VP: Bloggers changing the rules

Local, National, Politics, Virginia 2 Minutes

Today’s Pilot editorial discussed the effect that bloggers are having on the political landscape:

If it was not already obvious to everyone, the Macaca fracas has cemented the Virginia blogosphere’s role in the center ring of the political circus.

Virginia blogger Not Larry Sabato (NotLarrySabato.typepad.com) broke the story. And the state’s blogs from the right (BearingDrift.com) to the left (VivianPaige.wordpress.com) chewed the controversy over from every possible angle. [Bolded in the print edition.]

Thanks to the editors for working the names of my little blog into the editorial, but I hardly think that BD or I “chewed the controversy over from every possible angle.” A little hyperbole on the part of the Pilot (or maybe a projection?), especially when you consider this part of the last paragraph of the editorial:

Over time, blogs will be judged by readers. Those who keep their facts straight and their analysis honest will thrive, while others will wither into obscurity.

I wish newspapers were judged the same way. Unfortunately, we have only one newspaper so it is not like we have choices. A lot of us came into the blogsphere purely because of the shoddy coverage our local papers give issues. We have healthy competition between us, something that the newspapers lack, to keep us honest.

One thing the editorial mentioned in passing was the fierce partisanship of the blogsphere. I understand why it exists but I have to say that I mostly disagree with it. I took some grief about inviting the Republican AG on my blog. I disagree with those who think that we should only hear one side of an issue. And my fear for the blogsphere’s future is that, as partisanship increases, we will turn off all but the most partisan readers. I think that is a danger that we must avoid. The masses of people are not partisan and are, in fact, turned off by the partisanship demonstrated by our “leaders.” It is far too easy to fall into the partisanship of the echo chamber that is the blogsphere and it is a trap that this proud Democrat is trying to avoid.

I do agree with the last sentence in the editorial:

In the meantime, the more voices that are part of Virginia’s debates, the better off we all are.

FYI: the print edition of the paper included a little box with the headline “Hampton Roads’ other widely read political blogs” and listed Hampton Roads Politics, Virginia Beach Democrats, Deo Vindice, Virginia Conservative Analysis and Mosquito Blog with the web addresses of the blogs.

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16 thoughts on “VP: Bloggers changing the rules”

  4. Good for you Vivian on your mention, you deserve it. You are one of the most even handed bloggers around.

    However, I have to disagree with your point about partisanship. For way too long Democrats have kept on thinking that the other side was going to play fair, play by the rules, be ethical, really want to work together and come up with solutions but we keep getting sucker punched; every single time. Enough. It’s time to be partisan.

    In my humble opinion the upcoming elections will determine whether we will regain our equilibrium as a democratic country or continue our slide into fascism. Yes, I said the “f” word. (This happens to be used correctly in this sense. Please take note Mr. Rumsfeld.) It’s time to pay attention, get off our backsides, participate and change our fate. If that means being partisan so be it.

  5. Pingback: Extreme Mortman » Virginia Is For Bloggers - Just When You Thought it Was Safe to Take Politics Seriously Again

  6. Vivian,

    I have no fear of partisanship, but I also have no fear of presenting both sides. If I really believe I’m right, then showing the other side’s argument should only bolster my case.

    Dem, it’s pretty pathetic that you think the left is high and mighty on ethics and only loses because they are so philanthropic and ethical campaigners.

    It is the left that calls people racists, sexists, bigots, homophobes, insensitive, ignorant, fascists, and on and on. It is the left that scares seniors into thinking that social security and medicare are being taken away and that minorities would be lynched if Republicans had their way.

    Please, Dem. Don’t talk about ethical campaigning. Your party couldn’t stand the scrutiny.

  9. Dem – I understand your argument on partisanship. You & I will have to agree to disagree on that one 🙂 I think there is a time and a place for it and it is not always, every second of every day.

    Insider – I have never seen you post anything approaching non-partisan 😆

  12. Are you confusing non-partisan with taking no position?

    I write opinion pieces. If that’s what you mean by partisan, then guilty. It’s not what “partisan” means, but ok.

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