David Postman covers a recent in-depth look by Jonathan Chait in the New Republic on the emergence of the netroots as a player in Democratic politics.
It's a l-o-n-g article, but worth the time. I read it last week when it started making the rounds and found it both informative and general in-line with my own experience observing liberal blogs.
There's a lot to chew on, including the call against moderation Postman mentions, the startling lack of philosophical consistency (other than being against everything even remotely associated with George W. Bush), and the oddity of the netroots' beginning. Seems the "movement" got its start from a skewed perspective that somehow Democrats just laid down politely and took it while Bush and the Republicans "stole" Florida in 2000. I seem to recall a pretty spirited recount effort from both sides, but never mind.
Read Chait's piece for yourself. The netroots are a serious presence in the Democratic party. Whether that's a good thing or bad thing in the end for Democrats is a different matter.
Posted by Eric Earling at May 07, 2007 08:58 PM | Email ThisI think ultimately the "netroots" are harmful to the Democrats, because they are comprised of the most fringe elements of the party. They may be able to swing primaries (as we have seen) but they lack the impact to influence general elections. That isn't helpful for the Democrats, not one bit.
Now if they manage to get Obama nominated (they may) and the Republicans can put forth a qualified, serious candidate, we have a chance. That doesn't require any serious overhauls of anything to do.
Long term I agree Republicans need to get up to speed on technology -- even more so with the GWOT than with political campaigns.
Posted by: jvon on May 8, 2007 12:42 AMFirst off, they instantly degrade in to profanity laden tirades. They view vulgar word substitution as a value. Apparently they never learned the lesson that substituting profanity for emphasis, simply means one can't think of the more fitting english word. Need examples, head over to HorsesAss.org. Not only is the name a bit profane, but the bloggers and comments are filled with unrepeatable words and violent threats.
Second, if profanity is not enough, sprinkle some hate and irrationality. Nothing grabs moderate voters like blaming Bush for everything, including not finishing your homework.
Third, if hatred or irrationality is not enough, there's always outright conspiracy. Truthers are the end of the line for Nutroots. When mainstream America gets a whiff of the true insanity of those who don't understand and don't want to accept "the official story" that will be all they need to know, to pass on the Nutroots. Most people have no trouble understanding the kinetic and potential energy contained in a fast moving and fully fueled airplane, and millions of square feet of typical office combustibles that can burn hot enough to severely damage a structure. This is basic stuff, that falls under the category of common sense.
But the Nutroots is not about common sense. It is about taking George Soros' money and using it to actively spread cultural Marxism and buy elections at any cost. And there are lots of willing tools who will sign up without even thinking, and just doing what they were told to do by professors, teachers, union bosses and activist leaders.
Fortunately, most Americans are more independent, whether they realize it or not. And that means individual and rational thoughts which are the antidotes to the Left.
Posted by: Jeff B. on May 8, 2007 09:30 AM