RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (CNN) - Some of the new media tools that helped propel President Obama to the White House are going to get their first test run on the international stage Thursday, when he delivers a long-awaited speech to the Muslim world.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said administration officials are planning to use text messaging and social networking sites like Facebook to help engage the world, especially young people, during and after the speech in Cairo.
Gibbs said the goal is to "not only draw people in to see the speech but to have them discuss it as well" to keep the conversation going long after the actual speech is delivered.
For example, the U.S. State Department is planning to send text messages about Obama's speech to users worldwide who sign up at www.america.gov. The texts will be sent out in four languages - Arabic, Persian, Urdu and English - and will enable users "to reply and give feedback" in real time, according to Gibbs.
The White House, which usually sends out transcripts of presidential speeches in English, will release the transcript in 13 different languages this time around.
Administration officials estimate that there are 20 million users of Facebook in the Arab countries and are setting up live chats on that site in order to get a conversation going online.
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
Obama be texting to everyone: i *heart symbol* Islam
That'll convince those jihadists that Obama means business!
No wonder Al Queda issued threats. They feel threatened by this Obama outreach and they're right to feel that way.
Change is coming to the Middle East.
Thank you Mr. President.
@Jimmy – Weak...
I'm still trying to figure out why the U.S. is apologizing to the Middle East and extending an olive branch. Shouldn't they be the ones doing that?
I'm waiting for Doug NJ to somehow relate this to what bad drivers liberals are. Have a nice day!
And our news media assured everyone that Obama was not Muslim. Oh well, all of the rest of their stories were lies also!
@gerry:
You got it all wrong gerry, you have not been paying attention. This obama guy is telling the rest of the world that America could be seen as muslim. If you are not now one you soon will be. There are a few of us who will resist his effort to turn this into a muslim mecca, hide and watch.
I wouldn't care if President Obama was a muslim, hindu, zoraster, hari krishna, he is working his behind off for this country and the people unlike bush. Notice how the world is paying attention and actually showing a desire to listen to the USA for a change?
Jimmy the Greek – what would you have him do, invade them??? That's all you rethugs know how to do. Funny, how's that working out for you guys? Look up the word diplomacy.
To Jimmy the Greek: No, the hard-core Jihadists won't be swayed. But Islamists who are considering Jihadism can be swayed, and by reaching out with a message of conciliation Obama can dry up support for Jihadists in the short term and limit their numbers in the long term. Its exactly the right thing to do. There will always be Islamists who see violence as the best means to advance their cause. Just like in our nation there will always be folks who will kill, in the name of Christ, an abortion doctor or some other heretic who offends them. Its not a reflection on Christians or Christianity, but on the evil that all men are capable of.
Glad to see we're returning to the policy of appeasement that worked SO well for Bill Clinton! (eyes rolling)
You liberals are an echo-chamber of senseless support of the WORST president since Jimmy Carter.
The desire to kill Jews and Americans is so great by Islamic extremist that NO soaring American rhetoric will quell the thirst for death these soon-to-be martyrs feel.
Someone who would strap on explosives and seek to kill innocent women & children in malls do not deserve liberal sympathy... they deserve the chance to enjoy martyrdom from the business end of a laser-guided smart-bomb.
Kneel and worship at the feet of your messiah, and believe he is keeping you safe. I can ASSURE you the Israeli people and right-minded individuals do not buy this charlatan's exercise into narcissism.
This text was in response to the hateful comments in another ticker, but it is appropiate in this site as well.
****************************************************************************
Fearful hate mongers,
You may not agree with the traditions and conditions that people live under in some of these countries, particularly women, but the US can't not just dive in and start bombing everyone in an effort to have them conform to what Americans define as democracy...don't be so naive. That would be very dangerous for the whole world. People who live in these areas of the world must work to change things for themselves as well.
Let us not forget, America didn't get it right initially either (i.e., slavery, limited rights for women, the genocide of Native Americans,etc), and judging by some of the comments in this posting, America still has a long way to go...we can disagree without being so mean and dogmatic in our approaches.
Yeah! Peace and happiness to everyone! The Great Annointed One, the Prophet Obama is twitting and Facebooking. And gosh golling darn gee wiz, he's gonna make everyone love everyone.
