"Obama’s iPad/iPhone App Hits the App Store Tonight"

I still have my original Obama '08 ap that I refuse to delete ... because I'm a dork.

which I will have in my hot little hands later this morning.

I fear there will be a lot of disappointed people at the ATT/Best Buy stores today.

I TRIED to order mine last Tuesday .... have up because the ATT website was so screwy .... then tried to order it Wed. night, saw that the ship date had been pushed back to July 2 and for SOME reason decided to wait ... I think I was going to try to find a way to get it faster (stupid.) When I finally placed the order Thursday through the Apple store, it gave me a ship date of Jul 14th.

ggrrrrrrrrrr

Who ARE all these folks with money? It isn't as though there are jobs! Is this the "base" the party wants to appeal to? People are losing their homes and their utlities and OFA is campaigning by Iphone?

They'll be the ones buying it. Me, I'd rather not have any politician's propaganda downloaded on my iphone. I wonder how much this will cost the campaign?

:eyes:

It's such a niche product that costs thousands of dollars. :rofl:

internet access entirely because they no longer have jobs OR unemployment insurance!

$200 may be nothing to some people and something to others, but to try to shame people about how they choose to spend their own money because other people happen to be suffering (as if suffering is a new concept) is the height of arrogance.

By your logic, you shouldn't live on more than $1 a day because billions of people in the world have that predicament.

Democratic Party is is OFA is concentating on those with IPhones.

Will we see ads like OFA brough to you by AT+T?

And it's a free app, too. The fact is that the iPhone is extremely popular among all sorts of people, not just "rich" ones, so using it to spread their message makes perfect sense. It's not like OFA is going to advertise on DU, which will reach a far smaller number of people -- it just makes good strategic sense to advertise via the iPhone.

people to vote propaganda? Wow, I'm confused by your statement.

I just don't want that kind of stuff on my phone, regardless of party.

I make #33,000/year. I bought it with the money I received back on Administrative Assistant's Day from my people.

:shrug:

I'm also very lucky to have such great coworkers. My cell phone was literally falling apart and my very generous admin day gift paid for a new phone for me.

Enjoy!!!

;-)

:sarcasm:

.... HA! Seriously ... it's $200 .... it's not a Maybach ... it's a phone.

It's certainly CHEAPER than a personal computer .... that we used to POST ON DU. .... Now you could POST on DU with your iphone .... might be a good idea ... buy an iphone ... sell your computer and donate the money to charity. ;)

and with no frills.

don't or can't buy an iPhone?

Seriously?

There are people who travel by donkey with iPhones. Don't you think people save to buy things they want? Don't you think people purchase things on sale or used?

The price of the phone and who can or cannot afford it is irrelevant to the announcement in the OP.

understand or offer empathy. It may surprise you to know that msny of those whose unemployment ran out this aeek also have to spend more than that on meds. The timing of this is "insensitive" at best.

Nothing.

I am sure you do not understand. Long term unemployed People have just been denied an income, Apple celebrates in a haze of publicity, the new Iphone and the WH offers free apps to those who can afford to pay for not only the Iphone but the monthly fees,while these folks can't pay a light bill or for groceries. There are no jobs looming for them on the horizon. And this happens the same week. Whatever. It doesn't effect you. I get it.

You make a lot of assumptions and also appear to believe that you speak for the unemployed.

Like I said, this announcement has nothing to do with the unemployed, the cost of the phone or who can or cannot afford it. There are many things people cannot buy, choose not to buy and cannot afford. I'm sure the umemployed are not offended by the sale of Obama memorabilia, and I doubt there is going to be uproar because a phone went on sale.

for speaking for the unemployed, you decide to do so but undoubtedly you find it acceptable in your own case.

This, "I'm sure the umemployed are not offended by the sale of Obama memorabilia," is an opinion based on the fact that there is no evidence to the contrary.

and this announcement doesn't bother me a bit. How someone chooses to spend $200 of their own money has absolutely no effect on my life -- and yours neither, to be honest.

choose to do with their OWN money makes no sense. You'll only end up frustrated and bitter.

issue?

