K Street Cafe

When Ed Feulner took the helm of The Heritage Foundation more than 30 years ago, one of his principal objectives was getting policy information to Congress quickly. Other think tanks in Washington produced very good research, but more often than not it arrived too late to make a difference.

Staffers searching for policy solutions still turn to Washington’s think tanks for answers. But unlike 30 years ago, there are more voices and countless new ways (such as video) to educate lawmakers. The 24-hour news cycle can also quickly shift a congressional debate over legislation. Failure to respond in a timely fashion can leave you in the dust.

This is where your policy experts play a vital role. These analysts have so much to offer it’s foolish not to take advantage. At most organizations, they’re probably already doing radio and TV interviews to promote their research. At others they might write op-eds to get the word out. But there’s something else they should be doing: blogging.

This past week is a perfect example. With news reports changing by the hour on Capitol Hill about the financial bailout bill, it was difficult to produce a comprehensive policy paper. Analysts at the libertarian Cato Institute were faced with this predicament. But rather than sit on the sidelines, Cato’s analysts turned to their blog. Here’s a quote from David Boaz, executive vice president, in yesterday’s Washington Post:

The talk in the halls and via the virtual water-cooler of e-mail is, “What can you write? Do you have an op-ed?” Boaz says. “Do you have a study? Is there even time for a study? . . . Op-eds and blog items are the best you’re getting.”

Some think tanks approach this differently than others. The Cato-at-Liberty blog features some of the institute’s top policy analysts. The Center for American Progress, on the other hand, relies mostly on a staff of researchers. We’ve embraced something of a hybrid at Heritage’s Foundry: Conn Carroll is a full-time blogger with frequent contributions from policy analysts on their areas of expertise.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it. In fact, this is a great forum to debate the pros and cons of all these approaches.

One thing that’s important to remember is the difference between a detailed policy paper a quick blog post. The former is still very much essential to having a significant impact on Capitol Hill. The latter, however, is rapidly becoming a way to shape a narrative and remain relevant. An strategy that includes both is likely going to the most effective.