Rapidfire e-mails from both sides highlight Kagan’s positions

The strategy of overlaying data and prior comments with real-time news events emerged during the confirmation hearings for Justice Sonia Sotomayor and resembles a similar approach used by the Sunlight Foundation during the healthcare debates. It also represents the urgency of the Internet news cycle as both sides struggle to frame the terms of the debate over Kagan’s nomination.

The aide said the e-mails are just part of a multi-pronged Republican media strategy that includes radio, television and reaching out to online media. Democrats have thus far focused on emphasizing Kagan’s own words and statements in online communications, as well as those of individuals who have worked with her in the past.