According to the National Journal's latest weekly "Insiders Poll," the Netroots ("internet political activists") are overwhelming seen as helping Democrats in the November miterm elections. However, that's only by Democratic insiders, 69% of whom believe this, while 31% believe the netroots will have "no significant impact." Among Republican insiders, it's wildly different, with 70% saying "no significant impact," and the rest split between "help Democrats" and "help Republicans." Why is this? Here are a few comments by Democrats (in blue) and Republicans (in red) that might shed some light ont the question:
*"They have the capacity to instantly cut through and counter the Limbaughs and Fox News' blubbering heads like the other corporate media entities should but don't have the guts to do so. Democrats are lucky they are doing what they are doing."
*"They will help Democrats more than the mainstream media think, but less than they boast."
*"Enormous help and unlimited potential for Democrats. The Net is proving to be an important source of ideas, funds, debate, and campaign volunteers for Democrats."
*"The largest impact of the netroots has been reducing the cycle time on information distribution, including messaging. But that impacts everybody the same."
*"Netroot swarms kept the mainstream media honest -- or exposed dishonesty -- in 2004, helping Bush. In midterms, without a single national race, swarming is harder, so it's unlikely they'll have the same impact."
*"Most overcredited, overrated political fad since the 'Soccer Mom.'"
*"Let's be honest: The people who take the time and energy to participate in political blogs and Internet activism have made up their minds months before any election."
What do you think? Are Democratic or Republican insiders correct on this?
you want more examples? Keep the following in mind: Eric Massa, Charlie Brown, Yearlykos, Jennifer Brunner, Jack Carter...
I could go on and on, but you should get the picture.
Participation in the political process has never been easier. The netroots are the angry, disenfranchised voters that have found a venue. They are disproportionately progressive, informed, and anti-status quo. I'll stack them up against the religious right any day.
The four biggest areas of Netroots’ contribution to the Progressive Cause have been:
1. The Netroots have been the backbone of the Democratic Party these past five, now six, years of our time in the Wilderness. Without the blogs our party may have eternally slid into the abyss. Thanks to the thousands of voices that have had the courage to stand up and fight back even as our leaders were abandoning Democratic (Big D & Small d) principles whole cloth! The battle lines have been redrawn (by the Netroots) and we now have a chance in this battle.
2. The Netroots have opened up the coffers for Democratic candidates by giving the little guy a chance to toss in their two bits as an expression of their dissatisfaction/disgust at where our nation is headed. Each dollar contributed to a Democratic candidate over the Internet is a personal cry for help and also a pledge of support to that candidate in his/her fight to advance Progressive values. Republicans are so used to top-down big money donors that they don't have to rely on this, for us, it will be a saving grace. For the first time in my life I have donated to a political candidate. I have no intention now of ever stopping. With the Internet, giving can be done intelligently, consistently, and immediately...no invitation and no rubber chicken dinners.
3. The Netroots, for good or for bad, has changed how news is made and digested in America and the world. This is a lasting impact and will only continue. We've sped things up, put stories on the map that the MSM has initially refused to (or properly) cover, and kept the MSM and this Administration honest (OK that's pushing it), but we certainly put a flame to their ass and shown a torch into the rotten cave of darkness through which they've led us.
4. The Netroots is also the first responders to any local or national news story, acting as a rapid response team that often beats and outthinks the paid professionals.
Republicans have money, infrastructure, talk radio, think tanks, access to power...we have 10,000 desperate people huddled in dark rooms across the nation staring into their monitors and typing away madly in a frantic effort to plug the holes in the battered ships that we call Liberty, Freedom, and Democracy.
The Netroots has also gotten results for the Democrats: Tim Kaine, Jim Webb, John Tester, Ned Lamont...YearlyKos...this list will only continue to grow.
First there was fire, then the match, then the light bulb...
We are the new beacon for Democracy; let's pray that our hands go unfettered.
To those that dismiss or belittle the contributions of the Netroots, I would remind you that all inventions and revolutions have at first met resistance. The telephone, airplane, talking films, and television among a long list of other inventions were all dismissed by some. Just as certainly as hyperbole is the lifeblood of any revolution, failure to heed the advancing footsteps of a growing army is a great way to be trampled into the dust.
It's the reverse of a trend begun with Radio, where standing on a soapbox and facing a crowd in the town square became eclipsed in effectiveness by one-way radio broadcasting where most people are simply listeners.
The participatory nature of this medium (internet) is profound and revolutionary. The type of government we call democracy will never be the same, and it will be much better because we can all contribute, or listen, as our patience and abilities determine. We are no longer cut out of the system.
It is a fabulous time to be alive.