Confirmed: Obama gets his BlackBerry, no Sectera Edge in sight
By Joshua Topolsky 
posted Jan 22nd 2009 3:47PM
posted Jan 22nd 2009 3:47PM
"The President has a BlackBerry through a compromise that allows him to stay in touch with senior staff and a small group of personal friends in a way that use will be limited and the security is enhanced to ensure his ability to communicate, but to do so effectively and to do so in a way that's protected."Finally, a clear indication that for the first time in the 21st century, the President of the United States will act like it's the 21st century. You can watch it all go down in the video after the break -- just crank it to about 45:30. Now, on to this economic stuff we keep hearing about...
[Thanks, Vipul]
Now, all we need is to get him a laptop that isnt running Windows 95, and he should be all set for running the country.
He owns a Macbook Pro running OSX and has a pacman eating the apple logo
It was definitely mentioned during the campaign that he would be the first President with a laptop in the Oval Office. Looking forward to those photos.
The only thing that could be remotely considered an American cell phone would be Motorola... at least, that I can think of off the top of my head.
@shugg
Since they're all made in China it doesn't really matter.
isnt motorola an Israeli company?
@shugg Ford owns Mazda.
Baby steps... baby steps. Everyone already thinks he's going to fix the world.
@shugg.......there are cellphone manufactures that are American!?!??!
Cupertino?
Twat.
shugg...go away, dirty protectionist. buy goods that work, not ones that are inferior.
Though, the inferior manufacturers might end up taking our money anyway when their company fails.
"Um, the President has a BlackBerry through a compromise, uh, that allows him, uh, to stay in touch with senior staff and uh, a small group of, uh, personal friends, um, in a way, uh, that use will be limited and, uh, the security is enhanced to ensure, uh, his ability to communicate, but to do so effectively, uh, and to do so in a way that's protected uh."
@Dr. Spaceman (30 Rock ftw)
Ford holds a majority stake in Mazda, 33% (which, in Japanese law, is considered a majority stake). Mazda is still very much a Japanese company, though
OBAMA+BLACKBERRY=FTWWWWWWWWW!!!!!
BARACKberry.
First person to post BARACKberry logo for him to use wins the internets. Make it sexy and maybe he'll be seen using it lol
@Mike
I said something similar, and my comment got deleted, then I realize that maybe my joke was a little too harsh to some people's ears. I don't know who made the decision to name RIM's smartphone line BlackBerry instead of BlueBerry or any other berry for that matter, but I DO know whoever in charge, made a decision that ultimately killed my comment. Good job!
I think the BARACKBerry sounds good, but OBAMABerry sounds fantastic. You have to say it a few times out loud...
BARACKoBERRY
Cool stuff.
The Press Secretary likes to "step back" for answering each question.
Looks the mainstream media wins this time...
Actually no. The mainstream media (and other outlets following suit) was reporting a conflation of news. That Obama would keep a special, NSA-approved device, or alternately that he would have both. See this CNN report from earlier:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/22/obama.blackberry/index.html
This is the exact reason we did our previous post -- there was a clear misunderstanding in the MSM of what "BlackBerry" meant, and no real source for the info. It's now clear that he is actually just keeping a regular BlackBerry with some added security -- not at all the confusing mashup that we've been reading today.
Just admit it, you got owned.
Sure, the MSM might not have been right on, but they were closer than your previous post. Perhaps posting about how everyone else was wrong before you had facts was a mistake. Either way, Obama has a BlackBerry that he won't be using much because it's not very secure and all messages will eventually be made public.
I don't think you know what you're talking about. The whole point about the previous posting earlier today was that the media was getting their information crossed--they were confusing Blackberrys with non-Blackberrys. The media was pretty much combining two articles into one and making a mess of it. Engadget's posting earlier today said that Obama *may* not be getting his Blackberry, depending on which source was correct.
