Newsweek announced yesterday that it has inked Markos Moulitsas to a contract to contribute to its campaign coverage for the 2008 season.

"We have always sought to represent a diversity of views in Newsweek, and we think Markos will be a great part of that tradition," said Newsweek editor Jon Meacham. "He will give our readers in print and online a unique perspective. As always, our job is to create the most energetic and illuminating magazine possible, and Markos will help us do that as the campaign unfolds."

Moulitsas is certainly energetic. While I was on a Blog World panel last week with Hugh Hewitt and John Hinderaker, the energetic Moulitsas sat in the audience, repeatedly shouting his objections to Hewitt's and Hinderaker's remarks. As for “illuminating,” I guess that’s more of an “eye of the beholder” kind of deal.

Newsweek promises to balance Moulitsas' voice with one from the conservative side. Conservative bloggers are currently atwitter, awaiting Newsweek’s announcement as to who will get called up to the big leagues of professional punditry. Someone even mentioned my name as a candidate. Though flattered and intrigued, I must sadly confess that Newsweek hasn't contacted me. Then again, I have been away from the phone a great deal over the past several days. Perhaps the magazine and I have just been missing each other.

Moulitsas' elevation to Newsweek will trigger a well-deserved paroxysm of triumphalism from the progressive blogosphere. Although Moulitsas’s writing style isn't particularly artistic, he sits atop an important movement. His pronouncements, however awkwardly phrased they tend to be, are in themselves newsworthy. Kudos to Newsweek for recognizing this.

As for finding his opposite number in the conservative blogosphere, good luck to Newsweek with that. Markos is one of a kind.