BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: Joe Sudbay
Today the Blogometer talks to AMERICAblog's Joe Sudbay.
(If you're looking for Friday's edition of Blogometer, click here).
Where did you grow up?
Portland, Maine
Where do you live now?
Washington, DC
If you have an occupation other than blogging, what is it?
Consulting with progressive groups on blogging, new media and political strategies.
What's on your iPod right now?
I don't have much of an ear for music, but just bought the song "Jai Ho" from Slumdog. I'm always looking for songs that will motivate me on long runs.
What book do you think every person should read?
Not in order of importance but, start with the complete works of Calvin and Hobbes. Every activist should read 'Taking on the System' by Markos Moulitsas to know how to work around -- and end the influence of -- the 'gatekeepers.'
Please finish this sentence: 'When I'm not blogging, you'll probably find me...'
Walking my dog, Petey.
What has been your favorite blog post, or your favorite story to write about?
Back in 2005, we spent a lot of time writing about the Ohio GOP's "rare coin" scandal. That really started a backlash against Republicans in the state and helped lead to Democratic leadership. I like finding issues that are bubbling at the state and local level, and trying to get them some more attention.
Which blogger(s) do you consider indispensable, if any?
It waxes and wanes a bit depending on what's hot. On a daily basis (sometimes hourly) I check in on the liberal blogs: DailyKos, Talking Points Memo, FireDogLake, Sam [Stein] and Nico [Pitney] and their crew at Huffington, PoliticalWire, 538, ThinkProgress, Atrios, MyDD, Digby.
Who's your favorite non-liberal blogger?
I didn't know there were any. I really don't read the conservative blogs, but I'm a fan of David All and hope that the Republicans don't listen to his advice on new media.
Who's your favorite active politician? Least favorite?
I have to name a couple favorites: [Barack] Obama, for starters.. I'm a big fan of [Sec/State] Robin Carnahan in Missouri and think she has an amazing future ahead of her. And, since he's active again (at least diplomatically) [ex-Sen.] George Mitchell from Maine. Least favorite: Long list starting with [KY Sen.] Mitch McConnell and [ex-MN Sen.] Norm Coleman.
What would you realistically like to see Democrats accomplish in 2009?
Real Health care reform. If they don't do it this year, it probably won't get done. And, it needs to get done. I don't know anyone who has not had problems with their health insurance company. This fight is against a lot of money and lobbyists, but the opponents aren't liked at all by the public. Democrats need to deliver, and we can if we don't settle (see next question and answer).
If you could give President Obama advice, what would it be?
Avoid getting caught up in the DC bubble. The times call for bold action and the DC "elite" are averse to boldness. Don't ever listen to the pundits (which doesn't preclude listening to liberal political bloggers on sites like AMERICAblog, for example). Feel comfortable enough to ignore advisers and consultants who want you to temper your agenda or water it down. That guarantees you, at most, half of a very bad loaf -- and in any case, caving never wins any votes from the other side, and simply makes you look weak. Also, keep using new media to talk and interact with the American people (And, call on more bloggers at the press conferences -- and read more blogs).
What keeps you up at night?
My dog's snoring. Literally.
