From today's Washington Post chat with UVA Professor Larry Sabato (NOT "NotLarrySabato", that is). I love Larry's last two lines, by the way... ethics and blogging conference, anyone? Ha ha.Arlington, Va.: I run one of the major Democratic political blogs in Virginia. I was wondering, what do you think about the effectiveness -- or lack thereof -- of the blogs in this year's election? Specifically, do you think they're making a difference, and if so, in what way?
Dr. Larry J. Sabato: I've been a supporter of blogs, because it is another way to educate people about civics. With so many people turned off to politics, we have to use every tool at our disposal to reach the apathetic, the alienated and all the rest. At the same time, I don't support anonymity, because it can be cowardly. Nor do I support rumor-mongering and vicious personal attacks. The better bloggers, and I'm sure you are one, are guilty of none of these sins.