YouTube is a lot of things, including a distraction, a source of comedy, a repository of nostalgia and embarrassment.

But in the wake of last night’s CNN/YouTube debate of Democratic presidential candidates, many are saying YouTube is so much more.

"Revolutionary" is a word that’s getting a lot of play today following the debate where the candidates took questions submitted by people through YouTube Videos.

The idea is that these debates (a similar debate for Republican presidential job seekers is scheduled for September) are democracy at work, questions by the people to their would-be leaders.

Having only watched a little of the debate (is that the right word if the candidates were not addressing each other) it was interesting to see the variety of questions asked, as well as some of the theatrics employed – guitars, talking snowmen, firearms.

Then again, how could anyone take their eyes off the always impeccably dressed Silver Fox, doing his best as moderator. Keepin’ em honest...while lookin' good.

Online today the reaction seems all over the place, again with some people calling the exchange "groundbreaking," while others had questions.

- Over at Mother Jones they live-blogged the debate last night, and found more than a few humorous and insightful moments.

- The Digital Life blog at Information Week asks a good question – did the YouTube debate really change things for the better? If candidates can’t think on their feet, will we get more cardboard, formulaic answers?

- At the LA Times, an intern (because obviously the "young people" are the only ones who can interpret this Internet thing) says the questions were interesting, but suggests we got more of the same “dog and pony” from the candidates.

The San Francisco Chronicle’s Tech blog says the real winner in all of this was YouTube. The medium became the winner, not the candidates, and in the long run that could be a good thing.

Did you check out the debate or submit questions? Any lingering thoughts?

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