The Few, the Proud...the Clinton Bloggers

A funny thing happened to my Lijit social search results (that little box to the right) - "Johnny Thunders" was replaced over the last eight weeks or so by "Clinton blogger." That means more people are coming here because I'm somehow perceived as a pro-Hillary blogger than as an aging fan of a long-dead New York glam-punk rocker. Where they get this notion, I'll never know. Funny how the world turns, but as Johnny might intone in a voice that, dare I say it, may have occasionally seemed shrill: "it doesn't pay to try, all the smart boys know why."

But enough of lyrical asides from Max's Kansas City circa 1979, and on to more pressing matters. "Clinton blogger," eh? Well, I guess it's fair. And come to think of it, being a somewhat prominent Clinton blogger puts me an elite group - fewer in number, I suspect, than the roster of drummers employed by the Heartbreakers in their, uh, heyday.

To be a Clinton blogger in the progressive blogosphere is to be hated, shunned, passed without notice in the street. We sit home on Friday nights, cursing at Chris Matthews and being censored by Al Giordano for commenting too often in a field of swaying Obama supplication. We're not welcome at all the best dKos parties - if we show up, we're cursed with the universal epithet of those who challenge the Obama hegemony: "troll," they call us. Sometimes "f'ing troll." We're Rovian in our embrace of the monster, closet Bush backers and much worse - Lieberman types! Oh, the pain. The pure pain. I can't stand it. Makes me want to quit, embrace that messianic goodness, and stand down - for the sake of the party, of course - from any pursuit of a Clinton presidency.

Or perhaps...not. Looking over the (all-too-short) lineup of Clinton bloggers is enough to stiffen any political  spine. We don't have numbers, but we do have quality. And with seven weeks to go till Pennsylvania, it's worth a little time to look around the room. There's Taylor Marsh, of course - unapologetic, in your face, deeply annoying to those who decry "the Clintons." Why, her very name launches vast armadas of angry commenters, her very name has become almost synonymous with hard-fisted Clinton blogging. We like her out front, in other words.

And look, we've got James Wolcott - the intellectual equivalent, according to some recent Pew research, of a combined 14,392 DailyKos Obama diarists. (I must note: he'd probably disapprove of the label "Clinton blogger" but we have to stretch things on our roster at times and he did coin the memorable phrase: "so shun me, I voted for Hillary," which has pretty much become our rallying cry - the T-shirts are on order). Then there's Big Tent Democrat and Jeralyn Merritt at TalkLeft - absolutely fabulous analysts and media critics. We'll include Lance Mannion, who has never named his choice but makes the always curious decision to actually defend Hillary Clinton in multiple posts - yes, he's one of us. Blue Girl, of course, and in Ohio too - so very crucial.

Let's not forget the prolific Riverdaughter, a feminist of wide-ranging abilities who always seems to nail what's so important about the typical Clinton voter (hint: they work, and they work at hard jobs). Our circle is made richer by the addition of the indomitable Shakespeare's Sister, a former Edwards blogger and all-around blog-whoring (her term, don't shoot me!) maestro.

Who else? John Amato at Crooks and Liars - playing it fair these days makes you a Clinton blogger. Fred Wilson and Jeff Jarvis? Well, they voted for her and actually admitted it in public. Joe Gandelman? An always moderate voice who seems to lean her way (I could be wrong). Jon Swift? The rare righty who doesn't hate Hillary. And I'm thinking Jane Hamsher leans our way. And Jessica Valenti. Digby too. And hey, maybe Tina Brown?

Heck, that's a team. Who else qualifies? I know I've missed someone. Let me know! You may qualify for a limited edition Peter Daou bobblehead doll.

UPDATE: The suggestions are flying in - can't believe I missed some of these, since I read 'em all the time. how about these fine, brave souls: eRiposte and Jeff Dinelli at the Left Coaster and netroots pioneer Jerome Armstrong and Todd Beeton at MyDD. Let's not forget Pamela Leavey, Larry Johnson, Tennessee Guerilla Women, Lane Hudson, Perez Hilton, Susie Madrak, the Daily Howler and and everybody at Hillary's Bloggers.

