MyDD :: MyDD Candidate Bloggers

MyDD Candidate Bloggers

by Jerome Armstrong, Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 12:59:47 AM EST

A while back, after Chris and Matt moved onto Open Left, I mentioned an idea I wanted to try here on MyDD that would bring on committed supporters to the frontpage as authors. So next week it starts, here are the MyDD bloggers for their respective candidate:

Clinton (Monday): georgep, hwc

Edwards (Tuesday): david mizner, desmoinesdem

Obama (Wednesday): psericks, Max Fletcher

Richardson (Thursday): Trey Rentz

Dodd (Thursday): Big Tent Democrat

It's an impressive list of bloggers that we'll have. They'll each be able to make one post each on those days. I'm looking forward to seeing how it works out. I don't have a Biden blogger, or any of the others, which is fine.

It's going to start it off with asking them all to introduce themselves by blogging why they are for their candidate; then, to assess how their candidate has done to date (ie., what's been the moments of the campaign strategy, as you see it, that standout). After the intro week, this process hopefully will be community-driven for the most part, and work in the weeks events. We'll try and post something later in each week to solicit ideas for the following week's questions/frameworks.

Just a few notes: No, they don't have to be all positive. Yes, they can have conflict and call out other candidate differences; hopefully with more wit than bite, and fair. These are going to be partisan perspectives, opinions, blog posts.

Another bit-- the original idea for this came from The Note in mid 2003 of so, when they started soliciting 'blog posts' from each of the presidential campaigns at the time to include in their morning offering. It didn't last long. Trippi was way into it, and Mathew Gross smoked the competition for Dean, and by a week or so, all the other candidates cried uncle for The Note to stop doing it. It seemed painful for Gephardt's people especially. But with decentralized supporters handling the reigns, it's worth trying in this venue, maybe original and fun, so lets give it a shot.

Update [2007-8-10 12:57:37 by Jerome Armstrong]:Transplanted Texan is going to do Biden on Thursday.

Tags: MyDD (all tags)

Permalink :: 77 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

How do you get this gig?

by Democraticavenger on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:04:34 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

I'm under the impression the campaigns recruited their own bloggers.

The Wayward Episcopalian

by Transplanted Texan on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 10:48:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Wrong impression ... although BTD has been a tremendous voice (often in the wilderness) supporting the Dodd campaign when the Senator's actions merited such support.

Tim

by Tim Tagaris on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 11:26:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

It may very with the campaigns. I was asked by the Biden campaign itself this morning, so assumed it was that way across the board. Guess I was wrong, it happens. :(

The Wayward Episcopalian

by Transplanted Texan on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 12:36:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Hey Tim:

Where's my check?

by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 12:56:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (3.00 / 3)

Congrats, kids. I know you'll all do well for your candidates.

No Way. No How. No McCain.

by Denny Crane on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:05:43 AM EST

Jerome, you're awesome. (3.00 / 4)

You really allow support for all the candidates here. That is rare on the blogosphere(especially for us Hillary supporters). Thanks, I'm really excited about this.

by bookgrl on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:12:16 AM EST

so awesome it's postitively MSM! (none / 0)

I could be shooting myself in the foot here, but I never figured bloggers for people who sugar-coat things, so sod it. You might notice that all your so-called "top tier" candidates get TWO bloggers, while the seasoned experts at the back of the bus only get one apiece. If I'm wrong, my bad, and if there are reasons, well, I hope they're better than CNN's.

But you know, good for your girl Hillary. I know she really needed the help!

by shelbinator on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 03:32:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: so awesome it's postitively MSM! (none / 0)

I'd be for two bloggers for every candidate.

by bookgrl on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 05:16:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: so awesome it's postitively MSM! (none / 0)

You misunderstand. I am better than two of any other candidate's bloggers . . .

Heh.

by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 07:56:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (3.00 / 1)

this is great, Georgep and hwc will do a great job.

Why was areyouready overlooked ?, ha ha

Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.

by lori on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:20:27 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

What was the criteria , I would like to know .

Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.

by lori on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:21:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

The bloggers were chosen by the campaigns themselves.

The Wayward Episcopalian

by Transplanted Texan on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 10:43:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Scratch that. I was asked by the Biden folks this morning, but it appears Jerome asked most of the folks himself.

