I was nervous at first that I had spent too much money in coming to Netroots. However, over the course of time I realize that it has been all worth it. While there have been some weird or lower moments (Breitbart's attempted media swarm into the convention and the unfortunate attention libs gave him), on balance it has been great.
Met Senators and politicians from Alaska to Minnesota to Maryland. The speeches and presentations have been amazing. Of particularly interest has been the panels on media and blogging. If you cannot get your local media to report on things they should, shame them! But try to go the traditional route first (I do).
Of course there was the Breitbart Offensive, which was not a total success for him, but still a bit of one to the extent that he got the attention he wanted.
Then last night, I attended a fundraiser for Al Franken and was able to briefly speak with him. Mentioning that I only have one Senator that represents me, Franken made a point to praise John Kerry for his leadership on getting the START treaty through the Senate. It was simply an amazing experience to meet up with these politicians, but also journalists like John Nichols.
Between the free food and the amazing stories from real, even salt of the earth people whose progressive values are forged not out of ideology, but experience. Truly, an amazing experience.
Now, we're watching Van Jones rousing speech about progressive values. Earlier, Rep. Keith Ellison received an award for embodying the values of the late Paul Wellstone. Reps. Donna Edwards and Jared Polis fired up the crowd about Democratic efforts to take back the House.
So far, so good.