There was a very interesting read on the re-vamped Cambria Politico earlier today, talking about the future of political blogging in Wales.

Tonight, I visited the website of the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) for a shuftie. The 2008 Convention will to be held in Denver between August 25-28.

I quickly realised, the acceptance of blogging has a long way to go in Wales (and indeed the rest of the UK), compared to US politics.

The ‘Media’ section on the DNCC ‘08 website gives the usual information for print and broadcast organisations on how to apply for credentials to attend Denver. However, the DNCC also gives information on the "blogger credentialing process".

The Democrats boast:

"In 2008, the DNCC has made the commitment to significantly expand Convention access for bloggers interested in covering the Convention. In line with the DNCC’s goal to engage more people in the 2008 Convention experience than ever before as well as Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean’s 50-State Strategy, the DNCC will both expand the size of the credentialed blogger pool and also offer for the first time a state blogger credentialing program in 2008. Under this program, the DNCC will offer the opportunity for one blog to be credentialed from each of the 56 states and territories. The DNCC will also credential national bloggers for the 2008 Convention, to include both political and niche bloggers as well as video bloggers from across the country. Bloggers selected for both the DemConvention State Blogger Corps and the General Blogger Pool will be notified in May."

Likewise the GOP, who will be holding the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul between September 1-4 to annoint the "presumed" Presidential nominee, John McCain, are as equally hospitable:

"The 2008 Republican National Convention will utilize numerous mediums – both emerging and traditional – to share our nominee’s vision with the American people. We have a great appreciation for bloggers and the ever-increasing role new media has in providing real-time information and shaping public opinion."

The GOP even go as far as to sub-divide bloggers into "Bloggers Affiliated with Traditional Media Outlets" and "Independent Bloggers".

Where US political parties dare to tread - as a rule - we eventually follow.

(This post first appeared on the Evidently Chickentown Blog on 24th May 2008)