Do you love the kind of group blog where likeminded folks have a good time talking progressive politics? Group blogs, where anyone can sign up and participate, are usually much more fun that blogs by individuals, so this list leans heavily toward blog communities. However, at the end, I’ve included a couple, less open, but still informative blogs. Here’s a list of some of the best liberal and progressive blogs on the web:
1. Progressive Blue was started in early 2008 by a group of friends who noticed that too many political blogs were focusing on personalities and the horse race, not issues. The Progressive Blue community encourages civility and actively promotes progressive candidates. The blog has separate pages dedicated to specific issue areas, such as Health Care & Wellness, Candidates & Causes, Poverty & Economics, and Environment & Science, among others. Progressive Blue welcomes newcomers, often posting great content by members to the front page. (Full disclosure: I am one of several members of the editorial board of this blog.) Come on by! We think we have the best political blog on the web.
2. Docudharma has to be one of the nicest blogs around. The people here are great, and they frequently recommend diaries by newcomers, or even post them to the front page if they are really good. It’s a really welcoming place. As their mission statement says “There are no rigid restrictions here, it is a salon and a laboratory and a place to create a new reality.
3. e Pluribus Media is another great group blog emphasizing citizen journalism. They have a weekly newsmagazine, which publishes selected stories, as well as a community blog, where members are welcome to post.
4. Democratic Underground is a huge democratic forum with well over 100,000 members. The quality of the posts varies, but this is a great place to meet other progressives. They also have a video section, which is a nice way to catch up on the latest political videos.
5. MyDD has a few front page bloggers as well as an active community, mostly discussing campaigns and polls, but also veering into issue activism from time to time. Their Breaking Blue sidebar section has up to the minute news.
6. OpEdNews bills itself as “tough progressive website, supporting values that are really dead center American.” They have teams of volunteers writing news items, and also a section for user diaries.
7. Think Progress is a blog associated with the Center for American Progress Action Fund. They publish original content, which much be accepted by their editors before publication. They have a blog fellows program to reward quality.
8. Swing State Project covers key races around the country and keeps track of the political scorecard of it all.
9. The American Prospect is a good source for wonky news. I find Ezra Klein to be their blogger that I most frequently read.
10. Paul Krugman is one of the best and brightest liberal voices out there in the media. His thoughts are usually a joy to read.
