some of your questions may be asked during the interview.

Make sure you tune in to our enhanced State of the Union on January 20 at 9 p.m. ET. Start asking your questions now, and then watch the YouTube interview live at 5p.m. ET on Thursday, January 22 to find out if your questions were asked.

The State of the Union 2015: Everything You Need to Know

• Watch the exclusive enhanced speech live at WH.gov/SOTU on Tuesday, January 20, at 9 p.m. ET.
• Visit WH.gov/SOTU to sign up for speech reminders, ask a question for post-speech follow-up, and get updates on the issues.
• The White House is Open for Questions: Get Ready for Big Block of Cheese Day 2.0
• Share which issue you'd most like to see progress on in the time we have left.
• Be sure you get all the latest updates by following the White House on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr.

This year, a "We the People" petition became law. We hosted a virtual Big Block of Cheese Day. President Obama answered your questions during a Tumblr Q&A and took a virtual road trip on Google+. The First Lady asked "turnip for what?" in a Vine Q&A, and a Maker Faire came to the White House.

From joining new social media platforms to bringing in innovators, 2014 was a big year for "first-ever" moments that invited Americans to engage with their government. Take a look at highlights from the year, and be sure to stay tuned for a lot more ways to engage in 2015.

We hosted the first-ever virtual "Big Block of Cheese Day."
January 29, 2014

President Obama went on a virtual road trip on Google+.
January 31, 2014

Students were honored at the first-ever White House Film Festival.
February 28, 2014

President Barack Obama speaks with students in the State Dining Room prior to the White House Student Film Festival in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 28, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Vice President Biden posted his first Instagram.
April 16, 2014

President Obama answered your questions in his first-ever Tumblr Q&A.
June 10, 2014

The White House hosted its first-ever Maker Faire.
June 18, 2014

President Barack Obama looks at Lindsay Lawlor’s 17-foot-tall, 2,200-lb robotic giraffe on the South Lawn of the White House during the first White House Maker Faire, June 18, 2014. The creation “walks” on wheels and is powered by a 12-horsepower hybrid fuel-engine motor. Lindsay designed the Robotic Giraffe to play music, feature innovative lighting displays, and it can hold up to 30 people in its carriage. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The Vice President took the pen on his first White House White Board. 
July 23, 2014

A "We the People" petition on cell phone unlocking became the first petition to lead to a legislative fix. 
August 1, 2014

President Barack Obama signs S. 517, Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act, in the Oval Office, Aug. 1, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The First Lady joined Upworthy as a guest curator. 
September 8, 2014

President Obama talked innovation in America when he joined the publishing platform Medium.
October 9, 2014

The First Lady answered your questions in her first-ever Vine Q&A.
October 14, 2014

Hey, @Alphacat. The First Lady wants to know… #TurnipForWhat? https://t.co/WL7jCellbC #AskTheFirstLady #TD4W

— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) October 15, 2014

The first-ever 3D-printed presidential portrait was unveiled.
December 2, 2014

President Obama became the first President to write a line of code.
December 8, 2014

See more from 2014:

• 2014: Year in Review
• 2014: A Year of Action
• Here are nine ways we geeked out about science and technology in 2014
• These were our five favorite Joining Forces moments of 2014
• The year's top moments with First Lady Michelle Obama

If you can’t make it to the White House this season, you can explore the decorations and see what visitors are saying through a new experience powered by Spredfast. Take a look at what people are saying below, or at WhiteHouse.gov/Holidays.

On Wednesday, November 26th, President Obama will announce the National Thanksgiving Turkey and, once again, we’re inviting the American people to decide which bird takes the title.

Since at least the 19th century, Americans have been sending turkeys to the President for the holidays. As part of a more recent tradition that began in 2012, the National Thanksgiving Turkey will be chosen by the public through an online vote. This year’s top turkeys, Mac and Cheese, are going beak-to-beak on Twitter -- and it's up to you to decide who will be America's next top turkey.

Mac and Cheese flock from Cooper Farms in Oakwood, Ohio. Mac's got a grand champion style strut and his gobble has a country ring to it. Cheese is a feather-shaker with a rhythmic gobble that loves to cheese it up for the the cameras.

Which turkey has what it takes?

Are you on #TeamMac or #TeamCheese? Starting now, the turkeys are going beak-to-beak on Twitter, so get your vote in by 1:00pm ET on Wednesday, November 26th.

Then, be sure to tune in to President Obama's remarks at the Presentation of the National Thanksgiving Turkey at 2:15 pm ET at http://wh.gov/live and follow @WhiteHouse on Twitter to find out the winner.

