CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While the Democrats are the focus this week in North Carolina, some Republicans, including one high-profile Utahn, are set up just block away from the Democratic National Convention, poised to react to each new development.

With cell phones, the Internet, Facebook and Twitter all taking over our lives, communication is instantaneous and each party is ready to pounce on any misstep, or perceived misstep, by the other party.

During the Republican National Convention, Clint Eastwood caused a media firestorm within a matter of seconds as the term "Eastwooding" became common knowledge after the famous actor used a chair to represent President Barack Obama sitting next to him at the convention. Many thought Eastwood's speech overshadowed Mitt Romney, and the Democrats were first on board to respond.

Now, the Republicans will get a chance to respond to all that takes place at the Democratic convention. A rapid-response team of Republicans, including Congressman Jason Chaffetz are in the war room watching the Democrats' every move.

"If something does happen and somebody says something outrageous, you'll see us move very swiftly to respond to that," Rep. Jason Chaffetz said.

"The rapid response is gonna be nimble and be able to respond to specific things said by Barack Obama and his surrogates this week," added Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus.

Social media will play a big part in the rapid-response team's success.

"You better darn well be on the ground and responding in real time, cause Facebook, tweets and everything else will get out the message really quick," Chaffetz said.

Just to give a little insight into how social media is shaping the future of elections, on Election Day in 2008, there were 1.8 million tweets. Now, Twitter representatives say that many tweets are sent out every six minutes and are expected easily surpass the total tweets in 2008.

Related:

Notes from DNC: Voters say Obama should not be reelected in new poll

The Hill has released a new poll saying President Barack Obama is not deserving of a second term and that the nation is in a "worse condition" than it was in September 2008.

On Tuesday, there were more than 28,000 tweets per minute during Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic convention. That number is more than double the tweets per minute during Mitt Romney's speech last Thursday.

Social media has changed the landscape of modern campaigns and both parties are sitting and patiently waiting to capitalize on the faults of the other party.

"I'm fired up, I'm passionate about this," Chaffetz said.

While the Republicans will be keeping a close eye on all of Wednesday's speakers, many are anxious to hear the remarks of President Bill Clinton, who will be the convention's concluding speaker.

Contributing: John Daley

Related topics