What do I have in common with NBC's Tom Brokaw?

Well, it turns out not much but we are both contributors to an op-ed running in the New York Times today called "Changing the Terms of Debate," which asks seven media and technologist-types: What would a real new-media debate look like?

Here's my piece:

August 17, 2007
Op-Ed Contributor

The People's Court
By DAVID ALL

SOME have argued that the "community" should be choosing which questions to ask the candidates, while others have said that the "community" should have a chance to weigh in after the debate. Both are novel, but I'm interested in how we get the "community" to participate during the debate.

The audience should be given a share of the stage with the debate moderator. The millions of voters watching the debate could interrupt, in real time, from the comfort of their homes to help hold the candidates accountable for their answers.

If people thought Hillary Clinton did not answer a question thoroughly, they could text on their cell phones, call the toll-free number on the screen, or vote online to register their dissatisfaction.

And if a majority of the viewers thought she dodged a question or otherwise failed to answer, she would be asked to try again.

— DAVID ALL, president of a Republican consulting firm that helps candidates develop new-media strategies.

So what are your ideas for a real new media debate?