The "Liberal Blogs" did this?

Well, if they had any other discernable influence whatsoever on the course taken by Team Obama, that might be a reasonable inference. But since they do not, I think it's appropriate to be highly skeptical of claims that somehow these "Liberal Blogs" brought down the most highly qualified and most respected candidate to run the CIA in history (as paraphrased from the NPR "Morning Edition" report this morning).

http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=97502074&m=97502110

A Blogger Campaign against him? What campaign? A campaign as strong as that launched against FISA "reform" and Patriot Act renewal? As strong as the campaign to smush Lieberman's Senate committees and perks?

No, I suspect this whole notion that the Brennan nomination was brought down by "Liberal Bloggers" is a convenient way to launch a smear and to claim that "Liberal Bloggers" are a risk to National Security.

Be wary.

It's your right.

Sorry, you missed a shot at being on Maddow's show. Jane is a good colleague, however. I think she likely planned to insert Duncan's the power of Glenn Greenwald right at the beginning, as she did. She did a nice job. The more I hear her - already being familiar with her writing and her views - the better I like her. She's one cool cookie, that Jane.

As I think about it, I tend to agree with others that the lefty bloggers could not have done this alone. I'd like to think that you all could create some measurable pressure, but suspect you'll be hauled out as a useful justification when there is co-incidence in the value sets.

Still, it would be crazy for Obama to blow off those online denizens who are mostly young, provided great energy for his candidacy, and should be integral to his re-election. If he does a bang up job in his first term, perhaps those young 'uns willing to take a risk on a generally unknown candidate won't be so important. But, you'd think he'd want to keep that element as an ace-in-the-hole.

I suspect this whole notion that the Brennan nomination was brought down by "Liberal Bloggers" is a convenient way to launch a smear and to claim that "Liberal Bloggers" are a risk to National Security. -- Ché Pasa

[Hamsher] likely planned to insert Duncan's the power of Glenn Greenwald right at the beginning, as she did. [...] I tend to agree with others that the lefty bloggers could not have done this alone. [...] you'll be hauled out as a useful justification when there is co-incidence in the value sets. -- bystander

I second this idea, and I don't discount the possibility that Glenn in particular is being set up to take the fall for "denying" this "very worthy man" his rightful place in the new administration.

Ché can be a bit of a tinfoil type, but this "liberal bloggers" rationale for denying a position to a shoe-in -- it really comes out of left field.

Irrespective of the true influence of Teh Netroots ™, the political/media establishment's public position on it has been consistent: belittle it with glib, soundbitey phrases, or ignore it.

What is the tenor of the whine coming out of the rightwing noise machine this morning?