Online presidential debates begin today

The first-ever online presidential candidate debates begin Monday with participants George Bush, Al Gore, Pat Buchanan, John Hagelin, Harry Browne, and Howard Phillips. Ralph Nader is still deciding whether to participate.

Unlike the face-to-face debates on television, the Web format allows each candidate to present their message of the day. Visitors to the site can also pose questions for the candidates. Responses and a candidate's daily message can be rebutted by other candidates. The "Rolling Cyber Debate" is expected to be carried on 17 Web centers representing about 80 percent of all Web traffic, according to debate sponsor the Markle Foundation. It continues through Election Day. -- Ben Charny, ZDNet News