Mitch Radcliffe suggested that candidates allow a citizen journalist "over the shoulder" access during the course of the campaign.
Owner: Scott Beale
Press corps members don't have unfettered access to candidates. If the goal of a candidate is to connect with voters -- to be "real" as opposed to "plastic" -- allowing a citizen journalist real access might help achieve that goal.
Edwards noted that he has been using blogging technology for more than one-way communication at the One America webiste. Not unlike the Howard Dean campaign -- citizens talk to Edwards via the blog (text and video blogging), provide suggestions as well as criticism.
The website sports a variety of tools designed to help voters stay in touch - including text messaging. It also promotes Skype, a free internet telephone service. No Windows bias here: the site also sports a "widget" for Mac OS 10.4 users to have messages delivered to the desktop.
Photo copyright Scott Beale (Laughing Squid) and Used By Permission