Report: GOP offers RNC chairmanship to Michael Steele
posted at 12:52 am on November 10, 2006 by Allahpundit
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[L]ast night, Republican officials told The Times that Mr. Steele, who lost his bid for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, has been sought out to succeed Mr. Mehlman as national party chairman. Those Republican officials said Mr. Steele had not made a decision whether to take the post, as of last night.
Other Republican Party officials said some Republican National Committee (RNC) members, including state party chairmen, have mounted a move to have Mr. Steele succeed Mr. Mehlman.
But they said that President Bush’s political adviser Karl Rove, who is Mr. Mehlman’s mentor, would rather see Mr. Steele serve in the president’s Cabinet, perhaps as secretary of Housing and Urban Development. These officials said no one has actually offered Mr. Steele either the RNC post or a Cabinet post.
Steele spokesman Doug Heye said last night that “I don’t know of any conversations that Lt. Gov. Steele has had on this topic, but I can tell you that there are many people who have said he would be an ideal candidate, based on the race he ran this year.”
Let the blackface photoshops begin!
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Nonono, Cheney needs to step down and let Steele be appointed VP.
One can dream can’t one?
- The Cat
MirCat on November 10, 2006 at 12:57 AM
But in all honesty, this would be like the best thing ever.
- The Cat
MirCat on November 10, 2006 at 12:59 AM
This would be outstanding. Steele will run the party right into the White House, Congress, and Senate in 08. He is a charismatic guy and does not have to run a smear campaign. Also he is a Conservative not a rino.
Dittohead on November 10, 2006 at 1:02 AM
Hey now, I like Steele but nobody messes with Cheney! ;)
tiekitwist on November 10, 2006 at 1:03 AM
Cold Steele.
tommy1 on November 10, 2006 at 1:03 AM
HUD??????? Talk about the boondocks. Nothing good would come from Steele being placed in HUD.
This man has a lot more potential then to be put into that post. If the Reps think it will help with the minority vote they are wrong. He needs FOREIGN policy exposure.
HUD would be a total waste of this man’s talent.
Limerick on November 10, 2006 at 1:04 AM
Appointed by whom?
Christoph on November 10, 2006 at 1:05 AM
…he makes us feel good…let’s see how he does. It’s OK if he takes up the gauntlet to still feel good, but scrutinize him closely…we need leadership…a lot more than we need to feel good about party or ourselves….
Puritan1648 on November 10, 2006 at 1:09 AM
Hard Steele -
Real Steele!
He is not only what the Republican party needs, but what America needs!!!!!!!
Emmett J. on November 10, 2006 at 1:10 AM
I guess there will be exactly one more black man as RNC chair as there is living in Howard Dean’s home state of Vermont! :-D
Sorry, couldn’t resist. Get ‘em Steele!
tommy1 on November 10, 2006 at 1:13 AM
we need leadership…a lot more than we need to feel good about party or ourselves…. –Puritan
AMEN!….This guy is good. This guy has great potential. Groom him. Don’t bury him. Don’t give him SecState but find someplace where he can benefit the party and most importantly the country. HUD is a no go for me. That would be a slap in this mans face.
Limerick on November 10, 2006 at 1:14 AM
Can’t to hear what Belafonte says about this if it happens…
SouthernGent on November 10, 2006 at 1:20 AM
Amen and amen!
If being GOP party head is the best place to put Steele go for it, but let’s not waste this guy!
He is so articulate, handsome and right-thinking! (A gazillion times more telegenic than Mehlman!)–I would love for him to be the “face” of the GOP!
Jen the Neocon on November 10, 2006 at 1:22 AM
Like Harry himself, that’s a no-brainer…the first word is “house-”….
Puritan1648 on November 10, 2006 at 1:24 AM
What the ….???
I think I feel a Donald Trump Apprentice moment coming on…
Karl, you’re fired.
EFG on November 10, 2006 at 1:28 AM
I don’t get the hud thing either, but this really is great news, i hope he takes it.
Scot on November 10, 2006 at 1:33 AM
Seriously, who the hell puts a guy like Steele in some BS cabinet position?
