Josh Marshall and Political Blogging

Dan Sullivan pointed out what made political blogging on the Internet such an important resource.  Even though the writer might not be an expert in all areas, the readers would be.  By providing him information he would have never known, he was able to produce a wealth of quality information.  That concept helped catapult Josh Marshall unexpectedly into the forefront of political blogging.  Marshall was smart enough to realize that the information people sent him was invaluable, but to also ensure he fact checked what was sent before just pushing the information along.  Although mainstream media and other figures ignored the information he put out initially, the value of what he provided became evident after the fact and changed the way reporting was viewed.  By freeing himself from the conventional restraints of reporting, he was able to pursue the tough subjects and not worry about consequences.  His information questioned the rational of the politicians in Washington that others were not willing to do.  Marshall may not have been able to change everything he intended to in history, but he has made a significant impact.