Obama Urges During Leadership Forum, ‘Think Before You Tweet’
Former President Barack Obama, visiting India’s capital for the third time, spoke at a leadership conference about a range of topics from social media to climate change but avoided making references to President Donald Trump.
According to the Washington Post, Obama spoke particularly about the importance of using Twitter responsibly and being mindful of the kind of messages to share on the platform.
“In a discussion period at a leadership forum, the former president was asked about his wife Michelle’s comments this week during a speech in Toronto, when she said it was not a good idea to ‘tweet from bed,’ an obvious commentary on Trump’s morning Twitter habit,” reports the Washington Post.
Throughout this leadership forum, Obama made a “few pointed jibes” without actually naming President Trump.
A Fox News report included how the former commander in chief asserted the influence social media can have.
“He said social media is a powerful tool, for both good and ill.” ‘And look, I’ve got 100 million Twitter follower. I actually have more than other people who use it more often.'”
Obama recognized India’s efforts in supporting the Paris climate agreement. The accord was signed last year and Trump planned to withdraw from it.
“The single most important thing I want to focus on is lifting up, identifying, working with, and training the next generation of leadership. Not just in the United States, but all around the world.” —@BarackObama to young people in India today: https://t.co/DIQqHTgyFg pic.twitter.com/3uverHaANj
— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) December 1, 2017
The country of India happens to have a sizeable Muslim population. It is estimated to be 169 million people. Obama stressed the importance of unity. He also reminded India’s head of state to ensure the Muslim population feels integrated.
The dynamic between Muslims and the Indian government have been on odd terms. A Newsweek report mentioned that critics are skeptical on whether India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, recognizes Indian unity. The article points out that such doubts exist because this Muslim minority has been harassed from the moment his government was formed in 2014.
India should nurture its Muslim population: Barack Obama https://t.co/CzhNTxCRMl pic.twitter.com/QcOlXOpaKk
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) December 1, 2017
Leadership was also a topic of conversation during the forum. Denver Post reported that Obama said politicians usually reflect public opinion.
“And so if you see a politician doing things that are questionable, one of the things as a citizen is to ask yourself ‘Am I encouraging, or supporting or giving license to the values I’m hearing out of the politician?'”
Obama reflected deeply on the current state of affairs. He gave a positive outlook in spite of the current trends happening at home and abroad. He said America and the world were heading in the right direction with regard to inclusion, education, equality, and kindness. Finally, he stated that now is the best moment to be born.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Oz1LNuoqi0
