Opening debate to cheeky commoners

"Sen. Clinton, I think you would make a great president," says Gavin of Las Vegas, speaking to the camera in a homemade video on YouTube. "But there's a question that deserves to be answered before the end of the primaries, because it could affect your ability to run against a strong Republican: Has your husband, Bill Clinton, engaged in adulterous behavior since he's left office?" On the premise that there are no softballs in cyberspace, CNN has partnered up with the all-citizen TV website to host two presidential debates, with questions submitted by YouTube nation.

First up, the Democratic contenders, tonight in Charleston, S.C., a TV event moderated by Anderson Cooper. At CNN, they've been promoting the night like it's "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," urging the nation to take a seat at the table -- no jacket or tie required -- while remaining coy about the process: It took John Roberts, co-host of CNN's weeklong "CNN/YouTube Debate Preview," 55 minutes last week to mention that "CNN will be choosing which questions are used."

He called the selection system a "highly secretive process," conjuring bylaws too numerous to mention and a Cannes Film Festival-like jury sequestered for fear of tampering.

I take that to mean Gavin's question, although teased on the broadcast, is probably toast, even if the Clinton campaign has already strategized and focus-grouped how the candidate will tackle her husband's past when the time comes.

"We will make responsible editorial decisions about what will air during the debate," e-mailed David Bohrman, CNN senior vice president and Washington bureau chief, when I asked if Gavin's upload really stood a chance of getting onto the broadcast.

If the implication of involving YouTube is that Gavin, a town hall participant by virtue of nothing more exclusive than his Internet connection, can sail unfettered into the maw of a wide-open presidential campaign, the reality is something different.

CNN, after all, is still the gatekeeper here and as a news organization has to worry about maintaining access to the Clinton campaign.

"I think the candidates are banking on the fact that a journalist like you wouldn't let a question like the one we just saw through," Democratic strategist Steve McMahon told "Preview" host Roberts of the Gavin query.

Dan Rather, also on the broadcast, agreed that no journalist would venture to ask Gavin's question. "Candidates do hate -- genuinely hate -- audience participation," Rather said, "because they like to control the environment."