:eyes:

Personally, I believe it will probably alienate more than it draws. But, I suppose I could be wrong.

Timing is everything.

all those Democratic/progressive organizations soliciting money for campaigns should cease that activity to show empathy for the unemployed.

Oh bother.

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year. When did you buy your previous iPhone?

and I don't even text. I am really not into cell phones much. My husband loves to text but I find it a barrier to real communication sometimes and I just want to throw that phone out the window on occasion. But I have no problem with people who save up for them. I have been a very poor student at college and I have been fairly well off. I really have no problem with the WH or anyone trying to reach an audience using the iphone.

I can get you 20 PCs within an hour, each costing about $50. They work perfectly, have NIC cards and wireless cards, and run XP. And those are complete systems, with nice CRT monitors and all the goodies.

Now, YOUR PC probably cost more than that, but perfectly functional PCs, capable of full internet access are a dime a dozen these days.

My Dell PC cost me $500, six years ago. That works out to less than $100/year. I earn my money with it, post on DU with it, and look for more work with it.

You have had good luck. That's a good thing. Don't gloat about it, though. That's unseemly.

here in New York City, I'd say a massive amount of voters.

like a lot of young people. This is a good marketing strategy by the WH; I can't fault them for that.

In fact, the vast majority of this city is working- and middle-class.

The vast majority of unemployed have no income.

A Metrocard for the train costs much less than filling up the gas tank every week or so, not to mention insurance, etc.

And I'm not referring to unemployed people. Just because some people are unemployed doesn't mean everybody is.

You'd be surprised. NYC is a pretty huge place.

Which is certainly more expensive than even the best iPhone. And apps are just another way of reaching out to people, and a tech-savvy one at that.

Which is what I take from "not any longer." So I think it's hypocritical for you to attack people for buying an iPhone when you yourself admit to having spent that kind of money on non-essentials.

I am pointing out the stunning disconnect the WH communications team has to those who cannot afford such items. I am questioning who the "base" really is. Are you even conscious of the unemployment rate? Do you even think that the feelings of those who just lost the last bit of unemployment might even be considered? This almost smacks of "let them eat cake". There is a time and a place for everything. Our nation is in crisis and people are going hungry.Many folks are on DU only through their libraries. That was a post just yesterday on DU. And in many communities that is being cut. It is no longer avaiable in many areas of my state.

I don't know why you can't understand that simple concept.

Instead, you get on the cross about all the unemployed in this country and how an iPhone app is somehow ignoring the base when it is actually just a convenient way to communicate with people who do happen to have an iPhone, which -- guess what -- is a lot of people.

Are you even conscious of the unemployment rate? Do you even think that the feelings of those who just lost the last bit of unemployment might even be considered?

No, I've never kept up with the news. :sarcasm: What the hell does a free app have to do with the feelings of the unemployed? How many people even know what OFA is? You act as if everybody in this country is the Joad family.

There is a time and a place for everything. Our nation is in crisis and people are going hungry.Many folks are on DU only through their libraries.

Again, why are you so upset about an app that nobody is forcing on you? And people are only getting on DU through libraries? The horror! Because after all, DU is so much more important than food and shelter. :eyes:

Newsflash -- there will *always* be unemployed people in this country. It's not a new concept. Are you going to keep trotting out the poor unemployed meme every time Obama tries to spread his message in a tech-savvy way? Oh wait, I forgot that you're a professional complainer.

I guess unemployment isn't one of those issues that concern you. Love the"there will always be unemployed" line. I get it. Sorta like " poor you will always have with you" quote that the other side like to twist as an excuse for inaction.
At the very least the "timing" of this announcement is boneheaded and insulting coming at the same time as that the expiration of the unemployment insurance for those referred to as the 99. The fact that you cannot acknowledge this says volumes.

And yes, I am a "complainer" and I intend to keep complaining until real reform takes place in this nation. It is why I am an activist and a democrat.

You're the type who will complain about anything, even if it has no relation to unemployment figures, and will still try to shoehorn unemployment onto the argument.

