Not top-down, but a hub of connectivity

Thomas Friedman nails it. This is easily the shortest and best description of what we're trying to do here at Politics & Technology.

In U.S. politics, the party that most quickly absorbs the latest technology often dominates. F.D.R. dominated radio and the fireside chat; J.F.K., televised debates; Republicans, direct mail and then talk radio, and now Karl Rove's networked voter databases.

The technological model coming next - which Howard Dean accidentally uncovered but never fully developed - will revolve around the power of networks and blogging. The public official or candidate will no longer just be the one who talks to the many or tries to listen to the many. Rather, he or she will be a hub of connectivity for the many to work with the many - creating networks of public advocates to identify and solve problems and get behind politicians who get it.

Read the rest of Calling All Luddites.

Elsewhere:
Andrew Rasiej for Public Advocate (NY): Can you hear us now?
Atrios: Finger on the Pulse
Ahab's Whale: Candidates as Hubs of Connectivity
BuzzMachine: Wi-fi in every pot
ProtectionBlog: US now 16th in the world for broadband access
Putting people first: Thomas Friedman upset
Economist's View: Yes Mr. Friedman, I Can Hear You Now
Lifelike Pundits: A Chicken in Every Pot, and Two Wi-Fi Nodes in Every Garage