Democratic House Caucas Chairman Brian J. Moran has some thoughts on blogs, the "netroots," and the book "Crashing the Gate: Netroots, Grassroots, and the Rise of People-Powered Politics." This Saturday (5/20) from Noon to 2 PM, Del. Moran will be hosting the book's authors, Markos Moulistas Z+â-¦niga and Jerome Armstrong, at St. Elmo's Coffee House in Alexandria for a discussion about their book. Rumors are there may even be a bunch of bloggers (aka, "citizen activists") there. It should be interesting! :)P.S. Thanks to Rob for conducting this interview.
1. Why did you decide to sponsor this event?
Jerome Armstrong and Markos Moulitsas Z+â-¦niga, two of the founding leaders of the progressive blogosphere, wrote a terrific book detailing their battle plan for Democratic Party. These guys have been pushing the envelope in terms of the using digital communications to develop grassroots support for progressive ends. Everyone in my district, in Northern Virginia, and across the Commonwealth should get a chance to hear from these two about their vision for the Party and role of the netroots in taking our country back.
2. What do you think Virginians will take away from the event if they attend?
I think they will come away with an appreciation for the power of thousands +óGé¼GÇ£ millions +óGé¼GÇ£ of online based grassroots volunteers and how critical their support is for progressive candidates, causes, and the Democratic Party. In the future, we won't be able to make the changes we need in this state and this country without harnessing the power and force of this new medium.
3. What is your opinion of Crashing the Gate? What did you learn from the book?
It motivated me and reconfirmed my Democratic values. In politics, great things happen when we combine passion, power and resources. They've brought the passion and they see where the grassroots power is, as well as the potential development of resources. I might not agree with every assertion, but they make a very strong argument for the direction of the Party and there is no one more qualified to talk about the role the netroots can and will play in the future. We can make a difference!
4. From your perspective, how have blogs and the "netroots" affected politics and governing?
New technologies have the ability to revolutionize the way we look at our world, and at politics. The radio changed politics as FDR comforted the nation with fireside chats. Television certainly changed politics +óGé¼GÇ£ for example, the perceptions of the Nixon-Kennedy debate vary greatly from radio to television. Now the internet is changing politics and giving Democrats a chance to tap into the silent majority of progressive grassroots activists who are tired of the direction of our country and ready to take it back. It's a new medium, but it's the old message. It's the message that says we care about ordinary people, not special interests, we fight for teachers and better schools, for healthcare, for a strong economy and a safe world. Now we have a new medium for that message to resonate, as well as a means to get people involved. We need to be proactive and take advantage of this technology, and the opportunities it brings us.
5. Some in netroots criticize politicians for using the "netroots" as an ATM. How do you view this criticism? How do you envision the role of the "netroots" beyond fundraising?
The netroots have a major role beyond fundraising. Fundraising is a major part of politics and strong campaigns have a large group of people investing in their success. But beyond that, the netroots are a signal of grassroots support +óGé¼GÇ£ just like the local church group or rotary club. It's a community of people organized around participating in the political process and they can't be ignored as a financial base, a vote base, an idea base and or a volunteer base.