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Current.com and Twitter are teaming up for a U.S. Presidential Debate mash-up called "Hack The Debate."

Current is streaming Friday night's debate online and will display Twitter messages (aka "tweets") over the live broadcast of the debate between John McCain and Barack Obama in real-time. This will allow viewers to comment live on what's being said during the debate and even fact check questionable statements made by the candidates.

How exactly will "Hack the Debate" work? Twitter users who add the #current hash tag to their tweets will see their comments displayed as a "lower 3rd" graphic on the bottom on the screen. For example:

"This discussion about universal healthcare makes me want to pop some pills! #current"

Current says it will only edit out comments that fail to meet standards and practices thresholds. (ie: no 4 letter words.)

This is an excellent idea. People love seeing their Twitter tweets on-air (CNN's Rick Sanchez proved that during the hurricanes).

Barack Obama is currently the #1 person on Twitter with over 80,000 followers, so expect a heavy turnout of his Twitter supporters. John McCain's Twitter account has a little over 2k.




If you don't understand what all this Twitter and "tweet" stuff is all about, check out this tutorial: How to Explain Twitter to Your Grandma.


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Labels: social networking, tech news, video