The Lion’s Den That Was Netroots Nation

By Sally Kohn On June 20, 2011 · 7 Comments

Let me start by saying that, on an instinctual almost primordial level, I enjoy partisan red meat as much as the next lefty. But at the same time, it makes me nauseous.

This was my first time attending the annual progressive blogger convention that is Netroots Nation. And I was largely impressed — very thoughtful panels on a variety of important issues and tactics, and some exceptionally fun parties. But two prominent moments left a sour taste in my mouth — and left me wondering if our animosity toward those who don’t perfectly agree with us is, albeit cathartic, ultimately self-defeating.

First, in appearance dubbed as going into “the lion’s den”, White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer appeared before the Netroots audience to field hostile questions and, at times, endure booing. Now, should the “professional left” aggressively and passionately push the Obama administration to do more for working families and marginalized communities? Hell yeah! Such critical friendship is the essential balancing act that progressive activists must play when their imperfect allies are in power. Yet for an audience that, according to the Netroots Nation straw poll, is 80% supportive of President Obama and his Administration, the tone of the questioning and the audience response was infinitely more critical than friendly. Writing for the Washington Post, Rachel Weiner described the reception Pfeiffer received as “chilly”. Frankly, I think that’s being generous.

Yet the treatment of Pfeifer may have seemed downright warm and fuzzy compared with the other interesting incident at Netroots Nation — the moment when Andrew Breitbart tried to enter the Netroots exhibit hall. Breitbart, with a throng of supporters and a camera crew and reporters in tow, was confronted by at least one Netroots attendee who proceeded to yell at Breitbart and ask attacking questions. You can watch the video here. Now, are progressives right to be upset that Breitbart has systematically attacked and undermined a number of progressive organizations and leaders? Hell yeah! But does getting in Breitbart’s face and screaming, creating the kind of circus-like atmosphere on which he thrives — and gains further attention — help us or him? Again, it might have felt cathartic. But was it constructive? The fact that one of the leading media stories coming out of Netroots Nation was the left’s hostile response to Breitbart suggests that we didn’t do ourselves any favors.

But what’s more, the juxtaposition of these two events is deeply revealing — suggesting that we on the left often have a hard time respectfully, even cheerfully disagreeing not only with our enemies but even our allies. Which may seem like a naïve point if your goal is to rattle the President’s communications chief or Breitbart. But if your goal is to win over the everyday Americans who watch incidents like these unfold — and who are judging progressives not just on their ideas but their character — like it or not, when we think we may be getting in a cathartic shot or two at others, we’re more likely shooting ourselves in the foot.

7 Responses to The Lion’s Den That Was Netroots Nation

Geospics says:

June 20, 2011 at 5:39 pm

If we, progressives/lefties/liberals, adopt the circus-like antics of the extreme right, we will be just as marginalized as they have become. When such tactics are seen by either side, it merely serves to solidify the already made up mind that the other’s failings and misguided efforts are, indeed, going down the wrong path. Yes, yelling, getting in the face of someone can garner the bright lights and fickle cameras, but the attention span of those bright lights and clicking shutters is woefully short and will move on rather quickly.

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- Vonaa4 says:
  
  June 20, 2011 at 11:26 pm
  
  Circuses don’t have to be angry. They can be “Butterfly Circuses” I think the attention span of the media is a function of the creativity, the persisting, and the numbers of players. Make it fun for the viewers. Humble Opinion. A San Francisco Mime Troupe Fan from the Sixties. PS UTube Butterfly Circus and SF Mimes.
  
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Alyssa says:

June 21, 2011 at 3:41 am

Thanks for this, Sally. So true.

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Andrew Milner says:

June 21, 2011 at 1:25 pm

At least we’re talking to Breitbart on his own terms, in a tone of voice he can understand.

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Kbkeve says:

June 21, 2011 at 4:40 pm

It looks like everyone is mad and very frustrated with the way things are going but I agree that this shouldn’t preclude good manners!

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Cindy says:

June 22, 2011 at 6:12 pm

Hi Sally, I must have arrived later in Dan Pfeiffer’s interview..I missed the booing. I do think the interview felt a bit hostile to some, but pointed and uncomfortable questioning is what we want. I am tired of interviews that involve tip toeing around, asking limp questions and getting evasive answers in return. It was my first Netroots conference also and the theme that I picked up repeatedly was; listen to each other, create a dialogue and educate. As far as Breitbart, he is slimey and doesn’t want to learn anything. He is a show boat.
I have lots of respect for you and look forward to continued learning about your take on the issues..Keep up the great work! I am a Big fan-

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Chip says:

June 28, 2011 at 3:46 pm

Thank you, Sally! This kind of behavior is totally counter-productive. I still maintain that the Berrigan brothers did more to prolong the Vietnam war than Johnson or Nixon. The prayer of St. Francis may be of help to all of us.

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