The other day, we were given a pretty fun assignment: comb through nearly 1,500 White House videos and come up with our favorite ten.
The variety of videos the White House has published since President Obama took office is overwhelming. Along with the President’s speeches and daily press events, there are powerfully candid moments from the light-hearted to the awe-inspiring, clips that make you laugh out loud and behind the scenes material that you can't find anywhere else (for example, a look inside a Cabinet meeting).
So after careful consideration, we are excited to share the first "Intern Picks" of 10 Must-See White House Videos:
10. The President's Order for Stephen Colbert
Go behind-the-scenes with President Obama as he records his cameo appearance on "The Colbert Report." In the segment, he orders Colbert's head shaved, which was promptly executed by General Odierno during a special broadcast from Camp Victory in Baghdad.
Why it’s great: The President is faced with a lot of important decisions on a daily basis, but it’s not every day that he gives an order like this. Also, Stephen Colbert makes an addition to the White House library.
9. Inside the White House: Letters to the President
Every day, President Obama reads ten letters from Americans around the country to stay in tune with their issues and concerns. "Letters to the President" is an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the process of how those ten letters make it to the President's desk from among the tens of thousands of letters, faxes, and e-mails that flood the White House each day.
Why it’s great: This video provides an intimate look at one of the ways President Obama connects directly with people from around the country daily and it’s moving to see.
8. The Hovercraft
President Obama convinces New York Times reporter Sheryl Stolberg to demo a small hovercraft at Industrial Support Inc., a manufacturing services company in Buffalo, N.Y.
Why it’s great: You don’t need to be President to know that hovercrafts are fun.
7. What Wall Street Reform Means to You
A quick and simple animated explanation of how Wall Street Reform works and what the strongest consumer protections in history will mean for you and your family.
Why it’s great: This animated video makes Wall Street Reform accessible for anyone, and we like that.
6. Jimmy Fallon at the White House
Jimmy Fallon can't believe he's at the White House on the Fourth of July. Watch part of his stand-up performance from that evening.
Why it’s great: Jimmy Fallon is good, but Fallon impersonating Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby, and Robin Williams, among others, during a performance on the South Lawn for the USO, is GREAT!
5. The President visits Ghana
During his visit to Ghana, President Obama reminds the people of Africa of America's commitment to partnership and friendship.
Why it’s great: The music is uplifting, the dancing is beautiful, and the President’s speech is inspiring.
4. Dunk Tank
At the annual White House Congressional picnic, guests are invited to dunk Robert Gibbs, Rahm Emanuel and Peter Orszag. The President also joined in the fun.
Why it’s great: This raw video clip of the President dunking some staff is pretty hilarious. We wonder if this is how the President practices for throwing out the first pitch...
3. The 4th of July at the White House 2010
The White House and the USO celebrate the 4th of July with service members and their families at the Independence Day celebration on the South Lawn. Performers at this year’s celebration included Brandi Carlile, Cedric the Entertainer and the rock band The Killers.
Why it’s great: This video really captures the spirit of Independence Day. It features a montage of the Fourth of July celebration on the south lawn, set to upbeat music and the President’s words on the pride that we share for our country.
2. Inside the White House: Cabinet
President Obama and Cabinet members share their perspectives on their bimonthly meetings in this exclusive, behind-the-scenes video.
Why it’s great: Check your blackberries at the door; this is a glimpse into a tradition as old as our Constitution and our country.
1. Surprise Phone Call
President Obama makes a surprise call to Gail O'Brien, a woman in Keene, NH, that is benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. Gail was previously uninsured and diagnosed with high grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Thanks to the new law, Gail now has insurance through the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan that will pay for her treatments, and she is responding very well.
Why it’s great: Gail’s story reminds us of what passing health reform was all about — this video captures a wonderful moment between Gail and the President.
