Barack Obama, who happens to be 44th president of the United States, has joined Facebook today. This is his first proper presence on the world’s largest social network. Yes there have been multiple campaign-run Pages in the past, the White House has its own Page, but this one is Obama’s own, one he’ll get to keep after he ends his second stint in the White House.
This isn’t the first time that Mr. President has joined a popular social network, rather this year appears to be the one he has picked to join two of the most widely used social networks, earlier this year in May POTUS got his very own Twitter account.
Obama’s first post is already up. It’s a short video in which he talks about taking a walk in his backyard, and by backyard he means the impossibly well maintained White House lawn, as he points out that this Page is where we’ll hear directly from him, where he’ll share his thoughts and some “just-for-fun stuff” as well.
Facebook has been around for both of his administrations but it makes sense why the president is gradually expanding his personal social media presence as his second and final term in the White House nears its completion. He’ll continue to have a life outside the White House, and while he won’t be actively involved in politics, he’s going to get plenty of opportunities to put his stature as an ex-president for social good.