Idiot of the Week: Hoosier Access (w/update)

I think its safe to say a majority of Americans have moved passed the age of racial political division. And I say a majority for a reason, because as sad as it may be, there are still those few out there who idiotically attempt to disguise racism as some form of legitimate political/social commentary. A perfect example can be found in a recent post concerning a Barack Obama speech over at Hoosier Access:

And the bit about getting into people’s faces - that’s right in line with the mindset of the baggy pants wearing crowd. Get into their face, maybe wave a shank or shiv, flash some signs.

You’ll see change in January if the Presidential limo starts sporting spinner wheels, fuzzy dice, and a BOOMING subwoofer mounted in the trunk blasting Ludacris. That change, is what will be left in your pocket after the Government gets done shaking you down for every last dollar you have.

Are you serious? Does Hoosier Access not accept the reality that Hoosier voters are smarter than this? I mean smearing Obama is one thing, but when you stoop to the level of racist bigot, I am afraid to say whatever credibility you once had is lost forever. Congrats Hoosier Access, your efforts have earned you idiot of the week honors.

Update (1:58 a.m.): It seems after Hoosier Access caught wind of the lefty blogosphere's dismay over their blatantly racist remarks, they responded with a follow up post valiantly defending what was written while pointing to our own hypocrisy. Without dignifying the absurdity of the hypocrisy charge, I would like to point out their oh so valiant defense. So valiant in fact, that they edited the post, deleting the paragraph I have quoted above. Unreal.

Saturday Open Thread

With lots of college football and Ryder Cup golf on today, a certain Mitch Daniels sentiment comes to mind-- "So many lies/sports, so little time." Well before I run off to enjoy the afternoon in proper fashion, here is a quick look at what's making its way around the blogosphere today.

• IN-07: Congressman Andre Carson, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, threw his two cents into the financial crisis debate with a statement released yesterday.
  

  "Irresponsible lending practices and risky financial ventures by some of our nation's leading monetary institutions have led to record foreclosures and plummeting homes values. In order to avert further turmoil, it is imperative that the Administration and Congress work in a bipartisan and bicameral fashion to address our nation's pressing credit crisis through the implementation of a comprehensive and bipartisan rescue package."

• H/T to Joh over at Bloosiers for the great video covering Secretary of State Madeline Albright's visit to the University of Indianapolis this morning.
  
  
  

• Daily tracking numbers have Barack Obama breaching the 50% mark in two of four polls conducted. Moreover its the first time this election season Obama has led all four polls simultaneously. I think now is as good a time as any for McCain and co. to start panicking. Because frankly, when you look at the political climate at large, they don't have much of anything going for them at present-- and I love it. 

Site Makeover

Well, I have spent the last few hours attempting to give Bloosier Hysteria a facelift of sorts. Considering my relative lack of understanding on the html front, I reckon my effort hasn't turned out too badly-- I'll let you be the judge. Anyhow, the noticeable change is the move from a two column system to the more blog savvy three column layout. I made this choice because adding an additional column gives me more personalization and design options, and thus I hope to utilize the space to provide yet greater info and blogging resources. What I am going to add and when is still up in the air though, so please bear with me as I iron some of the kinks out over the next week or so. 

And since I know you are thinking it-- yes-- manipulating html code on a Friday night is pretty embarrassing. Go ahead, laugh it up. 

Obamentum

No one can argue the fact the presidential race has swung heavily towards Barack Obama in the last week. To see just how much momentum we are talking about, its worth taking a look at the fine work the people of FiveThirtyEight are doing. More specifically, one of the site's most useful and telling resources is their Super Tracker, an analysis of daily tracking polls based on statistical plotting and tied together with an overarching trend line.

As you can see above, the trend line had steadily worked its way towards McCain over a three month period, until a week or so ago when it seemed to bottom-out and and sharply shift back towards Obama. And to those critics who argue its merely statistical noise, the site's contributors explain:

Let's not equivocate too much here. Over the course of the past several days, there has been a rather dramatic shift in this election toward Barack Obama. Our trendline estimate, which is engineered to be fairly conservative, registers the swing as equaling roughly 4 points over the course of the past week.

Changes of this velocity are unusual outside of the convention periods and the debates, especially in close elections. It took John McCain about 60 days and tens of millions of advertising dollars to whittle Obama's lead down from roughly 5 points at its peak in early June, to the 1-point lead that Obama held heading into the conventions. Obama has swing the numbers that much in barely a week.