The Wayward Episcopalian

by Transplanted Texan on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 12:39:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

LOL! (none / 0)

Great line. It deserves a recommendation.

by TomP on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 10:15:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

I nominate Transplanted Texan to blog for Biden, if he's still around. Usually his posts focus on Katrina, and I will add are too often overlooked, but he's provided me a solid pitch for Biden.

I must ask, were the campaigns' officials bloggers invited to do this?

by domma on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:35:02 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

He does some good posts on Katrina, he would make a good addition for Biden.

BlueSunbelt.Com Netroots for the Sunbelt states robwire.com My personal blog

by robliberal on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:38:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Aww, thanks guys, now I feel special. :) Thanks for thinking of me.

I have been somewhat MIA from MyDD for awhile, but I was just contacted by someone at the Biden campaign, and I accepted. They'll be contacting Jerome today, I imagine.

The Wayward Episcopalian

by Transplanted Texan on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 10:44:21 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (2.00 / 2)

You know after tonight I don't think Richardson deserves a blogger on the front page , maybe they should scrap the pick for Richardson and give it to Hillary so she has 3 .

Another suggestion I think the number of days deserved by each candidate should correspond with polling. Since Hillary has twice a lead over Obama She deserves twice the number of days i.e. 2 days.
Edwards is in the teens so he deserves 1/2 a day , Obama in low 20's he deserves 1 day and Richardson and Dodd do not appear even within the MOE , they deserve an hr shared between the both of them.

Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.

by lori on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:39:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (3.00 / 2)

get real.

by KainIIIC on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:24:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

VERY reasonable suggestions. Somehow I don't think many of the folks here will agree with you. But I can't imagine why ;-}

by DoIT on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 08:31:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (3.00 / 1)

This comment is silly.

by iamready on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 11:06:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

bad math is still bad math (none / 0)

Since when did the blogosphere become the place to adopt the MSM's worst practices? (And can you remember what Hillary's husband was polling in August of 1991?)

by shelbinator on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 03:38:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Hey, Jerome, I think you should (3.00 / 2)

let a woman front page about Hillary once in a while as well. We are her core supporters.

by bookgrl on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:38:33 AM EST

Re: Hey, Jerome, I think you should (none / 0)

That's a very good point.

by domma on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:31:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hey, Jerome, I think you should (none / 0)

That is an excellent suggestion!

by DoIT on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 08:31:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

georgep was toiling in the MyDD trenches (none / 0)

Long before I ever saw you post here.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 10:46:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: georgep was toiling in the MyDD trenches (none / 0)

What does that have to do with what I commented on?

by bookgrl on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 10:48:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hey, Jerome, I think you should (none / 0)

I believe the campaigns themselves picked their respective bloggers.

The Wayward Episcopalian

by Transplanted Texan on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 10:49:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hey, Jerome, I think you should (none / 0)

Speaking for myself here, that is incorrect. I was contacted by Jerome Armstrong via email. He explained the project he had in mind and asked me if I could recommend someone else for a second Hillary-supporter blog spot. I picked hwc because he has been rather active for a while now and provides solid posting. I also mentioned Robliberal as a choice. Nothing "chosen by the campaigns" about this process at all.

I have no knowledge about the other poster's affiliations, but I can vouch for myself and hwc (as he was a random choice) as not being affiliated in any way.

by georgep on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 11:15:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I am also just a volunteer (none / 0)

and to my knowledge, the Edwards campaign played no role in recommending me for this gig. I also just got an e-mail invitation from Jerome.

John McCain: 100 years in Iraq "would be fine with me."

by desmoinesdem on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 11:19:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I am also just a volunteer (none / 0)

Ok, guess I was wrong. I was asked by the Biden campaign itself this morning, so assumed it was that way across the board. Mea culpa.

The Wayward Episcopalian

by Transplanted Texan on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 12:37:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (3.00 / 1)

Good selections! Looking forward to hearing people out.

by markjay on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:38:56 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

I think this sucks, IMHO

- John McCain

by Bob Brigham on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:39:21 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

And why is that?

No Way. No How. No McCain.

by Denny Crane on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:30:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (3.00 / 2)

welcome aboard! really looking forward to this.

by Todd Beeton on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:01:21 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (3.00 / 1)

Thrilled that Georgep and hwc are up for Hillary. Georgep has impressed me from the very start of coming to the site. A tireless foot soldier, I don't know what we would do without him, he can always be counted on to defend against the blatant attacks and misconceptions Hillary is faced with- it's nice to see him getting some recognition for this, as well as hwc- I have no doubt they will both represent Hillary supporters well.

by reasonwarrior on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:04:18 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Yes! I'm excited to read their posts.

by domma on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:21:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Can't say I think this is a good idea, given how vituperative and insubstantial the majority of discussions in candidate diaries have been to date.

But then, obviously, it's not my site. Hope this works out better than I think it will.

by Jay R on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:23:16 AM EST

Well, I probably wouldn't be (none / 0)

so negative. How about we would like some substantive diaries about the candidates?

by bookgrl on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:27:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Well, I probably wouldn't be (3.00 / 1)

Even the better diaries seem to be incubators for pie fights. Up until now, it's mostly stayed off the front page. Now...well, like I said, I'm hoping for better than I'm expecting.

by Jay R on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 03:09:38 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Well, I probably wouldn't be (none / 0)

If I can't be negative about other candidates I might have to sob for a while. It's too much fun.

by DoIT on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 10:31:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

There's some validity to that, but I think most of the rancor comes from a handful os posters who can't seem to mind their manners - we all know who they are, so I won't mention any names. All of the folks who were picked for this assignment have risen above the name calling and specious claims that some around here make on a regular basis. They're all solid people who don't write hit pieces and genuinely want to relay information about their respective candidates.

They can't control what happens in the comments on their diaries, but I'm certain that they'll all be responsible when writing their diaries.

No Way. No How. No McCain.

by Denny Crane on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:34:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Where was the application form for this? I didn't see it anywhere.

by bsavage on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:28:28 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (3.00 / 1)

I received an email from Jerome asking me if I was interested in this project. He asked me if I could recommend one other poster, so I mentioned hwc, but it could have been any number of fine Hillary-bloggers, quite honestly.

Brkgirl, I have no problem giving my spot up every once in a while for a guest blog from a woman supporter, if that sounds good to you (and if that is ok with Jerome.) We should probably coordinate the timing of this.

by georgep on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:45:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

...that should have been bookgrl.

by georgep on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:48:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Congratulations! I'm jealous, green with envy in fact. :)

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Ernst on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 06:02:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

CONGRATS GEORGE AND HWC...

by Kingstongirl on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 08:03:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Oh yeah, that would be great. And, it doesn't have to be me at all, any of the woman supporters here would do an excellent jb. Let's see what you guys do first. I look forward to both of your posts. You are both great writers.

by bookgrl on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 11:42:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Is this why I had an "write a new entry" button above the "write a new Diary" button yesterday?

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Ernst on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 05:53:50 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Just for kicks, how about a Gore blogger?

by azizhp on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 06:20:40 AM EST

Thank you Jerome (3.00 / 1)

This is a huge step forward. Will this mean that Todd Beeton does not front page for Obama also?

Check out the New Progressive Blog EENRBLOG

by dk2 on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 07:28:32 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Excellent choices all.

by DoIT on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 08:28:39 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (3.00 / 1)

Great idea, and generally great authors.

It never amazes me how people are never happy with what they get. "Give Hillary two days because she has the lead." lol

The sharpest criticism often goes hand in hand with the deepest idealism and love of country. ~RFK

by Vox Populi on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 09:34:12 AM EST

for what it's worth (3.00 / 2)

I would suggest having a standard line at the top of these posts to identify that the author is a partisan of a particular candidate, for the benefit especially of newcomers to the site. For example:

david mizner is MyDD's "John Edwards" blogger

While the regular frontpagers on MyDD may of course also have their own favorite candidates, clearly the regulars were not brought on board by the publisher because of these biases toward particular candidates, but despite them. Since the editorial role of regular frontpagers at MyDD is different from the editorial role of the new bloggers, I think some sort of identifying tagline might be useful.

Keep it short. DemocraticShortList.com

by Rob in Vermont on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 09:41:05 AM EST

Re: for what it's worth (none / 0)

I agree. Good point.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Ernst on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 11:17:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Kucinich doesn't (none / 0)

even get honorable mention? I guess only the best-known 'brands' will get the attention here. DK polls higher than HC on liberal/progressive blogs like DKos. Has MyDD decided we should start ignoring him now?

That One is the Right One for 2008.

by GFORD on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 10:13:16 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Wow, this is great. Nice to find Hillary supporters' voice to be heard !!