So during this BIG, ENORMOUS, LIFE CHANGING, TIDE TURNING speech that his holiness will give, how many times is he gonna apologize for America doing that mean, terrible thing and defending herself before he came to the throne....I mean took office? He's already said he thinks Iran should be able to have nuclear power (which oddly enough he and his fellow Dems won't let the US have – or develop more), and yet he's dim-witted enough to believe that Iran will only use it for nuclear power and not weapons.
So tell me, when Israel, New York, DC, and/or LA are radioactive slag heaps thanks to fundamentalist Islamic terrorists, all you koolaid drinkers gonna finally believe that Obama wasn't good for America? I ain't holding my breath on that one.
RayRay wrote:
Glad to see we're returning to the policy of appeasement that worked SO well for Bill Clinton! (eyes rolling)
So RayRay how'd that whole war policy work out for your messiah George W. Bush? Not so good, huh? Mission accomplished! Have a nice day!
Ray Ray...I wonder why you use that name. I think it has something to do with your ignorance. To call President Obama the worst President since Carter is the most stupid remark I have read or heard in over 50 years. Are you a fool or simply foolish?
Every post you make has a deep down hatred within each and I wonder why CNN allow your garbage ever day. Get a grip and get out of your trailer or Karl Rove docrinated mentality.
President Carter is 100 times better than your beloved GWB and placing GWB and Obama in the same statement proves you are as dumb as a door nail.
@ Jay Jay:
The worst president since Jimmy Carter(actually, he's worse than Jimmy) is, and likely always will be, GWB. You just can't top that level of incompetence.
Loup Garou 782: This obama guy is telling the rest of the world that America could be seen as muslim. If you are not now one you soon will be. There are a few of us who will resist his effort to turn this into a muslim mecca,
******************************************
What an ignorant and baseless statement. Do you have any proof? What specific actions has Obama taken to "turn this into a muslim mecca"? What would cause you to believe in something like that?
Or is this jus a baseless statement? It makes me so sad to read comments like yours. Your statement is an attempt to cause people to fear Obama, as if he is going to take away our freedom of religion.
Sir, you have my pity.
I am Proud to be an American! I got a president who is eager to restore the American image. I bet no one would through a shoe at him.
All Terrorists are welcome in the Muslim World.
Borack Obama is a Muslim.
The majority of the Muslim world are not extremists, and Obama deserves a chance to separate those who are peaceful from those who are violent. LET HIM TRY!!
Barrack Hussein Obama is pushing his Muslim speech because he is still a Muslim.
His true identity is coming out now that he has been elected....he fooled the majority of his voters by side-stepping the issue during the Presidential election.
He is destroying our Great Country from within. I hope you people that voted for him and believed all his lies during the election "drank the kool-aid" are happy now.
@ ray ray.......... As a Christian I am deeply offended by you, a GOPer, who is likely a Christian, mocking us, Obama supporters!
President Obama is no messiah, sir! Stop with the vile attacks its old and believe me wont win you any elections!
I am proud of our president! Kudos President Obama!
@ Jimmy the Greek........ "heart symbol" ??? What did YOU think of BUSH when he not only....... bowed....... but KISSED THE SAUDI KING & PRINCES??? WHAT DID YOU THINK WHEN BUSH WALKED AROUND HOLDING HANDS WITH THE SAUDI KING & PRINCES???
I am truly grateful to have such a brilliant, in-touch Commander-in-Chief...
...the conservative racists have a right to be jealous of him...
...since he continuously shows them for what they are...
...ignorant, dishonest, racist, player-haters...
...with NO political future in this great nation...
...the YOUTH will see to that!
@ Nero the genius says,
"President Carter is 100 times better than your beloved GWB and placing GWB and Obama in the same statement proves you are as dumb as a door nail."
------
Considering there have only been 44 Presidents... HOW exactly to you quantify Carter is "100 times better...."??
LMAO – liberal mental disorder strikes again!
The right wing of the GOP and Al Qeada want to see Mr Obama and the USA fail and will do anything to ensure the said failure.
