Technology in Political Campaigns, Anno 2012

Now that both of the US political conventions and their associated weather systems have passed, the campaigns will be running on high gear through the US Presidential elections in November. Technology, of course, plays a key role in providing direct access to candidates and parties, ways to raise money, build list, and even have some fun.. In today's Round-Up, we look at the way technology has affected the 2012 campaign:

• Technology allows politicians to instantly react, but does this enhance the conversation? David Brooks stated that technology makes campaigns "dumber", while Chris Matyszczyk argues that widespread response to potential gaffs frightens politicians. 
• Both Romney and Obama have released mobile apps to supplement their campaigns. While Romney's revolved around revealing his VP, Obama's app is to be a tool for campaign workers, including listbuilding and managing canvassing. 
• If you're looking for more ways to keep informed during the campaign season, including mobile apps to improve your political knowledge, or even to create your own political debates, see a list here.
• Both campaigns partnered with social media platforms to provide "exclusive" experiences leading up to and during the conventions.
• Nomiki Konst proposes social media as a replacement for television ads, the most costly aspect of campaigns, to bring down the need for such high fund raising.
• Twitter may already be ahead of the curve for that trend, as TV viewership of conventions dropped, social media use increased.
• Given the recent Federal Elections Campaign decision, you will be able to make a political donation to candidates in the US using a text message.
• Did you catch President Obama's appearance on Reddit, briefly crashing the website as users rushed to provide over 26,000 comments for his AMA ("Ask Me Anything")? Reddit founders have invited Governor Romney to do the same, and hope to use the site as a future "mandatory campaign stop". 
• Brookings hosted a talk on mobile technology's impact on campaigns.
• Compare campaign use of technology in the US to current preparations in Ghana, where political groups are using websites as ways to engage potential voters on a new platform.
• For historical perspective, take a look at election websites from 1996.  We have come a long way, baby! 
• India has also explored social media as an outlet for informaiton, with limited success.
• Use of Twitter bots has plagued political conversation in Mexico, as false information and accounts spam important dialogues.