Midday update: The Guardian’s interview with Rand Paul is happening now. Download Periscope to watch.
Got a question for Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul? This Friday the Kentucky senator will be interviewed by the Guardian – and you can help with the questioning if you join the conversation using your smartphone.
We’re live-streaming the interview via Periscope, the new app that lets users broadcast from their smartphone. Periscope lets users turn their smartphone into the equivalent of a live TV satellite truck. Crucially, it also allows their followers to give feedback, giving their approval, commentary or questions in real time.
Reporters have already been experimenting with Periscope – and a similar app called Meerkat – on the campaign trail. So too have a number of Republican presidential aspirants, such as Paul and former Florida governor Jeb Bush - with commentators speculating on how these apps will transform the campaign.
Here is how the interview will work ...
How to watch: The best option is to download Periscope onto your smartphone and follow my account - Paul Lewis. Once we’re live you’ll get a notification on your phone, and you can tune in and start letting us know what you think, in real time. The other option is to click on this web link. You can watch the broadcast live through any web browser, but you can only give live feedback through the app.
How to ask a question: Simply type your question into the text box and press send. Your words will instantly appear on the screen. I’ll have my own questions for the senator, of course, but will do my best to draw on some of your feedback. You can also submit thoughts, comments and proposed questions for the senator in the comment thread below.
The interview: I’m going to be speaking with Paul during his appearance at the University of Iowa this Friday. He will be mid-way through a five-state tour marking the start of his campaign tour, which launched in Kentucky on Tuesday.
When: 11am Iowa time (noon ET, 9am PT).
The subject: Criminal justice reform, a major part of Paul’s election platform. The conversation could cover marijuana laws, stop and frisk policies, mandatory sentencing, police shootings and more.
