The Republican (Not)roots

Hugh Hewitt, one of the most trenchant observers of the intersection of politics and new media, recently wrote (in response to the WSJ) about how behind the Republicans are when it comes to utilizing the Internet as a means to activate the base. Romney and Giuliani are just beginning to show an interest, and McCain is so enraptured by his old media fan club that he may not feel the need to extend his base on the web.

And social conservatives, of course, don't currently have a candidate.

All of this comes on the heels of Hillary's web exclusive announcement of her candidacy. Last night on Hardball Mr. Chris Matthews had difficulty containing himself over the brilliant tactics behind this approach, but was worried that the Hillary election machine wouldn't pursue politics "the old way" in contact with real folks who ask unscripted questions. Her campaign manager assuaged his fears and said she'd be placed in "small retail" settings in the months ahead. Sleep easy, Mr. Matthews! Pre-selected plants from the crowd will be asking her softballs about "families that are hurting" in the very near future.

It does become apparent that the cold calculus of the 2008 cycle is already being crunched by folks in the Democrat Party. And while they're some wisdom in waiting through the early cycles (at least until the media romance with policy-free nonentities like Obama begins to fade) - I'm not seeing any excitement, organization, planning or dialogue among the grassroots folks who might hope to elect a Republican. What happened to that legendary "lock step" mojo among the minions of the Right?

There were some stirrings of this after November, and I was able to participate in some conversations with local conservatives - but either because I admitted up front that social issues aren't quite my bailiwick ("Get the gun, he must be a RINO.") or because there is a really is general lack of motivation - I haven't seen much activity. Maybe they're all at work raising money and developing tactics and discussing the current field of candidates, but I'm not hearing a blip, even after searching some local blogs with staunch Republican loyalties.

As noted by Instapundit, even Rush Limbaugh isn't excited about the current Republican field. Will the whole party stay behind the curve simply because no hard right candidate exists?

Update: At least they're still serving primary flapjacks - and, of course, breakfast pork products.

Tags: Republicans, 2008, Netroots, Hugh Hewitt