Twitter Dome: Two reps enter, one rep leaves

Rep. John Culberson, R-Tex., one of the most tech-savvy individuals in Congress, sent out the technophiles’ equivalent of call to arms last week.

"I just learned the Dems are trying to censor Congressmen’s ability to use Twitter Qik YouTube Utterz etc — outrageous and I will fight them," Culberson wrote on Twitter.

Social networks were instantly set abuzz, as they are designed to do in such instances, and the geeks cried "foul" over what quickly became known as the "Twitter Dome Scandal." More cautious and reasonable individuals looking into the proposed rules change discovered the recommendation was intended to update antiquated ethics guidelines in the Congressional Franking rules. Rep. Michael Capuano, D-Mass., proposed the changes in response to the lack of online commercial-free outlets that are required under current rules.

While the proposed rules change may not interfere with commercial-free Twitter and many other social applications, it does bring into question Rep. Michele Bachmann’s personal blog on conservative website Townhall.com

Open-source parties

When most people think of open-source platforms, trade policy and civil rights might not be the first things to pop into mind. But both political parties are encouraging people to do just that by opening their political platforms to the public — and sparking a rivalry to see who can become more "open."

The GOP was first to launch their "historic online platform" which essentially allows registered users to leave a video or text message which the platform committee will take under consideration. Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, chairman of the Democrats’ platform-drafting committee, followed by announcing a similar website for Democrats as well as MeetUp-like component which will allow people from across the nation to meet in person and discuss the platform.

Soliciting ideas and putting them under consideration is a nice gesture, but which party is willing to make its platform a wiki?

Didn’t think so.

No use for e-mail

John McCain took the opportunity to ease the minds of voters concerned about his computer illiteracy in a sit-down interview in the New York Times. The message was that, besides running for president, McCain is apparently learning how to use a computer in his free time.

"I am learning to get online myself, and I will have that down fairly soon, getting on myself," McCain said. "I don’t expect to be a great communicator, I don’t expect to set up my own blog, but I am becoming computer literate to the point where I can get the information that I need."

Once McCain figures out how to get online, he might want to learn email.

"I don’t e-mail," McCain admitted. "I’ve never felt the particular need to e-mail."

McCain’s own comments make it difficult to fall for the fake McCain iPhone 3G blog, but they can’t stop the laughter.

See previous Campaign Tech posts.