V15J on November 10, 2006 at 1:35 AM
Karl Rove needs to take a hike. Steele is what we need.
tommy1 on November 10, 2006 at 1:35 AM
Nonono… Bush should be the one stepping down, not Cheney.
Two years of Cheney-Steele would be a welcome pick-me-up after this nightmare from hell.
Watcher on November 10, 2006 at 1:37 AM
…black = HUD. Lime’s right. It would be a slap in the face.
A cabinet secretary’s post would be grooming, but the thing to do here is to put the black man into a national *leadership* position and expect him to perform…at a time when leadership is critical, after a disaster….
…and, do it in part *BECAUSE* he’s black. Don’t do it to show that the Republicans are more “enlightened” than the Dems. Don’t do it for political points. Don’t do it because blacks are in a special, “cadet” category, and it’s time to reach into the black bag *for once* to see what he can do.
Do it to show the nation that, Democrat or Republican, we’ve grown up as a nation.
Should he succeed, let there be no more of this “first black left-handed assistant secretary for human relations” garbage. Put the man in because we think he can do it, and expect him to perform…keep an eye on him. Should he succeed, say that it’s because he was the man for the job…the *MAN* for the job. Not the black or white or rich or poor or Ivy League or land-grant college or silver spoon or up-from-his-bootstraps man for the job…he was just the man for the job.
…if he fails, get another man who won’t…black or white…no matter.
Don’t cut him slack. If the party fails again, he’s failed. Watch him as we should’ve all along been watching and demanding from Mehlman. He was a non-person and is getting off easy.
Give Steele the job and expect him to lead.
For my part, I have to admit that I like what I’ve seen of Steele. The man impresses me. I think he’ll do it.
Puritan1648 on November 10, 2006 at 1:44 AM
Grebrook,
Just like the GOP pandered with Collin Powell, Condoleeza Rice, Elaine Chao and Norman Mineta?
gmoonster on November 10, 2006 at 1:52 AM
…operatives from what I assume is the your party toss oreos at the man, and you have the gall to mouth horse-hockey about “race baiting”?!
…first of all, looking up the word “baiting” in this context.
…then, look into the attitude of entitlement displayed so brazenly by that party and worldview you here champion…that which says that blacks and hispanics are, dismissively, “natural Democrats”. The Democratic Party hasn’t *earned* their support. They simply expect.
…finally, when you’re done with that bit of homework, talk to the hand…the hand might listen….
Puritan1648 on November 10, 2006 at 1:55 AM
Steele for RNC Chair!
Rove for following Rumsfeld out the door.
Hey Grebrook, it’s interesting that instead of being happy with your victory, you seem to feel the need to be a partisan racist hateful troll. Obviously liberals just can’t contain their compulsion to hate, even when they win. You’re pathetic.
infidel4life on November 10, 2006 at 1:57 AM
That’s total bullshit, dude. He’s well spoken and intelligent. Which puts him above several other politicians.
I don’t believe he’s God’s gift to politics, but your basically implying he’s the token nigger is offensive and plain wrong.
He is an accomplished ran who came within a sliver of winning in a highly Democratic state. I don’t think he’s ready to be a 2008 Presidential nominee as strong>AJStrata at strata-sphere.com calls for here. But your “analysis” is disrespectful and flippant.
*”He is an accomplished Man,” I meant to say if and when my comment ever shows up
Christoph on November 10, 2006 at 1:57 AM
He’s black. That’s his qualifications and we all know it. He has no more potential or charisma than any other cliche
How racist of you to imply that these folks got where they’re at because of race.
Most people in America believe that Michael Steele is a good man.
Again, how racist of you to believe otherwise. I suppose that you could not acknowledge the accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and other civil rights leaders? In your book were they all successful only because?
How sad that you have to stoop to that level to make even a weak point.
Emmett J. on November 10, 2006 at 2:00 AM
Ya’ know, George H.W. Bush was the chairman of the RNC before moving on to the VP and Pres. slots. …of course he was also ambassador to the UN and head of CIA…
For your consideration –Steele on the issues.
