We’re always complaining that no one takes us seriously, and that the media ignores our devotion to fact in favor of misdirection and gossip. Well, I can’t think of a bigger sign that all that is changing than this. The exciting word: unscripted. Thousands of Little People like you and me, all of us with our computers and databases of quotes, bills, policies…I’m salivating. If you heard about last year’s convention, you’ll know that there was very little mincing of words, as well as plenty of “walk right up to them” going on. I got to ask Governors and Senators questions just like a “real” reporter, as did everyone else who stood in line for a mike during the Q&A sessions. This will be slightly more moderated, but the faciltator is a great guy (and blogger) and I don’t think softballing will be a concern.

Word from the organizers is that most of the candidates will be there, if not all of them. Obviously, there’s still a lot of time between now and the convention, so we’ll see who is still running in August. But this will be a very interesting session, and I think it’s fair to say that any candidate who doesn’t show risks being labeled a coward by the entire blogosphere. The other benefit is that even the SCLM won’t be able to ignore their appearance, and what that means about the power of the blogosphere.