Comments on: FDL Book Salon Welcomes Matthew Kerbel, Netroots: Online Progressives and the Transformation of American Politics

By: Knoxville

Knoxville — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:03:45 +0000

Matt phrases it well above, talking about “displacing the prevailing elite.” FDL hasn’t displaced the entire party establishment, but it’s certainly displaced several of the longstanding advocacy groups and changed the balance of power in the democratic party coalition. that’s an elite activity, but not in the pejorative sense. It isn’t just “educating the masses,” it’s ACTION. And it’s action at the elite level of politics.

…So maybe we’re talking about making elite networks more porous, or expanding the range of who has power in American politics, but it’s still fundamentally challenging and displacing the elites that we had, creating the elites that we want.

Well put! Looking forward to reading Matthew Kerbel’s book.

Thanks for talking with us about it!

By: Knoxville

Knoxville — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:58 +0000

I think I like the second formulation better: “An activist elite using the internet as a new way to generate political capital.”

Thanks for coming to the Lake to discuss your book and your ideas. I’ve added your book to my Amazon cart and will complete the order once I’ve added a couple more things tonight.

Speaking of using the internet as a tool. I just got another email from the DCCC using the NY-23 situation to try to raise money.

By: Matthew Kerbel

Matthew Kerbel — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:30 +0000

Thanks, Bev! And, thanks Dave for hosting and to everyone for all the interesting questions. I’ve enjoyed it greatly!

By: Teddy Partridge

Teddy Partridge — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:10 +0000

Moving this book to the top of the pile right now.

By: Teddy Partridge

Teddy Partridge — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:59:25 +0000

Great conversation, thanks so much, gentlemen.

We’re always open, please drop by anytime!

By: Matthew Kerbel

Matthew Kerbel — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:59:04 +0000

You probably won’t, tejanarusa, because they’re not set up for it. And that element of support and personal bonding is critical to the larger political effort.

By: Teddy Partridge

Teddy Partridge — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:58:54 +0000

That’s an excellent distinction.

By: Dave Karpf

Dave Karpf — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:58:28 +0000

Thanks for the invitation, Bev. I’ve enjoyed the discussion with everyone.

By: tejanarusa

tejanarusa — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:57:43 +0000

Only so much time, Things – the poltical influence is doubtless the more significant, at least from a public policy pov. ; )

By: ThingsComeUndone

ThingsComeUndone — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:57:25 +0000

Great Talk Great Questions Great topic!