While I was sitting watching the CNN/YouTube debates, I could not help but believe that this was one of the defining moments of presidential debate history - ranking right up there with the first televised debates of 1960. The shear fact that it was ordinary people asking real questions to the candidates was astounding.
I could relate directly to most of the people asking the questions (leaving out the lesbians) and felt that the not having the political elite journalists ask stump questions was powerful. In the classic debates, everyone knows the questions that are going to be asked and the candidates pay a lot of money to have fancy, 2 minute, memorable responses to those questions.
In this Web 2.0-esque format, the candidates were clearly out of their political comfort level. The questions asked of the candidates were specific issues that the American people care about - not the questions of political theory or social elitism that debates usually entail.
I also have to give props to Anderson Cooper for hosting the debates. He kept them moving along at the brisk pace that kept me engaged. They were able to get to a record 38 questions in the two hours that the debate spanned.
Of course, I have a little criticism. 
During a couple of the questions, they had the questioner in the audience and they were afforded a follow-up to their question. It was awkward and really defeated the purpose of even having the questions on video. Hopefully they will drop that for the Republicans.
Enough reading about the debates though - you need to go watch them. That’s right, CNN/YouTube have made each answer and response available via YouTube. I expect nothing less of YouTube!
I earnestly do not believe that future Presidential debates will ever be the same. The organizers of future debates have better scrap their plans and incorporate some social networking worked in. Bravo to CNN for venturing into a blue ocean and betting the farm on these debates. It has definitely paved off and I think this Wikipedia page will soon be updated to reflect the historic nature of this accomplishment. Wait, maybe I need to go write that.
Leave a comment