Google Bombing the Repugs

One key to the Republican resurgence that swept the United States was a brilliant communications strategy that harnessed the 'alternative' media to do the far right's bidding. This involved cable outlets, like Fox, and the open-mouth radio gulag of Rush Limbaugh and Michael "Weiner" Savage. The Repugs were able to use those vehicles to set the agenda that mainstream media eventually had to follow.

American progressives have very quietly fought back by claiming the internet as their own. From all accounts they've done a pretty good job of it. Now, with mid-term elections just days away, they're launching an internet offensive - Google bombing.

Google bombing is a means of using embedded hyperlink principles to focus Google searches onto web sites that may not be particularly flattering or supportive of a particular candidate. So far, 50 Republican candidates have been targetted.

The key, according to Chris Bowers who conceived the idea, is to ensure that only credible sources are hyperlinked. Those clicking on the candidate's name must be directed to a legitimate news source, something accurate and believable.

Doubtless this will have some Repugs howling. Unlike the underhanded tactics they use, deceptive attack ads and push-polling for example, Google bombing just relies on truth. No wonder they'll find it so upsetting.