Congrats #TeamCheese. President Obama just announced that your bird is the 2014 National #Thanksgiving Turkey! pic.twitter.com/vcdjMDpsnR

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 26, 2014

Note: It's all gravy, no turkeys will be harmed during the selection of the National Thanksgiving Turkey. After the pardoning, both turkeys will travel to their permanent home at Morven Park's Turkey Hill, the historic turkey farm located at the home of former Virginia Governor Westmorland Davis in Leesburg, Virginia.

You should also read:

• Learn More About the 2013 National Thanksgiving Turkey
• Learn more about the 2012 National Turkey
• The Definitive History of the Presidential Turkey Pardon
• 2010: Pardoning the National Thanksgiving Turkey

To kick off the week, Snapchat and It’s On Us teamed up to help spread the word on college campuses around the country. Snapchat users on more than 40 campuses saw a special PSA from It's On Us, which has been viewed more than 250,000 times in the app to date. Those students also have access to new geofilters, enabling them to share It’s On Us snaps with their friends. 

Take a look at what students are sharing, and add It’s On Us on Snapchat for updates from the campaign to put an end to sexual assault. You can also follow It's On Us on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook.

 

A video posted by Generation Progress (@genprogress) on

Nov 11, 2014 at 12:58pm PST

Are you on @Snapchat? Use our new filter to share #ItsOnUs with your friends! pic.twitter.com/jtHBpW9XVu

— It's On Us (@ItsOnUs) November 17, 2014

Very cool brand partnership between @Snapchat and #ItsOnUs pic.twitter.com/Nxtm826rA0

— Jamie Gottlieb (@jamiegott) November 17, 2014

Check out the #ItsOnUs snapchat filter if you wanna take cool pics like this to spread the message to friends! pic.twitter.com/eSsmn9F0y1

— Hayley Bock (@hahahayleyjb) November 18, 2014

Ed. Note: In September, the White House launched the It's On Us campaign in partnership with the Center for American Progress’ Generation Progress. The It’s On Us Snapchat account, and other It’s On Us social media presences, are operated by Generation Progress.

President Barack Obama delivers remarks and awards the 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom to honorees during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Nov. 20, 2013. Honorees are: Ernie Banks, Ben Bradlee, former President Bill Clinton, Daniel Inouye (posthumous), Daniel Kahneman, Richard Lugar, Loretta Lynn, Mario Molina, Sally Ride (posthumous), Bayard Rustin (posthumous), Arturo Sandoval, Dean Smith, Gloria Steinem, Cordy Tindell "C.T." Vivian, Patricia Wald, and Oprah Winfrey. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Today, President Obama named nineteen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. "I look forward to presenting these nineteen bold, inspiring Americans with our Nation’s highest civilian honor," said the President.

"From activists who fought for change to artists who explored the furthest reaches of our imagination; from scientists who kept America on the cutting edge to public servants who help write new chapters in our American story, these citizens have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world."

The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a ceremony at the White House on November 24th, 2014:

Alvin Ailey (posthumous) 
Ailey was a choreographer, dancer, and the founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which is renowned for its inspiring performances in 71 countries on 6 continents since 1958. Ailey’s work was groundbreaking in its exploration of the African American experience and the enrichment of the modern dance tradition, including his beloved American masterpiece Revelations. The Ailey organization, based in New York City, carries on his pioneering legacy with performances, training, educational, and community programs for people of all backgrounds.

Isabel Allende
Isabel Allende is a highly acclaimed author of 21 books that have sold 65 million copies in 35 languages. She has been recognized with numerous awards internationally. She received the prestigious National Literary Award in Chile, her country of origin, and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Tom Brokaw
Tom Brokaw is one of America’s most trusted and respected journalists. Mr. Brokaw served as anchor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004, and is currently a Special Correspondent for NBC News. For decades, Mr. Brokaw has reached millions of Americans in living rooms across the country to provide depth and analysis to historic moments as they unfold, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the terrorist attacks of 9-11. His reporting has been recognized by the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award, two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, eleven Emmys, and two Peabody awards. Mr. Brokaw previously served as anchor of NBC’s Today, and following the death of his close friend Tim Russert, Mr. Brokaw took over Meet the Press during the 2008 campaign season.  He has written five books including The Greatest Generation, a title that gave name to those who served in World War II at home and abroad.

James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner (posthumous)
James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner were civil rights activists and participants in “Freedom Summer,” an historic voter registration drive in 1964.  As African Americans were systematically being blocked from voter rolls, Mr. Chaney, Mr. Goodman, and Mr. Schwerner joined hundreds of others working to register black voters in Mississippi. They were murdered at the outset of Freedom Summer. Their deaths shocked the nation and their efforts helped to inspire many of the landmark civil rights advancements that followed.