The similarities are uncanny:
Both use religious dogma to justify anti-intellectual cowardly tactics.
Both would like to keep women in subservient roles.
Both preach a return to the "greatness and glory" of the past.
One religious zeolot commited a murder in Little Rock and the other comitted a murder in Kansas City in the past week based on twisted ideology.
This is something that should have been done many presidents ago.
We owe our mind and soul to all the people of the Middle East ,just think where would we be without reading, writing, math and civilization if we had not borrow it from them. Dont you think it time to say thank you and mean it.
President Obama is "THEE MAN". He's got his hands on the pulse of everything technical. Our President is so FAR ahead of the GOP it's not even funny. The GOP can't compete with our President. He's too smart, too business savvy and highly competent on all levels. Every time they think they've out-smarted him with their juvenile theatrics, BAM...he comes back at them even harder with a bullseye shot!
I'm so glad we have a President who is so advanced, it puts America back on the map!!
I have to stop and think when I imagine famous people with staffs and publicists, etc. being on facebook. Can you just imagine the committee meeting to determine "what's on Obama's mind?"
Anyway, I think it's interesting that all Obama has to do is do a few events integrating new tech and carry a blackberry and he's suddenly a hip president–it's not like his policies are more teen friendly (remember his online town hall meeting where he laughed at the most asked youngster question: legalizing pot).
I don't know if that's a sign he's not REALLY all that hip or if it's a sign politicians are usually so UNHIP it takes very little to make them seem like the fourth Jonas Brother.
For those who think bombing and killing our enemies are the solutions, you really aren't seeing the big picture. It is because the enemy bombed and killed us that we united and went after the evil doers. Why do we think us using the same indiscriminate methods we criticize the terrorists for will work for us, it sure doesn't work for our enemies!
Also a history lesson: in WWI we killed and humiliated the Germans. In less than three decades afterwards they returned, vengeful and angry. We killed them again in WWII, BUT instead of humiliating them we went and built their country, their infrastructure, their economy back up. We worked with them, treated them as our allies despite all the crimes they committed during WWII. Today, as a result, they are one of our closest ally, both politically and economically. Japan, our other mortal enemy from that war is also now our ally. Winning hearts and minds is not foolish! It is the best way to win lasting peace!
Mr Obama has already run circles around the GWB middle east policies and has not had any shoes thrown at him.
The difference between a leader that worked to gain the support of americans and an unprepared affirmative action imposter president that had an election handed to him in 2000 is obvious.
The leader works his tail off for all people and the imposter worked for his big business buddies and his narrow minded consitiuents.
Another great job and seized opportunity President Obama!
If we reach out to the Muslim world and show we are not the hateful, war-mongering bullies of the past Presidency – we will be able to neutralize the hate the Muslim radicals use to keep their people stirred up.
Being a good and decent human being that exudes honor, decency and integrity will go a very long way in improving Muslim country relations and reducing recruitment lies by the radicals.
Once again – President Obama shows outstanding foresight and leadership. Anyone else noticed that America is on a strong path to recovery, has a new place of trust on the world stage, and major progress is being achieved in alternative energy programs and other critical issues to the survival and prosperity of America?
- and ALL of it with not one Republican vote, support, or idea – guess all their negativty only destroyed them and America moved on and SUCCEEDED. Come 2010 – it's time to get rid of more of the do-nothings who are useless to America's future.
I got a great idea...Pres. Obama sends out a special text messages in Arabic to all mosques in the mid-East. Attached to the text woufdl be a virus. Not a computer virus, but a real live kill-you-in-two-minutes virus.
An Arabic textr from Obama would be all the rage that all terrorist would want read it...ya get where I'm goin' with this?
Don't bomb 'em, infect 'em. Or is that too harsh for the folks who have sworn to destroy western civilization?
Some more rhetoric coming from the right wingnuts.... Remember shoes? The polls still has Obama favorable in the United States, and higher in the world. Each and every President going all the way back to the late 60's has been trying to bring peace to the Middle East.
I kind a remember Yasser Arafat in his younger days he reminded me of Ringo Starr...
