In the comments on my last diary post, I got into a little argument. Someone suggested that the purpose of DailyKos is simply as a Democratic election engine. I argued that it was also a reform blog. The relevant quote cited from the dKosopedia is:
"It's a Democratic blog with one goal in mind: electoral victory. And since we haven't gotten any of that from the current crew, we're one more thing: a reform blog."
Sounds like DailyKos exists as a Democratic blog focused on electoral victory as well as a reform blog. Long story short, we did not resolve the discussion. Argument. Whatever. So my question, which I hope you will discuss fervently in the comments as I do not have an answer, is this:
Now that we have achieved Democratic electoral victories on such a large scale, what is the current purpose of DailyKos?
Is it to further develop and strengthen Democratic majorities and support Democratic platforms and efforts? Is it to foster progressive (or simply Democratic) discussion? Is the focus now, logically, on the reform aspect of the blog, as the Democratic-Victory objective has essentially been achieved? Or should we all join together to fight crime in costume?
Keep in mind one thing: I am not making any suggestions, nor am I claiming any knowledge of how DailyKos ought to proceed. As Mr. Zuniga himself says,
... here's a quick rundown on who can "represent" Daily Kos.
First of all, no one speaks for Daily Kos other than me. Period.
The goals and direction of DailyKos will always be guided by its founder, contributors and staff. But one wonders what direction that will be considering the current political landscape.
The San Francisco Bay Guardian recently cited DailyKos as an example of blogs which are changing the face of modern politics as well as journalism. As the newspapers fall and more people seek information from, not to mention contribute to, internet sources, how will DailyKos utilize the growing force and power of the netroots? And how will it integrate into itself wave after wave of potential new Kossacks?
This diary is meant simply to elicit opinions. I personally believe the site has helped accomplish significant Democratic victories in American politics and hope to see more of a focus on reform, which I take to mean progressive politics. Progressive politics are not necessarily always Democratic politics, however, in which case it will be most interesting to observe how DailyKos evolves in the coming months.