CNN/YouTube Debates

At 7PM on July 23, 2007 the world of politics changed forever. It took an irreversible step towards a better democracy and a freer country. In case you're unfamiliar with the debates, anyone on the Internet had the ability to submit a video question to the democratic presidential candidates on YouTube. 39 out of the 2,989 questions that were submitted actually made it into the show.

Anyway, this was the first time that, in my opinion, a real debate took place in the world of American politics. Other debates until now consisted of a journalist or other mediator posing questions to the candidates that they most likely were prepared for and had been studying for days. This single event changed everything. This time, the candidates were completely unaware of the questions that were going to be asked and they were personal. Instead of coming from a moderator, well learned in politics, they came from real people. For example, a real woman with breast cancer was able to ask about healthcare herself, posing a question to the politicians regarding her own well-being. This not only made it interesting but evoked more honest and candid answers from the debaters.

Overall, the CNN/YouTube Democratic Debate was a success. Never again will a traditional-style debate be held without serious objection from the American public. The interactive nature of this new debating style has ensured the the American voice will be heard and the issues that matter to us will be addressed. I encourage all of you to go to www.YouTube.com and submit your question for the Republican Debate which will be held on September 17th.

Congratulations to YouTube and CNN for changing the way American democracy will operate in the coming years and congratulations to the American public for finally taking an active role in your government and thus securing its future.