The Internet connection seems to have picked up a bit, so I’ll try to be a good little exhibit and demonstrate my keyboarding skills for the folks.

In his most recent Newsweek column, Howard Fineman demonstrates he’s only a couple of years behind the Blogosphere:

Democrats aren’t likely to find leaders and answers here in the capital, and can’t expect the traditional media to light the way. Instead, Democrats need to be a “states’ rights” party in a new sense, shunning the sclerotic political machinery of the capital for the new ideas, programs and tactics sprouting in the states–and in the digital netroots of America.

So far, so good.

Americans want optimism and ideas, and are tired of hearing about the capital.

Hmm, let’s think about this. Do Americans really want “optimism” and “ideas”? Most politicians I’ve ever seen radiate optimism like the sun, except when they’re in fear mongering mode. Us morose and brooding types don’t go into politics. And I don’t know about you, but I’ve had it up the wazoo with ideas.

What do we want from politicians? Do we want to be wooed with promises (Oooo, baby, what would you do for a new health care policy?). Or do we want people who seem to be serious about governing? And how would one demonstrate that?

Fineman says the Dems have to think outside the box. No, really, he said that. And he gets paid for that, mind you.

A reference to Yearly Kos:

Zuniga and Armstrong bring the communications story up to date. The most successful presidents tend to be those who master the new media forms of their time: the letter-and-pamphlet writing era of Washington and Jefferson, the speechmaking-telegraph days of Lincoln, FDR and radio and newsreels, JFK and Reagan and television. Now the Net awaits its own Great Communicator.

[Interlude: Glenn Greenwald dropped by. It’s nice to meet people that are, you know, people, and not just verbiage on my laptop monitor.]

Maybe it’s because I’m working in a fishbowl, but I’m having trouble articulating what I’m looking for in a politician. Progressivism, certainly. Thoughts?

[Interlude: NeoJoe came by and says hi!]