SO ABOUT THIS WHOLE STUPID NEVADA DEBATE CONTROVERSY: It was a power play. It was one of Markos’ well-chosen battles that allowed him to demonstrate his power. Yes, the entire Democratic presidential field looks pathetic for bowing to the irrational wish of a blogger. But it doesn’t make the blogger look ridiculous. It makes him look like a king-maker.
The knock on Markos used to be his record. In response to the claim that he was a king-maker, it was easy (and fun) to say, “Name the king.” But times have changed, and so has the netroots’ record. The prevailing sentiment in the Democratic Party is obviously that an ambitious pol isn’t going anywhere without the blogosphere’s approval.
At the end of the day, it’s my humble opinion that the netroots’ power is vastly overrated. But leading Democrats perceive things differently. And in this case, their perception is the reality.
I think Kos is going to drive the Democrats into the ground again in 2008, but he clearly does wield a lot of power when it comes to any one candidate's ascendency within the party. This Nevada thing is a litle bit of foreshadowing, in my humble opinion. The Democrat candidates will all make sure that they have his blessing to become the nominee, but they are going to turn off a lot of general election voters in doing so.
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