Thomas Friedman's column in today's NYT focuses on the US's woeful standing (16th) in the world of broadband connectivity. A Democratic candidate in NYC, Andrew Rasiej, wants to change that - at least in NY. Among other things he notes that the party that knows how to use the latest technology usually wins.
His message: In U.S. politics, the party that most quickly absorbs the latest technology often dominates. F.D.R. dominated radio and the fireside chat; J.F.K., televised debates; Republicans, direct mail and then talk radio, and now Karl Rove's networked voter databases.
The technological model coming next - which Howard Dean accidentally uncovered but never fully developed - will revolve around the power of networks and blogging. The public official or candidate will no longer just be the one who talks to the many or tries to listen to the many. Rather, he or she will be a hub of connectivity for the many to work with the many - creating networks of public advocates to identify and solve problems and get behind politicians who get it.
... The party that stakes out this new frontier will be the majority party in the 21st century. And the Democrats better understand something - their base right now is the most disconnected from the network.
My question: what is that next big thing? Are we it? Judging from the outcome in Ohio, it sure doesn't seem like we're "disconnected from the base". But then, maybe we arent' the traditional Democrats either.