How many times have I heard the netroots complain about being treated like an ATM? Well, here is a candidate who has been rather remarkable in his engagement of the internet. He has hosted live online chats on DailyKos, Talking Point Cafe, etc. He has held blogger conference calls, and is willing to do a blogosphere debate with Harris Miller, his primary opponent. That's right. An actual debate moderated by/with questions from, local bloggers. He has been endorsed by netroots darling Wesley Clark. And the guy talks with a frankness reminiscent of Paul Hackett.
If this guy can't raise money online, then you will never convince me that netroots support isn't capricious at heart and dependent on the gimmicky stories of the moment rather than actual, substantive netroots involvement.The largest argument anybody has for Harris Miller right now (certainly not the only argument, but one of the loudest), is that Webb can't raise money, whereas Miller, as a longtime member of the 'establishment' has wide access to a large traditional fundraising base, whereas Webb is counting on new outlets. And if Webb's filing returns come back short, count me on the list of people who are going to notice and adjust their opinions accordingly.
So, certainly the new outlets that talk so much about legitimacy and a place at the table are going to stand behind someone who has given them a place at the table? Because this filing deadline is just as critical, if not more so, to the course of Webb's campaign than if he was raising money to respond to a swift-boat attack, something that would immediately generate netroots support.
So I'm rooting for him on the campaign drive, even if I am still sorting out my overall personal preference for the actual election. Because if holding online chats and debates is not a valuable use of the candidates time (an especially large concern at national blogs where there is little guarantee his audience is made up of constituents), then candidates' will not continue to utilize it. Period. You'll still get press releases and notes from staffers. But you're not going to get the involvement that you crave.
And that truly would be a travesty, IMHO.
Once again, here is where you donate.
Cross-Posted to VirginiaBelle.Net