(The following is not in any way an endorsement or excuse for the behavior)
This is an incredibly healthy phenomenon. The end results of this can only strengthen democratic institutions and undermine many of the mainstream media’s remaining tools to manipulate and mold their press coverage of politics.
How many people on FR have complained about some cable news channel’s obviously bogus flash online poll that they display during a broadcast and try to pass off the results as newsworthy?
The Paul supporters will put an end to that.
How many on FR have listened to talking head pundits go on about “online buzz” for a candidate or issue, when you know full well the “buzz” is coming from lunatic fringe websites and blogs?
The Paul supporters will put an end to that.
How many people on FR have seen the comments sectinos of their favorite blogs and online news sources turn into trolling flame wars that result in the comments section and the website’s online community being adversely affected?
The Paul supporters will put an end to that.
The systems in online media are still rather soft targets for attacks and exploits performed by even semi sophisticated hackers/exploiters.
One more thing...
is it legal for a ISP to block a email that is obstensibly (not actually) from a legitimate US political campaign?
I don't have the relevant law in front of me, but unsolicited email (especially mass mailings) is a no-no, regardless of subject matter. Bulk mailers are supposed to have the permission of the recipients.