Jimmy Carter made some progress within the Middle East, so did Reagan, and Clinton, but Bush, he had shoes thrown at him. Bush went into Iraq without any provocation, Bush went into Syria without provocation. If his Presidency went any longer, we would have been at war with the whole Middle East...
Lacrossmom writes,
"As a Christian I am deeply offended by you, a GOPer, who is likely a Christian, mocking us, Obama supporters!"
Obviously you're not a REAL Christian as you suggest. God is the leader who deserves your undying support. Everyone else (including Obama) is a fallible person deserving no greater respect than your local convenience store clerk, Starbucks barista, or garbage guy.
Get a grip on your emotions, woman!
I'll tell you one thing.. Obama has got more guts than any of you paranoid republicans – he's willing to speak one on one with any leader...even the leader of Iran. I sure as he** wouldn't. - it's either very brave or very foolish, one of the two.... even with the secret service agents..
In my opinion... it shows he has no fear. It shows he will do whatever he has to do to get the job done. So if all you republicans think that the only way you can show you are big and tough to the rest of the world is to drop bombs... that's not brave – that's cowardice. What Obama is doing takes far more courage, and it's also a very legitimate path towards peace....
or i guess you would prefer the republican plan...
We tried your way for the last 8 years......i think we've learned.. bombing is not generally constructive to the peace process. =)
good luck Obama.
Hey those of you that still want to live in the dark ages, there's a place called Alaska you might want to move to. You could secure your own border, let those in (if they meet your requirements) and live happily ever after . Meanwhile, those of us who support our current president and the hard work he is doing can move forward. GO OBAMA!!!!!
Kevin B,
You write, "One religious zeolot commited a murder in Little Rock and the other comitted a murder in Kansas City in the past week based on twisted ideology."
Have you ever considered the correlation between liberals and jihadists, Kev?
- Code Pink stalked the Bush Administration over the War
- Berkely, CA kicked out Military Recruiters from their town
- Liberals assailed President Bush the last 4+ years over Iraq
- Liberals would rather Saddam Hussein was alive in Power if it meant Bush wasn't President.
Oh and by the way... did you hear about the religious zealot (Muslim convert) who gunned down 2 men standing outside a recruiting station?
That probably didn't bother you nearly as much as the Kansas City issue, eh?
President Obama
welcome to Cairo, Egyptians are waiting for your speech ,we all have great hopes. we wish you don't let us down , you really have a great place in our hearts.we hope you open new ties with Egypt,the Heart of the Arab and Islamic world.
We hope that you can perform a good face lift for america for the Arab World to see and like.
DR.Hisham El Minawi
Assitant Professor of Plastic Surgery
Cairo university
Muslim's the world over must be glad to have a POTUS that talks to them instead of talking down to them. Yo can get more with honey, people. It won't happen over nite, it will take time, the damage is great. I think Obama should be commended for the attempt at good will.
Lee stated:
Barrack Hussein Obama is pushing his Muslim speech because he is still a Muslim.
--------------------–
Phew... I was HOPING there were still a few true neocons out there who would show us the depths of their stupidity.. You know, such as only reading the HEADLINE of the story before responding...
ray ray said..
Considering there have only been 44 Presidents… HOW exactly to you quantify Carter is "100 times better…."??
----
ray... are you really so slow that you think that statement made sense?.. It wouldn't matter if the only 2 presidents in history were Bush and Obama... you could still say one is '100 times better'..
ray ray... you prove to me the necessity of education reform
Lee from Detroit Michigan, I think you need to check your tin foil hat, I believe it is coming loose...
HAHAHA Change is coming to the Middle East.....Is going to bankrupt them as well. Thats about all the treasury has left is change so guess he didnt totally lie about "Hope" and "Change"
Does anyone else notice that the only people that think Obama is the messiah are the right wing nutcases? hmmmm
@ ray ray
People like u are the reason why rebulicans lost so badly. I dont consider my self a Democrate, but the kind of ridiculous ideas and conspiracies republicans have these days just makes me want to throw up again and again.
u'd better off sit back silently and not support Obama, rather that try to come up with senseless ideas against him that makes me wanna laugh at u!!!
@ Phil
the US is not apologising to no-one and we wont. Dont twist things here.