SunnyBrook on November 10, 2006 at 2:00 AM
Actually, not only did “operatives” from my part not throw oreos at the man (That was never the claim anyway, it was that students threw oreos) it turned out that Steele lied about the incident to try to garner sympathy. No one threw oreos at him. None of the other Republicans or speakers or personel at the event backed up Steele.
Apparently Steele was walking out of the place when he noticed some stomped oreos on the ground in the back, and decided to change a few facts to make himself look like the poor oppressed black Republican.
It’s gotten pretty pathetic at this point.
Btw, I never said blacks or Hispanics were “natural” Democrats. Nor did I assume they should be.
Grebrook on November 10, 2006 at 2:00 AM
I actually think that this quite substantial. The GOP has some fine men and women out there…it almost caused me physical pain these last few days to see men and women like Steele, Santorum, Allen and Talent go down to defeat knowing what good people they are and how finely they’ve served their state and country.
Call me a cynic, but I regards these “stats” as more disinformation from the MSM which I’m not buying.
I’d be willing to bet that a substantial number of blacks voted for Steele in MA, for instance. Don’t forget: Steele came within a hair’s breadth of winning the damn race in a previously bluer-than-blue state!
Jen the Neocon on November 10, 2006 at 2:02 AM
Greebok,
…
I would go one further - talk to the finger because you don’t rate the hand!
Emmett J. on November 10, 2006 at 2:02 AM
“I’d be willing to bet that a substantial number of blacks voted for Steele in MA, for instance. Don’t forget: Steele came within a hair’s breadth of winning the damn race in a previously bluer-than-blue state!”
No, actually, he lost by 11 points, 13 points if you include the Green party voters. That’s not very close. Only the polls claimed it was close. 11 points is a pretty bad defeat, actually.
Grebrook on November 10, 2006 at 2:07 AM
Whatever they do, don’t put him in SecState. That place has destroyed the reputations of two of our best black prospects.
HUD - that’s where Jack Kemp went to fade into obscurity.
Young, black, conservative lawyer: SCOTUS.
pedestrian on November 10, 2006 at 2:10 AM
Nonsense! The man was an impressive campaigner and did remarkable well in a state that is deep blue. He ran, far and away, the most impressive campaign I saw this election cycle. Just because the best the Dems can offer up is the likes of poverty pimp Jesse Jackson doesn’t mean the RNC is follow suit. Steele is a genuinely impressive man and a solid conservative unlike some of our more recent RNC chairs who have been further to the left than Republican norms and haven’t provided the sort of combativeness we might expect from a man like Steele.
Cold Steele! All the way!
tommy1 on November 10, 2006 at 2:12 AM
“How racist of you to imply that these folks got where they’re at because of race.
Most people in America believe that Michael Steele is a good man.
Again, how racist of you to believe otherwise. I suppose that you could not acknowledge the accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and other civil rights leaders? In your book were they all successful only because?
How sad that you have to stoop to that level to make even a weak point. ”
Oh, for Christ’s sake get over yourself. You’re so pathetic. Trying to compare Michael Steele to Martin Luther King Jr.? That’s just sad. He’s not the Messiah. And no, most people in America DO NOT believe Michael Steele is a “good man”. Most people have never even heard of him, and apparently, when given a chance whether to elect this good man, the majority said “HELL NO”.
54%-43%. That’s a decisive defeat. Maybe next time the idiot won’t compare stem cell research to the Holocaust and he might win a few moderates.
Wait, what am I saying? There isn’t going to be a next time. Steele is done. Cardin kicked his ass right out of politics.
Grebrook on November 10, 2006 at 2:13 AM
Hey grebrook…provide some sources for your outrageous stories. Im curious to see where you got the ‘numbers’ for how the races voted. Are you privy to BS information?
InstantNemesis on November 10, 2006 at 2:23 AM
grebrook….im hispanic and so are my other 35 family members that live in the US. We all got here legally and most important moraly legit. Guess what we all voted republican. You know why? The demonrats are socialists. They detest law enforcement and think that the system is what causes problems. Their solution to everything is to set up commitees, spend money, analyze the commitees findings, elicit discussion from the poeple. Next thing you know: we are attacked year after year by the people who will cut your throat as you try to give them aid. Does this sound like recent presidential adminstration? Let me give you hint: He has a W in his name. W-I-L-L-I-A…you know the rest.
