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MyDebates.org: MySpace Gets Political

Written by Frederic Lardinois / September 16, 2008 9:00 PM / 128 Comments

mydebates_logo.jpgMySpace today announced that it will work together with the Commission for Presidential Debates (CPD) to broadcast the upcoming presidential debates in the U.S. live on the social networking site. MySpace and the CPD also created MyDebates.org, where users can learn more about the issues and candidates through various quizzes and videos. Maybe the most interesting feature of the site, however, is that it (anonymously) collects all the data from users who take the "issue quizzes" and then displays those in a well designed set of statistics.

This partnership with MySpace marks the first time the CPD has partnered with an Internet company. While MySpace's PR company exaggerates the importance of this a bit by linking it to the Kennedy-Nixon debates in 1960, we are always happy to see more ways for users to get informed about the political process and, from what we have seen so far, MySpace and the CPD have done a very good job with the MyDebates.org site.

myspace_debates.jpg

One thing we like about the site is that even though it is closely linked with MySpace, you do not need to be a MySpace user to use all of its functionality. However, MySpace is definitely using this to get you to sign up for their site, as they continually give you the option to either sign in to MySpace, sign up for the site, or to continue as a guest.

Also nice is the ability to take your quiz results and embed them on your blog or social network pages.

myspace_debates_issues.jpgIf you are already strongly engaged in the political process, this site won't give you much in terms of new information besides the statistics it gathers. The 'issue quiz,' however, does a good job in informing less engaged users about which candidate they most agree with. Other sites like OnTheIssues, or the NYTimes or NPR election sites feature a more comprehensive set of information about the candidates. However, they are also far less likely to reach the amount of young voters that MySpace can.


Comments

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  1. I would like to know their views on the environment and with animal conservation. I have heard and read about the good Gov. of Alaska being in favor of aerial killing of wolves and not wanting polars bears to be on the endangered list. If we drill in Alaska, where will the animals go? You have to think about the cost of the environment before you destroy it for oil. That would be why it is a reserved area. Not much is being asked about the envirnomental views of either party, I realize economic is very important but people should know how they feel about everything before their elected. I thought for sure I would vote for a women but then I read a note about her history with the envrironment and I can't vote for someone who doesn't care for the earth and animals

    Posted by: Jeanean Vath | September 17, 2008 11:02 AM



  2. They can try all they want, but this sort of thing is in the end ludicrous. They are trying to mix new technologies with old politics.

    Isn't it about time for some new politics?

    Instead of deciding which person we want to be our ruler, why don't we use Web 2.0 technologies to get rid of all the politicians? That's what the Metagovernment is doing, and it sounds vastly superior to having some (highly commercial) MySpace technology involved in the same-ol-same-ol politics.

    Posted by: Chartan | September 17, 2008 3:27 PM



  3. WHEN IS MCCAIN GOING TO ADDRESS HIS PART IN THE KEATING 5

    THERE WAS PLENTY OF PORK BARELL GIFTING DID HE PUT COUNTRY

    FIRST, AND IT HAPPENED IN THE STATE HE REPRESENTED ARIZONA.

    HE HAS A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE? 20 SOMEODD YEARS LATER HE TRYING TO REPRESENT HIMSELF AS MR.
    CLEAN THATS NOT TRUE.

