Except for weather or other breaking local issues, FR is the first site I check in the AM and the last I check in the PM. “News Activism” is as fast as anywhere in breaking a story that interests me.
Most FReepers, like most conservatives, are smart, and they write well, too. Debate is fair, and when someone gets blistered, they usually deserved it. I know I have when I have gotten it.
Also, I think Free Republic has a pretty broad following across the conservative spectrum, which is crucial to lively commentary.
This is the only site I know of where posts often make me laugh out loud. I’m series.