Now they’ve taken it a step further and introduced two-way texting, allowing people to text questions to the Obama team. Sadly, as this US News story highlights, if you’re going to offer a service, make sure you’ve got someone on the other end to respond:

U.S. News from southwestern Pennsylvania at 1:27 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: Where is senator Obama Campaigning this week?
*OBAMA at 1:27 p.m.: Thanks for your submission to Obama Mobile. Text HELP for help, STOP to quit. Std charges may apply. More info at www.barackobama.com/mobile
OBAMA didn’t reply further.

U.S. News from southwestern Pennsylvania at 11:56 a.m. on Aug. 15, 2007: Are you still offering a two way text service where I can ask questions?
OBAMA at 1:06 p.m. on Aug. 15, 2007: Sorry for the wait—you can check out the Senator’s schedule at barackobama.com. He’ll be in Iowa until the 18th. Thanks for getting in touch! -Becky ! HQ

U.S. News from northwestern Pennsylvania at 1:38 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: What will you do to prevent outsourcing of american jobs?
OBAMA at 6:10 p.m.: Thanks for caring enough to get in touch with the campaign—you can find more information at answercenter.barackobama.com Thanks – Becky HQ

U.S. News from Maryland at 1:44 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: How does your health care plan differ from the other Democratic candidates?
OBAMA at 5:15 p.m.: Barack believes each American deserves affordable & quality healthcare & is committed to achieving this in his 1st term:barackobama.com/issues/healthcare

U.S. News from central Virginia at 1:53 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: Hi! I’m wondering what barack’s favorite flavor of ice cream is. Thx! This is cool
OBAMA never replied. [This is a trick question; the candidate actually doesn't like ice cream.]

U.S. News from eastern Virginia at 2:11 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: What foreign policy expertise does Mr. Obama have to back up his promises on global terrorism and communication with volatile countries like Iran?
OBAMA at 5:12 p.m.: Barack has always been strongly against this war. He urges politicians to move away frm partisanship&think constructively to end it: barackobama.com/issues/iraq

U.S. News from eastern Virginia at 2:20 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: What does Mr. Obama think of “Obama Girl?”
OBAMA never replied.

U.S. News from Michigan at 2:57 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2007: Will your policy on the war in iraq change if the surge is shown in September to have made progress? Would you consider staying the course?
OBAMA at 5:12 p.m.: Barack has always been strongly against the war. He urges politicians to move away frm partisanship&think constructively to end it: barackobama.com/issues/iraq

U.S. News from New Jersey at 9:38 a.m. on Aug. 14, 2007: If elected would u support the prosecution of former Administration officials?
U.S. News from New Jersey at 9:47 a.m. on Aug. 14, 2007: Under an Obama Administration, would it be ‘legal’ to intercept this text without a warrant?
OBAMA at 7:42 p.m.: Thanks for caring enough to get in touch with your questions— you can check out barackobama.com/issues & answercenter.barackobama.com throughout the campaign.

*This is the initial “Thank You” response that was texted to all queries.