Although some of what is posted on Free Republic comes from Drudge, FR has scooped him many times on national stories. Having tens of thousands of FReepers as reporters beats the newswires.
I used to always go to Drudge first. In fact, I discovered Free Republic via Drudge. However, for months now I have been coming straight to Free Republic to find out what is going on in the world. Freepers RULE!