Launched by the Washington Post Company, the site offers a compelling look at politics through Washington's key players and personalities. So far, it boasts 250 profiles of a range of influential politicians, including members of the new presidential administration, Pentagon officials, lawmakers, senior congressional aides and committee staff. It also includes profiles of those related to officials, such as Michele Obama and Jill Biden.
According to a news release, the site eventually will be expanded to include state officials and experts at think tanks and interest groups. Conspicuously missing are profiles of the recently departed political crowd, including Bush and Cheney.
The profiles are richly detailed and well-written, each providing in-depth information on policy experience and life story, starting with a blunt "Why He/She Matters" section. The reader can quickly branch out for additional information via links to the individual's key political associates, related news stories and a voluminous number of footnoted resources used to write the profile.
A discussion feature lets readers leave comments, but a quick check of some of the better-known names, including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Rahm Emanuel, revealed no scuttlebutt as of yet.
Another feature, which did not seem to be working yet in this beta version, lets readers see who has made changes to a profile and compare versions.
The Watch option lets visitors add a profile to a list they can monitor for changes by visiting a page on the site or by requesting an RSS feed. Eventually, users will be able to opt for the convenience of automated e-mails, according to the site's FAQ.
Currently only a dedicated Post editorial staff and hand-picked outside contributors can create or edit a WhoRunsGov profile. A spokesperson said visitors to the site could expect to see about 15 new profiles added every day. Eventually, the site will evolve into a moderated wiki that lets users submit suggested changes to profiles and create their own, with publication pending approval of the site's editorial team.
"This is the first phase of a new venture to create a uniquely collaborative and rich information resource that demystifies the individuals behind Washington's policy-making process," said site editor Rachel Van Dongen in a news release. "The site gives political, business and opinion leaders, as well as students, educators and engaged citizens, a destination for crucial, real-time information on Washington's key players. And it will be a free resource for all."
Disclosure: Industry Standard writer Sindya Bhanoo contributed to the WhoRunsGov.com profiles.