....the fact is that Obama is in a stronger position now than he was immediately before the conventions. We now have him winning the election 71.5 percent of the time, which is about as high as that number has been all year.

Anyhow, I think its safe to say we have all slept better this week, especially considering the state of the race immediately following the republican convention. Moreover, it looks like the Obama campaign knew what it was doing when, despite falling numbers, it refused to panic-- which in my opinion is more comforting than any poll yet released.

More Prez Race Commentary

Its seems that everyone now has something to say about the state of affairs here in Indiana. The latest courtesy of the good people over at MyDD:

The Obama campaign still has work to do to get closer to the 48-49 percent range in which victory is more clearly visible on the horizon -- where they don't have to rely on the support of the vast majority of the undecided voters, which they are highly unlikely to get -- but for now they cannot be too unhappy with the state of the race in Indiana, which John Kerry lost by more than 20 points just four years ago. As we saw during the Indiana primary back in May, Obama has a strong organization in the state, which is certainly helped by the fact that Illinois, and Chicago in particular, are very close by, so if they can get close to the cusp of majority support in Indiana they just might be able to pull of a real shocker.

IN-Gov: Tale of Two Polls

Today has seen the release of two polls aimed at gauging the status of Indiana's gubernatorial race. And as luck would have it, the results couldn't be farther apart.

Rasmussen Reports
500 likely voters w/ MoE +/-4.5%
Sept. 17-18

Daniels 56%
Long Thompson 40%

And...

Seltzer & Co.
600 likely voters w/ MoE +/-4%
Sept. 14-16

Daniels 46%
Long Thompson 42%

It's hard to tell which one of these is more accurate. But I imagine the real number is somewhere between the two. Regardless, the Star/WTHR poll should do wonders for Long Thompson's campaign morale, and if anything should help to shore up much needed financial support across the state. Its clear she still has a long way to go in winning over hoosier voters though, as is evident from those willing to ticket-split in November:

Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels holds a four-point lead in his bid for a second term, including support from one in five voters who plan to back Democrat Barack Obama for president...

Slightly more than 20 percent of Obama's supporters said they plan to vote for the governor.

Rasmussen Latest Poll to Show Tight Indiana Race

The latest addition to this week's polling blitz once again confirms the accepted reality of Indiana's battleground status.

Rasmussen Reports
500 likely voters w/ MoE +/-4%
9/18/08

Obama 47%
McCain 49%

Undecided 4%

Little news here. The updated Indiana averages look as follows:

When will McCain wise up and realize he has a legitimate fight on his hands? Hopefully not until its too late. 

Spain is where exactly?

Crimey, someone tell McCain that Spain is across the big blue ocean in Europe and no where near Central/South America. Courtesy of TPMtv:

Quote of the Day

"I cannot say anything about this candidacy that takes it in any way seriously. It is a farce. It is absurd. It is an insult to all intelligent people. It is a sign of a candidate who has lost his mind. There is no way to take the nomination of Palin to be vice-president of the world’s sole superpower - except to treat it as a massive, unforgivable, inexplicable decision by someone who has either gone insane or is managerially unfit to be president of the United States."

--Andrew Sullivan, responding to McCain's choice of Sarah Palin for vice-president.

H.R. 3036: No Child Left Inside Act (update)

A few weeks ago I wrote about the No Child Left Inside Act, a pivotal bill expanding education on environmental issues for our nation's youth. When I wrote that initial post the House was scheduled to vote on the bill within the week, but as so we so often see, procedural roadblocks kept the bill buried until today.

This morning the House voted on a resolution that would send the bill to the floor for consideration, the first legislative step on its way to final approval. As expected the vote was split nearly perfect along party lines, with only two brave republicans willing to back NCLI. I say nearly perfect for a reason however. While 181 republicans voted to effectively kill the legislation, a single lone democrat crossed the aisle to stand amongst the 'nays'.

Baron Hill.

While I am aware Hill is in a heated general election battle, I remain baffled as to why he chose to vote as he did. Anyone have any ideas? Don't get me wrong, for the most part I love what he is doing for democrats across the state and for our country at large. But NCLI is too important to let slide and thus I feel Baron owes us an explanation.

As such, I urge all ninth district bloosiers to give Hill's office a call and voice your approval of H.R. 3036.

Baron Hill 202-225-5315

Because as a progressive community, reminding Hill where we stand on this issue is the least we can do.

