CNN's John King, USA Launches Political 'Gowalla' Trips in all 50 States

CNN chief national correspondent and anchor John King has a passion for getting outside the Beltway to check the political pulse of everyday Americans, and now users of Gowalla, the location-based mobile and web service, can follow the trail he has blazed through the country. Beginning next week with John’s Labor Day road trip, Gowalla users will be able to learn about John’s favorite spots in all 50 states and even earn a John King, USA Pin for their Gowalla Passport by completing one of the Trips.

“Washington is never a leading indicator in election cycles,” said John. “You have to get out in the country and see it and taste it to get a sense of the real issues driving how Americans vote.”
While visiting all 50 states following President Barack Obama’s inauguration, John sat down with residents in local diners to hear their stories and discuss the issues most important to them. Just like the people with whom John spoke, each diner had a story—from Bud’s Drive In in Idaho known for burgers and huckleberry milkshakes to Stacy’s Restaurant in Fort Riley, Kansas that serves active duty military members and veterans.

John also will share his stories on Eatocracy, CNN.com's blog created to feed the minds, hearts and stomachs of food fanatics across the world. Readers will be able to experience a little slice of his adventures by reading about the culture of the local diners where he talked politics at the dinner table.

This project is launching just as John King, USA is heading on a road trip next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. John will observe Labor Day and kick off the final push in the November midterm elections while traveling through bellwether states on the CNN Express, the network’s bus that serves as a state-of-the-art mobile newsroom. John will visit Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky to profile critical races, interview newsmakers and explain why the races matter to all Americans.
Various members of CNN’s Best Political Team on Television will check in with John along the way, including senior congressional correspondent Dana Bash, senior political analyst Gloria Borger, anchor T.J. Holmes and national political correspondent Jessica Yellin.

To participate, Gowalla users should follow John by going to John King, USA’s Gowalla page and clicking the “follow John King, USA” button in the right column. You will then have access to John’s custom Trips at Gowalla.com or on your smartphone via the Gowalla app.