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On September 26^th, 1960, 70 million Americans tuned in to watch the first televised presidential debate. Fifty-two years later, last night’s presidential debate was the first to truly embrace the digital revolution. It was the first time since Nixon and JFK squared off in 1960 that you really didn’t need a TV to enjoy a presidential debate. YouTube announced Monday that it would be live streaming all of the 2012 presidential debates. As President Obama and Governor Romney (and moderator Jim Lehrer) battled it out, I had it pulled up on my laptop as well as my TV. I was immediately impressed by the quality and relatively small delay in the video feed, but the myriad of resources available on the YouTube Politics Channel is what really blew me away. Not only did the video site provide the live stream in a partnership with ABC, but they also delivered commentary from their own political team as well as that of eight other major news organizations.  On top of all that, the channel featured a live Twitter feed on the right side of the screen with an option to show tweets from the selected news organization as well as all tweets including the Twitter debate’s hashtag. It is widely agreed that physical newspapers are obsolete as a timely and efficient medium of news consumption. And up until this point many have argued that if it were not for live news and sporting events, TV too might be quick to follow in the footsteps of paper and ink. However, with this summer’s 2012 Olympics being live streamed by YouTube, and NBC offering groundbreaking digital and social integration with live broadcasts, and last night’s comprehensive live online coverage of the debate, I would argue that TV just took a shot to the chin. TV will likely maintain its role as a gathering point in homes to share live experiences with friends and family. Just as newspapers and books continue to be printed and enjoyed by many, so too will great television content. YouTube’s broadcasting of the debate will not replace viewing on TVs; instead it provides a new experience and avenue to engage in real-time with live content. This ability to engage is what clearly separates digital content from its TV forefathers. Twitter, BuzzFeed, Politifact and countless other websites allow people to participate in global discussions, fact check candidate’s statements and get instant expert analysis. Decades ago, TV reached out and delivered real world events to the masses, and now the masses are able to digitally return the favor. It should be noted that much is being done to integrate the Web with traditional TV, and we will surely see exciting developments in the future Smart TVs, etc. As we move through October, I encourage you all to take advantage of this opportunity to stay connected to live debates no matter where you are or what device you’re using. Here’s a quick guide to the 2012 digital presidential debates! Upcoming Debate Times: October 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET (Vice Presidential) October 16 at 9:00 p.m. ET (Presidential) October 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET (Presidential) Where to Watch: YouTube’s Election Hub ABC News’s YouTube channel. CSPAN’s live-stream – For those looking for something clean and commentary-free. Xbox Live Election Hub – Where users can watch and respond to live polling questions Where to Engage: Twitter #debates – For the latest news, analysis and witty commentary Facebook – Bringing all the politicians and pundits together in one Newsfeed BuzzFeed – For the lighter side of the debates PolitiFact – For the whole truth, and nothing but the truth