    Posted by: anthony scarano | September 29, 2008 10:09 AM



  4. The raping of Social Security. The Democrats used it to fight the Vietnam War which they didn't have the guts to win. So 50,000 plus young men died for nothing. They stole OUR retirement fund to fight for nothing. We paid a war surtax also. LBJ was a weak President. Jimmy Carter a good man but a very weak President. I voted for him and wanted my vote back. Double digit interest rates no gasoline no energy bill. Just more taxes as in windfall tax on Oil Companies which they did not pay. The royalty owners paid them. More dumb Taxes from Dumb Lawmakers. Iran takes 68 Americans hostage. Carter is laughing stock of the world leaders as they drag our Soldiers DEAD BODIES through the streets of Iran. When Ronald Reagan became president they let our people go because they know he would turn their Country into dust. Bill Clinton a weak president. World Trade Center truck bombed by Muslims. He sent troops to help Mogadishu and didn't give the commanders the equipment they ask for such as tanks to control the sniper's and crowd control. Their again the Muslims dragged our DEAD SOLDIERS BODIES through the streets as the whole world watch and laugh at our weak President.
    Now with four dollar gasoline the do nothing DEMOCRAT control Congress sits on their butts and do nothing but point fingers at the Republicans blaming them when for years still no energy bill. They the Democrat's try to take credit for the strong economy of the Clinton years but there was a Republican Congress that passed smart legislation to cut taxes and revive the economy. Now they go on vacation while we struggle to fill our tanks with gasoline and put food on the table. The no drill Demos don't care about us and they lie lie and blame others for their failures.
    If we start a off shore and land drilling program it will mean thousands of new high paying jobs. Steel Steel Steel folks required to drill and build new Drilling Rigs. We will need both land and offshore rigs built. Will need new pipeline's built for oil and Natural Gas distribution. This requires more steel. And this people is were the jobs are at. Natural Gas is Gods gift to us .We have not utilize this resource to it's fullest. The products made from natural gas are alcohol , plastics hydrogen and many others. A very clean burning fuel with two thousand years of it in reserves on the planet .It's stupid to not develop this resource. Again Congress fails again. Cars could have been running on compressed Natural Gas for years but no action for this cheap clean burning fuel. No air pollution folks. Cut it by 90% in our big cities. So why should I vote Democrat. My vote is on VACATION when it comes to the special interest Democrat's and the Republicans too. They all need to be fired. McCain is the real deal for change not Obama.
    The President has begged Congress to pass a Good energy Bill for a long time. Congress will not work for the President and has not never worked for the Tax payers. It's the Congress First attitude that has gotten our Country in this mess and I don't see them able to get us out of it. Crude Oil is essential to our economy for from it over four thousand products are made from it. OPEC has held us hostage long enough. Drill Now Drill Here we can Build our country back to Greatness even better than ever. Congress needs to Quit Pointing Fingers at each other and do what WE TAX PAYERS pay them to do. For to long they have pandered to Wall Street Lobbyist and not took care of our Country. Now they want the TAX Payer's to bail them out. We need to fire all of them. Our government has failed us again. The state of California will have a 15 Billion dollar shortfall this year and they sit on a huge offshore oil reserve.The State needs money and they will not help their self and our nation. What a pity when our Gulf Coast has been destroyed by Ike. There is no Ike's on the west coast because the water is to cold. I say why have Obama and McCain you are both Senators have not introduced a massive drilling program. The president has ask for one for a long time. I hold all of Congress to blame for you guys aren't doing your job that we TAX payers pay you to well to do. For your information there's over four thousand products made from Crude Oil.
    Country first { the people} Rudy Wallesch a one time Democrat

    Posted by: Rudy Wallesch | September 29, 2008 11:12 PM



  5. A true American would pass an Drilling and Natural Gas utilization bill now when we need it so bad. Are you people blind. email your Senators and Congressmen to get off their butts and pass a drilling bill that uses only steel made in the USA. No cheap foreign subsidized imported steel. Drilling in ANWAR will not hurt the wildlife. This is another lie the Left Coasters have been spreading. Fishing is great around the Oil Rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

    Posted by: Rudy Wallesch | September 29, 2008 11:41 PM



  6. I HAVE TO PASS A URINE TEST FOR MY JOB... SO I AGREE 100%. Like a lot of folks in the United States, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them ? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their butts, doing drugs, while I work. Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check? Something has to change in this country -- and soon!

    Posted by: James McDonald | September 30, 2008 5:22 AM



  7. How does one get Disability payments when one has been rejected five times with doctor's note and lawyer's reprewentation????

    Posted by: Beverly L. Darwin | September 30, 2008 8:52 AM



  8. Question for MR> Biden, You stated you were force down in Afaganstan. I here it was because of a snow storm, is that true? Or was it some other reason you would like us to believe?

    Posted by: C larence Stover | September 30, 2008 3:26 PM



  9. What is your posation on CLEAN COLE within the UNITED STATES? Between inveroment and engery.

    Posted by: Clarence Stover | October 1, 2008 10:33 AM



  10. Why did Senator Barack Obama sponsor/assumes responsibilty for legislation to force banks to loan money to people or business that did not qualify for loans they applied for nor did they have the finanical means to possibly pay back these loans. This was Senator Barack Obama position nine years ago and now fails to acknoledge that he strongly favored this legislative position or took this legislative action.

    Now he states this is a financial situation that was created by the president?

