Kozvention Wrap-Up

Allah's secret agent appears to have survived the Koz Kidz festival with both arms intact, despite my advice to chew an arm off and run for it. He's made of some stern material, he is. But because he stayed the course, he has been able to produce a post mortem which is very valuable.

There was a significant contingent of red-state liberals, isolated on suburban cul-de-sacs among happy crowds of BUSHBOT SHEEPLE who just can’t see the truth because they lack the special smart-liberal Rowdy Roddy Piper Sunglasses. I can’t see them returning home and delivering, say, Omaha for the Democrats. The only thing Kos can do, possibly, is help someone win a primary. But then, for the general election, that candidate has the albatross of a Netroots endorsement around his neck.

And an albatross it is. Imagine an entire organization made of thousands of Ann Coulters—without the wit or poise, but with twice the potential to say something embarrassing. Even if the endorsement is secured, a month down the road they’ll inevitably break into the media saying Zarqawi isn’t really dead, or wearing tinfoil hats (”but we meant it ironically!”), or wondering how to react when told our energy policy helps Chavez, or some such blunder. And then all the folks voting in the general election will hear how this bunch has endorsed their local candidate. Is a Kos endorsement worth that kind of risk? (Hint: 0 for 20.)

Why would politicians seek such an organization’s endorsement? Because they need to raise money outside their state, or because they have nothing left to lose. I think the Kos Kiss of Death meme is starting to work its way around the mainstream politicians, and it will soon be only the very secure Democrats (Boxer, Reid) who will risk direct involvement. I doubt Kos groupies will remain major players after the primaries—except perhaps as a Sister Souljah target to rebel against.

When the defeats keep rolling in, will the organization stick together? I doubt it. It depends on how well they handle disappointment, and although this is a cheap shot, they’re still together after a lot of disappointment. Their members may score some more journalistic scoops, which will keep them in the mainstream media. And a lot of these folks aren’t in it for the victory but because they simply enjoy this kind of thing, and I certainly understand that. But leftist web journalism and camaraderie can be found elsewhere.

Read the whole thing, it's short and on point. There is a problem with evangelical movements. What happens when the passion runs out?

UPDATE: And a hint of a problem.

UPDATE: The Salon piece by John Dickerson is especially worth the read. A cautionary tale on beieving your own hype.