Went over to Kepler’s bookstore in Menlo Park (CA) this evening to see Jerome Armstrong (MyDD) and Markos Moulitsas Zuniga (Daily Kos) talk about their book; Crashing the Gate — Netroots, Grassroots, and the Rise of People-Powered Politics.

Crashing the Gate: Netroots, Grassroots, and the Rise of People-Powered Politics

Turnout seemed very good. The San Mateo County Democracy for America group did a good job co-sponsoring the event and recruiting a crowd. I was near the front, so I couldn’t count noses. Somewhere around 75 to 100 people showed up.

Armstrong and Zuniga spoke very briefly before taking questions. Because I only bought their book tonight (Support your local bookstore!), I have to assume it’s consistent with their comments tonight:

  • They appear to support the movement of grassroots Democrats to wrest control of the national Democratic Party from the campaign consultants operating inside the Beltway.
  • Armstrong supports Warner for President. Kos supports Angelidies in the Democratic primary for California govenor.

I made a comment (asking a question) along the lines of “Too often we pay attention to international and national issues and forget politics and government at the state, county, and local level.” Armstrong pointed out that they were national bloggers, who focus on the Federal level. However, he also said that he expected that as the blogosphere develops that state and local blogs would become more important. Kos said that local elections provide a training ground to develop strong Democratic candidates with experience running campaigns and raising the money necessary to fund Congressional campaigns.

I plan to read their book in the next few days, so I may have more comments.

In the meantime, I hope you have a chance to attend one of their book tour stops.