Buy Danish on February 8, 2008 at 10:48 AM

We’re working parallel themes here. You are saying that critical thought changes minds. I’m saying that no one should abdicate critical thought to absorb someone else’s opinion.

When was the last time someone (non-family) changed your mind because of their opinion?…

So for those with the same value systems, blogs etc provide a conduit for action.

Spirit of 1776 on February 8, 2008 at 9:45 AM

That assumes that people’s minds are made up. Often people who share the same values are unsure and are looking for information and guidance, particularly when it comes to choosing a candidate in a primary election.

As you say, they can present the reasons and make their case. In the process, they may not convince everyone, but do persuade some.

Having lived in NYC for so many years I was a Rudy supporter early on but was persuaded to look at Mitt more closely by an acquaintance, so my opinion was influenced by someone I knew. I then sought out more information, read A Mormon in the White House, and so forth and came to actively support him. Conversely, I know for a fact that I have influenced opinion with friends and acquaintances (not family members) as has my husband.

Surely if we as ordinary citizens can influence voters, conservative media (including bloggers) can and does exert influence, particularly with people who are not wedded to on position or candidate.

Buy Danish on February 8, 2008 at 8:35 AM

When was the last time someone (non-family) changed your mind because of their opinion?

No, I don’t really. During McCain-Kennedy, I knew people who had not been engaged in politics for years calling and faxing Congress. That issue spoke to identity and rule of law, that’s why it was such a hot topic, not because MM or anyone else blogged on it. As I wrote yesterday, I think the best they can do is present the reasons for their opinion, and let the reasons make the case. But those reasons are either going resonate with pre-existing value systems, or they are going to be disregarded. So for those with the same value systems, blogs etc provide a conduit for action.

Spirit of 1776 on February 7, 2008 at 10:34 PM
jerrytbg on February 7, 2008 at 10:56 PM

Don’t you think that Michelle Malkin has influenced opinion on, say, immigration? Cumulatively, the opinions of bloggers (and talk radio)can provide a groundswell of public opinion.

A blogger may not turn a liberal into a conservative (although Rush, as a talk radio host has managed to convert some liberals) but a blogger can influence opinion among a core audience of people who are already predisposed to be Republicans/conservatives, but are uncertain where to go and are looking to have their ideas refined and focused.

If we were to deny that conservative media has any influence, wouldn’t we have to argue that the MSM has no influence, and all that matters is celebrity opinion?

Or maybe I misunderstand Allah’s point.

Video: Chelsea Clinton appeals to crucial arbiters of female opinion

I think it’s nice that even Chelsea appeals to somebody. There really is someone for everyone.

Obama has Oprah, Hillary has these three.

Boy, is the coming season going to be fun.

Here

This is why I laugh when commenters occasionally freak out about blogs supposedly having torpedoed Fred or Mitt.

This issue with blogs is that they mostly are preaching to the choir because you have to go there and to get there you have to look for what you want. With shows like the view it’s all channel surfing and there isn’t anything else on or it popped up after you where watching something you cared about.

- The Cat

agreed….sorry Danish,but then again….after having been away from the computer last nite and all day today……I maybe just…..
a little confused.

I bet those were rehearsed personal skits they agreed to perform as free advertisement since clinton is low on $$$…..

She makes me laugh.

Buy Danish on February 7, 2008 at 10:18 PM

With all due respect to our hosts, why would anyone’s opinion be molded by anyone else’s? I don’t believe that Michelle et al really change opinions that way. The best they can do is present the reasons for their opinion, and let the reasons make the case. Perhaps I’m overly critical, but I think for the most part people like echo chambers and they go where people say what they already want to hear.

This is why I laugh when commenters occasionally freak out about blogs supposedly having torpedoed Fred or Mitt. Thanks to her media platform, a halfwit who can’t figure out when Election Day is may well have more influence with the public than virtually any blogger in America.

The numbers don’t match the lamebrains who watch daytime chick TV, but Michelle Malkin (for example) has influence with her niche audience, particularly during primary season.