Former President Barack Obama has shared his phone number and is asking Americans to text him so they can talk.
Due to a record number of Americans expected to vote by mail in the upcoming 2020 presidential election, the former two-term president wants to know how you are feeling and how you plan to vote.
“All right, let’s try something new,” Obama wrote on Twitter and other social media platforms. “If you’re in the United States, send me a text at 773-365-9687—I want to hear how you’re doing, what’s on your mind, and how you’re planning on voting this year.”
While the number isn’t Obama’s personal phone, a call to the number will bring up a recorded message.
“Hi, it’s Barack Obama,” he says. “Send me a text and I’ll send you messages from time to time. Looking forward to hearing from you.”
Texting the number will prompt an immediate response.
“Hey! It’s Barack. Click the link to sign up so I can respond directly to you. I won’t be able to get to everything, but I’ll be in touch to share what’s on my mind and I want to hear from you, too. Let’s do this.”
The link will take users to Community.com, a text-based platform that enables “direct and instant communication at massive scale, all through text messaging,” according to the site.
According to CNN, the platform has been used by other celebrities including Kerry Washington and rapper Megan Thee Stallion to connect with fans. Michelle Obama is also reaching out to the public in an attempt to sign up voters before the election.
The first presidential debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will take place this Tuesday and will focus on topics such as the coronavirus, the economy and the Black Lives Matter protests and movement.