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Obama answers internet questions Obama answers internet questions
(about 2 hours later)
US President Barack Obama is answering questions submitted to the White House website by members of the public. US President Barack Obama has answered questions submitted to the White House website by members of the public.
The "Internet Town Hall" is being streamed live on the website. The "Internet Town Hall" was streamed live on the website.
More than 100,000 questions, on subjects ranging from the economy to the legalisation of marijuana, have been sent in for the meeting. More than 100,000 questions, on subjects ranging from the economy to the legalisation of marijuana, were sent in for consideration.
The event is the latest in a series of recent public appearances that President Obama has made to promote his plans to kickstart the US economy. The event is the latest in a series of recent public appearances made by Mr Obama as he seeks to promote his plans to kick-start the US economy.
Last week, Mr Obama appeared on Jay Leno's chat show, and this week he staged a news conference which was shown live on all the American TV networks.
Popular questionsPopular questions
Last week, Mr Obama appeared on Jay Leno's chat show, and this week he staged a news conference which was shown live on all of the American TV networks. Members of the public who had signed up to the class="inlineText" href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/openforquestions/"> White House Town Hall website were able to vote for the questions they wanted the president to answer.
Members of the public who have signed up to the class="inlineText" href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/openforquestions/"> White House Town Hall website have been able to vote for the questions they want the president to answer. Asked about job losses, Mr Obama warned that the unemployment rate could continue to rise.
Some of the most popular questions submitted to the president are about the government's plan to purchase toxic assets from struggling financial institutions. "We are going to have to be patient and persistent about job creation because I don't think that we have lost all the jobs we are going to lose in this recession," he said.
A number of questioners have also asked the president about his views on marijuana legalisation. "We're still going to be in a difficult time for much of this year."
Many of the most popular questions submitted to the website concerned the legalisation of marijuana.
"I don't know what this says about the online audience," Mr Obama joked, before arguing that legalising marijuana would not be an effective way to stimulate the economy.
In the course of the event, Mr Obama revealed that he would be unveiling his plans to overhaul the US car industry.
He also answered questions about healthcare reform, education policy and national service for college students.
Are you logged on to the White House website? Do you have a question for President Obama? Tell us by using the form below. Do you have a question for President Obama? Tell us by using the form below.
In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions