Al Gore may not have invented the internet, but he’s doing a hell of a job to make it better. Gore’s cable network, Current TV has mashed together two of my favorite vices: politics and Twitter.

Hack the Debate is an innovative use of the two mediums. During each debate (last week’s vice presidential debate shown above), they show tweets in pretty close to real-time on the lower portion of the screen. As a new one appears, the previous tweet moves up, slowly breaks apart and fades away. The animation is quite beautiful and actually less distracting than I had anticipated.

Twitterers from both sides of the aisle took part last week, and I must say it’s quite addicting to watch and participate in. Anyone on Twitter can join in by simply adding the hastag #current to tweets during the debate. It’s become my preferred way of watching. Find Current TV in your area.

Other broadcasters take note: this is how you do it right. No frills, elegant execution, using the data in a contextual way to add value and encourage participation, minimal filtering. Well done Current TV!