You know, I never really got into the whole College Republican or College Democrat thing in college. In fact, the only time they really even popped up on my radar was when one former Hopkins College Republican shot and killed a student on campus, a rival CR member apparently over some personal issues. That was pretty much the only time I ever really thought about the College Republicans, and then only because a number of my friends knew one or both of the guys involved (small campus and all that).

I bring all this up only because TNR has a long article covering the intrigue and drama in the recent election of the new national College Republican President. So many shenanigans going on here that it just pretty much symbolizes the mess that is American politics today.

Though, this caught my eye:

A few weeks after the convention, I got in touch with the newly reelected president of College Democrats, Grant Woodard of Grinnell College. For his uncontested race, he said he raised $2,000–$198,000 less than Michael Davidson’s estimated take. Unlike the College Republicans, Democratic students are not organized as an independent 527. They reside within the Democratic National Committee and exist largely to supply campaign volunteers. Woodard makes all his calls after 9 p.m., “when I get free cell phone minutes,” he told me. His salary is $75,000 lower than the one Chairman Paul Gourley receives–that is to say, nonexistent. The contrast between the two organizations is remarkably vivid. When the liberal Center for American Progress sent a blogger to the CRNC convention, she returned horrified by what she’d witnessed and sentimental about the Democratic operation: “I much prefer our movement with blue jeans, diversity, goofy kids, birkenstocks and good beer (none of that busch light crap). We’ve definitely gotta step up the field based organizing, but let’s make sure we’re enjoying it. And each other.” Considering their current losing streak, Democrats might want to spend more time contemplating the contrast between the two styles of political education. How often do Birkenstocks trod the road to victory? Can you really count on goofy kids in a knife fight?

Interesting difference? No doubt which one is more effective, though, in the short run…