Not that this necessarily translates to results: DailyKos and MoveOn were unquestionably energized the last ten years. But they didn’t seem to accomplish much until the 2006 races.

I look forward to seeing what comes of this. the speed with which #tcot has come together is extraordinary. Obama could be facing his own crop of Weather Aboveboard cells come Jan 2009.

In the Ning groups especially, they are developing a grassroots structure. The potential problem I see are the local politicos getting bombarded by multiple groups saying the same thing. We need to have a certain amount of unity.

In addition, some of the online people are strengthening their spines and getting involved in the political process. These are people who hold to conservative ideals and know technology, too. Win-win.

Melissa

It’s amazing to see all of this come together so quickly. The right has really started getting its online act together and FAST.

I’m honored and very encouraged to be a part of it.

-Eric

If you want a concrete example, well, in this country we still have freedom of association so the main meaningful involvement is going to be the very things that you list: Getting the word out to sympathetic ears and raising money. I think that the main difference between free countries and non-free countries is that for free countries, communication and fundraising are the definition of effective political action while for non-free countries effective political involvement requires other things.

Oh, and Dr. Clouthier I tried to friend you on Facebook (At Last! A potential friend that isn’t a raving liberal who wants me to join their Prop 8 protest and won’t shut up about it!) and I would really appreciate it if you’d friend me.

Such as?

I’m not trying to be a damp blanket, but I haven’t seen much here in the way of specifics except for small-money donations (and it turns out Obama wasn’t quite the trailblazer there as early media reports made him out to be, although Ron Paul devotees were certainly impressive).

I agree that technology makes it easier for people who share views and interests to connect. Beyond that, how can the technology be leveraged for political purposes (i.e. votes, winning elections, etc)?

I like what Rep. Culberson does to engage constituents, for example. I think that’s smart politics and keeps him engaged with real people (who vote, or might be motivated to vote).

What else can be done? (just throwing out that open-ended question for anyone who cares to jump in)