Today, the day after the live debate between opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, everybody seems to be talking about it. It’s a hot conversation during breakfast, it’s the conversation around the office water cooler, it’s the conversation during lunch.

It’s as if the whole nation on that night was watching the live show. This is bigger then Akedemi Fantasia. Little children was ‘shhh’ so that their parents can hear these politicians debate. I don’t think even the Euro 2008 finals get this much attention.

I did not plan to watch the debate as I got other thing to do, but I keep getting Tweets about the debate. I end up watching it online instead.

Looking at the outcome of the debate, an invisible light bulb above my head just light up. It is a gold mine. It is a prime spot on television. Companies all should go crazy in getting an advertisement spot during the debate. A lot of advertising money could be made here.

I can see it now, product placement at its best. Imagine a Spritzer mineral water bottle placed on top of each debater podium. Imagine a big Casio clock at the backdrop.

Nokia will run advertisement in between question slots, “Now you can debate with your friends with the new Nokia Nseries Debater edition”.

Vote via SMS on which debater you think has a point. Vote via SMS on who the next debater should be. We all know how crazy Malaysian are with SMS voting.

The debate is a gold mine for advertising. Who’s next? Nik Aziz against Zahid Hamidi? Azalina against Rafidah? Who needs reality shows when you have this.

If I’m in the media or advertising business, I’ll have my people on it right away. Damn.