Can liberal Netroots hurt the Democrats and Obama administration by their demands on Obama or by vilifying Republic opposition? Yes, if the power is not used smartly.
Are conservative talk-radio and liberal Netroots comparable? Did the talk-radio hurt John McCain? Can liberal Netroots hurt the Democrats and Obama administration by their demands on Obama or by vilifying Republic opposition?
These questions arise in light of the perception by some that Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter, et al, may have pushed independents to vote for Obama by their mean spirited and angry attacks on Obama and Democrats. It is very likely that many independents and moderate conservatives saw the far-right radio and cable TV hosts as dangerous extremists. They may have thought of them and their supporters as people who would use any weapon to pursue their conservative principles. In short, barbarian means justify the ideological end. So, unless you were unreasonable or naïve, at best, you couldn’t support talk-radio movement.
Largely in response to the talk-radio, and because the opportunity presented itself, the liberal blogosphere (Daily Kos, Huffington Post, Move ON, etc) has become a strong political force. However, there is a danger that if liberals of the Net are not reasonable they will drive the independents back to the Republican Party. First, they should understand the difficulties of governing, and try to see reasons in Obama’s compromises. Second, they should refrain from attacking values of middle-America while pursuing progressive agenda. Republican end begun with Terry Schiavo; not with Iraq war.
If the liberal Netroots don’t use their power wisely, they would remain at the fringe, and not achieve the results they strive for. Beat them without being like them.