Let me just say that this from 2013 kinda speaks to it. No, not kinda – exACTLY this meaning:
Now, as to the “prefer to blog instead of writing a newsletter or work to get Republicans elected or do other positive stuff for the Party” stuff, let me direct you first to this this (it will point you back to the first part). Now, let me reproduce what conservative political strategist Jon Henke once said when he tried to explain to politicos what bloggers are (even though it was said a few years ago now, its premise has changed little since then) (paraphrased):
“Bloggers are like Pastors with a flock in their church. That Pastor has sole control of that pulpit and does influence all those that come to listen to him make pronouncements and giving opinions that they will listen to. Why? They keep coming back, Sunday after Sunday, to listen for more. They have learned to take those words and evaluate them for truthfulness; the fact that they keep coming back means they have vetted those words.
So too with bloggers – they are not your followers and they are not your staffers. Yes, they may like (or tolerate) you, but their first calling is to their readership and their independence. They are the gatekeepers to the folks you are trying to reach. Approach them as you would a Pastor – or you may not like the result.”
So, Republican Republican Horn, we have chosen to blog. We have specifically chosen NOT to write “happy, happy” newsletters. We have chosen NOT to be campaign workers. We have chosen NOT to be door knockers, envelope stuffers, or phone bankers. We have chosen NOT to be political operatives or campaign managers. We happen to be political and culture bloggers here in NH and we have national awards to prove our bona fides that others believe us to be at least decent at it. And isn’t that a big part of life – finding what you are good at, doing it, and having fun doing it? Let me add this – we don’t care if that offends you. And we don’t care if what we blog offends you or anyone else. We are NOT a Republican house organ, dutifully regurgitating each and every talking point that comes down the pike. In fact, most times, we’ve either already beaten you to the punch from the Principle aspect, we’ve probably already said it many, many times. But certainly don’t expect us to re-blog, re-talk, re-FB, or re-tweet stupidity just because the Party pushes it. Especially if it runs counter to what we hold to – the US & NH Constitutions and the Platform as currently constituted.
Let’s make one thing clear – I’m no Pastor (although I have preached in the past and the mention of Pastor is only an analogy to make a point.
No, if you go to the first link or to the text above, JHo is no longer the NH GOP Chair but the core message from Jon Henke still holds 12 years down the road. The only thing I would change would be to include talk show hosts and social media writers (e.g., “Influencers”) that amassed an audience, due to the Consistency of their message, in addition to bloggers.
Sidenote: BTW, for as much as I have written “not so nice words” about the current Chair, today she did a BIG solid for someone and me today – many thanks!)
The operative phrase here is “We are NOT a Republican house organ“; in fact, I’m not even a Republican anymore. That went out the door when Republicans led the fight for, passed, and then passed again, Medicaid Expansion. That phrase, “We are NOT a Republican house organ” is the main message which was not “caught” today, IMHO. I’ll admit, while I and others tried to get that across – I think I failed.
The above, however, expresses it quite well. I hope they now listen:
“If any man have ears to hear, let him hear!“
