With #My2k hashtag, Obama takes to Twitter to raise support for extension of middle-class tax cuts

Elise Linscott By Elise Linscott
on November 29, 2012 at 4:27 PM, updated November 29, 2012 at 4:34 PM
112912obama-twitter.jpg The photo posted from @BarackObama official twitter account, encouraging users to share their stories.

As the fiscal cliff looms over businesses and citizens alike, President Obama has taken to social media to make a case for extending middle-class tax cuts.

Yesterday, Obama gave a speech in favor of extending the middle-class tax cuts. He then encouraged Twitter users to use the hashtag #My2k to share their stories of what $2,000 means to them.

"I can only do this with the help of the American people," Obama said in the speech.

The White House's official Twitter account @whitehouse reported today that there have been over 132,000 #My2k tweets so far. Obama's official account @BarackObama as well as the White House account have been retweeting #My2k stories.

If the tax cuts are not extended, middle-class families could see their taxes go up an average of $2,000.

Many Twitter users cited groceries, mortgages and other expenses for how they could use the $2,000 they would otherwise have to give to the federal government.

One woman tweeted, "#My2K means milk, diapers, day care, and gas for our car!"

"#My2K means a tremendous amount to me as a full time graduate student. Food, bus fare, books, etc are costs easily offset with $2k," wrote another.

Those opposed to Obama's stance quickly capitalized on the hashtag to argue against tax increases on the wealthy.

One woman posted: "Leave MY money alone and I'll leave YOUR money alone. If I have to give you MY money then you should give me YOUR money. Fair is fair!"

Ari Fleischer, a CNN contributor who served as White House press secretary under president George W. Bush, offered his own assessment: "I'm enjoying the new #My2K cite created by the White House. It's not often the Obama White House pushes a Bush initiative."

The looming fiscal cliff has lead to heavy debate as the nation’s debt increases and the government struggles to find a solution to the problem.

Obama has argued for a tax increase on the wealthiest Americans, but congressional Republicans are against raising taxes on anyone, saying it would hurt the economy.

Obama has also used YouTube to raise support for his stances, previously encouraging supporters to post videos about why there should be tax increases on the wealthiest Americans.