Employees of some of the biggest tech firms in the United States are financially backing Barack Obama over John McCain by a lopsided ratio of nine to one, according to ZDNet's Robin Harris. Using fundraising data from OpenSecrets that covers donors who have contributed above $200, Harris found that employees of Apple, Dell, Microsoft, and Google and six other companies overwhelmingly support the Democratic nominee over his Republican counterpart. If you're Obama or a supporter, that 90% figure might seem like cause for celebration.

But you might also spot some room for improvement. Considering that Harris's list encompasses some fairly major companies that boast well-paid jobs, the raw numbers of donors aren't overly impressive; Harris cites just 170 contributors to Obama among Apple's ranks. Google finds itself home to 640 Obama contributors, Cisco, 240. Is there untapped potential for Obama in the tech world -- not only in dollars, but in enthusiasm?

The issues raised by that question are what's underlying Tech for Obama.

On Monday I went to Charleston, S.C. for the Dems' YouTube/CNN debate. I was planning on live-blogging the debate, and man did I have a great seat, but given the intense level of security at the Citadel (no electronics whatsoever), that wasn't an option.

I did however grab my camera to talk with some of the candidates and Internet strategists after the debate in the "spin room." And thankfully, some of them were willing to give away some free advice for the Republican candidates for the upcoming YouTube/CNN debate in Florida on September 17. (Submit your questions here.)

Below the fold find short vlogs with Dennis Kucinich, Mike Gravel, Joe Trippi (Edwards), Peter Leyden (New Politics Institute), Danny Glover (National Journal), and Steve Peterson (Bivings, YouTube user).

The buffet line for vlogs begins after the jump...