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"Only two of America's political parties are represented in this year's \"official\" presidential debates: the Democratic and Republican parties. That leaves the dozens of alternative candidates out of the show. \nWhat's a third-party candidate to do for some debate time? Hop on a Google Hangout.\nThe Independent Voter Network, an online alternative news outlet geared towards voters of all political persuasions, is hosting the first-ever entirely online presidential debate. During the event, Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson will square off against Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein.\n\"We're trying to get these candidates more out in the open and trying to give them a forum to speak to independent voters,\" said Matt Metzner of IVN. \"I think debates should be open to as many candidates as possible.\"\nIVN's using social media to bring in outside participation as well: At least ten questions received via Twitter, Google+, Facebook and/or article comments will be asked of the candidates. That's something that can't be said of the mainstream debates.\n\nSEE ALSO: Next Presidential Debate: No (Internet) Questions, Please [POLL]\nAnother first in presidential debate history: the two candidates are joining in from separate states. Johnson will be participating from Laramie, Wyoming and Dr. Stein's telecommuting from Seattle, Washington. IVN is working with the Google Politics team to ensure the whole thing goes smoothly.\nThe debate is scheduled for Thursday evening at 7 p.m. ET on IVN's YouTube page. Can Google Hangouts offer third party candidates a forum to have their voice heard? Share your thoughts in the comments.\n\n\n\nMashable explores the trends changing politics in 2012 and beyond in Politics Transformed: The High Tech Battle for Your Vote, an in-depth look at how digital media is reshaping democracy. Read a few of the top posts from the series:\n\nElection 2040: The First President for Digital Natives\nVoter Data: What the Candidates Know About You\nHow to Market the Next President\nGaffesplosion: The Unrelenting Hype of Modern Politics\nHow Social Media Can Safeguard Your Vote\n\nTake it with you, buy  Politics Transformed: The High Tech Battle for Your Vote on e-book and get access to four exclusive interviews!"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://mashable.com/2012/10/18/third-party-google-debate/>