CNN to project tweets in front of candidates during debate

CNN—which, for better or worse, has been the most experimental cable news network when it comes to social media—is hoping to bring the endless feedback loop of Twitter and Facebook to its debate broadcasts.

For tonight's Sarah Palin-less GOP debate in New Hampshire, the cable news network has installed a large screen in the debate hall on which Facebook comments and tweets about the debate (with the network-approved "#CNNdebate" hashtag) will be projected over the course of the debate. "If a viewer has a suggestive question, or wants to point out that a candidate did not answer a question, we will be looking for that," Sam Feist, CNN's D.C. bureau chief, explained in a video. Candidates will be able to see the screen during the debate, and CNN will feed selected questions and comments to John King, the moderator, who could ask one of the GOP candidates directly.

"It's a little bit of an experiment," Feist said.

While 2008 debates were notable for the use of YouTube, "the 2012 presidential campaign is the first presidential campaign where social media has really come of age," Feist said. "Between Twitter, Facebook and the use of the Internet as a wider mechanism to have a conversation about politics. It is clear that will have a huge impact on this campaign."

Social media, Feist said, is providing a feedback loop for the debate and a constant source of commentary. "Just as social media has an impact on campaign, an opportunity to communicate with voters and voters an opportunity to communicate with campaigns, we see it as providing a similar role in the debate."

Tonight's loop of local commentary, at least out of southern New Hampshire, could be a little thin. CNN's two-hour debate begins at 8 p.m.—the same time the Boston Bruins are playing Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vancouver Canucks in Boston.

(Image: CNN)