We’ve all heard the phrase “Thanks, Obama” before. It’s often used sarcastically, and often not in the context of politics at all. That’s why it’s surprising that BET used #ThankYouObama in their promotion of a Wednesday night special celebrating the president.
As with any political hashtag, there are going to be opposing sides. So while many of the tweets surrounding the trending hashtag look at President Obama in a positive light…
#ThankYouObama for bringing charisma and a kind heart back to the white house. Your words and outlook of hope will live on forever.
— RyansAverageLife (@RyanAbe) November 16, 2016
#ThankYouObama for never preaching hate or speaking ill against a race or gender. You were a respectful, loving, and incredible leader.
— Dorothy Lydia (@dlwritesbooks) November 16, 2016
You will be truly missed as you leave office. Also the an amazing President! Love you Both Mr.&Mrs. Obama 😍#ThankYouObama
— Ke¥ (@queen_key98) November 16, 2016
… other Twitter users have less positive things to say.
For $20 trillion in debt, for encouraging terrorism in the US, & for creating a racial divide worse than MLK ever saw… #ThankYouObama
— Tiger the Deplorable (@TriXorcist) November 16, 2016
#ThankYouObama for being such a terrible @POTUS and almost turning US socialist. Came close but failed. You won't be missed #TrumpWon
— Michael G Flynn 🇺🇸 (@mflynnJR) November 16, 2016
It didn’t take long for fans of President Obama to notice, with one twitter user pointing out the “hijacking” of the hashtag.
All the negatives tweets are from Trump's fans. Disgraceful #ThankYouObama
— Adama DIALLO (@adiallo5) November 16, 2016
#ThankYouObama serves as an example for marketers and social media managers of a hashtag that is easily corruptible. Although it is nearly impossible to create a hashtag that cannot backfire, marketers should take care to start campaigns that are not easily turned on their heads.
Noah those anti-Obama tweets are so aggressive. It’s funny you included Michael G Flynn now that he’s back in the news for more radical tweets. The level of discourse on social media was at an all-time low over the course of this election, here’s hoping it gets much better during the next administration!
Woah*