Thanks to Matt Stoller for his post. But a few questions- I’m not sure about what he means by “identity liberals.” Without doubt, what I would call “ swing voters” are disillusioned by politics—and politicians—as usual. But swing voters are not necessarily liberals at all. If anything, the divide between social liberals and economic liberals—or progressives, even populists—is still something that must be negotiated among the Democrats. Whether they have mediating institutions or not, the politics need to be sorted out if the Dems are to win in 2008.

Second, Stoller asks: “Is there something about this moment in history, and the medium dominating it, that suggests that progressive organizing can genuinely take power? I think so. The incentives are there, as we're being threatened directly by a set of elites and our interests are now aligned with those of other disempowered groups. The tools are there. The internet, unlike the direct action organizing of the 1960s and the mass medium of the time, allows for civic engagement to be a sustainable part of one's life, as well as clear communication among small and large progressive groups and individuals. And the culture is there. When Stephen Colbert performed before the White House correspondents dinner, the right-wing and the elite pundits decried him as offensive. The millions on youtube, ie. a significant slice of the public, thought otherwise of their own accord. We're at least part of the silent majority this time, only we're no longer silent.” But are tools enough? As Stoller points out, unlike in talk radio, the liberal/left seems to have the upper hand in the blogosphere. We’re predominant on line—and with thanks to Stephen Colbert and John Stewart, we even have a media voice that reaches millions. Who would have ever thought that Comedy Central, part of a mega-corporation, would be available to mobilize a liberal/left opposition? But we need the institutions—and we need the social movements to keep people in action. A perfect marriage between a mobilized grassroots and the netroots may actually bring the Dems victory in 2008. But whether the netroots can keep the type of heightened mobilization in play that we need to truly transform this country is still a question mark. Having the tools—it’s a wonderful prerequisite that the left hasn’t had in a while. But taking millions of individuals and molding them into a political movement that is self-sustaining is the more long-term question.