Everything I'm hearing suggests that the first YouTube Democratic Debates was quite successful. What was unique about these debates-and why I am bringing it up on a tech/gadget blog-is that the questions came from people uploading videos to YouTube. Not professional reporters, but real people, asking questions about Gay Marriage, the War in Iraq, Education-you name it, it was asked. Technology made it possible.

Governor Bill Richardson, who is one of the participants in the recent YouTube Debate, is taking this idea one step further. Instead of doing this as part of debate, he wants to hear from you. Submit questions in audio or video. Each week, he'll record video answers to selected questions. It's not meeting him face-to-face-something I'm proud to say I've done-but it's the next best thing.

I believe technology is making it possible for us to be more involved in the political process. But are we really? Are other candidates openly asking for your feedback and questions like Bill Richardson is? Is this all just smoke and mirrors or are we really able to be more involved now? Please post your thoughts in the comments.