Twits a twitterin'

Twitter provides political leaders, among others, a way to actively engage citizens, as those leaders can provide their citizens with up-to-the-minute news and concerns. But maybe, just maybe, twittering every political event in real time is not always a good thing. Take for example these two Republican gaffes in the last couple days.

For example, twittering the location of a congressional delegation in Iraq and Afghanistan is probably not a good, nor a safe, idea. Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R-Michigan) gave live twitter updates about the location of a congressional delegation in which he was a part. I would think that the top-ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee would be concerned about the security and well-being of both he and the other representatives in combat war zones, but I guess I have erred in this line of reasoning.

And finally, twittering your political strategy before it has unfolded can give your opponents an unexpected heads up. In the Virginia State Sentate, the Democrats have a very slim majority, 21-19, over the Republicans. Well, one Senate Democrat was going to jump ship and negotiate a new power sharing agreement with the Republicans. Enter Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Jeff Frederick, who upon hearing the breaking news twitters it. The Democrats caught wind, called an emergency caucus, and squashed the coup. Thank you Jeff Frederick, you are the gift that keeps on giving.