On top of that, there are still a lot of lurkers who get their news from FR and read the comments. Those people are influenced by what they read here.
How do I know this?
I have family and friends who lurk here. And they are influenced by what they read. I get a lot of my news from FR. I am influenced by what I read here...and that includes what I read in the comments.
Complaining is contagious. When people whine and complain about a candidate to family and friends, those people are less inclined to work for that candidate when it comes to knocking on doors, donating money, and/or encouraging their fellow workers, friends, and family to vote for him.
Do I believe that Free Republic and the people here make a difference? Absolutely. I know they do.
You are apparently unaware of the history of Free Republic and Freepers and their influence.
Just curious. How old are you?