No Good Deed
There is a bloggerversy erupting over the DNC's 50-state blogger credential process which seems to have left many state bloggers perturbed:
As long-time progressive state bloggers, we have now witnessed many of our well-respected colleagues from crucial states be passed over. In many states, it appears that parochial politics and hurt egos played a role in these decisions. These concerns run counter to our shared goals of using programs like the state blogger pool to "tear down the walls" in Denver -- and better connect the American people with the events on the ground.
The Democratic Party endangers its own long-term viability when it makes fealty a criterion for inclusion. Instead, the Party should act to ensure that it includes its ideological media allies, even if those allies are occasional tactical or strategic critics.
R. Neal at Knoxviews received the State blogger credential for Tennessee, and though I applied for it, and would've liked it, I understand their decision. Whenever something like this takes place, you are bound to have people who want to go, perhaps deserve to go, but when you have one slot and many blogs, a few eggs sometimes gotta be cracked.
3 comments:
I have been following the controversy on a mailing list. There is talk that, among other things, state party officials influenced the process.
For the record, I have not had any communication with any party officials, local or state, about the process. I submitted an application and waited to hear back just like (I thought) everyone else. I have no idea how the process worked or what the criteria was other than what was asked on the application forms.
As you say, there are many great blogs but only one slot per state. Yours is certainly worthy, as are several others in Tennessee.
I hate to see this get all wrapped up in yet another internal Dem controversy. We're already facing plenty of challenges in November.
Oh, I know you got it on merit, Knoxviews has been established longer, has more hits, etc...I pretty much expected it to go that way, but you gotta be in it to win it.
I couldn't go because of my health, and while there's no doubt Randy deserves to go, so do a few other bloggers.
Picking only one blogger from each state would be like picking one network from each state, but they don't get that...yet.
Still, I'm thrilled for Randy and know he'll do an excellent job.
Sean, by the next election cycle, blogging should be at the point where the party recognizes serious political blogs like it does networks. (Though nothing will take the place of being at this particular convention where history will be made)
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