The GOP's newest outreach program is a video series hosted by two young party apparachiks named Katie and Mindy, providing remedial education in all things regarding the party. Love the perky background music, although the content is a bit dry. Feels like mid-80s local PBS affiliate stuff, which is kindof interesting and ironic. But what they're trying to do will work if they keep at it. They will generate new faces and personalities with media experience. They'll also disseminate key party ideas.

Mindy: In a nutshell, what is your job as RNC Chairman? What does a national party chairman do?

Mehlman: My job is to work all across the country with men and women who are volunteers and who are supporters who agree with our President's philosophy.

Take note: the GOP has a philosophy. You may or may not believe this to be true, but they certainly do, and it's an effective belief for them. On the left we're still in the midst of transition, burning a lot of clutch. There are beginnings of a left-wing paradigm as well as inclings of a moderate counter-revolution begining to perk up out there. It will be interesting to see where the new consensus forms.

The GOP probably still has a larger grassroots base than the Democrats by the numbers, but much of it is a legacy direct-mail audience and/or centered around talk radio. GOPTeamLeader is a good tool, but in general the left has had the edge online when it comes to organizing and mobilizing volunteers. Of course, the right has scads more money to throw at developing organizations, so in the long run they will catch up unless the off-season political dynamic -- e.g. media, think tanks, local organizing, grassroots development -- changes.

My own position is ticklish. I'm not quite sure where my efforts are best applied. I'm currently trying to figure out whether I'm best off focusing on creating content, organizing, or deploying technology. It's still a muddle now. Hoping it will all settle out a little later on down the line.