PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – It’s no secret we all watch television with a cell phone or tablet close by, now political candidates can literally cash in on our habits.
Starting today, political candidates can sign up for something called a $Cashtag; a unique, personalized ID that accepts payments through Twitter. Now, whether you're tweeting about an issue that matters to you or a candidate you support, you can also make a donation with the touch of a button.
Digital Political Strategist Craig Agranoff says, "It's time for people to put their money where their tweets are."
The GOP debate tomorrow night will be the first time $Cashtag technology will be put to the political test. Giving viewers a chance to contribute more to the conversation.
"It's another way to bring in smaller dollar donations as we saw in 2012," says Republican Strategist Mary Anna Mancuso. "President Barack Obama was fueled by small dollar donations through text messages. I'll be interested to see if the candidates from the podium encourage people to go on to twitter and donate."
Both Arganoff and Mancuso will be watching the debate, looking for those buzz worthy, viral moments and the impact on $Cashtags.
"If Chris Christie said something and all of the sudden he's raising tens of thousands of dollars online, it causes other people to eventually give him money too and money begets money," says Arganoff. "It's a great way for politicians doing campaigns to take in money that they might have otherwise not gotten."
Those behind the campaign scenes will also be keeping an eye on $Cashtags.
"As somebody who's worked in digital for campaigns I am absolutely ecstatic," explained Mancuso. "I am terrified for those in the war room. I know what it's like to be in the war room during a debate and they're going to have one more thing pay attention to."