March 14, 2007

Blogger Spotlight: Draft Newt

Today we talk to Matt Keller of Draft Newt. Tomorrow we stay on the right, talking to an early believer in Rudy Giuliani's commitment to running: Giuliani Blog.

What is your full name?

Matthew Brian Keller

What is your age?

24

What's your hometown?

Mecosta County, home of Russell Kirk

Where do you live now?

My Hometown

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at University of Michigan

What is your occupation?

I’m the Media Outreach Manager for Draft Newt

When did you first get involved in politics and why?

Ever since 9/11 I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. The U.S. government – though I think it should be as small as possible – is much larger than all of us, and does much good in this world. That’s something I wanted to be involved in.

When did you start blogging and why?

For Draft Newt? January of this year. I think inside all men burn passions of expression toward their heroes. The blogosphere has infinitely changed how we read text. We’re allowed into a bit of the psyche of others. I started blogging because I wanted to share some of that psyche, some of that passion I have for one of my personal political heroes: Newt Gingrich.

How will blogs impact WH '08?

If all the candidates blogged, personally albeit with an editor standing over them I think it would heat things up. It would help lend credibility to the blogosphere which traditional journalists still have reservations toward. Sure you could have surrogate bloggers like me, but we just become more of an op-ed than anything. If the candidates blogged we’d be getting it straight from the horses mouth, figuratively of course.

What's your favorite most unsung specific example of a blogger affecting a political figure, organization, philosophy, or movement?

Michael Yon hands down. I mentioned how the blogosphere has changed the way we are able to communicate via text; I mean you can literally publish a book online without a publisher if you have a website and movable type. Michael Yon has in my opinion changed the way we look at war. In the Civil War/ World Wars you had letters to home, with the blogosphere you have soldiers and embedded reporters writing letters to the world. Everyone can see the words of those in battle, they can feel the emotion. Not only is it intensely spiritual but it makes the war more real, it invests you emotionally. You have an investment after seeing that young soldiers words in wanting him to succeed over there.

Posted by Conn Carroll at March 14, 2007 03:18 PM