Social media is lauded for its ability to foster unlikely connections. This week, Twitter helped join two of the most unlikely public figures in conversation: outspoken (and Super Bowl-bound) NFL wide receiver with the New England Patriots Chad Ochocinco and Speaker of the House John Boehner.
While watching President Barack Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, Ochocinco noticed that the Republican leader wasn't enjoying the speech. But he apparently didn't know who Boehner was.
Ochocinco, who has a long history engaging in oftentimes hilarious antics on Twitter that have on occasion landed him in hot water with the NFL, posted this tweet:
Anybody notice the guy over Obamas left shoulder doesn't seem very happy and he's not smiling. He's not clapping with joy
Chad Ochocinco (@ochocinco) January 25, 2012
A follower then caught Ochocinco up on some basic civics and and he was directed to the @SpeakerBoehner Twitter account, where the Obama nemesis was refuting some of the President's key points. So Ochocinco tweeted at Boehner directly with this message:
@SpeakerBoehner Just read some of your tweets and you seem pretty angry kind sir. I can see you on tv but you're not smiling. Hope you're ok
Chad Ochocinco (@ochocinco) January 25, 2012
The next day, after having received no response, Ochocinco expressed his concern again:
@SpeakerBoehner Hello Mr. Boehner, hoping you are in better spirits today. If all else seems bad in life just remember I love you kind sir.
Chad Ochocinco (@ochocinco) January 25, 2012
This time Boehner, apparently a fan of Ochocinco's former team the Cincinnati Bengals responded, with this tweet:
@ochocinco: Thanks & good luck in the @SuperBowl; we'll see you in the playoffs next year. Go #Bengals #WhoDey
Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) January 25, 2012
"Wow thanks," Ochocinco replied, later adding, "Totally awesome that John Boehner just tweeted me."
Boehner took a lighthearted approach at the end of Wendesday, recapping the day with this tweet:
Just another day on @Twitter talking #4jobs, #KXL, & football w/@ochocinco #Bengals #WhoDey twitter.com/SpeakerBoehner
Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) January 25, 2012
Later, an Ochocinco fan suggested that the two new friends host a "tweetup" event similar to what the White House did by inviting journalists to attend and live-tweet the State of the Union.
Ochocinco's response?
"I have his number now I'll ask him. #GreatIdea"
Do you think Ochocinco and Boehner should host a tweetup? What's the most random Twitter interaction you've seen? Let us know in the comments.
BONUS GALLERY: Who to follow on Twitter for the Super Bowl XLVI scoop
The official account of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee is a must-follow for fans going to the game. It will function as one of several channels directing fans to entertainment venues and addressing logistical concerns from the committee's social meda command center.
The New York Giants are the "road" team in Indianapolis, and this is the franchise's official Twitter account.
The New England Patriots will be the "home" team on Super Bowl Sunday in Indy. Follow this official team account for the stream out of Foxborough.
Shalise Manza Young is the Patriots beat writer for the Boston Globe. Follow her for the day-to-day on what Bill Belichick is doing to try for a fourth Super Bowl ring with the Patriots.
Ian Rapoport also reports on the Patriots and NFL, but for the Boston Herald. Following both him and Young will give you a taste of what it's like to be a local Boston sports fan right now.
Ralph Vacchiano covers the Giants for the New York Daily News. Follow him for the latest on how Eli Manning and company are prepping for the Pats.
Garafolo is the Giants beat writer for New Jersey's Star-Ledger. Between him and Vacchiano, you should have every Giants angle covered.
Patriots receiver Branch was the Super Bowl MVP the last time the Patriots won it all, in 2005. He's also very active on Twitter, which is a bonus for fans seeking to add a human element to the game.
Battista covers the NFL for The New York Times. She's sure to churn out a couple nice features between now and Feb. 5, her deadline game-recaps are second to none, and she's also a good follow for real-time Twitter updates.
Schefter is ESPN's NFL Insider and his 1.2 million followers dwarf nearly everyone else in sports media and serve as a testament to his continuous steam of breaking news, opinions and scuttlebutt. He's sure to provide plenty of interesting nuggets from around the league leading up to Super Bowl Sunday.
Patriots receiver Welker puts up numbers; he's scored 10 touchdowns so far this year and has nearly 300,000 Twitter followers. His funny, off-the cuff tweets make him worth keeping up with.
Rosenthal writes about the NFL for NBCSports.com and, like Schefter, will provide a wealth of information from around the league as the NFL heads into its biggest weekend.
Tuck is a star defensive end for the Giants and will be key to harassing Tom Brady into mistakes and miscues on Super Bowl Sunday. On Twitter, he posts frequently and interacts well with fans.
Barnwell covers the NFL for Grantland.com, and he'll surely bring some good and detailed analysis to get fans -- with or without a specific rooting interest -- primed for Super Bowl XLVI.
Sports Illustrated's senior NFL writer is particularly good about responding to fan questions and comments on Twitter. See if he'll answer your Super Bowl queries!
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