Washington (CNN) - President Barack Obama, who has enjoyed Apple's products along with millions of other Americans, Wednesday night hailed Steve Jobs as one of America's greatest innovators, a man "brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it."
"The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented," the president said in a statement.
Praising his breadth and the impact of his work from personal computers to iPhones to movie production, the president added: "Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of sees the world."
This week Obama, known for his affection for the Blackberry, revealed he actually was a recipient of an advanced copy of the iPad 2 directly from Jobs.
"Steve Jobs actually gave it to me, a little bit early," he told ABC's George Stephanopoulos. "Yeah, it was cool. I got it directly from him."
In March of this year, CNN photographed the president holding an iPad.
The President and Jobs met several times, including at a dinner in San Francisco in February with Silicon Valley executives and last year when they discussed issues revolving around technology and the economy.
Many politicians also praised Jobs as the truest example of the American dream, an icon.
House Speaker John Boehner, who also uses an iPad, tweeted: "Steve Jobs changed the world for the better w/his innovations and genius."
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Virginia, tweeted "There is not a day that goes by, and often not an hour, that a Steve Jobs invention does not better my family's life. Thank you Steve."
Fellow Californian and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called Jobs "a visionary who changed the way we live, an innovator whose products brought joy to millions, a risktaker who wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo" and also said in a statement "his sage advice was respected by policymakers on both sides of the aisle. His courageous fight against cancer brought strength to many."
– CNN Congressional Producer Deirdre Walsh contributed to this story.
You can follow Kevin Bohn on Twitter @KevinBohnCNN
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He did in his 56 years what someone else would not have accomplished in 100 or more years!! A true Giant is lost but his accomplishments will go down in history!!! RIP Jobs!!
I agree. Innovators and genuis creators are so rare and we have lost a man who will be remembered as we remember Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, the Wright brothers, Jonas Salk, and the other heroes of our history that brought incredible advancements to our society. Steve Jobs is the very reason we should be putting a huge emphasis and funding into our education system. We need to nurture creative thinking, math, technology and what is possible for our children. Thank you Steve for your excitement, passion, and hard work to show us what ideas and intelligence can do. You were an inspiration. Best wishes for your family as they try to go on without you.
Sad day !
In a world of innovation and creativity , he will be missed.
Thank you Mr, Jobs for your vision of yes , in a land of NO !
"…brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it."
Yes, the President said it very well! And he and Steve have a lot in common! But, the marketing of the Presidents good “product” is a still a little weak…
RIP --Steve Jobs your job on earth is done. You will be missed. Thanks for all your contributions that made our life better. Condolences to your family.
what does the job destroyer know about the Great Mr. Jobs, nothing. RIP Mr. Jobs.
Terrible loss. What a great mind Jobs had. Too young to go.
He did advance the computers we use today. Before there was only a command prompt which scared people. GUI let many more people use computer.
RIP, Mr. Jobs. And thank you for broadening our horizons, and opening our minds to possibilities.
Steve. Thank you. You will be missed.