  The observation that the extremely broad, blueshifted absorption troughs
which characterize broad absorption line quasars (BALQs) occur exclusively in
radio-quiet quasars (RQQs) suggests that this class of active galactic nuclei
(AGN) may offer important clues to the radio-loud/radio-quiet (RL/RQ) dichotomy
in quasars. Interestingly, there is also substantial observational evidence for
similar, but lower velocity intrinsic absorption outflows in some Seyferts and
radio-loud quasars (RLQs) as well. Theoretically, however, it is difficult to
interpret this broad range of mass ejection phenomena in the context of the
standard model for BALQs. Thus, a new model is considered here in which the
thermal gas producing the blueshifted absorption troughs is associated with a
poorly collimated outflow of weakly radio-emitting plasma -- in essence, a weak
jet. This model provides an appropriate framework not only for assessing the
possible connection between the BAL phenomenon in RQQs and related intrinsic
absorption outflows in stronger radio sources and in less luminous sources,
both of which are known to possess jet-like radio structure, but also for
understanding the RL/RQ dichotomy in light of recent observations which
indicate that at least some RQQs possess central engines that are capable of
producing weak versions of the powerful radio jets characteristic of RLQs.