The fact that you're using unemployment as a reason to bash an app which can reach millions of people, not a few selected "haves" as you claim, says volumes about you.

At the very least the "timing" of this announcement is boneheaded and insulting coming at the same time as that the expiration of the unemployment insurance for those referred to as the 99. The fact that you cannot acknowledge this says volumes.

Yes, we should immediately halt anything that could result in positive change because there are people that are suffering out there. Never mind that OFA may actually benefit these same people; the fact that they're utilizing a free app available to millions of people is some sort of "let them eat cake" conspiracy designed for no other reason than to appear insensitive.

If you're going to use unemployment as a barricade for everything else, why don't you follow your own advice? I see you post frequently about Adam Lambert for some reason. How can you be so insensitive to post about a rich singer when there are millions of people suffering?

:cry:

nothing to do with his becoming wealthy but you might notice he has done a huge amount for charity and those in need. I have never ever stated all things should be halted. I never even said that people shouldn't buy Iphones. It is the appearance of this that is irksome. I merely think that this is insensitive. I believe the WH needs a new PR time unless they don't care how insensitivity effects people. Then again, they didn't have a problem with inviting Rick Warren either. They need new PR.
They also demonstrated this tone deaf issue when they went to Boxer's fundraiser instead of the Memorial for those in the Gulf. Feelings matter. That is my opinion.

B)I know you're not posting about Adam Lambert because he's wealthy, but the fact that you're up in arms over an ingenious app for a positive organization few have heard of (let alone the unemployed who have much bigger worries) yet seem to have no problem being "insensitive" by posting about a well-off singer when there are so many people suffering out there (according to your logic) strikes me as incredibly funny.

And yes, I know your response will be something like, "So unemployment is funny to you?" But I expect nothing less (or is it more?) from you.

money have to do with the insensitivity of the PR campaign. I have not demanded anyone stop buying anything or dictated to anyone how to spend their money. I offered my opinion that this is insensitive and tone deaf. The others issues have nothing to do with that. We must agree to disagree.

.... has an iphone.

Seriously, with unlimited texting (even *I* dont have that!)

now that they have a relationsship with AT+T.

... then I hope you spent as much time calling the Republican senators (and Ben Nelson) as you did in this thread.

I intend to contact them later using my shiny new OFA iPhone ap. (seriously, you just push a button and there yo go.)

I'm going to tell them all to "suck it."

If anything it makes it a double slap in the face.Many of us can no longer maintain lifestyles we spent years working to achieve..

Got it.

who were suffering as opposed to catering to the "haves".This isn't about the fact of those who can afford it purchasing something it is about OFA concentrating on communicating with those who do. But apparently some as are as tone deaf as the communications team. This should have been handled differently. And the relationship with AT+T is also not a good thing.

As if iPhone owners are like people with their own yachts. :rofl:

It's 2010 -- damn near everybody has a cell phone of some kind, and the iPhone is the most popular one thus far. And as I keep repeating and you (for some reason) fail to understand, it's just one method OFA is using, not the only one.

But keep on complaining about trivial crap. It makes your complaints about real issues ring hollow.

OFA association with AT+T. Trivial crap. Got it.

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You just do not get it and that actually saddens me.

And I'm going to laugh my ass off at your reaction when Obama is re-elected.

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Mind showing where you heard this? Because I Googled and can't find anything of the sort.

The same deal as American Idol had. In their case you could only text theough AT +T. Just saying the OFA App can only be used with an At+T phone. Get it. It becomes an incentive for OFA volunteers and others to get an AT+T phone.

But I was able to get the app just fine on my iPod Touch, your insinuation that I don't "get it" notwithstanding.

The Ipad and Iphone are all AT+T. And All Ipod stuff is of course Apple. Is there a carrier for the Touch? Does it do internet? I thought I did hear perhaps Verizon might soon be merged with AT+ T but it might be another and they would then offer Iphone stuff.

Most coffee shops have free wifi as do the libraries in our town. AT&T isn't necessary to make the thing work.

