It bothered me that Al Franken focused so much on Ann Coulter's latest rantings* because it seemed that this is what she wants: any publicity is free publicity for her, especially if it helps her loonly leftie theme. This is comparable to those who respond to trolls (blog speak there) in message boards and such, overkill that encourages this sort of thing. It is also like dealing with pests in grade school and the like -- soon enough, it is just counterproductive, even if they drive you nuts. On some level, it is fun, and perhaps even useful -- "Bart" consistently supplies a Bush friendly p.o.v. on Glenn Greenwald's blog, and in some fashion it helps compose one's arguments to supply a counterpoint. But, it gets tiring fast as does he.
GG in fact had two posts recently arguing that it important to respond to Coulter's ilk. He himself supplies useful coverage analyzing the mind-set of conservative/right leaning bloggers, sort of a "he reads them, so you don't have to" feature. More power to him, since his coverage suggests the prime ones make reading the likes of David Brooks a pleasant enterprise. The general sentiment, one shared by others like Media Matters (which also does have a broader reach), is partly that these people have too big of an audience to ignore. As a general matter, such as dealing with FOX News, this is true. Instapundit et. al. has a hits/viewership in the millions. He was also interviewed by Brian Lamb in a recent Q&A segment. Ann Coutler was on Jay Leno, etc.
Nonetheless, I think this latter point is the bigger problem, and a large focus of the two posts: not the individuals themselves, but the failure to put them in place. Two enablers here: the general media and "mainstream/acceptable" Republicans/conservatives. So, bloggers et. al. provide a counterweight to those who treat the blonde one as in effect legitimate members of the commentariat with a charming (there is a whole cottage industry of conservative blondes, though personally I do not find her attractive) bad girl side. Jokes about killing people ... love it! Meanwhile, BushCo cynically uses her, one of various attack dogs, since she is after all "legitimate."
Thus, a GGB friend reads her book when she wants to learn about politics ... why not? She is a legit member of the commentariat and seems to have a nice bitchy edge. So, yes, it is important to supply a counterbalance, but the focus needs to be specified. Focusing on her bile alone is not the way to go -- you have to keep the two groups mentioned honest, ask Jay Leno etc. if this is the sort of person they want on. Guilt by association also can go a long way. What major Democrat, for instance, really gives Michael Moore (who I am no big fan of) as much of a place at the table? Is she at major events, on loads of talk shows, and so forth? Don't think so.
So, when you attack Coulterites, do so with some care. Deep down, she is just an act, so getting all emotional over her personally is really a bit silly -- like Al Franken horrified she made nasty jokes about 911 widows etc. One really doubts she really takes this that seriously. It is her enablers that we should be worried about, those who say "she has a point," or cynically ignore her nasty/fraudulent side while hypocritically bashing anyone on "the left" that they claim do something similar.
Usual transference, I guess.
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* Confession: I actually read her book on the impeachment of Bill Clinton and found it of some value. Her nasty side was clear then as well -- "presidential kneepads" and all plus she seemed to think the fact Clinton was a disgusting disgrace (in her eyes) was alone reason to impeach him. At least, AC underlined the point enough times. Still, the book discussed the history of impeachment and Clinton's alleged wrongs in a fairly reasonable (biased sure, but seriously, not really outrageous) fashion.
My copy, which I received free as part of an attempt to get me to subscribe to Human Events, is all marked off with my "but what about" comments, but it wasn't a waste of my time. I'd add she was strongly conservative with a nasty edge for years ... she just exaggerates it these days.