Hillary: We will finally have a president who doesn't mind pulling over and asking for directions. Am I right, ladies?

by areyouready on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 10:13:55 AM EST

If this works (none / 0)

Could you throw in a "Non-Presidential Friday" sort of thing? As I've mentioned in the past, I'm worried that Senate, House, and Gubernatorial races can sometimes neglected on this site. A weekly spotlight on a different down-ticket race might help, and I'm sure you could find MyDD bloggers eager to write about their local races.

Though, I do really appreciate seeing Senate2008Guru on the front page. That's a great addition, and I'd love to see more.

Walberg Watch - Following Radical Conservative Rep. Tim Walberg in MI-07

by Fitzy on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 10:53:18 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

What's the Male-Female ratio?

by Adam B on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 11:45:14 AM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

As far as I can tell, desmoinesdem is the only woman.

Join us at Show Me Progress!

by clarkent on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 12:04:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

That's a shame. If "annefrank" is a woman, maybe sub her in for David Mizner?

by Adam B on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 12:30:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah, wouldn't you love that? (3.00 / 1)

Desmoines Dem and I are gonna have a nice good cop-bad cop routine. Guess who's who?

by david mizner on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 12:45:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Yeah, because you're a big fan, right?

Join us at Show Me Progress!

by clarkent on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:38:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

I'd like all the representation to be diverse; this was just one idea that occurred to me. I certainly don't see the Edwards folks criticizing "anne".

by Adam B on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:25:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Or the white/not white ratio while we're at it.

by Lucas O'Connor on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:20:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

A great idea, and I'm looking forward to it. I can even buy the idea that Gravel is excluded (although I like him personally), since his campaign is arguably less serious than the others.

I don't see any justification at for excluding, Kucinich, though. He is arguably more popular than Dodd and Biden, and clearly more progressive.

by Lex on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 12:13:54 PM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

sad to say but I agree there. kucinich has as much chance in this election as the tooth fairy has becoming secretary of the interior and santa claus making it to the head of the house judiciary committee

There are supporters for kucinich out there. its just that they go out of touch when the ship they're sailing the antartic on, goes out of radio range past the cape of good hope.

but man, if penguins could vote...

by Trey Rentz on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 12:40:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

If penguins could vote, we'd have a President Inhofe so that the polar bears would keep drowning. :P

The Wayward Episcopalian

by Transplanted Texan on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 12:45:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Not a chance? (none / 0)

There were lots of experts who said that about the dems 50-state strategy in '06. But some people didn't listen and aren't we happy they didn't?

I reserved my support for any primary candidate, as I'm sure a lot of people do, until I watched the debates and saw more of what their positions were on issues. I went in thinking Obama would be the guy for me but I came out thinking -- why doesn't Kucinich get a fair shake in the media?
If we write him off this early in the game, he definitely won't have a chance...the only true progressive on the slate will be pushed aside. What is it, a packaging problem? Bad suits? Just don't get it.

That One is the Right One for 2008.

by GFORD on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:15:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Heh (none / 0)

Dodd (Thursday): Big Tent Democrat

That should be interesting.

by MNPundit on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 12:45:42 PM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

I got most of the bloggers from the original thread, in the comments, a few others I asked for rec's from various people, but this isn't a campaign thing, and these bloggers are not representatives from their campaigns.

by Jerome Armstrong on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:01:15 PM EST

Re: MyDD Candidate Bloggers (none / 0)

Thanks for the clarification, and my apologies for causing confusion upthread.

The Wayward Episcopalian

by Transplanted Texan on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:30:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Nobody's covering Kucinich? (none / 0)

Why is that? He's a major party candidate just like everyone else. Why wasn't he put on the list? I think he would be another great addition!

by Brattlerouser on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 01:31:22 PM EST

Re: Nobody's covering Kucinich? (none / 0)

Because he's running for attention, not for president?

by Lucas O'Connor on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 02:22:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Nobody's covering Kucinich? (none / 0)

What evidence can you show to back that assertion up?

He's as legit as any of the others.

by Brattlerouser on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 07:12:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I don't think his campaign (none / 0)

would see it that way. Sure, he's a little elf but dammit he's OUR little elf. 30 years of public service fighting for progressive causes and we dismiss him like this. I'm ashamed of us.

That One is the Right One for 2008.

by GFORD on Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 10:00:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

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