Steele = good man
Pelosi = Communist
What do you Want?
InstantNemesis on November 10, 2006 at 2:37 AM
Yeah, Cardin was a real ass kicker in a state where he had a 2:1 advantage in terms of registered voters. I wish Democrats could kick ass that bad more regularly.
tommy1 on November 10, 2006 at 2:41 AM
Grebrook:
From your first post here you have shown nothing but disrespect, ignorance, and blatant stupidity. Typical manners and characteristics for your ilk.
If you hope to bother anyone here, you are wasting your time. There are smarter, or at least more literate, trolls here than you; your effect is similar to that of pi$$ing in the ocean.
hillbillyjim on November 10, 2006 at 2:45 AM
“Hey grebrook…provide some sources for your outrageous stories. Im curious to see where you got the ‘numbers’ for how the races voted. Are you privy to BS information?”
http://www.uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/state.php?year=2006&fips=24&f=0&off=3&elect=0
Idiot. The results have been in since yesterday.
Grebrook on November 10, 2006 at 3:00 AM
The only color Steele is is red white and blue
EricPWJohnson on November 10, 2006 at 3:13 AM
But what what about the hotel staff?
Nice party you’ve got there, Grebrook.
Pablo on November 10, 2006 at 4:37 AM
Grebrook:
Your last post in which you replied with an answer (with a link which had nothing to do with the post which you were attemping to answer. Your reading comprehension skills obviously need sharpening, because the post obviously referred to your previous malarkey:
InstantNemesis said:
Your link had nothing to do with the issue. Now who is the “idiot?” Mmmm?
hillbillyjim on November 10, 2006 at 4:53 AM
Ok. The Black thing.
I may be the only black/conservative/republican on this post. In future post I will have to help put “race” in perspective. For now…
I met Steele at the national convention in NYC. Before you assume I am a politico - I wore one of the green shirts and did the grunt work while protesters abused my rights.
Steele is black, and that IS important. No need to make excuses. Black people ARE special. No doubt about it. Soon it will become clear that despite confusing despicable representatives like Jackson, Rangel, and Sharpton - black folks have a lot to offer AMERICA. Like some straight talk.
It must have been exhausting for Democrats to excuse and discredit Powell and Rice. Well it is time for the “rope a dope”. We need to wear them out. That is when they will slip, go too far - show their true “colors”.
The bottom line is Republicans CAN NOT COMMUNICATE. It WILL take a black person to raise the volume. We have unique power, and it does not require Jackson’s rhyme and rhythm. It will take a little righteous indignation.
Black folks are not natural Democrats. We are naturally conservative. This trait makes it difficult to change our vote, but it is possible.
So Democrats will sick their dogs on Steele. It will be unpleasant. In the spirit of America, we need to show it. He will roll with it, and it will tell us everything we need to know about Democrats.
How did we lose this thing? All this “liberal” talk. What they are is “partisans”. They will do and say ANYTHING to get elected.
People do not get all of this “liberal” talk. We might as well call them “enlightened”, or “futuristic”. Who doesn’t want to be futuristic? What Americans can not stand, however, is people who will “say anything” - lie.
So it is gonna take some cold hard Steele to cut through the lies of the Democrats, but it will be ugly.
Agrippa2k on November 10, 2006 at 5:10 AM
Grebrook:
Way to be a vicious, spiteful bastard in victory.
p.v. cornelius on November 10, 2006 at 5:22 AM
If you accept that Steele is a Catholic who believes life begins at conception, how else would Steele be able to respond to the idea of fetal stem cell research?
EFG on November 10, 2006 at 5:32 AM
I’m betting he’ll turn the RNC chair offer down because it won’t be a good stepping stone and I get the feeling he is ambitious. (In a good way)
TBinSTL on November 10, 2006 at 5:37 AM
It would be a big mistake to give Steele the much lower profile position in the cabinet. The man’s a fighter.