Indiana Polling Blitz

It took nearly three weeks and a Republican convention before pollsters got back at it here in Indiana. During that stretch many openly questioned how close the race actually was, with the Obama campaign asserting they were within in striking distance and McCain and Co. calmly sure they had nothing to worry about. Well it seems just when everyone was coming to terms with Indiana's political uncertainty, a blitz of polling announcements has helped to answer a few lingering questions.

With three separate polls being released since yesterday, the state of the race in Indiana has confirmed its battleground status. The most recent poll--released this afternoon by Big Ten Battleground Polling-- provides a familiar result:

Obama 43.2%
McCain 46.7%
Undecided 5.1%

With each of the three polls looking marginally different, which one should be taken more seriously? Your guess is as good as mine. But in an effort to help gauge the overall polling picture I have compiled all the numbers and provided the average result-- which may in the end be the best indication of where Indiana currently stands. 

Considering the margin of error and looming voter turnout questions, this race most certainly hinges on the outcome of those 5% who remain undecided.

Breaking: IndyStar Poll Gives Obama First Indiana Lead

Folks this is big.

Star/WTHR Seltzer & Co.

600 likely voters MoE +/- 4%

Obama 47%

McCain 44%

Undecided 6%

If this doesn't cement the reality of Indiana as a legitimate swing state than I don't know what else will. Outspent and unconcerned, McCain and co. continues to forgo the possibility of a red to blue swing-- all in the wake of an Obama campaign who has purchased nearly $300,000 in media buys and has opened up 30+ offices across the state.

How has Obama gained traction in our historically red state? Well, it seem that like last night's gubernatorial debate focus, many hoosier voters are basing there choice on which candidate is best equipped to handle our precarious economy.

The poll showed Hoosier voters are more confident in Obama's ability to handle the economy, with 44 percent saying he is best equipped to bring new jobs to Indiana, compared with 30 percent for McCain.

[....]

"I'm looking for somebody who is not going to tax the middle class to death, and end high-priced gas," said Hopkins, a self-described Democrat and stay-at-home mom.

What's more, McCain's overconfidence in Indiana may ultimately be his downfall.

Luke Messer, co-chairman of McCain's Indiana campaign, said he's confident the Arizona senator will win in Indiana.

"Other polling has us ahead, and that's where we believe the race is," Messer said. "Obviously, Barack Obama has spent millions and millions of dollars and has had staff here for months and months, and the question would be: Why isn't he doing better?"

In the end we can only hope this continues to be the official McCain response. Something tells me it won't though. Obama has seen to that.

Quote of the Day

"Carly will now disappear. Senator McCain was furious. Fiorina was booked for several TV interviews over the next few days, including one on CNN. Those interviews have been canceled."

--Top republican campaign advisor responding to McCain surrogate Carly Fiorina's claim that, "neither member of the Republican ticket would be capable of running a company."

Latest Indiana Polling

After what seemed weeks without any new Hoosier presidential campaign news, CNN released a slew of battleground polls this afternoon-- Indiana included. The results:

CNN/Time (890 RV, 3.5%)
McCain 51
Obama 45

However when you add third party candidates to the mix the results shake out to be:

McCain 48
Obama 43
Nader 4
Barr 2
McKinney 1

Why include third party candidates at all? CNN explains:

Third-party presidential candidates could affect the results in some of these states.

When included in the results, independent Ralph Nader, Libertarian Bob Barr and Green Party candidate Cynthia McKinney grab a total of 7 percent of the vote in Indiana, 6 percent in Florida and Ohio, and 5 percent in North Carolina, which could be enough to influence the outcome in those states.

Another poll shows yet more indication that Obama really does have a shot at pulling off the unthinkable. I have said it before and I will echo it once again, this race is well within reach and with hard work and a dedicated focus, fellow bloosiers we can swing our beloved state blue come November. It all boils down to one simple question. How bad do you want it?

Leadership We Can all Admire

Take note John McCain, this is what presidential leadership looks and sounds like:

Debate Roundup

Last night's guberantorial debate largely played out like many thought it would. Mitch, steadfast in is approach, cited the many improvements Hoosiers have seen in the last four years, while Jill Long Thompson continued her attacks on the very issues Mitch holds so dear. Alas, it seems the focal point of the night was the economy, and rightly so. Courtesy of the Journal-Gazette:

He [Mitch Daniels] has made no new proposals on how to jump-start the economy.

