Obama is well known for his use of technology during his campaign but didn’t miss a beat when his ever-present teleprompter crashed to the floor mid-speech. The President was left to manage through his remarks with only the fallen teleprompter’s lonely mate to guide him.

The President’s teleprompter is fondly referred to as TOTUS or Teleprompter of the United States. The device has garnered a cult following based on the President’s heavy use of the devices during his speeches.

During a White House Press Correspondents dinner, Obama poked fun at his own reliance on the devices. The President’s ‘off the cuff’ remarks featured the teleprompters being raise prominently into the air.

Obama was unfazed, responding simply, “Oh, goodness. Sorry about that, guys.” He then proceeded with his speech about the sweeping economic recovery plan necessary to stimulate the U.S. economy.

This isn’t the first time that the President’s office has been noted for its tech-savvy. Obama’s campaign relied heavily on the Internet and the President even updated a Twitter account during his campaign, which he then abandoned.

Upon entering his office, the President caused quite a stir with the Secret Service by demanding access to email on a Blackberry device. Obama soon after received the first ever custom Presidential Blackberry.

Last, but not least in the President’s arsenal of technological toys is his custom limousine. The custom Cadillac limo comes heavily armored and with eight inch think doors capable of enduring a rocket.

With all these Bond-worthy custom devices and cars, it’s no wonder the President wasn’t terribly sentimental about losing a teleprompter. Don’t tell that to the L.A. Times writer Andrew Malcolm, who characterized the teleprompter as the President’s, “departed friend.”

The fallen teleprompter was likely replaced by a stalwart backup within hours of its unfortunate demise. However the device is likely the most eulogized teleprompter in history.

Related:

Entry was posted on Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at 10:59 am under Politics, Social Media, Technology.

Read more entries by Dave Jeyes.
Stumble It!