Political Blogging After Obama

Black Web 2.0 asked five practicing experts what they thought black political blogs will look like now that Barack has moved on from promising candidate and president elect to an official appointment to the highest office in the land.  The responses were surprisingly non-uniform, but did have one theme in common… Black bloggers and online media outlets will continue to have more influence on political coverage than in the past.

Alexis Stodghill – Programming Manager, AOL Black Voices

On BlackSpin, our BlackVoices.com blog, members clearly think of Barack as a leader for all regardless of race. But there is a concern that Obama will constantly need to address the perception that he is just a president “for us.” Black political blogs will focus on how Barack addresses that perception by the general population, while addressing our needs. In addition, people are very interested in the soft news surrounding his family and style. Now that Barack has won, black political blogs won’t be able to resist constantly posting delicious photos of this gorgeous, fun family. Barack himself is seen as a sex symbol by many members of the BlackVoices.com audience, and black bloggers will feel more comfortable showcasing him as such — witness the “topless” photos of Obama in Hawaii. Adoring fans can follow everything about Barack by checking out our Obama Watch page.

J. Dakar – Political Blogger, Concrete Loop

A lot of black blogs added political content to the mix when Obama announced his candidacy, rightfully so. But now that he’s in office, a lot of the political content on most will probably center around the more controversial topics in the world of politics; people love controversy and most would rather be entertained than be informed. But the true black political blogs, such as Jack & Jill Politics, Afro-Netizen, The Field Negro and the like, will continue to do what they’ve always done, thankfully so.

Charles Robinson – Blogger/Owner, Charles Black Politics Blog. 

My blog, while filled with observation, I also try and give context. The view from some people who blog is to tout a point of view. I hope mine comes as a “wow” rather than ranting.  Its primarily an insiders view.

When I started the blogging four years ago there were few who focused on this subject…but it seems there are more than enough people who’s sole purpose is to add nothing to subject. Look, any one can say what they want.

I’m continuing to look at this genre with a look to the future. Questions I am hoping to look at are Black Politics still relevant in the Obama Era? Can Kendrick Meeks pull off the impossible in Florida. Why Republican African Americans? Can New School Black Politics Survive with Old School Black Politics?

Maurice Cherry – Founder, Black Weblog Awards. Writer, Black Web 2.0.

I think that Black political blogs will probably follow the current political scene with the same intensity and vibrancy as during the Presidential election. Obama’s policies, Cabinet hirings, speeches, and press junkets will be highly criticized and covered. And with the decreasing number of Black journalists, Black political blogs and bloggers can help pick up the slack of covering the administration’s actions.

Wain Bennett – Owner/Blogger, The Field Negro

I think black political blogs will still be relevant and active even after Barack Obama assumes the office of the Presidency. I think, more than ever, people will look to bloggers of color to see what we are talking about and reporting from the grass roots level. That perspective will be even more important now, as people will want to see how having an African American President is effecting the African American community.