Google's (GOOG) YouTube is officially an election tool

During recent elections, we've consistently been told that Google (NYSE: GOOG)'s YouTube is becoming a larger and larger tool for political campaigns and coverage. We heard about the ability to spread a message through viral media and we saw how any poorly performed appearance could come back to haunt a candidate for months.

Recent months, however, have begun to show us the true value of YouTube. Starting with the Democrats' debate on CNN/YouTube, even the non-geeks and political nerds among us tuned in to watch an important debate. But this wasn't just a normal debate, it was progressive ... to say the least. Everyday people were able to ask questions that were pertinent to their lives, their families, and their money.

Now the Republican party is doing the same. On November 28, Republican candidates will take the stage and debate important issues, again with CNN and YouTube as the primary distribution channels. This is incredibly powerful as it will further establish YouTube as a legitimate website and brand, especially among skeptics who don't have experience using the site.