7-Eleven getting in on campaign with cup choices

WWLP TV

Updated: Oct 18, 2012 11:52 AM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) — Obama or Romney? It's the big decision facing America.

There are many ways people are trying to predict the outcome in November. There are the in-depth national polls and then there are the not-so-scientific means. At 7-Eleven stores, they're tallying up who’s picking Obama cups and who's grabbing Romney ones.

Bryan McGrath, field consultant for 7-Eleven, told 22News, “Customers who are outwardly supportive of their candidate love to come in and pick the cup to show support for their candidate."

Those who have made up their mind are more than willing to show their decision off.

Hamilton Wray of Springfield said, “For Obama? Yea, I'd carry a banner!"

Michael Renaud of Springfield, also an Obama supporter, told 22News that he too would openly show support for his candidate. "Absolutely, absolutely. If I can help in any way I will.”

While picking an Obama or a Romney cup may be a pretty obvious way to make your choice known, one study says there are things you may do that you don't even notice that make your choice pretty clear.

The New York Times reported that consultants to both campaigns bought data from companies that study consumer habits, and they're also putting cookies on voters' computers to track the websites you visit.

The data they gathered showed Romney supporters often eat at the Olive Garden while Obama backers prefer Red Lobster. Obama voters also are more likely to listen to smooth jazz and shop at Burlington Coat Factory. And if you're drinking a Sam Adams and watching college football, you're more likely to vote from Romney.

This in-depth information gathering has raised privacy concerns, but if you're looking to grab a steaming hot cup of democracy, you can remain anonymous.

McGrath said, “People don't have to choose either a Romney or Obama cup, they can choose just a neutral and not have to worry about being confronted about that.”

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