Newswise — Blog. The noun and its derivations can't make it past your word processor spell check, yet the online journals have gained worldwide acceptance and popularity as go-to media outlets for news commentary. Saint Joseph's University historian Jeffrey Hyson, Ph.D., will be monitoring the dynamics -- and theatrics -- on local political blogs when the 2008 presidential candidates step up to MSNBC mics in Philadelphia on October 30 for the 14th Democratic debate.
"Philadelphia certainly boasts some high-profile political blogs," said Hyson. "There is Duncan Black's "Atrios", Will Bunch's "Attytood" and Susie Madrak's "Suburban Guerrilla" to name only a few. I'd expect those sites would be especially active around the October 30 debate."
But given the global reach of the Internet, Hyson doesn't think the Philadelphia blogs have a special role to play for the upcoming debate.
"Geography doesn't really matter anymore," he noted. "Bloggers and their commenters can watch debates from anywhere; you don't need to be in the same room -- or the same city -- as the candidates to critique the debate."
However, if the format for the Philadelphia debate allows for audience questions, Hyson thinks the bloggers could help their readers understand the particular concerns of Philly-area voters and the electoral dynamics of Pennsylvania.
"And," he said, "as representatives of the city that once booed Santa Claus and pelted him with snowballs at an Eagles game, local bloggers will probably bring the classic Philly "attytood" to their critiques, finding new ways to complain about even the most popular candidates."
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