Millions of people own iPhones and iPods as well as other "smart" phones. Any serious political candidate at the national level who ignores them as a useful tool for networking is a fucking idiot and undeserving of my vote.

as are the Ipad. I just went to look at them at the Best Buy. That is what the reps told me. My husband needs a new phone but no way can we even afford the monthly fees.

... odd huh?

that danged wi-fi again.

What specifically is being done to reach out to those without the ability to buyor maitain new technology? The only "mail" I get asks for money.

.... you know, Michigan, the state that USED to have the highest unemployment until the evil Obama's "auto bailout."



So apparently, they're going to use high-tech, elitist methods like "knocking on someone's door" ... and "talking to them in their livingroom."

I read about this on my iphone.

where there have been several suicides, and where workers are exposed to dangerous chemicals.

The amount of money that you may pay for an I-Phone, and the data plan that goes with it, may not seem like much to you, but for most Americans it is a luxury they can ill afford.

This is a good plan if all you wanted was to get Yuppies to vote.

iPhone is an unaffordable luxury for many working class Americans.

This is a good plan if all you wanted was to get Yuppies to vote.

Yes, the iPhone is on par with a private yacht. :rofl:

This plan takes advantage of the explosive growth in iPhone users, many of whom are Dems. It expands our message much more efficiently.

And BTW, since you brought up Chinese sweatshops, you'd better throw out a shitload of your belongings, because there's a good chance they were created under similar conditions.

But they do now. It is one way to reach some people. Not the only way. But it is 2010.

it was ok to buy trivial crap...but now that you are unemployed everyone who has trivial crap is one of the *haves* who have no empathy?


I feel bad for you for your situation but c'mon.You admit when you had a job you bought non necessary toys but now if the campaign team uses people's toys as ONE WAY to reach an audience they are dissing the base?

sensitivity displayed by the OFA/WH communications team in reaching out and publicizing that they do so to those who are able to participate in a relatively large expenditure during the same week Congress has declined to extend unemployment benefits to the long term unemployed. And as of yet, though I asked,absolutely no one has produced an answer as to the "other ways" the unemployed and poor are being targeted by OFA for their vote.

And I never flaunted expensive purchases( not that I had many) during a time of nation economic depression and record unemployment.

People certainly are entitled to buy what they want when they want to. But OFA could have used better timing or discretion.Just my opinion. You are free to disagree.

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They are reporting lots of trouble with it. How's yours working?

Enjoy!!

But, please think of other instances when people say, "I got mine." Most of those are unpleasant, and are followed by, "so screw you." I've heard that from Republicans for years.

I'm glad you have yours. You're a good person, I'm sure. But, please, think about what it sounds like. Thanks.

(sorry, I'm engaged in an ongoing feud with my father about which has more suck, an iphone or a droid, you just got in the crossfire! lol)

I love the Visible Vote app and I want more political ones.

... I dont think I have it.

I'm assuming you have the White House's ap?

I'm a fairly new BB user. The only political app I have is called "Visible Vote" where I can vote on pending legislation and it lets my Congressman and Senators know how I voted. And I can approve or disapprove of them and Obama (4/4 approve here).

My voting record has me agreeing 87% with my senators and 91% with my congressman.

can afford it, I do have a problem with pushing it into the faces of those who cannot, and that group makes up a very important segment of the Democratic party.

I suspect that everyone who is clamoring to buy the new iPhone version already has an iPhone in their purse or pocket. I assume that all of those iPhones are still functional. So, what will you do with your current iPhone? Is it somehow no longer adequate for your needs? Will it go on the shelf with all the other antiquated cell phones you have owned?

Me? I have a Tracfone, and I can call on it or answer calls on it. I paid 8.95 for the phone and $100 for 800 minutes and a year's service. That was over a year ago. This year, I paid the same $100 for another year and another 800 minutes. I can call anyone from anywhere with that phone.

I can't browse the web with it, or check my email, but I have a nice 6-year-old Dell computer at home that does that very conveniently and that has cost me less than $100/year so far., and an even older Dell notebook that's still working just fine.

