I enjoy reading blogs; they feel more refreshing, more immediate, than the mainstream media. But I’ve found that the list of overtly political blogs that I’m regularly reading has become mostly right-wing or libertarian. This is neither good nor healthy. I count a whole two, and one of those I’m considering dropping for being too attack-oriented. This is most certainly not well balanced. I do read some blogs where the author is left-wing or statist and doesn’t blog on politics. I need to balance this. So why am I not reading left-wing and statist political blogs? Because the ones I’ve come across tend to stridency and insult. Or are complete and utter moonbats (IMHO) like Chomsky. (No discussion of Chomsky, please.)
So what characterises the overtly political blogs I like? Articles which are well written and respectful, not 100% political, and leavened with occasional different articles. They concentrate on promoting the author’s view and don’t attack the opposition (attacking the opposition’s view is fair game); IOW don’t slam your opponent, sell me your idea. Not too academic. No frothing at the mouth. Let me emphasise the well-written aspect. And I want them to make me think.
I like Pam’s House Blend a lot. I’m not sure if it’s what you’re looking for, as it is more focused - on gay issues- but Pam’s a good read, and includes lots of stuff outside of the main focus.
Pandagon : Mostly focused on feminist and gay/lesbian issues (featuring Pam Spaulding of the aforementioned Pam’s House Blend). Great writing. Hullabaloo : Digby is one of the best writers in the blogosphere. Unclaimed Territory: Deep commentary from a very knowledgable lawyer. Talking Points Memo: great political mind. The associated TPM Muckraker has a couple of reporters on staff devoted to digging in the dirt.
The Rude Pundit is, as advertised, quite rude, but he’s a very entertaining read if you like having the issues of the day described in terms of improbable sex acts.
Can I offer an alternative solution? I use memeorandum which is a blog aggregator. I just go through, see what the hot topics are, and grab 3 - 4 blogs from varying political persuasions and opinions to see what the hell is going on. If something is particularly well written - then I’ll bookmark them and give them a few days.
Also, tip — be sure to change your preferences to “Show Discussion Excerpts.”
It’s labelled as “Money and Other Subjects”. He likes to talk about stocks a bit, but he also does some good bits about politics. You can usually read it in a minute.
It’s labelled as “Money and Other Subjects”. He likes to talk about stocks a bit, but he also does some good bits about politics. You can usually read it in a minute.
Slacktivist is a good writer, and definitely leans left. He also spends a lot of time hilariously shredding the Left Behind novels from a Christian perspective.