WASHINGTON – So you want to be a White House social media pundit?
In this media age, anyone can jump into the game on the night of the State of the Union Address. At least that is what the White House is suggesting, with its ongoing “White House Socials.”
“This year there will be more ways than ever to take part in the State of the Union, including a new way to watch the speech and share exclusive graphics with your social networks, and opportunities to discuss President Obama’s remarks with White House officials immediately following the address,” according to Megan Slack at the WhiteHouse.gov website.
The yearly State of the Union speech, which takes place at the U.S. Capitol amid much political pomp and circumstance, is slated for Jan. 28. Those who want to participate in the “social” have the opportunity to pre-register with the White House online.
After the event, users can tap into a “panel discussion” with administration officials, “about the vision and policies presented during the speech.” Registration closes at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16.
Users are also invited to follow White House tweets @WhiteHouse, and tweet during and after the speech using the hashtag, #SOTUSocial.
Those watching online will be able to access live enhanced video on the White House website, featuring “graphics, data and charts that help explain policies and the issues.” Live video also can be found on YouTube, Facebook, Google+ and mobile apps, according to the White House.
Of course this isn’t the first time the White House has tried to harness the power of social media to bring attention to its scheduled events.
Past White House social events have included a Twitter Town Hall with the president, a Tweetup briefing with Press Secretary Jay Carney, a Let’s Move! Tweetup for the First Lady’s garden harvest, a Pinterest holiday social and a White House holiday social.
Listen on Jan. 28 as WTOP carries the State of the Union live.
Follow @WTOP on Twitter.