As easily as cell phones are hackable in the 21st century, I think it's highly unlikely that his blackberry will not undergo some sort of software upgrade. It might be only advanced software encryption, but I could see the NSA developing a completely new OS just for a presidential cell phone. If anything, it'd be foolish to leave it as a stock blackberry...
Blackberry security is really good compared to the competition - that is why governments use it all over the world. For a decade they have had strong encryption built in with the ability to do things like remote wiping and disabling of the hand held, remote setting of policy to disable access to certain features or network protocols. It is starting to look a little arcane now-a-days, but there is still nothing better. Yes the NSA will up the encryption level, but I doubt that they have the in house capabilities or expertise to replace the OS in timely manner. What would they improve beyond the encryption? They are good at what they do but they aren't magicians - or mobile software designers.
He'll be the first president to do this.
GW Bush had to give up his Blackberry in 2000. I was an addict like Obama and didn't want to let it go either. I guess the security issues have been ironed out now.
It has standard software encryption (AES and TDES). I'm sure the only change they've made is by making AES 256-bit, therefore allowing it into certain cleared areas and making the phone painfully slow.
http://na.blackberry.com/eng/ataglance/security/features.jsp
Encryption is fine but what about tracking. I would think the secret service would have a problem with this. If someone knew what phone he had I bet they could track him. Either through the phone company or using some sort of roaming receiver.
Then you send in some kind or tracking robot with a bomb and blam. Not that I have though of this much but it seem kind of doable.
Yeah that's why presidents live in undisclosed towns on undisclosed addresses and fly in unnamed planes not painted with any kind of huge logo or anything nor with a callsign the whole world knows, nor do they give press conferences at announced times.
And in the past they didn't tell what ranch they were on either.
I still have a problem with how they are going to make sure the PRA is in full effect on that thing.
I do like how Obama was like a 4 year old to the NSA and Secret Service about this "but i want, i want this now Daddy!"
And be sure to turn GPS tracking off, just a thought.
I thing that this is not a kid's behavior but shows a man who is decided to make his own rules and make clear that he has the upper hand. That's how a president should be.
"shows a man who is decided to make his own rules and make clear that he has the upper hand. That's how a president should be. "
I hope not. That philosophy didn't turn out well when the previous two Presidents decided to make their own rules: Remember those own rules? "Torture in Guatanamo" and "Cigars in Monica"? But then, I guess 'berry in the oval office is a more benign rule... :)
Perhaps this story has been blown out of proportion by how much Engadget and Gizmodo are covering it, but it just comes off as desperate and childish.
Lol at the BREAKING NEWS.
Yeah, seriously. OK, this BarackBerry story thing wasn't all that interesting to start with, and now it's really just beaten to death. Who cares what device the President is using?
If anyone, probably some of the visitors of this site.
All of his disciples...
RIM's stock just jumped 8 bucks!!!
i kid i kid...
Nice. I wonder if McCain had won, if they would have let him keep his beeper and his Palm Pilot 5000.
If by beeper you mean pacemaker, then I'm sure they'd let him keep it. Though I'm guessing they'd make a few "security" modifications.
And when faced with a Palm Pilot, I'm sure that McCain would say something like, "I was a pilot you know, and I've never heard of a blasted 'palm pilot'. Sounds like some sort of dirty phrase that the kids are using these days. Get off of my lawn!"
oh wow, I see what you did there...old joke about John McCain...funny
you know, it never gets old...really never...I mean never ever...really...really...funn...y
McCain is actually a gadget geek. The problem is that he cannot easily use the gadgets because of physical injury sustained while he was a POW (ever notice how he has a 'robotic' look when he waves, walks, etc?). The disgraceful thing is the Obama camp used that to their advantage and put out a commercial mocking McCain for not "knowing" how to use e-mail. He knows how to use it, but finds it too painful to use for an extended period of time so he has his wife type longer messages for him.
Iconically, until Obama decided that he is too special and will use email, McCain would not have needed to type if he were president.
