French hates Twitter, but understands that he has to use it in order to remain influential.
I love Twitter precisely because it has democratized political commentary and influence.
I love Twitter precisely because it has democratized political commentary and influence.
There are still gatekeeping mechanisms - the blue checkmark, and the hurdle of getting enough followers/friends to ensure your tweets aren't just shouted into the aether.
But once you get over that hurdle, it's game on - and it's a meritocracy.
But once you get over that hurdle, it's game on - and it's a meritocracy.
20 years ago, if you wanted political influence, you needed to persuade someone like Rich Lowry or Bill Kristol to publish you.
Once you had that, you were golden.
But if the gatekeepers kept you out, you were SOL.
Once you had that, you were golden.
But if the gatekeepers kept you out, you were SOL.
In 2019 - the role of gatekeepers is diminished.
If you are an effective political brawler on Twitter and Periscope, you get to be influential - REGARDLESS of what people like Kristol have to say about it.
If you are an effective political brawler on Twitter and Periscope, you get to be influential - REGARDLESS of what people like Kristol have to say about it.
It's simple disruption.
Taxi medallion holders hated that Uber made their "privileges" worthless.
Established commentators at NRO et al. hate that Twitter is devaluing their sinecures.
And putting them under serious competitive pressure.
Taxi medallion holders hated that Uber made their "privileges" worthless.
Established commentators at NRO et al. hate that Twitter is devaluing their sinecures.
And putting them under serious competitive pressure.
Now we are looking at a real meritocracy,
Which is separating the wheat from the chaff, with surprising results.
It turns out that most of the "appointed" commentators can't hack it on Twitter.
And new, effective, ruthless influencers are being forged in its crucible.
Which is separating the wheat from the chaff, with surprising results.
It turns out that most of the "appointed" commentators can't hack it on Twitter.
And new, effective, ruthless influencers are being forged in its crucible.
Trump is just one manifestation.
The revolution is only beginning.
The revolution is only beginning.
