Follow us on TwitterCould you live without your BlackBerry?
You are probably as addicted to your BlackBerry as the person sitting next to you. So is President-elect Barack Obama, and he's going to have to learn to adjust to life without his handy, can't-do-without device.
With security being a major issue, it's important that the president is protected from any hacking attacks. And any communication on his BlackBerry or his computer is subject to Presidential Records Act and must be retained. At some point, it could become open to public scrutiny or subject to the threat of subpoenas.
We report on an article in the New York Times this week about the likelihood that Obama will have to wean himself from his BlackBerry and stop using e-mail. So just how will he communicate with his wife and two daughters, not to mention his staff?
During the presidential campaign, Obama's memos and briefing books were sent to his BlackBerry for his review. If a document was too long, he would read and respond from his laptop computer. He also often sent crisp, to the point messages to advisers and friends via his BlackBerry, sometimes as late as 3 a.m.
The adjustment will be tough for the man who moved the presidential race into the 21st century with extensive use of the Internet to communicate and connect his supporters as he campaigned across 50 states for 21 months. But unless there is some major security technological breakthrough, Obama will have to take a step backward, park his BlackBerry at the White House front door, disconnect his email for the duration of his presidential term, and communicate by other means. - Judi
Comments
By Anonymous | Posted 2:21pm | November 17, 2008
Whilst I am a huge Blackberry fan and wouldn't part with it for all the world, I do not have legions of people briefing me, writing letters and e-mails for me, and advising me on virtually every thing I need to know, say or do. Maybe if I did, I too could get along without my trust smart phone.
By Sheryl Breuker | Posted 2:27pm | November 17, 2008
Personally I don't think I could do this. It would drive me insane! I use my phone for EVERYTHING. It is my lifeline, the connection to the world. Sheesh. It gives one appreciation for how difficult it would be to be so public.
By Anonymous | Posted 2:28pm | November 17, 2008
Hi- he needs to be able to continue to work at the speed that every CEO is accustomed too. I find it hard to believe he cannot communicate with his family and friends during his term and find it stupid that our government servants, including the president cannot use modern, fast technology. OK certian things need to be done other ways, but I am sure a majority of normal correspondance could take place via notebook and handheld. Lets get with it USA!
By Anonymous | Posted 2:40pm | November 17, 2008
What's a BlackBerry? .-)
It seems like the higher you go on the Food Chain the more information gets forced into your sphere.
I don't know how I got by B.BB (Before BlackBerry) but I view it through a lens of nostalgia. I still think a basic phone and a paper notebook are superior tools...but try making a living with them.
By Anonymous | Posted 9:05pm | November 17, 2008
The new president will have to ensure that he has people around him that know what to tell him and when. Even if it was allowed, to be looking at his BB every few seconds and keeping up with e-mails, txt messages and the like are NOT the things that a chief executive should be doing - be it of a large company or the country. Prople that are so addicted to information devices such as BBs or Smart Phones need to loosen up a bit & get a life. There is a life after Blackberry.
By Anonymous | Posted 9:12pm | November 17, 2008
What has happened to good old fashioned ear to ear communication? People who sit right beside each other send e-mails back & forth when they should be getting up and looking each other in the eye and discussing the issue to resolution. Sure, it has helped communication in situations across time zones or on opposite sides of the world but otherwise, why have it?
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