This year, President Obama has become a popular figure in variety shows. In September, as the first U.S. President to appear on 'Running Wild with Bear Grylls,' Obama, led by Bear, drank tea made from wildflowers, ate salmon scavenged by a bear, discussed his experiences as a father, talked about Bear's experience of drinking urine, and explored the various challenges of living away from the life of an ordinary person. This episode aired on the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) on the evening of the 17th of this month.
Friends who are immigrating to the United States know that the issue of climate change in Alaska is urgent. President Obama's visit to Alaska for 'Running Wild' was intended to raise awareness about global climate change and the effects it has caused in this vast and sparsely populated state, including rising sea levels, shrinking glaciers, and thawing permafrost.
'Running Wild with Bear Grylls' is a reality television show produced by the Discovery Channel in the United States, hosted by former British Special Air Service (SAS) soldier and adventurer Bear Grylls. In each episode, Bear places himself in a wilderness destination and uses survival skills to escape dangerous situations. This episode of 'Running Wild' was filmed in September of this year, with the adventure taking place at Alaska's receding Exit Glacier. The program aims to raise awareness about global climate change.
According to Reuters, Obama is the first sitting president to participate in 'Running Wild.' Bear stated that the idea of going on an adventure with Obama came from the White House. "They (the White House) contacted us and asked if we could take the President on an adventure in Alaska. I could hardly believe it. I thought it was a hoax."
After the production team confirmed it was real, Bear arranged for Obama to come to Alaska. However, accompanying the two were 50 U.S. Secret Service agents, a presidential food taster, helicopters, and snipers.
According to Reuters, Obama is the first sitting president to participate in 'Running Wild.' Bear stated that the idea of going on an adventure with Obama came from the White House. "They (the White House) contacted us and asked if we could take the President on an adventure in Alaska. I could hardly believe it. I thought it was a hoax."
After the production team confirmed it was real, Bear arranged for Obama to come to Alaska. However, accompanying the two were 50 U.S. Secret Service agents, a presidential food taster, helicopters, and snipers.
Obama was quite "into it," not letting the taster sample his food at all, and sharing a water bottle with Bear. They built a campfire together and ate wild berries. Obama revealed on the show that due to security reasons, he is not allowed to use a smartphone in his daily life. So, he happily took selfies using a staff member's phone, thoroughly enjoying the experience.
When Bear and Obama entered a "bear-inhabited" area, Bear warned that these animals can be quite dangerous if disturbed during mating. Obama quipped: "I think humans might be the same." Obama also ate the salmon scavenged by a bear, praising it as delicious, though he noted it would have been better with some crackers.
When discussing Bear's experience of drinking urine, Obama said: "I think that in an extreme situation, I would do the same, because if I didn't, I would die... but I don't want to make a habit of it, and I wouldn't do such a thing just for a television show."