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Blogs For Bush Declaration of Victory, Thanks, and Plans for the Future

We did it! Congratulations, George W. Bush will be President for four more years!

We've waited a long time for this. It was a long night Tuesday night, and a lot of hard work paid off. A year ago today Blogs For Bush officially launched. The idea came to me in late July of 2003 and in just a matter of months we had a great team put together and the site launched on Election Day. Today, a year later, we are celebrating George W. Bush's victory as well as the one-year anniversary of Blogs For Bush.

If you asked me back then I was nervous about the site. I had never headed up a project like this before and was not sure what the future held for it. At the time, blogs were considered a liberal phenomenon – the liberal alternative to talk radio, so to speak.

I think it goes without saying that that stereotype is wrong. We proved it wrong. Today we can confidently say that the collective voice of the blogosphere echoes conservative values, and those values resonate with a majority of Americans.

As we look back on the victory Tuesday's election brought us, and we can relax and say to ourselves, "Job well done."

The success of Blogs For Bush was in your hands, not mine, and I am humbled by the interest and enthusiasm you put into building up the strong community that exists here. I never would have guessed just how far we would come.

Running Blogs For Bush has been a lot of hard work. I never could foresee the commitment it would require nor the personal sacrifices that would have to be made, but the goal was a worthy one, and the rewards were worth it. Since launching, we've been recognized by the Republican National Committee and the Bush-Cheney Campaign. I was given the honor and privilege to represent Blogs For Bush at the Republican National Convention.

I've also had the pleasure of meeting lots of great people...so many deserve my thanks, and I'd like to recognize a few of them now. Without the help of Rachel Jurado and Russ Emerson, Blogs For Bush would have never gotten off the ground. Their collective experience made my vision of Blogs For Bush a reality. Kevin Patrick, Mark Noonan, and Paul Lewis, three of the original writers to join the team, have been responsible for great deal of content on this site. Without their insight and writing skills Blogs For Bush would not have become what it is today... And without Kevin I would have had to pay a ridiculous amount of money to stay at a hotel in New York during the Republican National Convention. The entire writing team has included people who have come and gone, but each of their contributions have been valuable to the success of Blogs For Bush.

Many people have offered advice and support along way, particularly Patti Dahlstrom of Babes For Bush and John Kim, author of Playing A Bad Lie. There are others... you know who you are.

I also greatly appreciate everyone who has sent words of encouragement, tips, and other e-mails. I may not have been able to respond to everyone, but your desire to help meant a lot.

Our combined energies and efforts have helped bring George W. Bush to victory. Our grassroots efforts have proven to be stronger than the war chests of George Soros and MoveOn.org. We have proven that America does not belong to Hollywood, Michael Moore, or the mainstream media.

But our job is not done. This is just one victory out of many we are sure to have in the battles that await us.

Which brings me to the future of Blogs For Bush.

There has been no question I have received more often than "What is going to happen to Blogs For Bush after the election?" For a long time I avoided dealing with this question, for I wanted to remain focused on the goal of victory on Election Day. However, the time has come for you all to be in the know.

Blogs For Bush will live on. We have built something incredible that has yet to realize its full potential, and we have to continue because one victory does not guarantee that future battles will be won automatically. We have to continue to grow and remain stronger than those who have goals that starkly contrast our own.

Over the next four years, we have the important job of keeping President Bush's legacy from being attacked. Eventually, future candidates will emerge, and we'll have to make sure the strongest ones represent us.

On Inauguration Day 2005, Blogs For Bush will be re-launched as GOPBloggers.org. We're going to take everything we've learned the past year and take it to the next level. The power of blogs has yet to be fully realized, and we're going to write the book on it.

Let's look forward with optimism, accept the challenges that await us, and do what's right for our country.

God Bless America, and God Bless George W. Bush!

Matt Margolis blogged for Bush at 8:00 AM in category General

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Comments

Amen. Congrats on a job really well done. I'll be here for any and every future fight we battle together.

Posted by: John Kim at November 4, 2004 01:29 AM

Matt and the rest of the B4B gang. I want you all to know how very much I appreciate your efforts and I would be honored to continue to be part of the great B4B team that will continue the effort to support Conservative ideals and candidates.

Like B4B I too will be making a change of name, I will be retiring my email address that you all use to contact me with. It just won't have the same meaning to me over the next four years that it did the last two. I was a direct slam at Moore’s Bowling for Columbine, ah “documentary” Unless of course Howard Dean is back on the radar screen in 2008, then I am going to re-activate it.

I will advise you of that change as soon as I can think of another perfect one.

