Live from Chicago: Forum reaction

The traditional media had our leadership forum well covered. Here's a sampling of what the press are writing about the event. First, a nod to the New York Times - here's a short excerpt from The Caucus:

That concluded perhaps the most spirited and vigorous encounter of the Democratic candidates yet.

[...]

We caught up with Joan McCarter, a contributing editor to
DailyKos and one of the moderators of the panel. She was thrilled with the way it went, saying the candidates seemed to feed off the energy in the room.

She said the moderators were aiming for a more sophisticated debate than what transpired on YouTube last month, in which candidates were asked questions via video submitted by the public.

“We wanted to reflect that we have a highly involved, high-information audience, and we wanted to reflect their concerns,” she said.

The exchange on lobbyists and whether the candidates would accept their money, she said, “was one of the most honest moments we’ve had.”

The AP's Ron Fournier analyzes the impact of the netroots community:

The Kos convention is a sign of the times.

Gone are the days when candidates and political parties could talk to passive voters through mass media, largely controlling what messages were distributed, how the messages went out and who heard them. The Internet has helped create millions of media outlets and given anyone the power to express an opinion or disseminate information in a global forum, and connect with others who have similar interests.

And The Fix chimes in on the high and low points for each contender:

Seven of the eight Democratic candidates for president just spent 90 rollicking minutes answering questions and -- occasionally -- jabbing each other in the marquee event of this year's YearlyKos gathering.

The crowd, which packed into a ballroom at the McCormick Convention Center, was vocally involved throughout the forum. Wild cheering dominated but a few candidates were greeted with stony silence or even booing and hissing.

I'll try and post more reaction later tonight.