There is certainly a fringe element here, but IMHO it is less of a fringe element than at, say, DU.
Sean was really foolish to do this because all he did was play into the hands of the liberals and the mainstream media that desperately wants to discredit "the new media" as a bunch of kooks.
They can now say "See...even HANNITY says those bloggers are ideologues."
Wheels within wheels within wheels.
First cause, why? He has his own site now is one possibility.
But, is Hannity now mainstream? Is he part and parcel of the established media?
Yes, his statement damages the weblogs, but the media has been intent this week to take blogs down because they have seen at last the threat it poses to each and every individual who makes an offhand remark or calumny or lie. Rather was a clumsy sacrifice, but Eason Jordan is the key.
I think all of them are determined that the internet should not usurp the dissemination of OPINION promoted by the mainstream.
And fringe? Fringe? Good heavens. Sean has insulted and defamed everyone on this board.