Del. Kris Amundson requested that we give her our thoughts on blogging and web dialogues, for her use in her panel discussion at the upcoming National Conference of State Legislatures. I’ve been thinking about it and the word that keeps coming to my mind is embrace.
The blogosphere is an opportunity to interact with citizens across the political spectrum. The thing that sets bloggers apart is not that we are a bunch of pencil-necked geeks howling at the moon (although that could describe some of us) but that we lean towards being more politically active, better informed citizens. Embracing the blogosphere is a way to tap into resources – volunteers, money, knowledge – otherwise not available.
Far too many of our candidates and elected officials engage their constituency only during the campaign. They set up web sites, create email lists, send out tons of slick mailers – and then promptly disappear after the election, only to re-emerge when another campaign rolls around – if they have an opponent, that is. Look at how many of the links to candidates in Hampton Roads that I have in my sidebar (under the 21/51 logo) actually go to their profiles on the General Assembly website. No wonder voters feel cut off from their representatives.
Hampton Roads may not be the most connected area in the state (witness the fact that there are very few blogs in Hampton Roads) but it does not mean that the people here are not looking for information on the candidates and for the opportunity to talk to them. Some of the electeds participate regularly in the blogosphere: AG Bob McDonnell participates at least once a month, 2nd Congressional Rep. Thelma Drake has appeared in a number of live blogs, including one here. Participation in the blogosphere – either by having your own blog, like Dels. Amundson and Brink do at 7 West, or simply by joining in the conversation, like numerous candidates and electeds have done – give voters the opportunity to see you as a real person.
No doubt one of the reasons that electeds are reluctant to participate in the blogosphere is fear. Yes, candidates can sometimes be a casualty of the blogs. But how is that any different from being swift-boated by the MSM? John Kerry admits that he didn’t respond quickly enough or forceful enough to the attacks against him. David Miller says the same thing. The real truth is that the blogosphere, like the MSM, albeit on a smaller scale, has some good eggs and some bad ones. Thinking that all blogs are “out to get you” is akin to throwing out the baby with the bathwater. Think about it: you know (or at least think you know) the political leanings of your local newspaper and the major dailies. Most, if not all, electeds and candidates interact with these papers. The blogs are no different. It’s pretty easy to figure out friends and foes. Just spend a little time – or have your staffs spend a little time – reading the blogs.
I believe the blogs present a unique opportunity for candidates and electeds never before seen. With all of the spin in politics, and so many folks turned off, the blogosphere gives candidates and electeds a chance to interact with voters in a way that makes the candidates and electeds more human and less pre-packaged.
Embrace the blogosphere. You’ll be glad you did.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
As usual, Vivian, it’s thoughtful and thought-provoking. Thanks so much — I hope every elected official reads this and ACTS on it.
Like every other medium, you take it with a grain of salt.
I enjoy reading through the blogs – more recently, it is the bloggers who are breaking the stories and holding our legislators’ feet to the fire…more so than the MSM.
It is a way for the average guy/gal to have a voice and be part of the conversation. I visit DailyKos regularly and have seen many candidates there interacting with the posters.
“The thing that sets bloggers apart is not that we are a bunch of pencil-necked geeks howling at the moon (although that could describe some of us)”
Not sure I have a pencil-neck, but does being hairy make up for that? 😉
Great post Vivian. I agree more than not. The only things I even wonder about are time consumption and dealing with zee flaming trolls. Exactly what the difference is between a flaming troll and someone sticking to their guns with tough questions and hard points is a can of worms I’d rather not get into. What I really wonder is will a legislator find they are in a damned if they do damned if they don’t situation with comments. If they spend the HOURS over DAYS that we’ve all found ourselves committing now and then to a heated debates on blogs, will they get flack for not tending to more important matters like they should? If they don’t, will they just be hammered on their own blogs?
Really though, that’s the worst I can think of, and its the kind of thing that we will almost all relish when happens to legislators we don’t like and will be pissed off about when happens to those we do. It’s just going to come with the territory, politics is becoming more and more open. That means more accountability and showdowns with the people that are not happy with the things you do. This kind of thing is happening everywhere, so unless someone can think of something else, I say bring it on. I’d love to read more in depth personal explanations for what people introduce and vote on.