Facebook is just one of many sponsors of the Democrat Debate in Milwaukee Thursday.

The social media giant set up a lounge for media members, with food and coffee and goodies.

There are also real time displays of which candidates and issues Facebook users are talking about.

They say using social media is something that has become essential to the election process.

“We talk about Facebook being the new town hall for politics. And what’s wonderful about that is that you do have all of these elements coming together to put a big picture together for people to follow in real time. So I think it’s vital or voters and for candidates and campaigns to really focus on Facebook,” explained Crystal Patterson, Facebook’s Government & Outreach Manager.

The official hashtag for Thursday’s Debate is #DemDebate.