Blogs may now be a "news source" on Google News

[LdyGuique]

As I was doing my normal "Google News," I noticed an article that seemed non-media. It was an anti-article about Barney Frank for Red State. So, I trekked on over to check it out. Sure enough, it's only a blog, not a real news site. When did Google News start accepting blogs?

I sent off an email to Google requesting feedback on blogs -- as we all could certainly recommend a bunch if they've taken the wrappers off. Or, perhaps, Red State might find its credentials pulled abruptly. :)

The following from Red State would hardly constitute it as other than a partisan blog, rather than a "news source."

Welcome to Redstate
By: tacitus · Section: Miscellania

Welcome to RedState.org, a Republican community weblog.
In little more than two years, we have seen blogs blossom into a public square for the open exchange of ideas and opinions. Blogs are already a revolutionizing force, changing the way opinion-makers interact with new ideas ... defining candidates and campaigns in a critical election year ... and planting the seeds of democracy around the world.

RedState.org is focused on politics, and seeks the construction of a Republican majority in the United States. We hope to unite serious, innovative, and accomplished voices from government, politics, activism, civil society, and journalism to participate in this work.

In the past year, the dangerous perception has arisen that blogs are predominantly a venue for community and activism on the Left. Catchphrases such as "the liberal talk radio" are bandied about to describe the relevance of the medium that helped elevate Howard Dean to his early heights and continues to fund and support congressional candidates. Accurate or not, this emerging perception must be challenged and defeated. That is what Redstate.org is here to do.

Since its inception, the Republican Party has always embraced wide range of ideological beliefs. This diversity of thought sometimes inspires conflict -- but it has also led to great achievement. Through all debates, despite all regional or political concerns, the central philosophy of every true strain of Republicanism remains faithful to the foundational principles of the party: individual freedom and the value of every human life. These principles have guided the party from its origin as a political force to smash slavery, to the long fight against communism, to the ongoing battle for the sanctity of the unborn, to the present war against the forces of Islamism.

Our objective is not to centralize or to direct, but to provide a rallying point for the Right, a public square where Republicans can interact, debate, and share information on a wide variety of political issues independent of the official party structure. Redstate.org will be a gathering place of responsible voices, stimulating debate, and constructive action, fully mobilizing conservative intellectual and organizational resources to create a strong and vibrant presence in the blog medium. Through Redstate, the political blogging of the Right can gain the critical mass it needs for the battle ahead.

The Left has proven that blogs can thrive on the fringe, in a petri dish of pessimism and protest. We intend to make blogs a voice for mainstream America, and articulate the deeply held ideals of a free and virtuous nation. We aim to provide an arena for serious thought and a force for influence in Republican politics and policy - and we intend to lead.

Since there is regular discussion about Feingold and McCain's ongoing investigation into determining the role of internet sites and blogs play within the larger political/campaign world (FEC mandated a look into this apropros campaign financing), Red State could very well be a case in point --

They solicit donations: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr
they fundraise for candidates:

One thousand for DeMint by midnight.
By: trevino · Section: Endorsements
Red State has raised $1,010.30 for Jim DeMint in eleven hours. We beat the midnight deadline. We made our goal. And we moved a good man that much closer to the United States Senate.

And, they are highly partisan in terms of anti-Dems and pro-Reps.

[LdyGuique]

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