The best campaign email I've ever received.

I was going to post a roundup at ePluribus Media Community of posts from sites in our media/citizen journalism blogrolls . . . but this email from Tim Tagaris and the Ned Lamont campaign popped into my inbox, just as I set out to write.

It is the best campaign email I have ever received:

Andrew,

If you summed up this campaign with one phrase, it would be "a two-way conversation with the people of Connecticut."

For seven months we've criss-crossed the state communicating with all manner of working men and women, students, the retired and unemployed. What we've heard more than anything else is that people simply want a Senator who listens to them and their concerns.

Whether it's Iraq, universal health care, or skyrocketing energy costs, you deserve better than being forced to "agree to disagree" on the important issues of the day.

Ned wrote an editorial last weekend we wanted to make sure you saw, "What voters want from their senator, someone who listens." Will you read and forward it to your family, friends and neighbors?

http://www.nedlamont.com/...

Part of the reason we have been so successful online is our desire to participate in mass two-way communication with the grassroots. Indeed, it's your feedback and participation making our campaign stronger every day.

We do our best to share important information, and always provide multiple platforms for you to communicate with the campaign. We've also made sure you have the necessary tools to meaningfully participate in the political process.

Will you take the time to read Ned's editorial and forward it to your personal networks?

http://www.nedlamont.com/...

After eighteen years in the Senate, it's clear Joe Lieberman has become complacent in his obligations as an elected representative of the people of Connecticut.

In townships across the state, he refuses to have a meaningful dialogue about issues like Iraq, but is quick to return for a high-dollar fundraising opportunity.

You deserve better. And when we elect Ned Lamont this November, that's exactly what you'll have: a senator who will listens.

Rock the boat!

Tim Tagaris
Internet Communications Director, Ned Lamont for Senate

Why is this the best campaign email I have ever received?

Let me point you back to a post by blogswarm at MyDD, from January 4, 2005:

Twenty-four hours ago, DNC Chair candidate Donnie Fowler came and posted a diary on MyDD and then fled without answering any of the dozens of questions that people asked.

Over on Kos, ttagaris referred to this as A Flaming Bag of Dog Poop, noting:

Remember when you were teenager and you used to play ding-dong-ditch with your friends?  Maybe some of us took it to the next level and would leave a flaming bag of poop on a doorstep?

[...]

Would a candidate, when going door to door, ring the doorbell, drop a piece of literature on the front step, and then run away to the next house? The same should be asked about on-line outreach.

He continues:

You see, the Internet is the ONLY medium of two-way mass communication available.  One of the things I dread is that the Democratic Party will see this wonderful blogosphere and think in terms of pre-modern campaign communications.

I don't want to see them stuck in the mindset of television, radio, and print advertising.  Just talking at you in a 30 second spot, or a full-page advertisment.  NO! NO! NO!  If that is the way you want to use the net in 2005/2006 -- then you will get left behind in the netroots.  For many, that will be just fine.  To you, I wish the best of luck -- but I am uninterested in your campaign.

To the candidates who recongize the value of this two-way dialogue, the spoils shall go.  And I am not just talking about fundraising.  Cause if fundraising dollars are the only reason your are willing to "put up" with us, then you are not welcome in the netroots vision for the future of the Democratic Party.

In the comments, wanderindiana notes, "I salute you for your connection of two-way communication with reform."

Which I think is a very important concept. Reform requires responsiveness and accountability, not flaming bags of dog poop. We don't need leaders who use the internet like an ad, we need leaders who use the internet to interact.

blogswarm was right on target when he posted his diary on MyDD on January 4, 2005.

Tim Tagaris was right on target when he posted his diary on Daily Kos on January 3, 2005.

And Ned Lamont hired Tim, on what date, I don't know.

And Ned Lamont listened to Tim about two-way communication, and it has made all the difference in the world.

Two-way communication.

Candidates, take note: if you want to win public office, on any level, pay attention that email sent by Tim Tagaris on behalf of Ned Lamont.

Two-way communication.

In today's political arena, and tomorrow's, that will be the key to success.

And don't fake it, because we can smell bullshit a mile away.