The internet generation who made Obama’s campaign possible through a mass of micro-transactions have struck again. During the past 24hours over $100,000 has been raised by over 1,500 donors keen to ensure that the President doesn’t back down on his plans for a health care reform, after his Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said on Sunday that a public option was “not essential”.
What’s so interesting about this story is that, having paid to get him where he is, the internet donors now feel they have a stake in Obama. We kept our end of the deal by electing you, they’re saying, so now you better deliver the change you campaigned on.
Washington will find this movement’s independence from the political establishment worry. It was organised by bloggers such as firedoglake.com and hints at a future of an independent group lobbying force that could revolutionise politics.
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