MySpace is launching a Web site that will be focused on the upcoming presidential debates.
MyDebates.org was created through a partnership with the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) and will officially launch in late September in time for the first presidential debate.
“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 Chris DeWolfe, CEO of MySpace.
This is the first time the CPD has partnered with an online site to add interactive features to the televised presidential debates, according to MySpace.
There are three planned separate presidential debates and one debate featuring the candidates running for vice president.
Visitors to MyDebates.org will have the option of downloading a personalized application that streams debate video live to their computers. They will be able to get on-demand replays of debates along with automated tracking of parts of the debate concerning issues that they care about.
Users will be polled periodically during the debates with short questions with multiple choice answers.
MyDebates.org will store videos of the debates for viewing at anytime. Videos will be bookmarked to allow user to find important issues, and will be searchable and tagged by event, candidate, issues and questions asked of the candidates.
“Exit polls have consistently found that the general election debates are the #1 factor in shaping voter choice,” said Lee Brenner, Director of MySpace’s Impact program. “In an era of information overload, ‘MyDebates.org’ will enable Americans to make the most of information presented during the debates, and even personalize their experience by homing in on the issues that are most important to them.”