UPDATE II: They keep rolling in; we do like to stick together. Many more to add to the roster (can't believe my addled state to leave off some of them). There's savvy   Anglachel and The Redstar Perspective, not to mention the ever-vocal NYC Weboy. Lots of great perspective at The Hillary 1000, too (though we're a blogger or two short of a grand). Let's not forget the fierce Blue Lyon and the The Reclusive Leftist, and the growl of Mojave Wolf. Keep 'em coming and add these good people to your feedreaders and blogrolls.

UPDATE III: What a list, and it keeps on growing. More in a moment. But I'd also like to make an observation from visiting these great blogs - most (not all) of what we're calling Clinton blogs are really progressive political blogs, left of center and run by political realists. They are in the main, not hysterical about Hillary Clinton's opponent - indeed, many is the kind word to be found about Barack Obama. I'd venture this is the obverse of the more vocal Obama blogs, where the opponent has been cast not as a valid if secondary Democratic choice for president, but as a monster and far worse. OK - to add to the list (and I'm addled for having missed some): Adorable Girlfriend and her buds at Republic of Dogs bring the attitude. The RealSpiel is a real find, and we certainly leave out the amazing Bartcop. Let's not forget the noble Donna Darko, nor the important voting bloc over at MOMocrats. And even in the darkest depths of Mordor (spring, 2008 version) a little light can always be found in the charming personages of Alegre and BrownSox. And let's all add the feisty Delilah Boyd and Sugar N Spice to our blogrolls as well, along with outspoken I Have an Opinion and the cringing but proud West and Divided. Save room there for the elegant Democratic Wings and the erudite Progressive Involvement blogs. Old favorites Feministe and Susie Madrak have been suggested, and will indeed be noted, as has blogging buddy Dave Johnson, who usually plays it down the middle - and should receive our praise and linkage.

Comments

[judith]

oddly, anyone who is fair is considered a Clinton supporter. I have read most of the people you cite, but not all, so thanks for the list. James Wolcott is my favorite - hilarious and so darned on target. I used to be fair, and then I got insulted one too many times and I got mean. :-)

I have also enjoyed the leftcoaster -

[judith]

oh funny - you said the same thing about "fairness" - I swear I was thinking it when I came here as I was at another site wherein someone was bashing Obama's oratory skills. That is just stupid, imo, and makes one look follish. I dont like hanging with silly people. I also dont like the Clinton supporters who sneer about intellectuals or latte lovers or people who like wine and cheese - I happen to be the latters and aspire to the other!

[Linda]

Yes, they are hard to find, but many of us have had to just to keep our sanity these days. You should also include eriposte at The Left Coaster, Larry Johnson's No Quarter, Corrente, and the always brilliant Anglachel. Incidentally, I recall Digby admitting that she voted for Obama, but she is always fair.

[Redstar]

I am a big Clinton supporter, and blog at my own site The Redstar Perspective (http://www.grahamad.com), and also group blog at The Hillary 1000 (http://www.hillary1000.wordpress.com), which originated as a fundraising site. We have a long blogroll over there of Clinton supporters; you all should check it out.

NYC Weboy @ http://www.nycweboy.typepad.com is a great Clinton blogger, as are the women at TN Guerilla Women. Donna Darko, one of my fellow bloggers at The Hillary 1000, also has long been a vocal Clinton supporter.

[zeke]

Tom,

This line from your post struck me as particularly ironic: "playing it fair these days makes you a Clinton blogger." Give me a break!

While Clinton backers like to luxuriate in their perceived victimhood, Obama is actually the candidate who is most consistently being smeared, either by full frontal assaults from the likes of FOX Noise and Rep. King, or by innuendo from Clinton herself (Obama "not a Muslim as far as I know") and by Clinton staffers like Wolfson (asking for release of tax returns = Ken Starr tactics.)