Paul Lewis
Cincinnati Ohio - home of 20 Electoral votes that Kerry had no chance of getting

bowlingforhowarddean@yahoo.com

Posted by: Paul lewis at November 4, 2004 01:54 AM

I'm really pleased to hear that you guys will continue to be the center of conservative blogosphere! The power of information and media streams cannot be denied, and I believe B4B proved that this year! Amazing job....

Posted by: Scott D at November 4, 2004 01:59 AM

*Bear Hugs Matt!*

OH YEAH! I knew you'd do something like this. Way to go man! You know I'll be there as B4B moves to GB's (Hmm.. we'll work on a shorthand. ;) ) for you've started more than just a site, more than just a community, you've started a movement. No not alone, and no, not just B4B, but you can deffinetly look back on this year and go, "It all started here."

So once again you get my thanks, my congratulations, and of course my praise. If ever our paths should cross in real life be prepared to get the squeezing of your life! :)

Four more Years of Bush and many more years of sucesses for everyone here at B4B!

Posted by: Gozer at November 4, 2004 02:07 AM

Matt, on behalf of many in here, congratulations once more and we look forward to the relauch. I posted on a thread that this is indeed evolving into a longer-term political struggle, certainly evidenced by arrogant and hostile remarks I saw posted tonight by the other side on their key blogs. You are correct, they certainly will not rest and their battle is only continuing with us as they see it.

I am hopeful that your key writers can stay with us, we need framework to lay context to the issues at hand. They all did an outstanding job.

Posted by: WK at November 4, 2004 02:09 AM

Matt just one more I told you so :)

In the bottom line of that post

"John Kerry will not win Ohio."

p.s. is it too early to say "Ken Blackwell for Governor of Ohio, 2006"?

Posted by: Paul lewis at November 4, 2004 02:14 AM

Count me and my tiny, insignificant ramblings in, Matt! Thanks SO MUCH to you and everyone here who worked tirelessly to counteract the MSM slant and uphold our President's reputation! I believe it really made a difference. What a great bunch of people.

I hope you all had a good nap this afternoon. :-)

Posted by: irregardless at November 4, 2004 02:25 AM

I'm glad that everyone here at Blogs for Bush and all of the bloggers on the blog roll were able to come together in a sustained effort to make sure this election came out the right way. After a fantastic effort we have emerged the victors in this race and for good reasons.

Like a lot of people in the blogosphere have been saying today... there is much more to do. I look forward to doing my part but probably most of all I look forward seeing everyone come together to help keep this country on the right track. Four more years!

Thanks,
Zach

Posted by: zach at November 4, 2004 03:09 AM

Matt thansk for the incredible job you did. You inspired all of us to participate...and to use our own blogs to their utmost potential. Your efforts surely assisted in the relection of the President.

I for one look forward to a continued joint effort by all of us to keep this country going in the right direction. I look forward to workign along with you in doing that!

Posted by: Aaron at November 4, 2004 03:15 AM

Matt, ya tryin' to get rid of me by changin' the site name?:)
Great job, congrats, and here's to:
FOOOOOOOOOOUR MORE YEARS!4

Posted by: pd at November 4, 2004 03:37 AM

The Plan sounds great.

Posted by: Dave J at November 4, 2004 04:27 AM

Glad to hear it. :)

Posted by: rachel at November 4, 2004 04:32 AM

I wanted to give you guys a pat on the back for your fine, fine work this year.

I was here on a daily basis, muliple times, to get the scoop.

Good work all BFB people.

Posted by: Bill at November 4, 2004 05:18 AM

Thank you Matt and the b4b team for giving all of us a voice.

And thank you George W. Bush for giving all of us 4 more years.

Posted by: Faye at November 4, 2004 06:17 AM

*bear hugs Matt*

I know we only just met, but made me feel welcome, and for that I thank you - I am thrilled that you will go on, and I will be proud to continue adding my comments - and my support - to this wonderful site - your dedication and your determination makes me proud to be an American -

God Bless you, Matt - you are a Great American -

*raises tea* - to the future! -

*kiss*

let's roll -

Posted by: twinheart at November 4, 2004 07:26 AM

You guys have been my salvation since I found you some months ago. Yesterday, I felt like the good guys won (not that the others were bad guys). I feel like although the elites will minimize our impact by saying we're 'simple' or 'uneducated' - we know the truth (which makes it even more satisfying!). I look forward to transitioning with you in January! Great job. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK!

Posted by: Kathleen A at November 4, 2004 07:26 AM

Let's all take a few days to celibrate our victory, then prepare for the battle ahead. There is much left to do...

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it's queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there's some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Posted by: Scaramonga at November 4, 2004 07:26 AM

CBS has still not called the election...HA HA HA... This has been a great site for an outsider like me, I travel to the US frequently and yes I pay taxes to your government for the goods I purchase from there..The greatest like I have for the US is that it has NOT become like Europe, and as long as the Republicans are in, it will NOT become like Europe.

