October 18, 2005

House Republicans' Valiant Attempt to Woo Webloggers

Michelle Malkin posted an invitation for webloggers to come to the Capitol to post and talk with Congressional Republicans about "the House Republican record of successful economic policies, their commitment to fiscal responsibility, and the details of the historic proposed budget amendment that is expected to reach the floor later this week."

It's nice to offer the invitation but it misses a couple points about weblogging and webloggers. First, who besides the independently wealthy or someone living within driving distance of D.C. will attend? Most of us who toil at this hobby obsession can't adjust work schedules with the snap of our fingers to run off to Washington. Second, in our ever-increasingly connected world distance becomes less meaningful. Through the internet and talk radio I know more of what's going on in Washington than I do in Madison. Face time with Congressmen is great, but not necessary. If the House Republican Conference is serious about dealing with webloggers they should be sending e-mails asking for interviews. (I'm waiting for your e-mail Mr. Sensenbrenner.) That's how the White House has been treating conservative talk radio to support Harriet Miers. They haven't been inviting hosts to the White House.

I give the House GOP an A for effort, but a C for not fully thinking about the wide expanse weblogs offer. They should be talking to Patrick Ruffini.

"Pork-Busting Progress"

UPDATE: My quip about only webloggers "living within driving distance of D.C. will attend" was slightly off. Matt Margolis got invited. He lives in Boston and is taking the train down to D.C. I forgot about the only part of Amtrak that's worth anything. The essence of my point remains: if the House GOP wants to reach out to webloggers they should think beyond the small portion that live in the Northeast Corridor. Outreach means going west of the Appalachians.