This is What’s Trending Today…
Barack Obama was the first president of the United States to be active on social media.
When Obama left office in January, many people wondered if he would continue using services like Facebook and Twitter.
It turns out, he tweets only a few times a month.
After Donald Trump became president, Obama used Twitter to say some goodbyes and share memories from his eight years in the White House.
He wished everyone a happy Valentine’s Day on February 14.
Happy Valentine’s Day, @michelleobama! Almost 28 years with you, but it always feels new. pic.twitter.com/O0UhJWoqGN
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 14, 2017
In March, he tweeted about International Women’s Day, the death of singer Chuck Berry and a terrorist attack in London.
On International Women’s Day, @MichelleObama and I are inspired by all of you who embrace your power to drive change. https://t.co/RJ0ZH2htU8
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 8, 2017
Chuck Berry rolled over everyone who came before him – and turned up everyone who came after. We'll miss you, Chuck. Be good.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 19, 2017
My heart goes out to the victims and their families in London. No act of terror can shake the strength and resilience of our British ally.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 23, 2017
In May, he tweeted about the bomb that killed over 20 people after American singer Ariana Grande performed in Manchester, England.
Through faith, love, and resolve the character of the people of Manchester has shown itself. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. https://t.co/rZyZaQVWT2
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 25, 2017
In June, Obama wrote that of all the many things he has done, he was most proud to be the father of daughters Sasha and Malia. And he wished everyone a happy Father’s Day.
Of all that I've done in my life, I'm most proud to be Sasha and Malia's dad. To all those lucky enough to be a dad, Happy Father's Day! https://t.co/ya1YAJignC
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 18, 2017
Since then, he went on social media to write about health care, as the U.S. Senate debated the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. And he wished Senator John McCain a speedy recovery after tests showed McCain has a form of brain cancer.
Health care has always been about something bigger than politics: it's about the character of our country. https://t.co/UqLO14Hef7
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 22, 2017
John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I've ever known. Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 20, 2017
But it was Obama’s tweet from last weekend that has received the most attention. In fact, it is now the most-liked tweet of all time, with over 3.3 million likes in just a few days.
Obama user Twitter to quote former South African president Nelson Mandela after deadly violence in the American city of Charlottesville, Virginia. His tweet came after a day in which white nationalists gathered to protest the city’s decision to move the statue of a Civil War general. Other protesters also gathered to denounce the group. One woman was killed and more than 20 others injured when a man drove a car into the counter-protesters.
Obama wrote: “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion. …” The former president included a photograph of himself looking through a window at three children of different races.
"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion..." pic.twitter.com/InZ58zkoAm
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 13, 2017
The Mandela quote continued to two more tweets, but the first one got the most attention.
The tweet surpassed a tweet from Ariana Grande that expressed sympathy for those hurt by the bomb that exploded after her show.
By Wednesday morning, Obama’s tweet was the fifth-most re-tweeted of all time, according to the website Favstar.fm.
And that’s What’s Trending Today.
I’m Kelly Jean Kelly.
Dan Friedell adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on information from VOANews and The Washington Post. George Grow was the editor.
Did you like or re-tweet Obama’s tweet? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.
Words in This Story
goodbye - n. a message given before a person leaves
proud - adj. very pleased because of something you have done
quote - n. the act of repeating someone’s actual comments
surpass- v. to become lower in amount or worse in condition
according - adv. as stated by or in
