Republicans ask Internet for platform ideas; LOLicy proposals to ensue

Looks like the GOP is hoping a series of tubes can pump new policy ideas into its national platform. Today, the Republican Platform Committee launched a website and facebook application seeking comments from the Internet at large on seven central policy issues, as part of the platform-drafting process that will culminate at the convention in Minneapolis in September.

The website modestly describes itself as “the most grassroots-driven platform development effort in the history of American politics.” There may be room for disagreement on that point (looks like someone overlooked the 1831 Anti-Masonic nominating convention!) but it’s a novel experiment nonetheless. Users can upload videos and post comments in each policy category, and although the interface is a little clunky, the site itself is nicely designed (this glowing ‘08 evokes Obama’s hope-hazy style).

But are the Republicans actually reaching out, or merely opening an avenue for disaster? Considering the Web supremacy of Ron Paul supporters, with the uncanny ability to utterly dominate most every avenue of online discussion, I don’t see the new site producing anything of substance to mainstream Republicans besides another reminder of how far they’ve strayed from their limited-government roots. As of this afternoon, the Paulites were already in action. Like Barack Obama’s now-failed FISA group, this tool could quickly become an embarrassment — especially if anyone tries to moderate the conversation or delete comments. That’s just what today’s GOP deserves.