Obama discusses Twitter, Nobel Peace Prize in Shanghai town hall

AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

Who knew?  President Obama, who credits the Internet for helping him win the presidency admitted before a crowd of several hundred college students in Shanghai, China, Monday, that alas, the man knows nothing of "twittering."  Obama presided over an American style town hall with the crowd and spoke about  a variety of topics.  He even followed up his speech with a traditional question and answer session to the delight of those in attendance.

Sure, the President spoke about increasing student exchanges with China and sharing technological developments in science and infrastructure.  He stressed the importance of having an open dialogue with world leaders and exchanging ideas, and said he had hoped his trip through the world's most populous country would help him gain a greater understanding of the Chinese and their "vision for the future." 

But perhaps the biggest surprise came when, after being asked a question about the availability of non-censored Internet usage in China, America's Commander in Chief said very plainly that he has never used "Twitter."   "My thumbs are too clumsy to type in things on the phone," said the President.  He went on to say that while, at times, he wishes there wasn't so much available information out there as it provides fodder for his critics, Obama acknowledged the importance of an open Internet; one without censorship.  In citing Google as an example, Obama explained how important the Internet is for business and how it can bring people and ideas together.  He also praised the Internet for its benefit to the world's children saying that with it, his daughters can travel and learn about any place on the planet.

The President also entertained a question about receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.  With respect to winning the award, Obama said, "I have to say that nobody was more surprised than me..."  He explained that while his first and foremost duty is to protect America and its citizens, he feels it is incredibly important to change the way the U.S. approaches its relations with other nations.  Reducing conflicts through peaceful means, he said, should be a priority.

While Americans had the luxury of watching the President's town hall meeting through various media, the Chinese were blocked from viewing the event on Facebook and YouTube.  The Chinese government limited coverage to local television outlets and China's official news agency.  The Administration negotiated with Chinese officials for days before an agreement was finally reached on the format for the event.