Perhaps this is the right time to make some observations on the subject of right-wingers here in Gotham. Full disclosure: I read their blogs and sundry web sites regularly, with the goal of both amusement and information.
The amusement value of right-wingers in this town is clear: they toil under the tremendous burden placed on them by delusions of adequacy and relevance. It’s difficult to take seriously a party that is relegated to fringe status, especially when its adherents entertain ideas of future victories in the midst of one thrashing after another. The future of right-wingers, and R’s generally in this town, isn’t the Bloomberg trajectory; look to Ognibene if you require a crystal ball.
The information value of right-wing sites may not be readily apparent, since, as noted, they originate with an entirely spent force. However, it seems fair to point out that the final allocation of resources in the 2005 election by our organization, New Democratic Majority, was prompted in part by surveillance of right-wing sites gloating about picking up City Council seats. We put out calls to action for the Garodnick, Lappin and Gentile races, and as is known, our candidates crushed their well-funded opponents. That’s the difference between a chatter site and actual political clout, dearest elephants. We prefer, and I know The Daily Gotham prefers, having the latter.
Going into the 2006 cycle, we’re not all that concerned about whatever R candidates emerge from the various primaries; there aren’t significant numbers of buyers for whatever wares they’ll be peddling in the marketplace of ideas. Rather, we’re focusing on the last leaking dam of right-wing power in this blue state: the State Senate and the Congressional delegation, which are filled with geriatric legacies. Make no mistake – we are playing to win, and we’re playing against a team that knows its own weakness. Mr. Sala and his pachyderms are free to go on whistling past the proverbial graveyard; we have shovels and headstones at the ready for a number of walking political dead. Perhaps we’ll see each other at the wake.
