Democrat? – There’s An App For You


On Thursday The Democratic Party application for iPhone and iPad appeared in the Apple App Store. This marks a new era of reaching out to voters online.
While the 2008 presidential race introduced new media with my.BarackObama.com and increased the use of Facebook and Twitter, this year politicians might go a step further and release specific apps to promote their campaigns and themselves.

The basis of the iPhone’s success is the huge amount of apps available, so there is probably an app for about everything, except for political campaigns and politicians – until now.
With the release of the new app by the DNC, Democrats are one step ahead, once again.

The application has the following features:

Alerts An inbox for receiving AirMail messages that will alert you to breaking news, events in their area, and ways to get involved. AirMail allows you to take action, view video, or RSVP for events within the messages themselves.
Up-to-the-Minute News Keep up to date on the latest news from D.C., the 2010 elections, and Democratic leaders. Choose between national and local information, and share your favorite stories via e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter.
Find Events Find local grassroots events near you. You can RSVP, gets maps and directions, and share event details with friends via e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter.
Photos & Video Browse the photos and video from the Democratic Party, including video messages from the President and scenes from grassroots events across the country.
Discussion Points Get the latest information on the issues of the day, so that you’ll have the facts when you’re talking to neighbors, friends and family, or voters in your community.
Call Congress Calling your member of Congress is one on the most effective ways to make your voice heard on the issues you care about. Easily find the phone number, call, and report the results of your conversation with your representatives.
Donate Help support the important work that the Democratic Party is engaged in.

The most important feature probably is the connection with social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, because it lets users spread the message.
It basically combines all features of the www.democrats.org into one neat little application. If the Democrats use it right, they could gather support prior to the crucial midterm elections and get people involved.
Just like McCain did in 2008, with his own social network, Republicans will need to get apps to spread their word in these elections, but we will see what they are up to.
I hope I can give you a closer look on the app, sometime next week.