GOP super-PAC enlists public with opposition research app

A Republican super-PAC wants the public to use a new iPhone app to help it with opposition research. The “Grill” app, released May 4 from America Rising, recommends two or three difficult questions for users to ask Democratic candidates in their area. Video recorded through the app is uploaded to the group’s database. “The questions are written by America Rising researchers and based on current events and local news in your area and are written in a way that’s as inconvenient as possible for the Democrat in question,” the super-PAC said. The app requires a user's phone location information to find events and candidates in their area.

As a default, it has a list of questions for Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. America Rising is hoping to solicit the public in its tracking activities. The group said it currently has questions for about two dozen candidates up and down the ballot in the app. Opposition research groups like America Rising usually hire individuals to meticulously follow and record opposing candidates’ every word, in the hope of uncovering inconsistencies or flubs. Questions for Clinton include: "Why did your husband’s speaking fees to foreign countries and companies more than triple after you were appointed Secretary of State?" and "Will you drop out of the Presidential race if you are indicted over the use of your private email server?"