    Posted by: John R. Burt. PE | October 3, 2008 5:07 PM



  11. What does Barak Obama believe about Repatriation
    for Black Americans and will he try to implement it?

    Posted by: Michael Stalcup | October 4, 2008 11:51 AM



  12. In the upcoming debate, I hope you will have each candidate talk about health care in our country. It is my observation that this crisis in health care has been many years in the making and that it effects, directly our Country's ability to crate jobs and to maintain good paying jobs. I have observed thru the years, employers offering early retirement or just upping the work load of their top paid employees to the point where they quit and then hiring 2 part time employees for do the job--part time, in that there doesn't have to be health care benefits. Most of the jobs that have been created lately have been minimum wage and no benefit jobs. Even those with social secutity only seek help with the costly, critical issues as "routine" health checks are not included. if our health care focused on "wellness" and not on "illness"-- it would work better and cost less. Of course the drug companies would not care for that plan. I have also been asking friends and news stations--why war makes money for so many of our investers. Don't we need, as a country, to "invest in peace". Who can incourage us to seek these better paths???????

    Posted by: sally pfister | October 4, 2008 11:53 AM



  13. What does Barak Obama believe about repatriation for
    Black People and does he plan to implement it?

    Posted by: Michael Stalcup | October 4, 2008 11:59 AM



  14. How dose Obama juatify a running mate who has been in the Washington Potlical Crowd and not know what the VPs duties are. They are more than brake a tie vote. Please explain or justify your running mate ignornets of the system, who you say is qualified.

    Posted by: Clarence Stover | October 5, 2008 6:59 AM



  15. with the bail out now complete, and our national debt raising about 12 thousand dollars every ten seconds, what do they plan to do when they get into office, to reduce the national debt and control the spending of congress?

    Posted by: glenn proctor | October 5, 2008 12:57 PM



  16. Why is there a push to drill for more oil when the United States exports 1.8 million barrels per day now? I have not heard the oil companies express a need or desire to drill more.

    Posted by: Brian Wilson | October 5, 2008 1:20 PM



  17. In the last five weeks or so since Govnernor Palin was selected by John McCain to be the vice presidential pick there appears to be a ton of scrutiny on her political and more importantly personal life. I understand the importance of getting to know a candidates poltitical views; however, it clearly appears that Govneror Palin has received an unfair negative bias in the media. It can also be assumed that a persons friends or associates are key indicators to what type of person someone might be. My question for senator Obama is very important since nobody has answered this question in the media or by the senator Obama himself. Senator Obama what are your ties to Bill Ayers, Tony Rezko, Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Father Pfleger? Senator do you share the same beliefs and if not what attracted you to those types of people in the first place? Please answer this question.

    Posted by: Elias Juric | October 5, 2008 1:26 PM



  18. This is for McCain- If Obama is associated with terrorists why? wasn't it revealed on 911 2001?

    Posted by: Laura McLemore | October 5, 2008 1:26 PM



  19. For Mccain? Why would you pick Sarah Palin for Vice President with her breaking the law in Alaska, on her court order.We need people who are going to abide by the laws , not break the laws, is this being a honest person.

    Posted by: Laura McLemore | October 5, 2008 1:36 PM



  20. This is for McCain ? Do you really care about the mortgage foreclosure since you have twelve houses, and if you lose one house you have eleven more homes to go to. What about the person who only has one house ? where can they go ?

    Posted by: Laura McLemore | October 5, 2008 1:50 PM



  21. This is for Mccain? If Mccain put country fist why? did he pick Sarah Palin.

    Posted by: Dwayne Maxwell | October 5, 2008 1:55 PM



  22. There were more Chicago public school children killed on City streets,this past year, due to gang warfare, than troops in both Mid- east conflicts. The Govenor of Illinois wants to send in National Guard troops to assist Chicago police in combating this problem. He claims it is " an epedemic". This is Obamas neighborhood! We would like to know if he supports this troop surge. Not all familys have the Secret service to protect them.

    Posted by: Al Panozzo | October 5, 2008 2:10 PM



  23. Mccain what secrets do you have ? What secrets does Sarah Palin have?This campagign should be run on fairness , I"m glad Obama is not stooping as low. I hope the American people open up their eyes and see the evilness, but you call yourself a devoted religious person Palin is she really?What? will our nation become with both of you running it.

    Posted by: Laura Mclemore | October 5, 2008 2:28 PM



  24. Reparation for black people? I saw a young black woman at a Walmart store buying two bracelets on her Katrina debit card, and a young black woman getting a cash advance at the gambling boat with a Katrina debit card. I am just about fed up with people who think they are entitled to things from our government. if someone is entitled to something, how about the vererans who come home from a war or if they were wiped out by a hurricane or flood make sure these people are the ones who were there not someone whose address changed at a convenient moment

    Posted by: donna zelensky | October 5, 2008 5:06 PM



  25. Lady Liberty has been brought to her knees in front of the world by glutinous pigs who have ravaged her land. What will you and your administration (McCain and Obama) do to lift her back to her feet?

