Politics and IM Plus

I came across this article in the Washington Post today about the new rollout of AOL Instant Messenger. Apparently, AOL is introducing a new version of AIM that will allow people to store all of their contacts for their friends in one place and allow them to text, call or send email to anyone of their online buddies. The new version will also allow for the use of web TV and radio functions.

I think that this is an exciting new advancement that can definitely be used for campaign use. Campaign volunteers will now have one platform from which to reach friends and supporters for GOTV efforts. While AIM can only be effective if the people you are trying to reach are actually online, the ability to use texting capabilities as well as store phone contacts can and should be used by campaigns to ensure that they are hitting supporters in all ways possible to motivate them to vote. While many campaigns use modified versions of these types of technology, the new AIM can be an excellent tool for those of us that are out in the field.