FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Third annual gathering of the Netroots to be held July 17–20 in Austin, TX

July 7, 2008--Netroots Nation organizers announced today that Harold Ford Jr. and Markos Moulitsas will participate in a Friday keynote discussion on party infrastructure.

One of Netroots Nation’s goals, organizers say, is to examine the future of the progressive movement. This discussion between Moulitsas, founder of Daily Kos, and the current chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council will give attendees a chance to hear a range of views on questions such as where and how should we build infrastructure in order to create positive change in Washington DC.

“This year’s election is a chance for Democrats to establish a governing majority in Washington. Netroots Nation has been, and will continue to be, an important part of the coalition that produces victory and this historic opportunity,” Ford said. “I’m delighted to be invited and proud to be participating in this critical conversation.”

The session begins at noon and will be moderated by Arshad Hasan, Executive Director of Democracy for America. After a moderated discussion, attendees will have a chance to ask questions. The event is open to the media.

Netroots Nation 2008 will feature panels led by national and international experts, including keynotes with Nancy Pelosi, Gov. Howard Dean, Lawrence Lessig and Van Jones; identity, issue and regional caucuses; prominent political, issue and policy-oriented speakers; and the most concentrated gathering of progressive bloggers to date.

Other confirmed speakers include: Rep. Brad Miller, State Rep. Rick Noriega, Calif. Secretary of State Debra Bowen, Paul Krugman, Rick Perlstein, Darcy Burner, James Rucker, John Dean, Andrea Batista Schlesinger and many more.

Netroots Nation rebranded in August of 2007 in an effort to more accurately reflect the makeup of its audience and mission of implementing programs that teach and empower Netroots communities to affect change in the public sphere. The 2007 gathering last August included a Presidential Leadership Forum that drew seven of the eight Democratic candidates.

For more information about Netroots Nation or to request credentials, please visit www.netrootsnation.org/press.

ABOUT NETROOTS NATION
Netroots Nation amplifies progressive voices by providing an online and in-person campus for exchanging ideas and learning how to be more effective in using technology to influence the public debate. Within that campus, we strengthen community, inspire action and serve as an incubator for progressive ideas that challenge the status quo and ultimately affect change in the public sphere.

##

 Media