Nebraska blogger carving new place in political history
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By WILLIAM LAUER / Lincoln Journal Star
DENVER — The shouts of Kyle Michaelis were lost among the thousands cheering Sen. Ted Kennedy Monday night.
Still gravelly voiced days later, Michaelis is unsure how to define his role as a member of the first generation of bloggers seated on the floor during this week’s Democratic National Convention.
Part of the media horde, yes.
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Unbiased, no.
“I’m certainly not independent media — hence my voice being gone — because I was cheering a little too loud, getting caught up in the excitement,” Michaelis said of Kennedy’s surprise appearance.
“I guess I kind of have a strange position. I’m sitting right in the middle of the delegation, but I’m not a delegate. I’m not here as a Democratic activist.”
Crammed between rowdy delegates, computer connected and heating his lap, Michaelis tries to take notes and post blogs.
“I’ll admit it is not an environment that is incredibly conducive to getting a lot done.”
Blogs can generate excitement, said the 27-year-old officer for the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The Internet provides political junkies a more participatory way of connecting with larger events, like the convention if they can’t attend.
Since Howard Dean’s 2004 presidential campaign, the power of the Web for reaching voters and raising money has been recognized.
Unlike many blogs whose negligible content decomposes in a cyber graveyard, Michaelis’ content at newnebraska.net will be archived as part of the Library of Congress’ permanent collection of the 2008 presidential campaign.
Being an official conduit for the voice of Nebraska wasn’t part of the original plan and it’s a role Michaelis isn’t entirely comfortable with because he likes being independent.
“Its whole purpose has been quite local,” he said of meeting the DNC criteria of focusing on local politics.
A 2007 graduate of the UNL Law College, Michaelis does not use the word passion to describe his interest in politics.
“I don’t thrive on it, I don’t love it, but it is definitely the way I think.”
Citizens have a responsibility to get involved and try to make a difference, he said.
“Maybe it’s my Catholic upbringing. It’s like a duty thing. I feel like there is so much going on that people aren’t aware of.”
There is much to dislike in politics, he acknowledged.
“A lot of what I see I don’t like. Maybe I’m just a critical person with opinions and the blog gives me an outlet for that,” he said.
“We should be able to do a lot better in a lot of ways than we do.”
Reach William Lauer at 473-2632 or wlauer@journalstar.com.
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Of course Leavenworth Street has a generally conservative orientation, and NNN is far left. I wonder if that is what makes the difference? "
Good for Kyle wrote on August 28, 2008 8:51 am:
Luke Peterson wrote on August 28, 2008 11:48 am:
New Nebraska Network allows the option for viewers to become registered. That does not take into account of how many hits my good friend Kyle Michaelis' blog gets. It just means that people can remain anonymous if they so choose. Now I don't know how many hits New Nebraska Network gets but from the times I tend to view it, the action on it makes my head spin. That's a far cry from when I read your blog Mr. Harbinson, or the blog from NCRI. I'm thinking someone is jealous over Kyle's success.... "