MySpace announced on Wednesday it is launching a website devoted to the United States presidential debates.
MyDebates.org was created in partnership with the Commission on Presidential Debates and will go live in the days leading up to the first US presidential debate on September 26.
”For the first time in American history, viewers of the debates will be empowered to watch the event in real time online and review candidate responses on demand,” said MySpace chief executive Chris DeWolfe.
”From the candidate profiles on MySpace to the viral fund-raising by our community — we are committed to creating an environment that creates higher levels of civic engagement.”
This is the first time the commission has teamed with an online site to add an interactive internet dimension to the televised presidential debates, according to MySpace.
There are three planned debates between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain. One debate is scheduled for their respective vice-presidential candidates.
Visitors to MyDebates.org will be able to download a personalised application that streams debate video live to their computers.
Online viewers get ”on-demand” replays of debates, as well as automated tracking of portions concerning issues important to them. Users will also be discretely polled during debates.
MyDebates.org will store videos of debates for viewing at any time.
”Exit polls have consistently found that the general election debates are the number-one factor in shaping voter choice,” said MySpace Impact programme director Lee Brenner.
”MyDebates.org will enable Americans to make the most of information presented during the debates, and even personalise their experience by homing in on the issues that are most important to them.” — Sapa-AFP