While checking my list of blogs in the past few days, I am amazed by the sudden debate concerning Wal-Mart. See
http://www.tpmcafe.com/ for some of the debate. What is so great is that the debate is occuring. I don't see conservatives having a debate of this nature, it would be what is the talking point, and to that we stick.
The dissent and exchange of ideas taking place seems spontaneous, not a carefully chosen topic to use as a wedge. This is a strength, even if it can be used electorally to hurt liberals. These debates are where we gain strength, and improve our ideas. Even if we don't agree with a given author.