Since he took over in January 2005, the state has gained 27,800 jobs under Daniels’ watch. But Indiana has lost 24,800 jobs this year, and the unemployment rate has skyrocketed from 4.5 percent to 6.3 percent.

“We can all agree we have a long way to go economically, but it’s simply false to say that nothing is different and Indiana is not moving aggressively forward,” Daniels said.

He repeatedly pointed to a recent CNBC report that highlighted Indiana’s economic climate as the best in the nation.

But Long Thompson said the state also has another national distinction – leading the country in job losses in recent months – and the top hit on the state’s Web site is how to file for unemployment.

“Our economy has eroded the last four years,” she said. “I think it’s very important to talk about the real record of the current governor. That’s not negative campaigning.”

I think its safe to say this debate didn't change the race all that much. The combined effect of a limited audience and predictable script, severely hurt any means for a lasting shake-up that remains so paramount to Thompson's chances come November. How will her campaign respond? Something tells me it won't matter-- unfortunately. 

Carville's Prophetic Haiku

Last night after realizing I couldn't watch the gubernatorial debate, I chose the next best thing-- The War Room. A largely forgotten, small budget, wobbly camera film about President Clinton's memorable rise to the presidency-- the War Room is a gem to say the least. Giving incite to the behind the scenes approaches of Clinton's campaign staff-- most notably George Stephanapolous and James Carville-- the film offers up a candid portrayal of campaign highs and lows, tracking Clinton and company around the country to peak into War Room meetings at each stop. While a young Stephanapolous is memorable, James Carville and his blunt Cajun approach steal the show.

How is any of this relevant now? Especially considering how far campaigns have come since 1992. Well to put it simply, one of Carville's strategic focal points was a haiku of sorts, an ode that as you will see provides shocking relevance even today. In a way only Carville can pull off:

Change vs more of the same,
the economy stupid,
don't forget healthcare,
the debate stupid.

Carville famously plastered this for all to see, drilling it into not only Clinton's head but into every campaign staffer's as well. The result was a focus before unheard of, and what started as just another Carville rant, became the guiding force behind a landslide victory.

Well it seems that 16 years later the political climate has come full circle. With the tightening of the race in the last few weeks, perhaps what Obama needs most right now is a cagey James Carville-esque push back to focus. And yep you guessed it, its our job to nudge him in the right direction.

Economists for Obama

Today saw yet another wrench thrown into the McCain campaign argument of economic policy superiority. A survey of 523 economists-- all members of the American Economics Association-- shows 66% favoring an Obama presidency compared to a meager 28% for McCain. Considering the dire situation on wall street and the all too real threat of a global economy crisis, it is paramount more voters are aware of the very real economic dangers if McCain were to be elected. The aforementioned survey acts as a vital cog in a wider and necessary public education on this important issue.

Read more detailed analysis and complete survey results here.

Debate Open Thread

The time is upon us fellow Bloosiers. Jill Long Thompson's official campaign blog will be live-blogging the affair. I too hope to offer some live-blogging commentary as the debate unfolds.

Any last minute predictions? 

Update (8:13): Well it looks like live-blogging is out of the question. It seems that in my neck of the woods-- southeastern Indiana tucked right on the Ohio border-- the debate has been scrubbed in favor of garbage tv. This really blows. Alas I will have to catch up on the highlights tomorrow unfortunately, however if you are itching for some live commentary,  I'll point you to Blue Indiana, where a lively dialogue is currently taking place. 

Help Create the McCain/Palin Economy Plan

Hilarious:

Quote of the Day

"The point is, I was chairman of the commerce committee. Every part of America's economy, I oversighted. I have a long record, certainly far more extensive of being involved in our economy than Senator Obama does."

--John McCain, taking credit for our collapsing economy on this morning's talk show circuit.

IN-04: Ackerson Hits Buyer on Corruption

In a press release put out yesterday, Nels Ackerson-- democratic candidate for Indiana's fourth congressional district-- calls out incumbent republican Steve Buyer, pointing to the many ties he has with spreading corruption in Washington. From the the release:

"The incumbent Steve Buyer has shown his loyalty to oil industry executives and corporate PACs who have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund his campaigns. Since taking office 16 years ago Steve Buyer has taken over $160,000 from energy companies, and voted repeatedly to stop reforms that might reduce his fundraising perks."