Disclaimer: While it sounds like I am a McCain fan, I am not. He was a good man for his military service, but the 2nd most horrible choice for president in history - the 1st being the one we have now and his cult of personality.
"He was a good man for his military service, but the 2nd most horrible choice for president in history - the 1st being the one we have now and his cult of personality."
Really, the second worst? Hmm. I'd like to say that I think I am an even worse choice for president than McCain, so I guess that at best that makes him third worst. Mmkay?
"the 1st being the one we have now and his cult of personality."
I don't want to get too political, but don't underestimate the importance of confidence and amiability. It helps the markets, which are grounded in speculation and estimation. It helps in foreign affairs, where personal relationships can often affect political decisions (such as Britain joining the war in Iraq). It helps with other domestic affairs, where confidence in leadership can inspire and motivate people to do things that legislature alone cannot do. Most importantly, as a black president, he can help black Americans aspire to something better than what they are often reduced to in today's society, helping them and lowering the number that resort to crime.
Also, before anybody comments that I'm being racist by associating black people with crime, it is true that more black people resort to crime. That doesn't mean it's totally their fault - everybody's to blame for keeping them in such a miserable state that they are forced to crime by exclusion of other avenues. A black president may motivate these people to stay in school, for example, and attempt to make something of themselves. Only part of it is lack of motivation though - there needs to be much better funding for university education, as there is in the UK (£3000 per year tuition, everything paid by student loan, repaid from tax contributions only when earning over a certain amount, written off after 27 years, comparatively low interest, substantial extra grants available based on household income)
It's been said a million times, but he can do good. I don't know how smart he is, but intelligence isn't everything. Just because he's got a gift of charisma that's more visible than a gift of intelligence, doesn't mean he can't do a thumping good job.
any word on which Blackberry?
I am sure RIM will give him a nice one, best ad campaign they could ask for
Well, I'm not sure, but the federal government is currently issuing other employees World Edition BB 8830s on Verizon. They've been doing so for a few months now. Since the White House staff appears to be stuck in the same techno-retro time warp other fed employees are, I don't see why the President would be immune...
@Lee - I doubt that RIM will give the president anything, and if they tried I doubt he could accept it. It would be a violation of ethics rules I expect.
@Jomo - It actually depends on the agency which BB he'll get. They negotiate their own contracts. There are a mixture of agencies using sprint, VZW, and ATT. It'll depend on what the executive office of the president uses already, most likely. However, I've seen a few (govt. owned) Storms and Bolds in the hands of govt. employees, so he's not stuck with an 88xx. That said, as he is the president and it will likely go into secure areas, it will probably be an 88xx... no camera.
He has a Verizon 8830 i believe (the one without the camera).
Evidently the new argument is about the age of the computers and the operating system, according to CNET. Obama and his staffers were mac users, and now they have to contend with Windows XP on some old computers. At the same time, Obama is reportedly trying to get more open source in the government.
If they're having a hard time with XP they'd likely shoot themselves after a couple of days with Vista.
But seriously, why would you need a Mac for things like typing up documents and making fliers? Something that Apple seems to think PCs are only good for. Sure they did make a few videos, probably using FinalCut, but Windows has some perfectly able counterparts.
Those staffers were just trying to be trendy.
It's kind of weird that, of all the sacrifices he had to make to become president, he chose rarely seeing his wife and kids over having to part with his blackberry.
HAHA,
Good observation. Yeah, if he thinks he's going to be able to see his daughters grow up, he is sorely mistaken.
JFK rarely hung out with his two young kids except for scheduled vacation and photo opts.
Do you really think he had an either/or?
"Mr. Obama, you can pick your BlackBerry or your family - choose one!"
No, it was more likely to have been:
"Family, this is going to be a sacrifice for us all. Are you with me?" What ever drove him to seek the Presidency is the greater part of what makes him the man they love or don't love. True of any President/Prime Minister, or candidate to the role.
and
"I like the BlackBerry - is there a way I can keep it?" He's not an idiot, clearly. If it had been impossible for him to keep it, he'd have done with whatever other device. If his security team says that the fundamental issues they were concerned with have been dealt with, then they have.
