President Obama led the nation — and pop culture — during administration
Jan 16, 2017, 11:49 AM
FILE - In this Oct. 9, 2016 file photo, President Barack Obama, wearing sunglasses, waves while boarding Air Force One before leaving O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. From his campaign fist bump to his theatrical mic drop at the last White House correspondents' dinner, Barack Obama ruled as America's pop culture president. His two terms played out like a running chronicle of the trends of our times: slow-jamming the news with Jimmy Fallon, reading mean tweets with Jimmy Kimmel, filling out his NCAA basketball bracket on ESPN, cruising with Jerry Seinfeld on "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee." (AP Photo/Paul Beaty, File)
(AP Photo/Paul Beaty, File)
Love him or hate him, it can’t be denied that President Barack Obama had a major influence on pop culture throughout his administration.
From his campaign fist bump to his theatrical mic drop at the last White House correspondents’ dinner, Obama ruled as America’s pop culture president.
“Obama out,” he deadpanned, as he dropped his microphone and left the lectern.
His two terms played out like a running chronicle of the trends of our times: Slow-jamming the news with Jimmy Fallon, reading mean tweets with Jimmy Kimmel, filling out his NCAA basketball bracket on ESPN, cruising with Jerry Seinfeld on “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.”
Obama wasn’t the only one to use pop culture to promote new policies, spread some laughs or even just get in touch with the people: First Lady Michelle Obama also used her pop culture influence to bring awareness to important issues, mainly the issue of childhood obesity.
As we say goodbye to Obama, the president, let’s take a look back at Obama, the pop culture king and Michelle, the pop culture queen.
“Obama Out”
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
Between Two Ferns
Slow-Jamming The News
Mean Tweets
Michelle’s Moments
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
