Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Who has Obama's e-mail address?

(CNN) — He's the first commander-in-chief to carry a BlackBerry-like device — but that doesn’t mean he’s reachable. President Obama is staying mum on the identity of the privileged few who’ve been given his new e-mail address.
In an interview with NBC Sunday, the president said only a "handful" of people are able to contact him through the super-secure device.
Earlier: Obama's 'spy-proof smartphone'
"Look, there are security issues involved," Obama said. "And so we’ve gotta make sure that I’m not — creating a situation where — you know, potential people can compromise our [security].
Obama also suggested the list does not include any world leaders.
"Typically, world leaders are going to be contacting me through the Oval Office. They know how to reach me there," he said.
The exclusive list of those who have the president's e-mail address reportedly includes a small group of senior aides and cabinet officials. According to a report in the New York Times, security precautions make it impossible to forward an e-mail from the president, or to send the president attachments.
Watch: The secret side of Obama's BlackBerry
It's also likely Obama's e-mail address will change frequently to ensure it remains secure.
Speaking Saturday in front of the Alfalfa Club Dinner — an annual event attended by the country's political elite — Obama joked about the ultra-limited access to president’s inbox.
"It's a very exclusive list. How exclusive? Everyone look at the person sitting on your left. Now look at the person sitting on your right. None of you have my e-mail address."

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