We’ll be watching to see if one particular question is selected for today’s CNN/YouTube Democrats debate. Elliana Bisgaard-Church is 16 years old, a junior at Davis High School and part of a summer exchange program at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Her student team produced a YouTube video that asks the presidential candidates what they’d do to narrow the rich-poor gap around the world? (Check out “links” to your left.)

Elliana joined our online chat today along with her student advisor at Wake Forest, Communications Professor Dr. Linda Petrou. Another leading communications expert, Professor Barbara O’Connor from Sacramento State University, also gave her perspective on this first-of-a-kind debate. Here’s an excerpt:

Elliana Bisgaard-Church, Davis High School:
“I think that using youtube is definitely increasing engagement among younger people. It’s a great way to get involved, and though we cannot vote, if our questions are answered we have the opportunity to shape public opinion.”

Dr. Linda Petrou, Wake Forest University:
“I think it is a good hook to attract the attention of young people. I have tried for a long time to get students more involved in the political situation and this might just be of interest to them.”

Barbara O’Connor, Professor, CSUS:
“The real question will be, how does it change who votes. That is what matters to candidates but they are all trying everything on the net that they can.”

Dr. Linda Petrou, Wake Forest University:
“Barbara, that is going to be the million dollar question. Will all this internet activity on the part of the camdidates lead to increased voter turnout? Or are they just talking/chating with the choir?”