Well that was a bit of fun, wasn’t it?
Later this week I will post some more information and feedback I’ve received from Saturday’s Virtual Town Hall. Some is purely anecdotal, some is just raw data. From early reaction it sounds as though the Executive Board of the Party, many members, and the Leadership candidates saw value in the exercise and appear to have embraced it for the future. Media coverage has been by and large positive, too.
Whether it played a role in determining the outcome of yesterday’s race is not for me to say.
Some Monday morning observations:
1. Last week the media were talking about the number nominated NDP candidates. This week they’re talking about (a) the seven contenders for Liberal leader and (b) the 3400-plus households that participated in the Virtual Town Hall. That’s a good turnaround.
2. Leading up the contest, many were lamenting the possibility of the Party turning back to the past. Now, they’re describing the Liberal Party as “surging to the front lines of technological, participatory democracy“.
3. Some potential candidates, and a few other voices, questioned the fairness of a process that lacked proper consultation. That criticism seems to have been muted.
4. Finally, for those Liberals who vehemently disagree with the notion of memberships, lists or voter registration within the party – Saturday was tangible proof of the desire for participation – a desire that can only be met with sufficient adequate data. Membership isn’t about asking individuals to do something, it’s about creating the means to offer them something – legitimate participation. With a sensible membership structure, the next Liberal Town Hall could have over 34,000 participants, rather than 3400. Food for thought.