As an Australian with Christian values I say... good on ya mates...

Dont let up now, you have to work for Dubya's replacement to succeed.....dont put your tools down for one minute...the fight is NOT OVER by a long shot.

Posted by: Joe Bananas...in Pyjamas at November 4, 2004 07:36 AM

Congratulations and thank you, Matt and the entire B4B universe :o) It's gonna be fun...I'm looking forward to the journey.

Posted by: Virginia at November 4, 2004 07:54 AM

I've already changed the name of my Bookmark. Where's the Favicon? =:-}
Congrats on a great, great job.

Let's keep GW tacking to the right.
Let me ask a question: Can I delete my old 'blog, which was on your Blogroll, and re-enter the Blogroll with a new 'blog?

Posted by: fd10801 at November 4, 2004 08:17 AM

Much thanks to Matt and all the gang here. You've become my "must see" blog everyday and I'm glad to see that it's not going away, perhaps just changing a little. We still have much to do, there are those on the Left that still do not get it, even after the mandate the President has clearly been given. A look at the NYT headlines today shows just how out of touch the liberal East remains. Perhaps they'll never get on board fully but get on board they must. We need to be vigilant, always on guard.

Keep up the good work!

BillOH, from the great state of OHIO

Posted by: Bill OH at November 4, 2004 08:22 AM

Thank you for all the information. I've enjoyed the comments from everyone on your boards and will continue to utilize your site for the real info!

GO GWB!
Tony

Posted by: Tony at November 4, 2004 08:36 AM

((((((((((((((((((((((((Matt))))))))))))))))))))))

Thank you, Matt & Co. I could not have kept my spirits up without y'all, and talk radio. We can't let them win in the future either!

Listening to the lefties on Fox News this morning convinces me that we have to keep up the good work, folks. "there's nothing wrong with us" seems to permeate the greater part of their rhetoric. The only one I've heard who admits they have a problem within the party is James Carville. Maybe wife Mary is turning him to our side? LOL

Posted by: DagneyT at November 4, 2004 08:46 AM

Fantastic and Congratulations!

You have no idea what this site has meant to us. It's been like an oasis in a dry and weary land and a safehaven for those tossed about by the storms of life. Thanks for providing us a place of refuge and encouragement.

In so many ways, the real work is still before us all. The liberal mindset has been dealt a serious blow but they are still a dangerous enemy. Eternal vigilance is still the best policy concerning our country's enemies, both foreign and domestic.

Anyway, God Bless You, and thanks again for all your hard work, perseverance, and love of the Truth.

Posted by: Michigan Dawg at November 4, 2004 08:51 AM

You guys were my reality check during the hard workdays of October when the "polls" were showing very little to be happy with, and for that I thank you. On Election Day, I was one of the thousands of Bush/Cheney '04 volunteers first knocking on doors here in New Hampshire, then non-stop phone banking right up to 7:30PM. I watched 10 minutes of "election returns" on FNC, and being emotionally and physically exhausted I turned the tube off and went to bed with the knowledge that win or loose I did everything humanly possible for the re-election of George Bush. Around 1AM I woke up, afraid to turn on the TV for fear of what I may see, I went to bolgsforbush.com I scrolled down the election night thread and my heart started beating wildly hoping upon hope that this would hold true! I raced to the TV, turned on FNC just as they called Alaska for President Bush and gave him 269 EV's. I just lost it. I screamed "WE WON" so loud I think my poor cat is still hiding from me. My wife, who supported my 100+ hours of election volunteer efforts by "holding down the fort" all month at our business, jumped up from a sound sleep and we hugged and cried together. My heartfelt thanks for all of you guys who stayed up all night and reported this historic victory. I'll never forget where I found out WE WON first!!

Posted by: Bush4ever at November 4, 2004 08:57 AM

Right on! I had a feeling you wouldn't give up the fight for the right! You've all done an awesome job!! Whatever you need from me, just ask!

We have lots of work ahead. The MSM last night was on a roll ... however, not as much, because I think they're all still in shock. Tee hee hee.

My leftie neighbor asked me to take down my Bush/Cheney sign "You already won. Why have it up still?" I told her that I'm keeping it up ALL week. And when I get my Blogs For Bush shirt, I'll wear it with pride!!

God bless President Bush, Blogs for Bush, the future GOPBloggers.org and God bless America!!

Posted by: kimberly4bush at November 4, 2004 09:15 AM

Thank you so much Matt and the B4B team. You have done an outstanding job and deserve to be very proud.

Viva B4B and GOPBloggers.org!

I have also very much enjoyed the community of people here offering insights, comments, and links to articles.