I'm all for fairness and balance. But please, take that friggin' mote out of your eye before you complain about those nasty Obama supporters.

[April]

OH Zeke,

I think we hit a sore spot........do you need a tissue??? Its ok to cry you know. Everyone hurts sometimes and after all they are picking on your hero. there there baby, let it all out.

[Tom]

Also, don't forget the talented Anglachel's Journal:

http://anglachelg.blogspot.com/

[judith]

I just went to Anglachel's Journal and enjoyed it. Pretty level headed.

[zeke]

April,

Or is it Judith? - the snide and gloating tone is so very similar. I think I'll be able to pull through, thank you very much for your mock concern. And believe me, I am long past looking for heros in the realm of elective politics.

Since working on the McGovern campaign in 1972 I have learned to endure life's little disappointments with good grace. I'm sure that you, too, will one day learn the art of playing the good loser. Perhaps even sooner than you think.

[gob]

How could you leave out Echidne of the Snakes???

[Muataman]

Zeke has hit the nail right on the head- He's a good loser. He'd rather be right than win. He loved Bill Bradley, he loved Nader, and he only whined a little when they started swiftboating Kerry. Now he's really found his man, and he gets to whimper about negative tactics like "as far as I know" and bringing up Ken Starr. Oh the horror.

And this time he may have struck paydirt, he can be right and actually win an election. I wonder if he can handle it, And then when we get stuck with 4 more years of republicans in the fall, Zeke can go back to being a good loser.

[zeke]

Muataman,

I applaud your foray into the realm of the seer and the mind-reader. Sadly, like most of these charlatans, your psychic readings are less than stellar. I voted for neither Bradley nor Nader (good God, especially not that preening fool). Fought hard for Gore and Kerry, and was righteously pissed off by the tactics of the so-called Swift Boat Veterans.

But here's where your pitiful attempt to characterize me falls especially short: I will fight hard for Hillary Clinton in the general election if it comes to that. But current polling suggests that she will have a harder time defeating McCain than will Barack Obama. Which is only one of the many reasons I am supporting his primary campaign.

I'd like to hear whether or not you intend to work for Obama if he is the nominee. If not, then perhaps the mantle of "loser" would fit more comfortably on your shoulders than mine...

[carissa]

I'm not big, but I'm fiercely pro-Hillary over at Blue Lyon

[Bluegrass Poet]

Tom,

You left out Reagan Democrat. That's one that really hurts me.

Thanks for a great post. And a great list of Clinton bloggers.

[Ralph]

I don't care who is for Clinton, or who is for Obama in blog-land. I have tried to be fair to both sides after Edwards pulled out (he was my choice), but now I find myself leaning towards Obama because of the way Clinton has conducted herself during this campaign.

[judith]

zeke - perhaps all women are the same to you, but those are two different names. And that is the only answer you will get from me to your snotty post. Go wipe your nose...you are a tad old to be such a baby.

[Bluegrass Poet]

We might add The Reclusive Leftist. I just found her this afternoon. Riverdaughter links to her.

[jason]

Thanks for the list! Several here I hadn't known about.

In weird coincidence land, I posted on exactly the same topic today, so I guess you can add me to the pro-Hillary bloggers, if live journal counts as a blog --

http://mojave-wolf.livejournal.com/48191.html

I was trying to give a link to a post by everyone, so didn't mention all the blogs I eventually plan to, including yours. I suspect I will link to this post with a laugh at the timing next go-round. (& we found you through searching for Clinton bloggers also, btw)

Not all my writing is political or election-oriented, but lately more of it has been; here's a link to another pro-Hillary post of mine that I especially liked(hope two links to myself isn't breaking any rules?): http://mojave-wolf.livejournal.com/47599.html

And as long as people have mentioned the left coaster, can't believe they left out Turkana there!

[Tom W.]