I'm glad that some DUers have the new iPhone. That's great. But, when you're tempted to gloat about it, or want to brag about the cool new apps you can now use, you might want to take a moment and consider all of those Democrats you hope will vote for Democratic candidates who can't afford any cell phone at all, or who are reduced to a disposable cell phone they use very sparingly.

Bragging about your good fortune is not a Democratic value, as far as I'm concerned. I think it's great that you're doing well. I sure know a lot of people, right here on DU, who are not. We have active DUers who are activists in party activities who are using a dial-up modem to connect to DU, and for whom the latest iPhone is not even a consideration.

So, good for you if you lined up and bought your new iPhone today. I'm happy for you, bless your hearts.

"Look what I got" is not a pleasant thing to hear when so many can't get what you got. It's ugly when first-graders do it, and it's much uglier when adults do it.

It's fine if you have those toys. It's not fine if you hold them up so everyone can see how fortunate you are. Not fine at all.

I learned that at my mom's knee when I was just a toddler. It's a good thing to learn.

Who are you to tell people what they can be happy about? Who's bragging. Are you saying that people can't be excited about a gadget? Seriously, owning an iPhone is not about good fortune. There are people who do not make a lot of money who have them. It's a free country.

Actually, owning an iPhone is about good fortune. It just depends on where the observer is standing. It's all good fortune when we can own what we do not need. I watched the lines at the Apple store. Later in the day, I drove by the Union Rescue Mission in Saint Paul, on my way to a business appointment.

I'm a socialist at heart and a Democrat by necessity. When I think something is excessively proud or when someone gloats over their good fortune, I will point it out. You and I agree about most things, as you will know if you are familiar with my posts. On this thing, we disagree. It is not off base. It is reality for a very large minority in this country. I am asking those who have good fortune to be happy in their good fortune, but not to throw it in the faces of those who do not. I think that's fair enough, don't you?

Again, I'm happy for those who have the good fortune to be able to afford an iPhone and the service plan that lets them use it. I wish them all the best.

Tomorrow, I will send a check for $200 to the Union Rescue Mission in St. Paul, and continue using my Tracfone. I will say what I think. I will say it politely, but I will say it.

to the Union Rescue Mission in St. Paul, and continue using my Tracfone."

And what about the people who can't afford to send that $200 or purchase an iPhone? In fact, what about the people who can't afford your good fortune:

them. You are tilting at the wrong windmill here. Please stop reading what you want in my posts. I consider iPhones to be an extravagance, particularly if one already has a working iPhone. You may not agree with that. That's just fine.

Again, please read the bulk of my postings. We agree on almost everything. On this, we do not.

A donation to an organization that feeds and houses the homeless is not equivalent to buying an iPhone. Sorry. It's just not.

Owning a car is an extravagance. Owning a computer is an extravagance. Owning a cell phone, regardless of its cost, is an extravagance. Again, you are free to live your life as you see fit, but you cannot dictate how people should live theirs. Also, why are you assuming that someone with an iPhone doesn't make donations to such organizations?

I've posted about the administration's initiative to end homelessness, and I notice that it has largely gone ignored.

I asked. I said please. That is all I can do. I have no power to tell anyone to do or not to do anything. I can ask, though. Please tell me you are not opposed to my asking people to avoid gloating over their good fortune...

And the resale value of iPhones is quite high. I will be able to cover most of the cost of our new ones by selling the old ones on eBay.

People are freaking out because OFA is taking advantage of a new and popular technology and that suddenly becomes some bullshit class warfare. :rofl:

.... I'm sure many more of my fellow bougie liberal elitists were thus able to see it after they got home from a long day of standing in line at the Apple store no doubt weary from the 7am sun.

I'm gonna write the President, tell him you deserve a special commendation for helping to rep his new iphone ap.

But I really don't care who has an iphone. I just don't. I have a pre paid phone and it is way out of date but I hate talking on the phone, I don't work right now (staying home with my kids and going back to school) and I have no real use for one.

nephew I have, mostly unemployed college students have a damn i-phone. Is it even a big deal anymore?

...And it saved me getting a computer. For what I use computers for these days, it's not worth a full-on one since the last one bit the dust. I pull out the real old one when I need to print something. :)