Current + Twitter join to "Hack the Debate"

As the first Presidential Debate kicks off this Friday evening, why should we let the political pundits and Washington insiders have all the fun? That's what Current TV and Twitter thought as they teamed up to announce "Hack the Debate" which will stream tweets on the cable network during the presidential debate.

In close to real time, Current will display comments on the screen while Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama face off.  It's an interesting twist as a new kind of participatory media has shifted our political discourse in this 2008 race for the White House. 

Personally, I commend Current TV which was founded on a user generated model - but I challenge the more mainstream networks to take note.  Tweeting and micro-blogging have arrived and they demonstrate one more way we are exercising our rights as social citizens.

To participate, viewers will need to use “#current” in their tweets during the debates, the first of which airs this Friday – September 26th. If you're still not sure what all this "tweeting's"about - our friends over at Common Craft have put together another great video - Twitter: in plain English.

Tell us what you think - is this a good idea? How else are you seeing Twitter being used during this election season?  Do you plan to "hack the debate" this Friday night?