August 28, 2008 4:53 PM PDT

Vote for me, Obama says, through text messages

by Declan McCullagh
  • Font size
  • Print
  • 3 comments

Delegates can 'vote' for Barack Obama through text messages that show which state is the most enthusiastic (or prolific).

(Credit: Declan McCullagh/CNET News)

DENVER--Delegates squeezing into the stadium hosting the Democratic convention on Thursday are being asked to do what must be a political party first: show their support for their party's nominee through text messages.

During a lull in the convention program before singer (and political activist) Sheryl Crow appeared onstage with a guitar, organizers asked delegates to show their support for Barack Obama by sending the text message "DNC" to 62262. Those digits, of course, happen to spell "Obama."

The more text messages originating from each state--presumably based on the sender's area code--the larger a star on the stadium's screens appear. Last we checked, California was in the lead.

Declan McCullagh, CNET News' chief political correspondent, chronicles the intersection of politics and technology. He has covered politics, technology, and Washington, D.C., for more than a decade, which has turned him into an iconoclast and a skeptic of anyone who says, "We oughta have a new federal law against this." E-mail Declan.

Click for complete coverage
advertisement
Recent posts from Politics and Law
FTC's new strategy: Kick 'em when they're down
Plurk holding Microsoft's feet to code-copying fire
FTC wants Intel to mend its ways
Biden to unveil $2 billion in broadband grants
FTC pursues Intel on new front: Graphics chips
Microsoft top lawyer: EU deal opens new chapter
FCC digs into broadband controversies
Wireless and broadcast industries begin spectrum debate
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
by cristenc-urs1 January 13, 2009 10:11 AM PST
Testing -- please ignore
Reply to this comment
by cristenc-urs1 January 13, 2009 10:15 AM PST
testing -- please ignore
Reply to this comment
by cristenc-urs1 January 13, 2009 10:16 AM PST
testing -- please ignore
Reply to this comment
(3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
advertisement

Behind the scenes: NORAD's Santa tracker

For decades, the defense group has let you follow the Christmas Eve travels of the jolly old elf. These days, technology is playing a bigger role than ever.

Intel redesigns Atom chip for Netbooks

The chipmaker officially announces the next generation of its popular Atom CPUs for Netbooks, the N450, weeks before the CES trade show.

About Politics and Law

News at the intersection of technology, politics, and law, ranging from intellectual property to censorship to tech policy.

Add this feed to your online news reader

Politics and Law topics

advertisement
advertisement

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right