    Posted by: Tamera G. | October 6, 2008 5:48 AM



  26. Senator Obama, since you are vying for the highest office in the country why have you not released your college transcripts and medical records? What is your connection to Khalid al-Mansour, principle adviser to Saudi Prince Al-Waleed? The more I hear about your connections to all these radical friends you have had ties at one time the more senator Obama I question your agenda as president.

    Posted by: Elias Juric | October 6, 2008 9:16 AM



  27. Senator Obama, the group ACORN which you were associated with as a community organizer currently has indictments of voter fraud in thirteen states. Your comment?

    Posted by: Elias Juric | October 6, 2008 9:26 AM



  28. Senator Obama, the group ACORN which you were associated with as a community organizer currently has indictments of voter fraud in thirteen states. Your comment?

    Posted by: Elias Juric | October 6, 2008 9:28 AM



  29. ACORN was also linked to the "strong arm" tactics with financial intitutions which helped implement pioneer the CRA Bill which President Clinton signed back in 1995. What roll did you play with ACORN exactly?

    Posted by: Elias Juric | October 6, 2008 9:38 AM



  30. TO BOTH CANDIDATES: In 2004, the Bush administration proposed regulations for Freddy and Fannie, and in 2005 McCain co-sponsored a bill to impose regulation on Freddy and Fannie.

    Being new to politics, I was hoping that both candidates could help me understand why the same people who were responsible for defeating these measures are now blaming lack of regulation on the financial problems we are having. Thank you.

    Posted by: Susan McKee | October 6, 2008 9:54 AM



  31. BOTH CANDIDATES:

    Can we get agreement that any entity that is sponsored by, controlled by, or impacted by congress should be barred from contributing to congressional campaigns? What are the chances that such legislation would actually pass in either house?

    Posted by: John Shupe | October 6, 2008 10:03 AM



  32. Will the Demicrate Party and Staff start telling the truth? They do not know how to answer a question ask, its that wasn't what I was talking about. We AMERICANS want answers, not what you was talking about. If we wanted what you were talking about, we would ask that you repeat it. Please put this question to Mr. Obama at the Debate, Tuesday, I'll be watching and waiting an answer.

    Posted by: C larence Stover | October 6, 2008 11:40 AM



  33. This question is to both Senators McCain and Obama. A bailout bill was just passed last week on the backs of all American tax payers. I do NOT want the finger pointing answer which totally turns me off to politics. What assurance do the American people have that this financial meltdown will never happen again? Also the CRA (Community Re-investment Act) bill which was signed by President Clinton back in 1995. This bill was sold has first time home buyers bill; however, the bill forced financial institutions to loan money to people who could not otherwise qualify for a loan. What if any legislation has been written in this recent bailout bill to assure no more "risky" lending practices occur?

    Posted by: Elias Juric | October 6, 2008 3:59 PM



  34. Senator Obama despite our current financial issues and jobless rate, I believe character issues are the most important thing when I cast my vote in November. I'm an American who loves this country and serves it daily. I want to know about your associations with some of these radicals who hate America. Why does your name keep popping up with these radical terrorists?

    Posted by: Elias Juric | October 6, 2008 4:14 PM



  35. I'd be happy to have any one of these questions answered by both of the candidates.

    1. How much will the Mental Health Parity piece of the Bailout cost the American taxpayer, and why isn't that cost reported in the 700 billion dollar bailout?

    2. How much money would the taxpayers save toward the National Debt if we abolished the IRS and simply adopted the Fair Tax? Wouldn't that accomplish fair taxation, something near and dear to Americans right now, and close loopholes fairly for everyone with one stroke of the pen? Because much of the fair tax is premised on what an individual spends, wouldn't it give back a sense of control to Americans they feel they have lost at the this point?

    3. Since Americans have been mandated to foot the risk for 700 Billion + dollars, what commitment is our government, who imposed this debt on us, prepared to make? Are they willing to commit to a spending freeze on our behalf?

    4. Americans do not want our government in charge of anything at this point. The Bailout proves our worse fears: government does not represent, protect, or work on behalf of the average working Americans. Democrats stopped the regulations on Fannie and Freddy proposed by Republicans and Republicans didn't try hard enough to put in place regulations that would protect us. What alternatives to healthcare is there other than National government control? We want no part of that.

    5. Why did Senator Obama use his elected office at taxpayor's expense to campaign for Raila Odinga, a Kenyan Politician that called for post election genocide who agreed to impose islamic law and cut off cooperation with the US on terrorism?

    Thank you for your consideration of these questions.