Mildred Dresselhaus
Mildred Dresselhaus is one of the most prominent physicists, materials scientists, and electrical engineers of her generation.  A professor of physics and electrical engineering at MIT, she is best known for deepening our understanding of condensed matter systems and the atomic properties of carbon, which has contributed to major advances in electronics and materials research.

John Dingell
John Dingell is a lifelong public servant, the longest serving Member of Congress in American history, and one of the most influential legislators in history. Having represented Michigan in the House of Representatives since 1955, Mr. Dingell has fought for landmark pieces of legislation over the past six decades, from civil rights legislation in the 1960s, to legislation protecting our environment in the 1970s, to his persistent, determined fight for health care throughout his career, from Medicare to the Affordable Care Act. Mr. Dingell also served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Ethel Kennedy
Ethel Kennedy has dedicated her life to advancing the cause of social justice, human rights, environmental protection, and poverty reduction by creating countless ripples of hope to effect change around the world. Over 45 years ago, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, which is dedicated to realizing her husband’s dream of a more just and peaceful world. Ethel Kennedy was most recently honored for her longtime advocacy of environmental causes in neglected areas of Washington, D.C. with the dedication of the “Ethel Kennedy Bridge” over the Anacostia River.

Suzan Harjo
Suzan Harjo is a writer, curator, and activist who has advocated for improving the lives of Native peoples throughout her career. As a member of the Carter Administration and as current president of the Morning Star Institute, she has been a key figure in many important Indian legislative battles, including the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. Dr. Harjo is Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee, and a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.

Abner Mikva
Abner Mikva is a dedicated public servant who has served with distinction in all three branches of government. He was a five-term Congressman from Illinois, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and White House Counsel for President Bill Clinton. He has also served as a law professor at Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois.

Patsy Takemoto Mink (posthumous)
Patsy Takemoto Mink was a Congresswoman from Hawai'i, serving a total of 12 terms. She was born and raised on Maui, became the first Japanese American female attorney in Hawai'i, and served in the Hawai'i territorial and state legislatures beginning in 1956. In 1964, she became the first woman of color elected to Congress. She is best known for co-authoring and championing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Edward Roybal (posthumous)
Edward R. Roybal was the first Mexican-American to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from California in nearly a century. In 1976, he founded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, creating a national forum for Latino issues and opening doors for a new generation of Latino leaders. 

Charles Sifford
Charles Sifford was a professional golfer who helped to desegregate the Professional Golfers’ Association, despite harassment and death threats. He started his life on the links as a caddy, and though he was formally excluded from the PGA for much of his career because of the color of his skin, he won six National Negro Opens. In 1960, he won his challenge over the PGA’s “Caucasian only” membership policy. He went on to win official PGA events and the PGA Seniors’ Championship. He was inducted in the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004 and received an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of St. Andrews in 2006.

Robert Solow
Robert Solow is one of the most widely respected economists of the past sixty years. His research in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s transformed the field, laying the groundwork for much of modern economics. He continues to influence policy makers, demonstrating how smart investments, especially in new technology, can build broad-based prosperity, and he continues to actively participate in contemporary debates about inequality and economic growth. He is a Nobel laureate, winning the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1987.

Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim is one of the country’s most influential theater composers and lyricists. His work has helped define American theater with shows such as Company, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George, and Into the Woods. Mr. Sondheim has won eight Grammy Awards, eight Tony Awards, an Academy Award, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is one of the most widely known and acclaimed actors in history. Ms. Streep has captured our imaginations with her unparalleled ability to portray a wide range of roles and attract an audience that has only grown over time, portraying characters who embody the full range of the human experience. She holds the record for most Academy Award nominations of any actor in history.

Marlo Thomas
Marlo Thomas is an award-winning actress, producer, best-selling author and social activist. Whether championing equality for girls and women, giving voice to the less fortunate, breaking barriers by portraying one of television’s first single working women on That Girl, or teaching children to be “Free to Be You and Me,” Thomas inspires us all to dream bigger and reach higher. Thomas serves as National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a pediatric treatment and research facility focused on pediatric cancer and children's catastrophic diseases. The hospital was founded by her father, Danny Thomas, in 1962.   

Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is one of the world’s most gifted singer-songwriters. Mr. Wonder has created a sound entirely his own, mixing rhythm and blues with genres ranging from rock and roll to reggae, and demonstrating his mastery of a range of instruments, styles, and themes. He is also a Kennedy Center Honoree, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and winner of 25 Grammys and an Academy Award.

Learn more:

• Watch exclusive interviews with some of the past Medal of Freedom recipients.
• See the full press statement.