Bloggers, often considered on the lower rungs of the media ladder, occupy a higher place than radio, TV and newspapers at the Republican convention. They're stationed in the press box at the Xcel Center, up in the rafters looking almost directly down onto the convention floor.
It's an area labeled "Bloggers' Row," and while it may not be convenient to the delegates, it's a prime spot for watching events unfold -- and writing about them in real time.
Amanda Carpenter, national political reporter with Townhall.com, wouldn't mind being closer, but she's not complaining. The Internet works, she said, and they can see the floor.
"Not being able to see the reaction would put us at a disadvantage."
Although blogging was underway in 2004, this year's conventions are the first to be lauded and skewered by a wide range of blogs. Convention officials estimated that at least 100 bloggers have received credentials this week, nearly as many as attended the Democratic convention in Denver last week.
Most of them here have a conservative bent, including Powerline, arguably the most famous blog to come out of Minnesota. A few, notably the New Republic's blog and the Huffington Post, are decidedly liberal.
Conventions are a natural venue for political bloggers, who "are among the most passionate bloggers," said David Erickson, director of e-strategy at Tunheim Partners in Bloomington. "They are more likely than other bloggers to build up a following by their consistency."
Alongside Carpenter and the Townhall crew Tuesday afternoon were bloggers with Red State and Hip Hop Republican, all three national blogs that have won loyal followings, especially among younger conservatives.