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Hack the Debates!

Posted 17 Sep 2008 in 2008 election, technology, Twitter

Those of you who read here probably already know I’m an avid user of Twitter. Well, it looks like they’re finally breaking into the big time, teaming up with Current (Al Gore’s TV network) in an event they’re calling “Hack the Debate” which will allow tweeters to post live comments during the upcoming events.

NEW YORK – Current TV is handing over feedback on the upcoming presidential debates to those who make up so much of the network’s programming: its audience.

During the debates, the network bent on viewer-created content will broadcast Twitter messages — or “tweets” — from viewers. In close to real time, Current will display comments on the screen while Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama face off.

It’s an all the more interesting new kind of interactivity in political discourse given that Current was co-founded by former Vice President Al Gore. Joel Hyatt, CEO of Current, said the technique — dubbed “Hack the Debate” — was not Gore’s idea, but he and Gore both share a dim view of post-debate punditry.

“He certainly shares the belief that the punditry aspect of the process has not been enriching to American democracy,” said Hyatt. “We’re trying to empower young adults to participate in the process, to have their voice heard, to join the conversation.”

Hyatt lamented the limiting nature of debate coverage, populated by experts with axes to grind and predictable partisan arguments to make: “We want our audiences to take over the process,” he said.

Comments will be filtered, but Hyatt claims they will only be filtered to suit broadcast standards.

The first presidential debate is planned for Sept. 26, with two more debates and a vice presidential debate to follow.

It almost goes without saying they’ll filter the tweets so that profanity doesn’t go out over the air. I’ll just be curious to see if the majority of comments have any substance to them, or if a continuous stream of “McCain sucks!” and “Obama sucks!” will make everyone long for the return of the superfluous talking-head pundits.

Posted by FullMetalPatriot
12th gen. American, Constitutionalist, Harley-riding Texan, gun owner & NRA member, blogger, illustrator, Florida Gator alumnus. #TCOT

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