Washington - US President Barack Obama's attempts to sell his economic proposals to the public took a 21st century twist on Thursday as he held an online townhall forum from the White House.

Obama has taken to the airwaves with television interviews and press conferences in recent days, but Thursday's format allows the admitted technology buff a chance to interact live with more people.

The president has continued to make use of campaign techniques with in-person townhall forums, but this is the first time he has used a virtual format since entering the White House.

Nearly 93,000 people submitted more than 104,000 questions to the president. Participants could also vote on which questions they found most important or interesting, with the focus on the budget, job market and financial stability.