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February 18, 2009

President Obama knows: It’s all about me

My colleague Catherine predicts that President Barack Obama will set a new standard for the way leaders (of countries or companies) communicate.

I think it may be too early to tell, but I am sure that there’s sure something different about this guy.

For instance, no sitting Commander in Chief ever sent me an e-mail before. (Actually, no former presidents have done so, either.)

And yet yesterday, there it was in my in box: a note from Barack, sent directly to me. (I’d like to think that he personally sent it from his new secure Blackberry-like device, but I’m not quite so delusional.)

In any case, the e-mail was all about me. The President informed me that he had signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law and wrote:

“This is a historic step -- the first of many as we work together to climb out of this crisis -- and I want to thank you for your resolve and your support.

“You organized thousands of house meetings. You shared your ideas and personal stories. And you informed your friends and neighbors about the need for immediate action. You continue to be a powerful voice for change throughout the country.”

And then the President gave his call for action. “Accountability begins with you,” he wrote. “That's why my administration has created recovery.gov, a new website where citizens can track every dollar spent and every job created. We'll invite you and your neighbors to weigh in with comments and questions.
Our progress will also be measured by the tens of thousands of personal stories submitted by people who are struggling to make ends meet.

“Your stories are the heart of this recovery plan, and that's what I'll focus on every day as President. With your continued support, we'll emerge a stronger and more prosperous nation.”

Obama may be President, but his e-mail is so compelling because he made it about me. Maybe Catherine is onto something.

Posted by Alison Davis at February 18, 2009 04:42 PM