He or McCain - or again, anyone - has or would have a list of priorities so long above this that you gotta wonder why the media mentions in the first place. Except that they also did a stories on the menu for the schools Obama's daughters went to. If we keep gabbing about it, they'll keep repeating the story about it.
It's the same for any President, or Prime Minister, or high ranking public official. (And many of the lower ranking ones.) They give up time for their family out of a sense of duty, ambition, or both, they try to stick with the tools and toys that they know and like, and in all things compromise with the people who are in charge of their day to day operations and security. The only difference about this story and others about past Presidents is the high tech element. Some liked to shake hands with the crowd, or walk or jog in public places, or what have you. These are common anecdotes - all have had to compromise, and have had compromises made for them.
As to the cult of personality - Republican or Democrat (or Liberal, or Conservative up here) - the best of history's leaders have had that. Either in times of war or economic crisis or complete calm, there are benefits as well as dangers to a nation's faith (or adoration) in their leader. It's diplomatically important too, I believe. He is the face of a nation - would you have your idiot drunken second cousin speak for your family, or a respected and loved father or mother?
As of right now, it is only a reflection of how well he has been communicates and campaigns. But that is a large part of the job of President.
The challenge of course, once that respect has been given, is to earn and maintain it by action. And for the electorate, not to follow their beloved leader blindly. History's worst have had the blind devotion of their nation, too.
If I was president, I'd use a Palm Pre...before it was released
+1
Now that's being Presidential right there.
Now we just need to figure out his PIN/serial number so we can chat it up with him on BBM. BB FTW!
endorsed
I'm sure his PIN will be disabled to avoid BBM spam at the very least. Even the most hardened device can succumb to a DDoS attack.
So from here onward, any vulnerability of the Blackberry will be considered a matter of national security?
for liberty and justice for all
Actually his kids and wife live with him in the same office building. Its called the whitehouse. =) More than likely he will bump into them from time to time.
Though I don't remember if it was the BBC or the New York Times, one of those outlets said that he was at home a full 10 days during the campaign. Now, though, he ought to see them at least once or twice a week. Maybe.
He'll be lucky to see them that much.
The White House is the size of a large office building now. Whatever you see on top there is twice as much underground. The personal quarters are on the second floor of the main structure.
The oval office isn't even in the main part of the House. It's out in the West Wing.
President Obama will sleep every night across the hall from where his daughters sleep. I'm sure he will see his family.
And if daddy has to take a business trip on the weekend... the family will come too. Air Force One is a great way to travel!
and lets hope that those blackberry outages that we all love will not will not affect him..**NUCLEAR BLACKBERRY**
well .. glad to hear he will continue to be "the first" in a lot of different realms. I was shocked when Engadget reported that he was "the first president to have his official portrait taken with a digital camera" hello ... what year are we in? that would be awesome to have Pres Obama on your bb Msgr list.. heheheheh
2009. The last Official presidential portrait was taken in 2001. Digital photography just wasn't up to snuff then.
Obama will also be able to keep his Tivo, however he can only Tivo the following shows;
American Gladiators, Knight Rider, Jay Leno's new 10pm show and Bikini Destinations.
Reruns of The West Wing are also acceptable.
Barackberry?
The President of the U.S. Fought to Use Our Product: You can't pay for better publicity than that!
Does that mean RIM aren't sending him 65 cents?
i'm guessing that you've seen by now on cnn that obama will likely be getting the sectera edge. they're using "blackberry" as a generic term, not the specific RIM brand.
I don't see the problem with him having a Blackberry in the first place. Just tell him not to talk about national security stuff on it. If he wants to chat it up with his friends and others then go right a head. Seriously, it's 2009 Fed Gov!
Slippery slope... next thing you know, he'll be using his Yahoo email to conduct government business.