I love how President Obama uses internet technology to put his spin on his own policies. It leaves very little room from media screw ups and spin masters' skews.
What do these critics think? What will Obama gain by intentionally misleading the Americans? Instead he has everything to loose as History will hunt him. I think every single thing he does he mean well for the American people and instead, all Americans; dems or the GOPs should tender him their support or judge with some advisory and not slamming like the way some of you do. God!! some of you suck. Its not even a question of what is doing is clued or not but whose mess is he clearing? Who could have done better? He is the only and only man for that. Please let him work.
ray ray June 3rd, 2009 5:43 pm ET
@ Nero the genius says,
"President Carter is 100 times better than your beloved GWB and placing GWB and Obama in the same statement proves you are as dumb as a door nail."
—————-
Considering there have only been 44 Presidents… HOW exactly to you quantify Carter is "100 times better…."??
LMAO – liberal mental disorder strikes again!
Geez, ray ray. Where do I begin with that one?
How about a proverb:
"Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."
You know what, Lee from Detroit and the rest of the bigots posting here, I am soooo tired of Barack the Muslim rhetoric. He is NOt a Muslim, but even if he was, he would have had my vote. Muslims are not our enemy, radical fundamental Islamists are. Barack Obama is brilliant, engaged and forward thinking and understands that hate and bullying have made things worse, not better. I am proud to have him represent the United States of America.
That man is brilliant. While President Obama's views are represented by the the people he chose to surround himself with he is going around the world portrayed himself as the peace maker. I guess two faces are better than one.
The one thing that is going to be harder and harder is for countries to stop technology. The internet is a communication tool that is almost impossible to stop. The Obama adminstration understands that and is using them to the US advantage.
The majority of Muslims are not our enemy, they have more influence over their right wingers than we do. If we can get a positive message out to them, they will mimimize the wingnuts.
We already did "I'm the Big Dog" routine in the last administration, didn't go so well. Keep going President Obama, you make me proud.
Amaazing move by the president...the twentieth century Republicans just can't compete with this man...though they probably will call him ekitist because he is aware that people in other countries speak different languages.
@Peter E, your own example is your undoing. We didn't help Germany and Japan rebuild until AFTER we defeated them militarily. We also didn't just forgive them, but held war crimes trials and executed the worst of the lot. Forgiveness after victory is fine. Forgiveness before victory is surrender.
Dont do any apologizing for me or ask for my support for a muslim till they all apologize for the actions that their brothers and sisters have done to my country and the American people. Why should we support them at all, what have they done for America, NOTHING but given us grief.
He used the Internet in the campaign. Why not use it to spread his message in the Muslim world. This is a smart man that has surrounded himself with smart and savvy people. We are blessed to have him now. The sad thing is that if he makes good the world or makes it a better place, haters will never admit that he should get any of the credit for it.
I am impressed beyond words with this brilliant man.....No, I don't worship him.....I recognize the gift with which he is mantled.....I say to those who said that no shoes would be thrown at THAT ONE - so true....But it's so sad that he is more honored aboard than by many in his own country......If history is true, that is a good thing.....Anticipation...Ps. 91...........
apologize NOT. As a country we have done more for freedom than all the other nations put together....Why does not Obama understand,Muslims hate Americans and look at us as Infidels.Maybe Obama does not know what an Infidel is??..If Obama wants cheaper oil and more he needs to lift his suspension on off shore drilling...Why does Obama think its OK for Iran to have Nuclear Energy but not America??
I'd like for us to engage Mecca with a few B-61's or W88's
For those that oppose better relations with the Muslim world, i ask you do you support "enhanced interrogation" on your right wing extremist domestic terrorist? Should we go after All Christian extremists preemptively to keep Americans safe? I really am enjoying that things are coming full circle. Hopefully the GOP can wise up and see just what kind of damage they have cause and apparently continue to do. Like the DR. Tiller murder by an American terrorist.
This is by far beyond what we have needed. By using the internet, Mr. Obama has opened up politics to many young or busy people. He is trying to outreach his message to all who are willing to listen, and believe me we are all listening. Thank you President Obama, make this "issue" go away, we are being anti-semitist towards muslims as the nazis treated jews....Not as extreme of course, but I do believe we cannot tolerate the muslim religion and its' traditions, just like in Germany during the 1930's-1940's.
