Lowell Feld, creator of the noted blog from the left, “RK“, recently penned a book (along with co-author Nate Wilcox) about the contributions of bloggers to the election of Sen. Jim Webb in 2006 called “Netroots Rising“. The book also explores other campaigns and how the concept of blogging is changing how elections are run…and won.
Feld joined me on the podcast as we discussed the book and its importance to any blogger or citizen looking to get involved, no matter what their political persuasion.
VPOD: Lowell Feld, author, "Netroots Rising" -- July 18, 2008 [14:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1746)To listen to any of the previous podcasts, click here.
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Opening music “Highway Run” by the Charlie Wheeler Band available through Ariel Publicity.
Conservative to the core; liberal with his opinion! J.R. has been involved in politics for over a decade and has worked on several campaigns in Hampton Roads. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Chesapeake and the Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia. He is also the director of “Blogs United” in Virginia. 
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So, when is “RK” going to change their URL?
Nice to see the folks who say they look out for those less fortunate bang out a book for $39.95
Brian: As I discussed with J.R., first-time authors have essentially no power vis-a-vis the book publishers. Our preferred price would have been $15 or so, but corporations do what they do. Republicans of all people should appreciate that.
Anyway, we’re hoping for an updated (through 2008) paperback edition next spring/summer that will be a LOT cheaper and more appropriate to our progressive values. 
As far as our URL is concerned, http://www.rk.com is not available. We’re considering other alternatives.
how about http://www.fallingkaine.com
Brian,
I think Lowell is right on the mark. While it’s a bit pricey, I think it’s probably worth it for a first time author.
As for the web site, we’re the last people to throw stones. I know what an aggravation that can be.
But it is also while I chose an inoccuous name like “Bearing Drift”. I knew it could be used for awhile.
Raising Kaine always had a shelf-life. And now, unfortunately for Lowell and crew, they’re going to have to deal with that reality.
Lowell — I forgot to ask: what’s your favorite part of the book. Also, I noticed as part of the 2006 campaigns you didn’t mention a little incident that happened down here in the 2nd District between an un-named blogger and Phil Kellam.
Yeah, and if Kaine is Obama’s running mate, watch how quickly the name changes back.
No, Brian, the name is NOT changing back. At least not if I have anything to do with it.
As to Jim’s question, I have a number of favorite parts to the book, but certainly having the chance to fully tell the “macaca” story, in context, after talking to many of the key players, was a lot of fun. I’m also really happy about the Wes Clark chapter, as I don’t think that’s ever been covered before at length.
I can do it here.
Wes Clark.
Ran.
Lost.
Disappeared.
Brian…you are one obnoxious SOB. You’re from Philly and it shows. Daily.
I’d be two if I could.
That’s Brian for us. Living conservative values, by proving that reproductive cloning should remain banned. I can only image a world in which there were 2.
I can dream, can’t I?
Only Kirwin can take a post promoting a book about Democratic victories and turn the discussion into something about himself and cloning.
Actually, I admire the turning the comments section into something about himself. I am launching all this new BNN stuff and I just don’t do self-promotion well.
I will sit and watch the master.
Great interview, but I am interested in your answer about leaving out the Kellam story?
Actually, Jim, forget it! Lets write a book about that! Maybe we can doa a tour with Lowell. Actually maybe you could write a chapter for the paperback version. That would be cool… A joint Bearing Drift, RK project!
I’m not holding my breath.