Its clear that a bipartisan coalition has been pulled together by Senator Feingold that will lead to key and constitutionally damaging provisions of the Patriot Act sunsetting on Dec. 31st.
Further, the Republicans will have voted against a 3 month extension, exposing their hand as being the ones politicizing the fight against terrorism.
If you remember, Senator Feingold was the LONE DISSENTER against the Patriot Act in 2002. Yes, the times have changed and Bush is much, much weaker. But...
Would Feingold have had the votes to filibuster if Daily Kos didn't exist?
That is the poll question and the open question for discussion here.
My take:
No. I don't believe Kos is filling a vacuum that someone else would have tapped. Most of the someone elses are former Kossacks using Kos-inspired Scoop. The style of blogging that holds progressives accountable: blunt, honest, no bullshit is derived from Kos.
Dems have seen what happens when this community is angered. Politicians, including Senator Feingold, have written diaries, guaging the passion of the community, to help give them cover for these difficult decisions.
I believe Daily Kos, the community of Kossacks, can take some credit for defeating the Patriot Act. If so... is this the single biggest victory for bloggers?