YouTubers Get Role in ’08 Debates

ABC News’ Jennifer Parker Reports: YouTube touted its two upcoming presidential debates as "unprecedented" events Thursday, noting the ’08 candidates have agreed to field questions from videos posted to the popular video-sharing website.

"For the first time in the history of presidential debates, voters from around the country will be able to ask the future president of the United States a question in video form and hear the answer," said Chad Hurley, CEO and co-founder of YouTube in a press release.

YouTube users will not be privy to which questions will be used in the debate. YouTube also said it would not detail how CNN will select the questions for each two-hour debate.

The debates — one for Democratic candidates on July 23rd in South Carolina, and one for Republican candidates on September 17 in Florida — will be co hosted by YouTube and CNN.

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper will moderate and will ask the candidates follow up questions.

Voters can submit their video questions for the ’08 candidates on the YouTube website starting Thursday.