A speech to the muslim radicals while he insults the USA and Christianity.
Kelby in Houston, Tx:
I'm not interested in how anyry you get over something I have said about your great leader(obama). I don't care if you want to fall down and kiss his feet, it's your choice. He is not now and never will be mine. And I certanily did not seek, need or want your pitty. I am a proud caucasian, natural born American citizen and U>S>Marine veteran of WWII. It won't make much difference to me what he does to you people, I don't have the time left to care.
HAVE A NICE DAY.
@ray ray
"President Carter is 100 times better than your beloved GWB and placing GWB and Obama in the same statement proves you are as dumb as a door nail."
—————-
Considering there have only been 44 Presidents… HOW exactly to you quantify Carter is "100 times better…."??
LMAO – liberal mental disorder strikes again!
_________________________________
hes talking about percentage points you right-wing nitwit
@ Loup Garou 782
hahahahahahahahha....o wait are you serious? yea intelligent people sit around trying to figure out how to turn dummies like you into muslims....my god do you people know how to think?
Grace, being on Facebook and knowing how to text does not make the president so FAR advanced.
A child can do that.
Lee, Detroit, Michigan June 3rd, 2009 5:38 pm ET
Barrack Hussein Obama is pushing his Muslim speech because he is still a Muslim.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You are a fool. Even if President Obama were a Muslim, why would that matter? Oh right, all Muslims are the same, according to your limited global perspective. Do you even have a passport? 'The Muslims' aren't going to attack your Dairy Queen, so you can sleep safe tonight.
For arguments sake, I'd take an educated accomplished Muslim-American President over a redneck uneducated Republican slack jaw cretin like yourself any day.
the us government is already failing and i don't think Obama wants to make a change, just put a whole bunch of it in his pocket
Seriously you racist and retarded GOPers need to stop shooting us in the face.
Considering there have only been 44 Presidents… HOW exactly to you quantify Carter is "100 times better…."??
LMAO – liberal mental disorder strikes again!
Ray Ray! I like summers 100 times more than winters, yet there are only four seasons. much difficult to understand for conservatives is?
I hope Obama knows what he is dealing with? Muslim is a volaitile world, they can be pacific in one breath and pure Jihad , the next.
They literally breathe hot and cold in the same breath. The moderates leave the Islamic nets and then send money back to promote more fundamentalisation, Guilt trip. Their religion calls for destruction of infidels. There is need for a modern leader in Islam who will modernize islam , interpret it to allow equal rights for women and tolerance for non muslims. sans that all over south asia , middle east and now europe muslims are reverting in their philosphy to the mediveal times. Head scarves were not seen in the 70s , 80s but now east or west head scarves are back. I was told by a muslim friend ,there only guide is The quaran , and the trouble is now the terrorists are interpreting the quaran for the poor and underdeveloped.
First, I'd just like to correct a bit of a comment made by a previous blogger (w.l. jones) who wrote: "We owe our mind and soul to all the people of the Middle East ,just think where would we be without reading, writing, math and civilization if we had not borrow it from them. Dont you think it time to say thank you and mean it". Unless I'm historically mistaken, math, writing and much of civilization came from the early Greeks like Plato, Aristotle and so on w.I jones and not the Middle East. It was only after many years that this knowledge was passed to Western Civilization via Rome after it had been taken from the Middle Eastern countries.
He is a glimmer man, all smoke and mirrors, no substance
ray ray wrote: "Someone who would strap on explosives and seek to kill innocent women & children in malls do not deserve liberal sympathy… they deserve the chance to enjoy martyrdom from the business end of a laser-guided smart-bomb."
------------------
Are you writing about Muslim fundalmentalists or pro-life people in front of an abortion clinic? lol
Right wing bigots at work. Whats new!
give him a chance you guys are critizing him give him a chance. OBAMA for mankind. he is doing the right thing for this country and its change you can believe in. Stocks are soaring up and the economy is moving in the right direction. give it a year or two. Thank you Mr. President