So, you've probably been following the whole Joe Wilson thing turning into around $750k raised for his Democratic opponent, Rob Miller.
You may be thinking: well, hasn't he become a hero to the far right? how much money is he raising off of his disrespect to pretty much every facet of American governance?
Folks, wonder no more: hear the cry of the hurting political beast. I give you, Erick Erickson as the fine purveyor of fact and editorial over at that 'fair and balanced' political blog, Red State. (Yes, in fact, that is sarcasm)
Conservative Activists Are Proving to be a Pathetic Bunch
Posted By Erick Erickson
Some of you will take offense at this post. Instead, you should take action.
The Democrat opponent to Congressman Joe Wilson has raised over $400,000.00 since last night.
What have you given to Joe Wilson. The man spoke for America. And now we need to open our wallets for Joe.
It does no good to pat Joe on the back or give him an "atta boy." Joe Wilson needs us to open our wallets and checkbooks. Joe Wilson is now a serious threat to Barack Obama because he dared point out that the Emperor has no clothes. The left will target him. The left will target his family. The left will try to destroy Joe Wilson.
We can stop the left. But we must give generously to Joe.
Prove that conservatives are not pathetic activists. Put your money where your mouth is.
Give to Joe.
I'll repeat that:
Erick Erickson: Conservative Activists Are Proving to be a Pathetic Bunch
Roll it around in your mouth like a fine scotch.
Erick Erickson: Conservative Activists Are Proving to be a Pathetic Bunch
Here's a corollary to the 'read the news on dKos a week before the traditional media picks it up': 'read the news years before the conservative blogosphere picks it up.' Yep, you heard it here first: Conservative Activists Are Proving to be a Pathetic Bunch! Glad Erick has finally realized this. Let's welcome him to reality, and throw his party some more anchors /grin
For context on Erick Erickson's typical blind "you're not clapping hard enough," here he is interviewed regarding his Sanford-defending posts (quote from TPM)
The State asked Erickson to comment on his email exchange, and his response captures his own view of his role and function:
I wasn't trying to be a reporter. I wanted to curtail the story. Well that didn't work.
For someone like Erickson, the facts are important only insofar as they are in service to the advocacy. The advocacy can exist, as it did here, independent of the facts -- or before the facts are even known.
So far I've seen no numbers bragging of money raised (Breaking update: Sources say that Rep. Wilson has raised in the mid to low three digits off of his comment! One commenter believes the number is actually more like $200k. Anybody see anything else like this? Update 2 corrects this). Defeat tries to slink off, tail between the legs, while Victory stands for all to see.
I won't wound your eyes by including an actual link to the post in question, but I'll let you know that this post includes not a measly one or two links to the donation page of Rep. Wilson, but SIX links in a 145 word post.
That folks, is the sound of a wounded political animal. Savor it.
Update: I figured there were enough links to Rob Miller's ActBlue page, but here's another, as per hippiechick13's comment
Also, for those who like to know something about their politicians and considering this is now on the rec list, here's Rob Miller's wiki page and facebook page. Wow, less than a fan of converting your entire site to a redirect to the ActBlue page. Anyone have a link to an 'issues' page for Mr. Miller?
Update 2: Looks like other sources show that Wilson has raised about something over $200k since the speech. Apparently, it's just not from the three-digits-'rightroots'...
Despite this being 'early money,' just want to remind folks that in a low cost district, this money will likely be spread around and you might be electing the President of the incoming 2010 class as well, since money = gratitude among incoming frosh representatives. Also, remember El Tinklenberg wasn't able to spend much of his money bomb and is now one of the largest contributors to the DCCC for the 2010 cycle.