Reply #9: It Makes A Difference To Those Who Need A Water Cooler...

[KharmaTrain]

I've been a part of this place for nearly 6 years now (started lurking in late '01 and began to post in early '03)...so I think I've seen a lot of things come and go here. It's role has changed as the country has, but the basic integrity of DU has been the same...a place where Democrats of all stripes can come and discuss the issues.

Some here may remember the DU Activist Corps...an attempt to try to organize and go beyond just being a water cooler, but it never took hold. I tried to make professional and political contacts here and found it like herding cats. Thus, honestly, DU's contribution to the political dialogue is minimal on the overall scheme of things, but an excellent grapevine for those wanting to both keep up with what's going on and either venting or discussing.

I'd give sites like DKos, MyDD, FDL and Open Left more credit in pushing the netroots. They've raised money for candidates and take an active part in campaigns and issue advocacy.