Posted: Sun, Jun. 10, 2012, 7:08 AM

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Last year, the liberal Netroots unleashed their ire on President Barack Obama for short-shrifting the progressive causes they thought he’d champion in the White House. This year, they had a more pressing matter on their minds: a fear that Republicans, backed by the boatloads of cash that helped Scott Walker win in Wisconsin, could make even more gains up and down the ticket — and perhaps even beat Obama in November.

There wasn’t any time or appetite for airing the left’s frustrations with the president. Instead, the conversation at the three-day conference centered around the recent Wisconsin recall election — and what it means for November.

Both in panel discussions and in conversations in the halls of the Rhode Island Convention Center, GOP Gov. Walker’s victory provided the backdrop for a gathering of progressives shocked into attention, not just by the outcome of the nationally watched Wisconsin race but also by the role that outside money played in it.

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Unlike the 2011 Netroots Nation event, which was marked by instances of progressive activists pushing back hard against the White House – one panel was even titled, “What to Do When the President is Just Not that into You” – this year’s convention showcased a progressive movement that has for the most part made its peace with the president.

“Obama should have gone to Wisconsin even if they knew they were going to lose. How can he expect us to fight hard for him when he won’t fight for us?” said Moulitsas. “But that’s not hostility.”

“There isn’t the same level of frustration and disappointment as last year. There’s been some progress,” said Arshad Hasan, executive director for Democracy for America, the progressive group founded by Howard Dean. “I don’t think there’s anyone here that doesn’t want to see Barack Obama re-elected.”

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/politico/RSS_POLITICO20120610_Wisconsin_shadow_hangs_over_Netroots.html