Blogger Down! Back Thursday Evening.

'Nuff said. See you later, everyone (and I hope the Netroots bloggers are having fun here in Las Vegas!).

Joe Lieberman Rewarded for Betrayal?

Photo from source, Raw Story

It is clear that Democrats--at least those who hold office--are anxious to just let bygones be bygones when it comes to the last eight years. It's a magnanimous idea, and a complete turnabout from how Republicans do things.

But this keyboard warrior is feeling grumpy about Joe Lieberman's positive treatment today by Senate Democrats. I mean come on, he campaigned against other Senate Democrats, against Barack Obama, and aggressively for John McCain. I understand that they want that magical 60-seat majority, but really? What's a guy got to do to get a Democratic Senator pissed at you?

The ugliness of all things political over the last eight years has riled up what is now being called the "netroots." And while most of us are feeling a much smaller sense of urgency these days, we're still very angry. We waited patiently for the Presidential election and put up with "impeachment is off the table," because we were sure that once it was safe to do so, we'd finally get a little justice. Not so much.

So while the heat is off for now, I think elected Democrats would be wise to follow through with their promises, and do something positive--progressive--with their new found power. Because if they turn out to be just a flip-side of the last eight years, we're simply not going to be there for them in 2010 and beyond. I mean, why bother?

[Excerpt]

Lieberman keeps chairmanship

Democrats voted to let Joe Lieberman keep his plum committee post, despite the Connecticut senator's divisive campaigning on behalf of Republican John McCain's presidential bid. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

Barack Obama's Not-so Cozy Relationship with Bloggers

Image from source, Huffington Post

In the many-pronged attacks on Barack Obama, a constant one from the right is that he's far-left, and in the pocket of "the MoveOn.orgs." People who actually read left-wing blogs know that this is nonsense.

The latest diversion from the left-wing "netroots" is Obama's decision to vote for the "compromise" FISA/telecom retroactive immunity/warrantless wiretaps bill. The netroots don't like it. I don't like it. Not one little bit. It's not enough to dampen my enthusiasm for his election, but it's enough for me to want him to explain what is in that bill that would "protect America."

[Excerpt]

Serenity Lost: Obama And The Netroots

Only weeks into the general election campaign and already a notable tension is beginning to materialize within the Democratic Party. At question is Sen. Barack Obama's relationship with the progressive netroots, the online community that helped aid the Senator's rise to the presidential nomination, but has since seemingly played second fiddle in terms of courted constituencies. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post