In 1994, Republicans posted huge gains in Congress in large part to the surge in popularity of Rush Limbaugh and other right-wing talk radio programs.
The Democrats were never able to match that success. Air America started strong, but fizzled out quickly. Although I was addicted to Al Franken and San Seder, I knew in my heart that it would never catch on. The reason was simple demographics: I never believed that Democratic leaning voters would ever really listen to talk radio in large numbers.
Tonight we can look at the blogosphere as our talk-radio. A grassroots, people-powered force that has the power to upset the Washington elite power structure. The unknown candidate who embraced and understood it was able to defeat the insider with more connections, deeper pockets, and strong name recognition. The aging Goliath who relied on outdated strategies, who manufactured tired and phony controversies, who didn't "look at the YouTubes" was soundly rejected.
In 2004 we saw a hint of this with the surprise popularity of Howard Dean.
Last year, the movement grew stronger, and took back both houses of Congress.
Tonight, the changing of the guard is complete. The new generation of the Democratic Party has arrived.