| It's hard to believe, but today is the Swing State Project's fifth birthday. I started the site all those years ago to focus (as you'd expect) on the swing states in the 2004 presidential election. At the time, we were in the midst of Primary Wars I (only then, of course, it was just the Great Primary War), but I was very eager to discuss the real fight that lay ahead - how we were gonna beat George Bush.
It was in that spirit that I created SSP, truly as a "project" for all those interested in educating themselves about the presidential battleground. I count myself among that number - I was largely a neophyte. Sadly, the 2004 election didn't turn out the way we wanted, but I learned a great deal along that journey nonetheless, and I think a lot of readers did as well.
After the election, I imagined I would shutter the site, but Tim Tagaris convinced me to keep it running and to shift the focus to downballot races. We left the site's name unchanged (leading to much confusion in subsequent years), but focused like a laser on House, Senate and gubernatorial races. The site really found its voice at that time, particularly in the run-up to the OH-02 special election in August of 2005. I certainly felt like I found my blogospheric calling, and it's a niche I've truly grown to love.
Along the way, many people have been vitally important to this site's success. Tim of course was the inspiration and main force behind SSP's transformation into its present form. It goes without saying that James L.'s tremendous hard work, brilliant writing, and wicked sense of humor sustain this site every day. And undoubtedly I'm very grateful to Trent and Crisitunity for joining the team and devoting their time and effort to make this site so excellent.
But most importantly, I have to thank you, the readers. You truly have turned this into more than just a site but a flourishing community of intelligent, inquisitive, and committed Democrats always eager to learn more - and to keep each other on our toes. When people ask me for advice about starting up a new blog, I always say, "Write for yourself - don't expect an audience." But the fact is, there is nothing like the feedback and validation that a thriving community can provide. You guys make it all worthwhile.
So please join me in wishing the Swing State Project a very happy fifth birthday, and to many more to come. To victory in November! |
