With help from the Google Plus team, and the participation of Governor Gary Johnson and Dr. Jill Stein, we hosted the first presidential debate aired entirely online. We brought two candidates, separated by distance, together to discuss issues largely ignored by the Republican and Democratic candidates. Steve Peace, co-founder of the Independent Voter Project, moderated the debate from San Diego, California.

Thanks to Gary Johnson and Jill Stein for participating in the world's first ever online debate. The world was witness to not only the wonders of a new technology, but patient with its introduction to American politics.

Less than one month away from California's first full top two runoff election under its new open primary system, the Golden State's new method for electing its lawmakers has created a drastically different political landscape in California as its proponents promised.

Tonight, Former Governor Tommy Thompson (R) and Representative Tammy Baldwin (D) are facing off in Wausau, Wisconsin in their second debate. The candidates are vying for the Senate seat which Herb Kohl is vacating after four terms in office.

Localizing the Nonpartisan Platform

To change the political process, we have to start with the political dialogue. IVN.us was established to promote such a change; news that is unfiltered by partisan interests. IVN is, first and foremost, a platform for diversity of viewpoints and bound by a common etiquette.

The Google+ IVN Debate between third party presidential candidates Gary Johnson and Jill Stein will start in just a few hours at 7pm Eastern on Thursday, October 18th. It will be webcast live over Google+ Hangout, and can be viewed here at IVN.us.

Current projections are that the Democrats will retain control of the Senate by a narrow margin. But that could change, particularly if Romney continues to surge and carry GOP Senate candidates along with him. Energy and environmental policy are areas where this really matters. The House of Representatives has passed numerous bills relating to energy and environmental issue over the past two years.