“Free Republic does not have the clout ot get members to turn out. It has been marginalized.”
i think it’s hard to compare the differences in grassroots organization on the left and right. the left doesn’t have talk radio: the right does and that is a fierce problem for the left because talk radio hosts do educate and galvanize along with sites like FR (to wit the immigration debate). the power of the radio is that it reaches people who tune in spontaneously and this may convert some minds. that is less likely on a website. anyway, if a candidate finds a way to unite the forces of the right (radio, websites, blogs, RNC, Conservative Party, etc), i am convinced the right would be more powerful.
That is a profound rationalization.
The issue of the day is the war in Iraq. The Speaker of the House and the Senate Leader have denounced the war. Many small organizations representing the fragmented left will join to howl their support fot ending the war now, that very day.
Free Republic, a grass roots organization will muster a few, those who are always there rain or shine. The majority will stay home and make self congratulatory posts as they bask in the reflected action on the Mall.