I honestly believe the re-election of President Bush was helped immensely by B4B and other similar blogs. Without all of you, I cringe to think of the BS that would have flown under the radar.

VIVA BUSH!

Posted by: KJC at November 4, 2004 09:32 AM

thanks Matt & B4B.

you gave me a home after the lefty blogs banned me because I would NOT speak "pc" about lieutenant kerry...and I'm a Scoop Jackson Dem & a veteran.

but I became horrified at my own party after the lefties took control & tried to emulate the eurosocialists.

now I'm an Ohio independent who voted for W.

please remember that we in the center are social moderates (to be sure, defense hawks & pro-business) but more like Rudi & Ahh-nold in public policy.

if those on the far right drive the GOP social adgenda then you too will become slowly marginialized just as happened to the dems after the lefties took over.

still & all...quite a victory.

here's to the 2d term!!!

Posted by: OriginalOrrin at November 4, 2004 10:21 AM

YAY!

Posted by: Duane at November 4, 2004 11:08 AM

Thanks Matt and the B4B Team

Thanks for being here and taking all bloggers for Bush to victory.

I also want to say thanks for inspiring me to create BUSH Over Kerry way back in March.

Job well done and I am looking forward to GOPBloggers.org. Who knows, may it is time for me to start up REPUBLICANS Over Democrats. Like you have said, there is more work to be done.

GO W!!

Posted by: BUSH over Kerry at November 4, 2004 12:08 PM

Thank you for continuing Blogs For Bush! It's a terrific site and one I rely on for current, verifiable information. You have done the hard work and a GREAT job, and I am grateful.

The battle has just begun! The MSM has already released a story about Sen. Spector (which is being discredited) trying to sow dissention in the Republican Senate. We need this site MORE THAN EVER! They will not relent and neither will we.

Power to the Blogs!

Posted by: Jim at November 4, 2004 12:31 PM

Matt,

Great job! Thanks for opening my eyes to the support structure that exists for all of us. You inspired me to start my own blog for the President and I look forward to it continuing to grow and to working with you and your team to advance the President's agenda and to setting the stage for victories in '06 and '08.

All the best,

Malarchuck

Posted by: Malarchuck at November 4, 2004 01:28 PM

Awesome! B4B has been a great source of info for me this election season. Thank you for that!

Will you have cool buttons/graphics for us to use to link to GOPB? Just checking...

Posted by: BethW at November 4, 2004 01:36 PM

Thanks for a job well done. I usually pop in here several times a day and enjoy all the posts immensly.

I'm honored to be part of the blogroll and look forward to being part of the relaunch in January.

4 more years!

Posted by: Carstairs at November 4, 2004 02:31 PM

Great job!! Many kudos for all your hard work.

Posted by: Warren at November 4, 2004 02:55 PM

Super Job!! I am looking forward to more interesting reading.

Posted by: WarrenPost at November 4, 2004 02:56 PM

Can you stand one more? WONDERFUL!! This site and the Wall Street Journal editorial page has saved my sanity during this election.

BIG THANKS!!

Posted by: SueB at November 4, 2004 03:12 PM

Sorry, I have to disagree. You have a great concept, a central clearing house for a lot of writing.

However, not everyone here was a Republican. There were Democrats, Libertarians, Independents, etc.

The common unifying theme was the re-election of President Bush.

Joining up for GOPBloggers.org might not be for everyone.

Since the AP, UPI, and Reuters have disgraced themselves, you could have become the Associated Blogs, United Bloggers International, or some other name.

Good Luck to you, great job, but I'm not a great follower of the Republican Party.

Thanks.

Posted by: patch at November 4, 2004 07:05 PM

Since the AP, UPI, and Reuters have disgraced themselves, you could have become the Associated Blogs, United Bloggers International, or some other name.

Patch - that is a great idea. i understand where Matt is coming from and I support his ideas but there is a lot of merit in yours too.

Posted by: Scaramonga at November 4, 2004 07:39 PM

The idea behind "GOPBloggers" is that its about organizing grassroots activity through blogs. I don't like the idea of trying to emulate the media.

Posted by: Matt M. at November 4, 2004 07:46 PM

This is a "must visit" site for me several times a day. So glad it will continue on.

Pat - in the great state of Texas

Posted by: olderthandirt at November 4, 2004 11:58 PM

You also have to be very careful not to become lemmings. Be critical but fair, because there's a *lot* of room for improvement in the Bush administration.

Posted by: Ted at November 5, 2004 10:18 AM

Good work, Matt. I'm totally pumped that GWB won four moere years. Yep, I'll be part of GOP bloggers. Guess I'll keep that GOP news script on my blog.

Posted by: Helen at November 5, 2004 11:00 AM