Congressional records show that Buyer has consistently voted against restricting the influence of lobbyists and against legislation that would forbid Congressman like himself from receiving gifts. Among the positions Buyer has supported are:

• Voting against the investigation into Jack Abramoff's illegal lobbying activities (3/30/06, RC#76);
  
• Voting against stronger reporting requirements for lobbyists involved in fundraising for candidates (5/24/07, RC#420);
  
• Voting against repealing weak House ethics rules (4/27/05, RC# 145); and
  
• Voting for allowing groups to pay for a Congressperson's travel, and lobbyists to cater dinners to their offices (1/7/03, RC#4);

I think its safe to say this race is closer than many people think. Ackerson's willingness to go after Buyer has helped him down the stretch, and rightly so. Do we have another upset brewing? Only time will tell but one things for certain, its looking better with each passing day.

IN-Gov: Debate Details

The talk of the state today surrounds tonight's gubernatorial debate. With questions circling to the extent of media participation and broadcasting, rest assured this debate will be aired by as it turns out nearly everybody.

The Indiana Debate Commission says stations airing the debate will include: Indianapolis stations WFYI, WRTV and WTHR; Lakeshore Public Television in Merrillville; WJTS, Jasper; WFWA, Fort Wayne; WTIU, Bloomington; and WIPB, Muncie.

The debate also will be carried on C-SPAN

We can expect democrat Jill Long Thompson to come ready to fight. Indeed, its not a stretch to say her entire campaign hinges on her ability to turn heads tonight.

Alas, I will put up some more thoughts and an openthread when it gets closer to 8 p.m. 

Feed the Backlash

After reading Netroots Nation the activist in me felt compelled to go out and grab a copy of Kos' new book, Taking On the System. While I plan to delve into the book in more detail for this Sunday's edition of the progressive book club, I wanted to highlight one of the book's key points-- as it seems especially fitting for the Obama campaign these last few weeks.

"When your enemies begin to notice you-- and attack you-- you have arrived. Instead of avoiding confrontation with gatekeepers and opponents, embrace it and feed it. Stoking the flames of controversy brings visibility to your issues, raising your profile and effectiveness, and begins a cycle of ever-increasing attention that you can use to your advantage."

Like usual, Kos nails it on the head. Obama would be wise to heed this advice-- because ultimately who knows, it may be just the strategy needed to push the campaign out in front once and for all. 

Electoral Math

With the political climate beginning to normalize post-conventions, its worth taking a look at where the race stands according to recent polling data. Below is how the map shakes out based on RCP averages. Bear in mind this data includes a slew of battleground state polls released just today. 
To say at this point the race is a toss up would be quite the understatement. However you look at it, one thing is all to clear-- Obama still has a lot of work to do. For what its worth though, my gut tells me shoring up votes in Florida and Ohio will go a long way in influencing electorate trends in other key battleground states. And what's more, the current political climate, engulfed with financial woes and outright campaign lies, should favor Obama considerably in the days and weeks to follow. 

And one final question. Why is getting polling data from Indiana so difficult? While other swing states spew forth polling on a seemingly every other week basis, Indiana still clings to results of a poll conducted prior to either party convention. 

Quote of the Day, Liars Edition

"McCain has similarly gone one step too far, attributing to Obama things that are, you know, beyond the 100% truth test."

-- Karl Rove, on Fox News Sunday, talking about Sen. John McCain's advertising.

Midday Roundup

The remnants of Ike reminded Hoosiers just how much of a SOB he is really is, bringing 60+ mph winds and buckets of rain to most of Indiana yesterday. Powerless to prevent the inevitable, I was forced to sit around and watch as first my power and then my phone went out thanks to a cacophony of falling tree limbs and flying debris. As such I spent most of the day in the dark, hopelessly devoid of any news or football, but as of this morning  I am thankful to say the fine people of the power company finally have me back on the grid. While I attempt to recover and catch up, here are a few stories that have caught my attention on this gloriously windless Monday afternoon.

• Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius was in Indiana yesterday stumping on behalf of the Obama campaign. Her presence emphasizes the campaign's growing belief that Indiana can be swung blue this year.
  
  
• The first of three gubernatorial debates is scheduled for tomorrow in Merrillville. Without a shadow of doubt, democrat Jill Long Thompson needs to have a strong showing if she wants to have any chance of knocking off Mitch come November.
  
  
• As the devastating financial crisis continues to unfold, wreaking havoc on the stock market as we speak,  its worth reminding everyone where John McCain stands on the issue of our economy.

  "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should."

