Just an observation.
The political blogs on JU were much more lively during the Bush years. After the 2008 election and throughout 2009 the volume of political banter has decreased dramatically as far as I can see. What exactly are the reasons for this?
1. Everything that is happening in this country today is just wonderful? I don't believe many feel this way, but you never know.
2. The majority of the JU left only engages when they don't have the White House or a majority in Congress? Many of the left here, both moderate and far, have virtually disappeared. Oh there are some, but mostly regulated to folks from outside the country (many of those pulling strongly for the newly diminished USA) and others that hide in their access restricted blogs (much easier to control the content that way... go free speech! LOL). Are they all content now? Or, as some claim, driven off by the evil conservatives on JU? That leads me to the next possibility.
3. Is JU is just inhospitable to left thinkers, liberals particularly? IMO there are maybe a dozen conservatives (if that) that post regularly on JU... a far cry from the opposition's views on say Huffington Post or the Daily Kos, and hardly an imposing force. Like any blog (that allows comment) one presents their idea/position on a particular subject then either defend their comment or ignore any directed responses. It all boils down to how far you are willing to "support" your beliefs and convictions, and if you can do so convincingly.
4. Could some be a little embarrassed about positions they once held in light of the present situations? Possibly. I believe this would apply mainly to Independents, some of which may feel they have been mislead. To them I would say, the past cannot be changed (as far as we know) so that does not invalidate what you have to say now. If anything you have better insight now than most.
5. It not polite to criticize a Democratic administration, or especially a black president? Satire has always favored the left, IMO. Cobert, Stewart, and a host of others made/make a good living off of it (where's the "Lil Obama" cartoon on Comedy Central?) Perhaps the left can't tolerate a joke at their own expense, it does appear that way. Then there is the fear of being labeled as a racist. Nobody that feels they aren't, like this term applied to them. The Democrats have used this quite effectively to stifle criticism at all levels, never mind the fact that the head of the RNC is black. Some may not voice legitimate policy concerns without invoking these accusations (i.e. Tea Party goers). Only so much room for compassion from the liberal, peace and love left I suppose. Racism is real, but quite far from the boogie man of the past. We've heard a lot about "fear" tactics" lately. I just hear hypocrisy.
6. Better Red than Dead? Some are quite please the direction the nation is (forcibly) headed for. Criticism of even small setbacks would impede the endgame. Much better to keep quiet.
7. Everything was just so much worse under Bush? No doubt some feel this way. From my perspective, things didn't start getting bad until 2007-2008, when the Dem's had control of Congress (remember Reid and Pelosi calling for retreat in Iraq {it was lost} and pushing for the stimulus spending packages {that now solely rests with Bush}). Seems everything just compounded since they now have a super-majority. Your mileage may vary. I did not care for the spending the republicans did, nor letting Feddie and Fanny take on toxic debt, just because they felt a need to throw Dem's a bone (see Barney Frank).
Now some issues are still being debated in depth, Global Warming comes to mind. Topic's about the war's, that many conservatives support and were the bane to the left, are suddenly silent now that "their" guy is running the show. In comparison, the bailouts started by Bush raised the ire of JU conservatives.
If I may use a quote from the film "Zombieland", "Nut up or shut up". It appears the left on JU has, for the most part, chosen the later.