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Kitchen Table Kibitzing November 5, 2023 Netroots Nostalgia [1]
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Date: 2023-11-05
Netroots Nostalgia
Yesterday we attended a special wine sale at a local winery. We had a discount card from our neighbor, who works there. I asked about a bottle from a woman at a table, who sort of stared at me and said “I know you, don’t I?” Then I suddenly flashed and recognized her; it was Gina Cooper, the founder of Netroots.
I joined Daily Kos in January of 2005, and soon became a dedicated reader, though wary of actually writing a diary (though I commented). Early in 2006 I saw a proposal that Daily Kos bloggers and others might get together for some sort of convention, and Gina (and a few others, names lost in my fading memory) organized Yearly Kos, which took place in Las Vegas (cheap rooms,,,,$99), June 8,2006 .There were 1,200 attendees, and featured prominent Democrats such as Harry Reid, Howard Dean, and Barbara Boxer, as well as three possible contenders in the 2008 Democratic primary: retired General Wesley Clark, New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, and former Virginia governor Mark Warner.
And Markos Moulitsas, young, expressive, and fearless. Few of us knew what to expect, and we were rewarded. The social aspect of Daily Kos manifested immediately as folks connected user names with actual people. We still connect with friends we met at that first Netroots. We were so hooked we attended every one until the pandemic; some of the best times ever as we experienced many cities we might never have visited. Not to mention meeting hundreds of Kossacks, who are, of course, the best people.
I would mention here the many top political figures who we saw, such as Bill and Hilllary Clinton, Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Wesley Clark, Howard Dean, and many more. The Wikipedia article has a good rundown on all the conventions and candidate appearances. And I finally met the near-mythical blogger Meteor Blades!
At the winery Gina, her husband (manager of the winery), Mrs. side pocket and I recalled good times and previous connections. She is finishing a book, and when it’s available I’ll be sure to mention it here. Gina’s inspiration spun a marvelous Web, and I’m ever thankful to her. I hope to attend more Netroots, but due to physical constraints it’s getting more difficult. One can hope.
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