But it’s not really Barack Obama who is behind the tweet below. It’s the “independent” 501(c)(4) named “Organizing for Action” that now controls the @BarackObama account:
So how does this work, exactly? The president has loaned an independent group his website (BarackObama.com), his campaign logo and his Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr accounts that all bear his name? But, from the explanation on the Twitter page, the president will still get to post messages to the independent group when he wants? Here’s the explanation from OFA, stressing the independence between the president and the “advocacy” group:
Will OFA be involved in elections, supporting candidates who share a commitment to these policies?
No. Neither OFA nor its chapters will be involved in any way in elections or partisan political activity. Its exclusive purpose is public policy advocacy and development, and in particular, both enactment of President Obama’s legislative agenda and the identification and advancement of other goals for progressive change at the state and local level.
And. . .
Does President Obama support the establishment and activities of OFA?
OFA is advocating for the agenda that President Obama has presented to the nation, and as an organization dedicated to this purpose, OFA has been grateful for the expression of support for its work by the President, Vice President and First Lady. Although it was privately established and will be privately operated, without government funding, OFA will work hard to retain the support and confidence of the President by effectively advocating for his Administration’s core agenda. It also looks forward to working with other civic organizations that are similarly committed to the successful enactment of this agenda.
Do the organizations working closely with or in alliance with OFA include the Democratic Party?
No. OFA is not a partisan political organization and will not engage in electoral activity with any partisan political organization. It welcomes Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to support its work, and its advocacy will be directed to all Americans, without regard to party or other political affiliations.
And as soon as President Obama’s term in office is over, he gets to control his “name” again, no doubt.