Netroots Nation: Dean and Clark Inspire, Obama Girl Charms

Former presidential candidates Howard Dean and Gen. Wesley Clark may have brought the most name recognition to Thursday's lineup at Netroots Nation, but it was Obama Girl who captured the gathering's heart.

Netroots Nation is a four-day gathering of progressive bloggers, activists and officeholders taking place through Sunday in Austin. Approximately 2,000 people are expected for the event.

Both Dean and Clark received standing ovations at their appearances Thursday. Dean, the current chairman of the Democratic National Committee, pushed a message of voter registration, while Clark officially kicked off the conference by thanking political bloggers for the impact they've had in recent campaigns.

There was a surge of excitement later in the day when Amber Lee Ettinger, who made a YouTube splash as Obama Girl, dropped by the press room. Here's video from the Stateman's Omar Gallaga, and here's a clip from Texas Monthly's Eileen Smith.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is scheduled to give Friday's keynote address, and copyright scholar Lawrence Lessig and Rep. Donna Edwards are also set to speak this weekend.

There are plenty of sources for continuing coverage. Check out:

• Texas Monthly's Poll Dancing


• The Statesman's Postcards from the Lege


• Burnt Orange Report


• The Dallas Morning News' Trailblazers


• Flickr photo sets for netrootsnation and nn08