“The Rise of Blogs”
K. Daniel Glover writes in the National Journal of the impact of blogs on political debate:
Today, far more blogs are focused on Washington than was the case a year ago, when the Social Security debate was at its height. Think tanks and their wonks have them. So do trade associations, watchdog groups, and other special interests. The Family Research Council started a blog this month and will co-host the first annual Blogs4Life event on January 23, the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. So far, 30 blogs are set to participate.
Some blogs target specific topics such as counter-terrorism, immigration, education, health care, and the death penalty. Others, such as Dump Mike (www.dumpmike.com), aim to unseat lawmakers (in this case, Rep. Michael Ferguson, R-N.J.).
Only one congressional blog existed before January 2005, but in the year since then, 17 lawmakers, the Republican Study Committee, and Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee have started blogs. Several more members of Congress regularly or occasionally make guest appearances at group blogs such as Marshall’s TPMCafe and The Huffington Post on the left, and RedState on the right.
“Blogs are becoming more respectable,” said Henry Farrell, a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University and a blogger at Crooked Timber. Citing the debate over Social Security as an example, he added, “People are beginning to figure out that blogs do have real impact.”
I’m still surprised at the number of political professionals that don’t understand the power of blogs. It’s as if they figure, “I don’t read blogs, so voters mustn’t either.” But it’s not about voters, it’s about opinion leaders, press and buzz; setting the agenda and raising money. Blogs are a window on the people that care enough to make their voices heard. If you’re trying to get someone elected, knowing and influencing what those people care about matters.