Nevermind, since it's the Messiah, the Obamabots will gladly accept this as another "first"
fail...
Well, I'm watching CNN right now, and while I generally think they are idiots, what concerns me is that the press now seems to be using the WORD "BlackBerry" as a TERM that signifies any PDA or non-iPhone smartphone. They introduced a story about the Sectera Edge by saying "The President gets to keep his BlackBerry" and then the General Dynamics guy demoing it actually said "It's two BlackBerrys in one." Now, I'm not a genius, but I'm pretty damn sure the Sectera Edge is not a BlackBerry, nor does it contain two BlackBerrys inside its little belly.
So when Gibbs says the President has a BlackBerry, he too may be using the term to generally describe a PDA or email-capable cellular device, and not an actual BlackBerry device designed and sold by RIM.
So basically we stil ldont know even with the press conference going on.
So you're saying the BlackBerry is the Ziploc Bag of the PDA world. It was inevitable.
At our office, me make xeroxes on a Canon machine. My kleenex isn't Kleenex, because I can buy cheaper. Not every ipod is made by Apple - only the iPods are. That's how it works with some brands - they just get so entrenched in the public mind that the brand name becomes the noun.
I've heard the phrase "Apple BlackBerry" so often around the office that I've stopped noticing.
But yes, it would be a lovely miracle if the press stories got it right. It is the sort of knowledge that could be useful in general - how secure is the information you send, if you need it to be? - and the vagueness completely destroys any real value in the story. What little there is.
You'll find the actual telephone itself was invented by a Canadian. Perhaps the President should stick to snail mail?
I can see Obama getting frustrated:
"Hey where's my browser icon? Dammit! Tell RIM that if they dont fix their BES right now I'm gonna have Hilary shove a foot up Balsille's a$$!"
Great, now the american secrets will not be so secret anymore...
You guys keep forgetting that he'll be working with federal government employees now. Good luck getting anything done!
off topic but sadly overlooked : http://www.democracynow.org/2009/1/21/headlines#4
"Finally, a clear indication that for the first time in the 21st century, the President of the United States will act like it's the 21st century"
Because he wants to email people on his phone? OMG! Fucking sheep!! All of you.
Have you ever seen a president without at least 50 people around him at all times? People who are paid to KNOW things and DO things FOR him? The last thing I want my president to do is waste time with a tiny keyboard to communicate with people he should be meeting face to face, when there's plenty of less important people around him that can do that.
You might as well say that unless he's programming iPhone apps, he's not acting like it's the 21st century. Gimme a break.
This is a great time for all americans as we put prejudice aside to elect our first BLACKBERRY president.....
I'm pretty sure that the Americans didn't invent snail mail either.
So is Engadget going to remove that smug ass article they posted earlier about how it wasn't going to be a Blackberry? Wait that would require that Engadget admit that its wrong....and we can't have that.
Next Week...
OBAMA, wants type of toilet paper changed in the oval office washroom. Says, "This 1 ply paper is too thin". Insists he is familiar with 2 ply, and can more effectively communicate with his anus using it.
That's too bad, he should've chosen the iPhone 3G because OSX is the most reliable and secure OS out there. In addition, we are in an economic crisis, so a $199 iPhone is a great value.
Are you slow or is that your sarcasm speaking?
I want a Barackberry!
I can't believe that being a Mac user he would be using a Canadian owned companies product and not a iPhone, designed in USA. What a mistake!
You really think that the President of the USA should get a phone with an actually verified backdoor?
Or the inbuilt battery crap.
Barack "Change" Obama and a phone without changeable battery? :D
Why not just work with Blackberry to make it up to NSA standards? I mean, I am sure Blackberry would be willing, they would probably even do it for free, then they could use some kind of "Tough enough for the president" thing in advertising. It would pay for itself.
Any president who uses any electronic devices for textual communication is an idiot. Have they not noticed how often such records come back to bite them in the ass?