I’m getting sick of Rove’s games. Up to now, he’s always managed to come out on top, but only because of brilliant come-from-behind efforts that were necessary after he and his people made stupid strategic decisions. His way didn’t work this time around because he got too clever by half. Time for some new blood.
Mark V. on November 10, 2006 at 6:00 AM
No. What’s important is that Allah’s Mighty Hammer is about to come down on your puny troll skull.
Ali-Bubba on November 10, 2006 at 6:27 AM
Grebook,
Let’s see the quote, you racist little sack of hate and filth.
Come on, make that case, freak.
Pablo on November 10, 2006 at 6:28 AM
Ali-Bubba,
Yeah, I wonder if the crew noticed this little turd from the Steele as RNC Chair? thread.
This one was left in the sun too long or something.
Pablo on November 10, 2006 at 6:33 AM
Secretary of HUD? You’re kidding right? Steele deserves much better. Anyway, wouldn’t that be raaaasict? Maybe, not, I don’t know.
vcferlita on November 10, 2006 at 6:41 AM
Steeles race is not a factor. He is simply the best man for the job. The party is in need of good conservative leadership after the spanking on tuesday. He made a hell of a run in the overly blue state of maryland. Think of what he can accomplish on the national level. HUD? forget it. It will be percieved as a token position by and large among the body politic. Dont get me wrong, Mr. Steele would do an excellent job as HUD director, but in politics perception means a great deal.
chow on November 10, 2006 at 7:04 AM
Grebrook: “He’s black. That’s his qualifications and we all know it.”
Hey racist! The cleaners called. You’re sheet is ready. After all, you can’t burn a cross without a clean, well pressed bedsheet over your head.
georgej on November 10, 2006 at 7:35 AM
It was YOU who brought race into this, saying that Steele is nothing but black. That’s racism, and you own it, troll. As we know, you’re also a homophobe, so it all fits together.
You’re disgusting and a fool, and I will not miss you when you’re gone.
Pablo on November 10, 2006 at 7:49 AM
To those of you who were participants in the “Steele for RNC” thread:
You were right, I was wrong. Apparently Steele is the ultimate GOP insider. Now let’s hope he knows a great deal about raising money and recruiting candidates.
I agree that the cabinet idea is a non-starter. Rove have found that idea at the bottom of a bottle of scotch in the wee hours of the election night.
Anton on November 10, 2006 at 7:49 AM
The link isn’t enough, troll. Where did Steele “compare stem cell research to the holocaust” troll?
Make your case, troll. While you can.
Pablo on November 10, 2006 at 7:51 AM
Typo: the last sentence should be, “Rove must have found that idea at the botttom of a bottle of Scotch…”
Anton on November 10, 2006 at 7:51 AM
It’s you cut and run racist cowards that have no faith in any of those human beings and want to leave them to middle-age barbarity, repression and sufferring. It is the Republican Administration that has charted the course of Arab and Muslim self-determination and social progress, while shitballs like you SCREAMED about it the whole way. You are projecting, as liberals always do. Those are the facts, and you can’t handle them.
Why don’t you go blackface somebody to entertain your idiot friends?
Pablo on November 10, 2006 at 7:57 AM
If it walks like a troll, and talks like a troll …
Ali-Bubba on November 10, 2006 at 8:02 AM
The Mighty Steele. Yes, I can get behind this. He is articulate, strong, knowledgable and charming! I enjoyed watching him give Alan Colmes and Cardin a proper smackdown. He ran a strong campaign and although he lost, with a bit more time, he would have won. May the Senate’s loss be our gain.
CrimsonFisted on November 10, 2006 at 8:08 AM
Hey Grebrook, what was that you said about being wrong?
Nice to see yet another “fanatic” in your estimation, while you rant about decapitation and massacre.
What. A. Tool.
