MySpace will on Friday stream live footage of the debate between U.S. presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain, and also plans to offer software tools that will permit users to see which “candidate is in tune with their views,” AFP reported Wednesday.

"For the first time in American history, viewers of the debates will be empowered to watch the event in real time online and review candidate responses on demand," said MySpace Chief Executive Chris DeWolfe. "From the candidate profiles on MySpace to the viral fundraising by our community, we are committed to creating an environment that creates higher levels of civic engagement."

The live broadcast is part of the MyDebates.org initiative that MySpace launched earlier in partnership with the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD).

"Our educational partnership with MySpace builds on the unique power of digital media to further engage voters on the issues and help ensure their voices are heard in new and effective ways," said CPD Executive Director Janet Brown, AFP reported.

Users have the option to see replays of debates and to track issues that are of significance to them, according to AFP. From time to time, MySpace will run polls and publish the results. MyDebate.org also allows users to create profiles that reflect their political views and to later feature them on MySpace and its competitor, Facebook.

MySpace will also give its members a chance to submit questions for the candidates, which will be selected and passed on to the candidates by former NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw.