Obama web site has "Thank You Senator Clinton" feature designed to reap information on Clinton backers for Obama

WASHINGTON–The Obama campaign website has new feature: a “thank you” for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) that is also an organizational tool for Obama.

A clip of Obama praising Clinton is on the site,with a call for unity from presumptive Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) But the nice words and video serve as bait to gather data about Clinton backers who are at least curious enough about Obama to be on his website. The feature urges viewers to send Clinton a note of thanks:

“Senator Clinton made history over the past 16 months — not just because she has broken barriers, but because she has inspired millions of Americans with her strength, her courage, and her commitment to causes like universal health care that make a difference in the lives of hardworking Americans.Take a minute to thank her for her hard work and for supporting this campaign.”

But this is also a clever technique the Obama campaign is using to data mine and target voters.

If a person uses the Obama site to “share your thanks” with Clinton, the campaign captures the person’s e-mail, name, location and cell phone. They are also asked of they want to receive text message updates.