Pablo on November 10, 2006 at 8:16 AM
Oh Grebrook,
We have here an opportunity to be thoughtful and intelligent. Instead, you are, well, just plain nasty. I hope the powers that be do not do anything so you may be able to show just how wrong and ignorant the Left can be. Intelligent discourse is always good but somehow the Left always reverts to using unsavory adjectives in their arguments. And we on the right shouldn’t be stepping to their level either…
And by the way, an 11 point loss in my state where the Democrats have a 2:1 advantage still doesn’t show well for said Dems. Their win should have been more like 54-30. Don’t you agree?
Steele still was the better candidate because he brought freshness to a stale Senate. In some respects, it will be a little fresher now with the new freshman Senators. But Cardin will be just another politico who’s been in politics waaay to long…40 years to be excact!
JohnnyD on November 10, 2006 at 8:18 AM
It would be great to have Steele as RNC Chair! He needs to be a part of a conservative resurgence in the GOP. I wouldn’t want him to be tainted by being in the White House. This administration has compromised on conservative values and the party is worse for it.
So put Steele where he can actually do some good. He’s a capable and charismatic leader. Let him lead!
ChipDaddy on November 10, 2006 at 8:44 AM
Any position that requires Senate approval (and in the case of VP, it would also require House approval) is a no-go, especially if Steele is as conservative as some here believe (disclosure; I paid too much attention to Wisconsin issues to have more than a passing knowledge of Steele). We’ve seen what just happened to John Bolton, and we know what happened to innumerable conservative judges.
While RNC chair almost certainly wouldn’t be the best use of Steele’s talents (VP or a fed judgeship would be), it’s the best that the Republicans can do for him in this climate.
steveegg on November 10, 2006 at 8:47 AM
Agrippa2x…and Grebrook…..
Agrippa thanks. Good ol common sense. I got beer in the fridge come on over.
Grebrook: As a certified Caucasian(white ok…you know white guy), goat roping, pick-up driving Texas Republican, Michael Steele is a MAN. Well spoken. Aparently Honest. Smart as hell. Worthy of my respect. Someone I would be proud to have represent me.
You are just exactly like my slum-lord oldest sister. Says she is helping the poor while she knocks on doors for rent.
You are a COPPERHEAD. You are the panderer here. COPPERHEAD. Plain pure and simple, a Yankee COPPERHEAD.
Limerick on November 10, 2006 at 8:51 AM
good morning. i am just now emerging from my post election fog…
Steele is the MAN! I think he’ll do wonders for the national party. You rock, Steele!
pullingmyhairout on November 10, 2006 at 9:00 AM
I can see where members of the Jewish community would be offended by a statement like that, but at the same time, I kind of see the point he was trying to make.
vcferlita on November 10, 2006 at 9:00 AM
But Limerick when Clinton made Ron Brown director of HUD he was a hero? What, you think critics would say he was swept under a rug and wasn’t a real candidate, just a uncle tom brought out to trick Black people into voting Republican? Nah!! They’d NEVER do that…
And Rove is scared that Michael Steele is a little too conservative. As in, not a party drone.
And please, please, please, people let Grebrook make his comments without any response. No need to defend ourselves or try to change his opinion, it is a fruitless endeavor.
He wants us to respond. His comments are actually a compliment, the fact that we can take up this much of his attention is great. I spend absolutely zero time trying to articulate my views on DU or Daily Kos. Thanks for riding our collective jock Grebrook, we love you too.
Theworldisnotenough on November 10, 2006 at 10:02 AM
Steele for HUD? That reeks of pandering and tokenism. Steele needs to sever ties with Rove and Bush as quickly as possible.
That, and the fact that Arbusto’s first SecHUD went on to be my crappy, open-border loving Senator; so no, thanks.
Steele for RNC chair, however, is a generational game changing move. Kind of like Uncle Billy taking over for Grant. (sorry, Lab)
Kid from Brooklyn on November 10, 2006 at 10:20 AM
I second, third, and fourth you on that one!!
Karl, WTF are you thinking?!? Put the guy in some invisible cabinet position or put him out there as the face of our party where he could do infinitely more good for both the party and the conservative movement in general? This is such a no-brainer.
Karl - thanks for your service, but you’ve lost it.
