The ‘netroots’ have arrived
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has agreed to attend the YearlyKos convention. I’m gobsmacked.
Clinton is the last major Democratic candidate to confirm her attendance at the convention in Chicago. Edwards, Obama and Richardson confirmed in May, and Clinton’s delay led some bloggers to question whether she was “afraid” to address the netroots directly.
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“Our goal is to provide a citizen-driven forum by truly democratizing the discussion and providing a meaningful role for regular citizens and grassroots movements to engage, vet and judge our country’s potential leaders,” said Gina Cooper, a former high school teacher who runs the convention.
For those slightly confused – YearlyKos is an event, now in its 3rd year, organised by the website/blog DailyKos to get the Democratic party to listen to the ‘netroots’. If that isn’t using the internet to re-build democracy, then I don’t what is. I’m in awe. A NY Times article from last year provides more background.
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Crazy although awe isn’t quite what I have for this, it’s closer to jealousy truth be told…
oh come on guys, its election time, of course she’s going to go – why the hell not – its a good gimmick. why are y’all so suprised?
but as if it is really going to make a difference – its just politician spin all over again. I’m suprised at your idealism.
its election time, of course she’s going to go – why the hell not – its a good gimmick.
because the netroots have been more critical of her than anyone else. I’m surprised at your cynicism Sonia… surely this is the sort of engagement you want? Or at least it’s a step forward, no?
@ sonia: 2,3-Idealism?? I never said it would amount to anything! But it is a sign of the growing power/influence of New Media over there.
Also, I wasn’t sure she would go given she was one of the last to announce…perhaps she feared another Obama fan’s YouTube mashup if she didn’t?
I think it’s only natural she’d go.
Howard Dean gave the Dems a shock in 2004 with his grassroots Web campaign masterminded by Joe Trippi.
They may be few in number compared to the size of the American electorate, but these are the people who will go knocking on doors right up until the last minute. Plus, they will help raise a tidy sum of money too.