President Obama explains how he solves problems he's not an expert on:
When asked by Destin Sandlin (creator of Smarter Every Day) how he gets up to speed on unfamiliar topics, Obama reveals an approach rooted in the scientific method.
"Over the years you accumulate knowledge and you test hypothesis and propositions. So how I think about it today is different than the first day I walked into the oval office."
He explains that after years in office, he built a baseline of knowledge that changed how he consumed information.
Instead of going deep into every briefing book, he began scanning for what was different, looking for anomalies against patterns he'd already seen.
"I've learned to be pretty good at listening carefully to people who know a lot more than I do about a topic and making sure that any dissenting voices are in the room at the same time."
Obama describes a deliberate structure:
After an initial presentation, he makes sure to hear from everyone present. He asks whether anyone disagrees with the baseline facts.
He asks whether there's any evidence that contradicts what was just said. If there is, he wants that argument made directly in front of him.
"What I'm pretty good at is then asking questions, poking, prodding, testing propositions and seeing if they hold up."
He draws a direct parallel between this approach and the scientific method. Accumulate knowledge, challenge assumptions, pressure-test conclusions.
A powerful reminder that the best decision-makers aren't the ones with all the answers.
They're the ones who know which questions to ask and who to listen to.
@ChipotleTweets I just got home with my online order and there was no dressing for my salad. This is not the first time this has happened. Why is it so difficult for your staff to put dressing in the bag?
Today, the President warned CNN and MSNOW not to have me on their programs more — or else.
Looking forward to joining CNN later this evening and MSNOW tomorrow morning.
See y’all then.
@MDOT_MetroDet the entrance from Congress St in Detroit onto northbound M-10 is dangerous. There’s not much runway for acceleration. Barricade is too close.
Intelligence officials are starting to leak to me now too. Here’s a memo Defense Intelligence Agency personnel received instructing them to suspend observances including:
- Holocaust Remembrance Day
- MLK Day
- Juneteenth
64 years ago today, six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first Black student to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Her courage continues to inspire us as we fight to fulfill the promise of America.
Trump lied throughout this election. He had no policy platform, no fact checking and was racist, bigoted and xenophobic.
White supremacy is winning. That’s what is winning tonight. It’s not skill.
New: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Orlando's top prosecutor just over a year ago. Tonight, she was reelected back into her seat as State's Attorney. https://t.co/WiFTRApETq
Regardless of the outcome Tuesday, we’ve still got work to do. @NAACP_LDF@TMI_LDF report on what Project 2025 means for the Black community https://t.co/KYNb8udGkB
"Embedding small stores, restaurants and services into the fabric of residential neighborhoods... can improve walkability, cut traffic and transportation emissions, and provide community-building 'third spaces' that boost social cohesion."
#urbanplanning
https://t.co/tXjuhcfk3f
Marcus & Millichap CEO:
- Employment market is way ahead of pre-pandemic levels
- Inflation has been reigned in
- The U.S. economy appears strong
- Proposed 3 M additional housing units in next 4 yrs
https://t.co/RDuiCXPoFF
Clemson's LIFE program helps students with intellectual disabilities, including Charlie McGee, who fulfilled his dream of joining a fraternity, teaching valuable lessons to all involved. https://t.co/3sUw4GfNnJ
“The arrests and convictions of the seven men went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Justices threw out their convictions just days before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law. But the arrests remained on their records.”
https://t.co/AngMthZ769
We were excited to host Detroit’s first Black Women in Architecture brunch and connect with 12 other cities. Great networking and discussion!
#blackwomeninarchitecture#NOMA#AIA
Black men voters have asked me why I support the Democratic Party. I welcome the questions and demands. For your consideration: Democrats’ Policies Beneficial for the Black Community
-Creation of Social Security. Economic safety net after years of working towards retirement.