    Posted by: Diane Gibson | October 6, 2008 11:06 PM



  36. Why has John McCain voted not to raise minumum wage and to make insurance private as with Social Security?

    Posted by: bugs | October 7, 2008 3:01 AM




  37. To Mr. Obama:

    What is the real reason you left Mr. Wrights Church? Was it be cause you saw voting was bad to keep association with him? Or the people of this good United States of America, were relizing what you were and realy stood for?

    Posted by: Clarence Stover | October 7, 2008 4:02 AM



  38. Will Obama condone of condem the Missouri tescher who used students at a school to promote this rasic ad., thats support him.

    Posted by: Clarence Stover | October 7, 2008 7:54 AM



  39. For Senator McCain: If, as you have stated, you support our troops who give of themselves to protect our country, then why did you not support the recent GI Bill passed by the House & Senate? If you disagreed with it, why did you not work to improve it? You didn't even show up to vote on it - why?

    Posted by: Lois Frankel | October 7, 2008 4:01 PM



  40. For Senator Obama: (2 parter) As a retired educator, I am quite concerned about the lack of national discussion focusing on educational issues. I believe a strong educational system will help improve our nation's economy by providing a highly skilled and innovative work force. Could you please give an indication as to how you would go about improving the disaster known as "No Child Left Behind?" And, could you also discuss if and how you intend to restore competitive funding opportunities such as Title VII (ESL) and Title IID (Educational Technology)?

    Posted by: Lois Frankel | October 7, 2008 4:10 PM



  41. SENATOR MCCAIN, WILL YOU MAKE THE BUSH TAX CUTS PERMANENT?

    Posted by: joseph gilbert | October 7, 2008 5:11 PM



  42. Brokow - what kind of tie is obama wearing???

    Posted by: brian | October 7, 2008 7:33 PM



  43. God Bless the Earth... This election I think they both mean well on almost all debates. I think they are both great human beings. Earth is humans. What I think is the only important debate is all the forces that are helping this Earth to be a better place. All countries over this Earth is deeply trying to keep peace. For all Mankind and for all creatures. I think we all believe that we come from somethin g extremely amazing. Most of everyone on Earth believe in so thing good. Those who believe in bad exist everywhere in the world. All countries not just one are extremly danger whether it is starvation war diesese corruption . We need to help everyone on Earth. Not just America but all other nations.. Yes their all terriorst but they are not just in Iraq or Afahasingh but they are in all countries. Those who murder their love ones those who steal those who do not love their neighbors those who think therir better because they have more money those who are hipacates. We should the whole earth believe in good and protect it because we all take this great earth for granted.This is the first time I ever been on the internet i know its sounds crazy so its not all i really have to say and spelled right.. I just know that i love all children all over this Earth and we need to protect them.

    Posted by: BRENDA KAUFMAN | October 8, 2008 10:58 PM



  44. "McCain was VERY strong" this clinton voter had made mind up-
    McCain..

    Posted by: wethepeople | October 15, 2008 7:32 PM



  45. watched tonights debate..I was honestly bored. I felt no passion or excitement. I was honestly GD bored. The stupid cutesy comments didn't work on either side. However it still seems Mc Cain has a sliver of Dr. evil in him. I sensed a bitter bite. Obama was very thoughtful if too thoughtful with answers. my vote is Obama McCain vp answers was my thought of weakness.

    Posted by: georgejon | October 15, 2008 7:32 PM



  46. I enjoyed the civility of this meeting as opposed to the

    hostile rhetoric I have to listen to most of the time!

    Posted by: Lanky48 | October 15, 2008 7:34 PM



  47. Was John McCain using morse code during the debate last night as he did while a POW?

    Posted by: Joe Breitenbach | October 15, 2008 7:34 PM



  48. watched tonights debate..I was honestly bored. I felt no passion or excitement. I was honestly GD bored. The stupid cutesy comments didn't work on either side. However it still seems Mc Cain has a sliver of Dr. evil in him. I sensed a bitter bite. Obama was very thoughtful if too thoughtful with answers. my vote is Obama McCain vp answers was my thought of weakness.

    Posted by: georgejon | October 15, 2008 7:35 PM



  49. watched tonights debate..I was honestly bored. I felt no passion or excitement. I was honestly GD bored. The stupid cutesy comments didn't work on either side. However it still seems Mc Cain has a sliver of Dr. evil in him. I sensed a bitter bite. Obama was very thoughtful if too thoughtful with answers. my vote is Obama McCain vp answers was my thought of weakness.

    Posted by: georgejon | October 15, 2008 7:35 PM



  50. Senator McCain are you serious?

    Posted by: Debra Wade | October 15, 2008 7:35 PM



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