I am surprised, delighted, but mostly humbled to report the news that Air America is reporting that I am currently 3rd on their list of nominated bloggers going into their contest's Dec 3rd deadline for deciding which five bloggers make it into their final round for being selected. I am especially surprised given my evil DC insider status, and that I haven't been blogging as long or as much as many other deserving folks, but I am extremely grateful to those of you who nominated me.
I am letting you know for three reasons. The first, quite honestly, is that I am tickled pink by the news. Given all the wonderful bloggers out there, to even be on the list blows me away.
Secondly, I wanted to let those of you who think that an evil insider like this myself should never win something like this a fair chance to vote me down. When I think of some of the great folks who made their top 20, I would understand if you decide to vote for someone else.
But third, since it's an election and I'm in the running, I hope I can get your vote. Perhaps you like the idea of a surprise underdog choice like me, relatively new to the blogging game, winning this thing. I know I would be an unconventional choice because I am not the kind of person one usually thinks of when one thinks of bloggers, but I actually think that it is a great thing for the blogosphere that someone like me made the list, because what so many conventional wisdom followers in DC is that there is only one kind of blogger: the proverbial pajama clad, long-haired, Cheetos-eating geek sitting at home late at night in front of their computer.
What the CW stereotypers don't realize is that bloggers come in all shapes and sizes and colors. You can find many of them here on Huffington Post -- they include economists, lawyers, businesspeople, scientists, local activists, and yes even political insiders.They include some of the smartest and savviest folks I have ever met. Being a blogger is certainly not my main identity, but I am proud to have it be a big part of who I am now, and I hope you will consider me in part because I break the stereotype.
And, hey, I've never been on a cruise ship before, so that would be very cool. And I promise to be very strategic with all the people I meet on the cruise. I go to a number of retreats and conferences each year, and have helped produce a number of key progressive infrastructure pieces as a result. So it's not just a cruise -- it's an opportunity to build progressive power.
Thanks if you gave me an early vote, and if you haven't, please go vote now (just enter my name and OpenLeft.com) by clicking here.