IN-Sen: Dem's Lofty Agenda Reawakens Forgotten Legislature

One things for certain, Indiana Senate Democrats will have their hands full fending off questions concerning their newly announced legislative agenda. Released last week, the hodgepodge list covers a wide range of issues, clearly demonstrating a desire to push the Indiana legislature into new and uncharted waters.

An agenda released by Indiana Senate Democrats last week included full-day kindergarten for every child, free textbooks for all students and universal access to health care. Then there were proposals to ensure that all Indiana residents can attend a state college or university, offer new tax credits and incentives and add police at the state and local levels.

Critics and skeptics have been quick to emerge, citing budgetary costs as the Achilles heel for the majority of such proposals. I ask these critics, so what?

So what? Sure many of these programs won't be cheap. Being fairly realistic and not so naive, I understand this. But this is not the point. I firmly believe its governments job to make our lives just a little better, even if that means working to do the difficult things-- and rest assured many of these proposals are just that. 

Wishful? Probably. Refreshing? Most certainly. This is the democratic party I know and love, a party unafraid of confronting revolutionary ideas despite the myriad of obstacles that stand in the way. The senate Democrats should be commended for their effort in defining a future vision for our state.  I walk as a bloosier with just a little more pep in my step today. How couldn't I?

For the agenda in its entirety check out the democratic caucus website here.

IN-03: Montagano Push Continues

Mulling over the numbers in the third district yet again, I came across some potentially race changing news over at Act Blue, the online fundraising page for democratic candidates across the country. It seems Michael Montagano's campaign has stirred up enough national attention that he has been placed on the DCCC list of 'emerging races' in their much talked about Red to Blue program. Folks this is big. Or should I say, this can be big. For those unfamiliar with the program:

The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, and strategic support. These candidates earned a spot in the program by surpassing demanding fundraising goals and skillfully demonstrating to voters that they stand for change and will represent new priorities when elected to Congress.

The impact of being placed on this list is self evident. As such a concerted effort is needed from bloosiers and the Indiana blogpsphere at large to keep the public excited about what Montagano is accomplishing up in the third district. Because even though the campaign is turning a few heads nationally, there is still a bit of work to be done to move the campaign from the 'emerging race' list to the established Red to Blue program. We can make it happen though. As Act Blue states:

The DCCC is recognizing these emerging races. In each of these races, Democratic candidates have generated excitement in their districts for their campaigns for change. As these campaigns continue to develop and demonstrate increasing strength, candidates will have an opportunity to qualify for the Red to Blue program.

Thus I call for all bloosiers to help keep the Montagano campaign astir. Blog about it. Volunteer on the ground. Write a letter to the editor. Throw in some greenbacks. Tell your friends and family. Any and all means of helping the Montagano campaign are welcome. Furthermore, to facilitate help, I have included a direct Act Blue contribution link below. 

Michael Montagano (IN-03)
$

Sunday Book Club: Netroots Rising

This book should be required reading material for anyone skeptical of the growing influence of a progressive political blogosphere. Written by Lowell Feld, a regular contributor to Raising Kaine and blog guru for the successful Jim Webb senatorial campaign, and Nate Wilcox, online innovator and a vital part of Mark Warner's successful bid for Virginia governor-- Netroots Rising charts the insurgent rise of online political activism as its changed the face of American politics in recent years.

“When Lowell Feld and Nate Wilcox speak, political activists everywhere should listen. And luckily for us, they've come together to share their vast online organizing experience....in the splendid Netroots Rising, a chronicle of war stories and lessons learned from the trenches of the nascent online movement. Make no mistake: This book is simply the best account of the origin and mission of the netroots out there, bar none, in any medium....What pushes the book into "must read" territory for the practical progressive is their interviewing prowess with all manner of people associated with both the netroots and traditional campaigns....The diverse opinions and experience the authors sought out really lend a richness to this book........Netroots Rising is a tour de force--comprehensive and interesting, full of character, personality, passion and commitment....a concrete resistance to "mass media passivity" that cannot be more strongly recommended.”–American Nonsense/Daily Kos 

I sat down to read this and as cliche as it may sound, I couldn't put it down. The first-hand anecdotes demonstrate the very real implications of the internet in politics, but more importantly they help to show just how much untapped potential remains within the growing blogosphere. If you are already a motivated blogger, rest assured-- your work can and will have a lasting impact on future elections. And if like me you questioned the ability of online activism to really change our country's historically top-down approach to politics-- think again. Netroots Rising is that good.