Texas Sen. Ted Cruz managed to elbow into the spotlight for a brief moment during the first GOP debate when he called on the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute Planned Parenthood.<br />Moments later, an image of a fetus appeared on the Newsfeeds of thousands of Facebook users selected by the Cruz campaign along with the word "Prosecute" stamped in red over the social program's logo and a button supporters could click to voice their agreement.<br />While GOP candidates jostle for attention on a crowded stage during televised debates, their campaign staffers are scrambling to amplify their declarations and quips on another screen with real-time targeted Facebook ads that can hit the web just minutes after they happen.<br />Facebook wants to capitalize on these habits by selling advertisers new real-time "accelerated delivery" ads first released in August.<br />These ads are designed to glom onto conversations about live televised events, sports games or news announcements, employing Facebook's precise targeting powers in hopes of reaching people while they watch.