Great suggestions, all - I've updated.

Zeke & Judith, you seem evenly matched - although Zeke, as a Clinton blogger, I'm going out on a limb to say your mild slings are welcome here (and very well-answered!) - the same isn't true in the more Stalinist quarters of Obamaland. I wouldn't agree that Muataman is a charlatan, however (nor you a loser in the more pejorative and less literal sense). Let's all get along, and be happy warriors herein.

Ralph, do you mean the lackluster performance of her staff? That's certainly fair. If you mean this so-called "dirty" campaign, then you're not making the sale - this thing's a polite tea party with pinky raised in the air compared to the average Bronx city council race.

[Roxie]

Hope I'm not too late to the party. I'm a yellow-dog Dem and, oh yeah, a dog, but my blog has become fiercely pro-Hillary in the last few months. I've had a few posts featured on BuzzFeed, including one on Hillary's "tears" in New Hampshire (http://roxies-world.blogspot.com/2008/01/hillarys-tears.html) and another (from December) speculating on the effects of Oprah campaigning with Obama (http://roxies-world.blogspot.com/2007/12/once-you-go-black.html). My latest post is a tribute to my human companions on the occasion of their 24th anniversary, but usually I'm a pretty political animal. Thanks for standing up for (and collecting!) the few, the proud, the Clintonistas in the blogosphere. Great resource!

[slag]

In case you're curious, here's The Thing That Hillary Supporters Just Don't Get.

[Ralph DeMarco]

Tom,

1) I am talking about the wishy-washy reply of Hillary's when asked whether she thought Obama was a Muslim or not. "I take him on the basis of what he says. And, you know, there isn't any reason to doubt that"...."No. No, there is nothing to base that on. As far as I know." Ahhhh! She leaves the door of doubt open just enough, heh?

2) Hillary Clinton: "I think that I have a lifetime of experience that I will bring to the White House. I know Senator McCain has a lifetime of experience to the White House. And Senator Obama has a speech he gave in 2002." Huh? She's willing to drag down her fellow Democrat and prop up McCain? What else is she willing to say to smear Obama? All that experience didn't help her when it came to questioning the rationale for invading Iraq, did it? Really pathetic.

3) Clinton’s campaign questions Obama’s readiness to be commander-in-chief but also promotes him as a vice-presidential choice should she win the nomination. This is what happens when you put your own ambitions above the party's goal of winning the White House. And how arrogant for her to suggest that the candidate in the lead take the second spot?

4) The fact that she came out and stated that the Florida and Michigan delegates should be seated regardless of a re-do is outrageous. "Therefore, the people of those two states disregarded adamantly the DNC’s decision that they would not seat the delegates. They came out and voted. If they had been influenced by the DNC, despite the fact that there was very little campaigning, if any, they would have stayed home. But they wanted their voices heard. More than 2 million people came out. I mean, it was record turnout for a primary." Huh? Those were bogus primaries that prove nothing, and she wanted to seat them all regardless? Maybe now she pushing for a re-do, but the fact that she even held that position is bad enough.

5) What about Clinton's ability to win in November considering how badly the Republicans want to run against her? Could they know something Clinton supporters don't? It seems that hundreds of papers from the Clinton Presidential Library are being blocked from their release. The papers include pardons that Clinton approved. Do you know anything about this? Should we be concerned?

[vb]

Add me to the pro-Hillary bloggers. My URL is Katalusis.blogspot.com. And while I'm at it, I'll respond to Redstar's obvious attemt to smear Sen. Clinton. Media Matters of America has been kept busy lately calling the media to account for misrepresenting Clinton's remarks during that 60 Minutes interview. Most recently, the online media watchdog has taken Bob Herbert of the NY Times to task. Here's the link: http://mediamatters.org/items/200803090001

[zane]

I have found my home!

a curse on the house of Kos!

[Redstar]

vb - that wasn't me, that was zeke (the name is below the comment). I am a Clinton supporter!!