• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Voters' Cells Haven't Seen The Last of Obama

ByEMILY FRIEDMAN
August 25, 2008, 9:23 PM

Aug. 26, 2008 — -- Now that he has your number, will Barack Obama ever text you again?

And if he does, will he turn into the hard-to-get-rid of, incessant boyfriend-type who just won't leave you alone?

For those who signed up to receive the Obama campaign's text message announcement of his running mate on the Democratic ticket, chances are it won't be the last time the presidential hopeful makes their cell phone ring.

"Moving forward, we're going to continue to keep our supporters engaged with our valuable two-way communication tool," said Obama spokesman Nick Shapiro of the campaign's plan to send out additional texts in the months leading up to the Nov. 4 general election.

But several tech analysts told ABCNews.com that successfully tip-toeing the line between informative and overkill is imperative for the campaign, to prevent a backlash from constituents who may grow weary of a campaign that doesn't know when to stop pressing "send."

"[The campaign] has to be very careful that they don't annoy people," said Jack Gold, tech analyst and president of J. Gold Associates. "If they start sending out stuff -- even if they think it is good information -- and it annoys people, they're going to turn them off, and that's not what they want to do to their electorate."

Determining how often is too often to blast supporters on their cell phones, said Gold, is complicated, particularly considering the sheer diversity of those the campaign can reach via text message.

"What is considered to be 'too many' is different for everyone," said Gold. "You might be OK with 20 messages a day, and I might be annoyed with two a day."

Shapiro said the Obama campaign is no more worried about overdoing cell phone correspondence than they are about the other ways they communicate with constituents.

"With any type of communication, you want to make sure you're giving information that people want and need and only send what is really important," he said.

Up Next in News—

Lindsay Clancy holdout juror's attorney says defense's motion for judge to question him 'dangerous'

September 22, 2026

Lindsay Clancy's lawyer cites double jeopardy in bid to dismiss charges

September 22, 2026

AI chatbots and privacy: How to keep personal info secure

September 21, 2026

Patrick Clancy speaks out after mistrial in ex-wife Lindsay Clancy's murder trial

September 21, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Your Privacy Choices— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News