YouTube election 2008 starts here

Last Modified: 20 Jul 2007
By: Felicity Spector

Monday sees a breakthrough event - the CNN/YouTube presidential event live on the web. Different platform, same formula?

They've furnished some of the defining moments of America's political discourse: who could forget Nixon sweating under the studio lights, Walter Mondale's 'where's the beef', or Lloyd Bentsen's ultimate putdown to Dan Quayle - 'Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy'.

But will this Monday's presidential debate, to be held in Charleston, throw up any similar gems? It doesn't seem likely - for this is no formal set piece event but the first debate ever conducted on the internet in a partnership between CNN and YouTube.

Almost 1,500 people have already uploaded videoclips onto the site - with questions they want the Democratic candidates to tackle.

At this stage no-one knows exactly how the debate will work, but organisers are planning to choose a couple of dozen of the best to put to the candidates. It'll all be hosted by CNN's most popular anchor, Anderson Cooper.

Inevitably many internet enthusiasts are up in arms, complaining that the freedom of the airwaves is being trammelled and organised by one of the country's most powerful broadcasters.

The rise of politics on sites like YouTube, they say, means candidates can no longer control their message - and that has to be good for democracy.

Others say there won't be much chance to explore issues in any depth. But at least it'll be different - and unexpected - and after all, it's not as if the last cycle of highly orchestrated presidential debates offered much in the way of depth.

YouTube describes the event as a 'game change' - offering people anywhere in America the chance to take part - breaking down the old barriers between voters and candidates - an opportunity for some real, unscripted moments.

The rise of politics on sites like YouTube, they say, means candidates can no longer control their message - and that has to be good for democracy.

And - in the Democratic camp at least - the candidates are all racing to embrace the latest technology.

Hillary Clinton's team is already trying to use Monday's occasion to galvanise youthful support - through her organisation Club44, set up to attract younger female voters to her campaign.

They're planning hundreds of house parties across the country so people can get together to watch the whole thing, including some all-star warm up routines by actors Mary Steenbergen and Ted Danson.

Even Joe Biden's in on the act. He might not be up there with the frontrunners - but he's already launched special website which asks supporters and other YouTube users to upload videos challenging the candidates to say how they would end the war in Iraq - and what comes next.

The Republicans will be holding a similar Youtube debate in September - and it'll all be streamed live on the internet. So will this be a triumph for popular democracy, or the establishment making sure it all stays well under control? You'll have to tune in on Monday to find out.