Candidates in fear of being tracked

Washington: American political campaigns are increasingly using "trackers", young researchers-cum-sleuths who shadow their opponent's every move in the hope of capturing a gaffe or remark that can strike a fatal blow to the opposition.

Armed with a digital video camera, any potential slip can be broadcast on the internet within minutes and viewed ad infinitum on video-sharing websites like YouTube.

Political campaigns have often tried to deploy eyes and ears in enemy territory, but the role of trackers has become ubiquitous in the current midterm campaign. "They are there for the sole purpose of trying to embarrass a candidate," said Whit Ayres, a Republican consultant in Washington. "There is nothing you can do to stop trackers, it is a freedom of assembly issue."

The internet has dramatically altered the political process, with candidates raising money online and communicating through social networking websites. Barack Obama was hailed for his use of the internet to mobilise supporters.

It has often been hailed as a force for "democratisation" but the deployment of trackers has shown the downside of new media, showing it can sometimes have the opposite effect. Campaigns are increasingly concerned and now prefer to communicate with the electorate through Facebook, Twitter or television advertisements.

Journalists have complained of being unable to report properly on candidates. Contenders are declining to hold events open to the public, instead choosing to appear at organisations or a trade union that can select the audience.