Buh-bye.
thirteen28 on November 10, 2006 at 10:42 AM
The National Republican Leadership really need an articulate, charismatic, and dynamic chairman who can mend bridges, make outreaches in areas not normally traveled by leaders past, and do well in television appearances (yes, that does matter).
Michael Steele is THE man who can finally bring balance to the GOP, without becoming a Sith Lord in the process (sorry for the imagery, *giggle*).
It is easy for Steele to represent the core values of the GOP when it is a way of life for him personally. He doesn’t have to make stuff up, and is still independent enough to challenge the status quo when needed. Now, more than ever, we are going to need articulate people who can make the case for Republicans, and it has to be sincere and not phony.
Show me someone who can do it better, and I will give that person a fair evaluation. But we don’t have the time to do a “Republican Idol” star search. It is time to refocus and reframe the debate.
For now, give Michael Steele a chance. I hope he accepts the job.
itzWicks on November 10, 2006 at 10:50 AM
I would much rather see Michael Steele as RNC chairman than HUD chief. The MSM plays this game of hiding any minority Republican by giving them absolutely no press. Alberto Gonzales has had much less press than John Ashcroft or Janet Reno did.
Why? Because he is a Hispanic Republican and the press doesn’t want him as a role model. Ditto with Elaine Chow and any other non-white Republican in a cabinet post.
If Steele is named RNC chief, the Left and the MSM will go ballistic because they will then be forced to cover him the news.
januarius on November 10, 2006 at 10:51 AM
Yes to Steele. Just say NO to RINO’s.
Mojave Mark on November 10, 2006 at 10:56 AM
…folks who disagree with your narrow little worldview are “pathetic”…seems to be a pattern with you.
Why are you so hateful? The worker’s utopia not coalescing quickly enough? You have my sympathies.
Puritan1648 on November 10, 2006 at 11:50 AM
I have absolutely no idea why Steele is considered to be qualified for the position. Is he a good fund raiser? Can he assist in setting up grassroots efforts? Is the fact that Steele is black the main reason to pick the man?
I need information!
DannoJyd on November 10, 2006 at 11:57 AM
…actually, Pablo, I think that *I* brought up race.
It must be said that Mr. Steele is a black man. Unlike the Jim Crow days, where that fact might’ve disqualified him for just about everything, I was trying — prehaps lamely — to say that his race should never again be seen as qualifying him, either. Republicans and conservatives have been called racists and bigots for so long by *actual* racists and bigots that I’m sure that there’s a little bit of “in your face” involved in some folks minds.
What’s come out here, in discussion of the issue — whatever might be in peoples hearts, which are their own business — is that conservatives are eager to have Mr. Steele step up, and I believe that they’d be elated to see him succeed. I think that this is because, whatever “institutional racism” may or may not exist around the edges, conservatism teaches that success is to be celebrated.
I’d like to see Mr. Steele get the job…he fought against strong odds and only just lost. I think that he’s fighter enough to turn over the comfortable stereotypes of the party and of conservatism, but across the board. I’d like to see him succeed and I’d like to see him get the credit.
I’d like to put race to bed as an issue in America. It’s been paying a lot of the Left’s and the Democratic Party’s bills for quite some time, and it’s time for that to stop.
It is correct, however, that this distasteful troll did insist that his qualifications were only that he was black. He’s fairly hateful, seems generally arrogant, and reveals more of himself in this statement than in those he hopes to paint with the racist brush.
…then again, when in your mind people are nothing more than “masses”, what do you expect.
Puritan1648 on November 10, 2006 at 12:06 PM
On lucianne.com; she posted that Steele went on TV and said he’d take it. Any confirmation?
lorien1973 on November 10, 2006 at 12:27 PM
Steele ran a campaign that I heard more about than any other but my home state campaign, which was a big one (MO)
Heard about him and heard interviews with him on radio, read about him on blogs. I got a very positive impression of him, confirmed when I saw him getting face time on MSM. So he knows how to get attention, or at least hires the right people to get him attention, and when he gets it, he uses it well.
Don’t know how long Mehlman’s been there, think I’ve seen him once but not sure, heard his name a lot but can’t think of anything he’s said.
I don’t know if that means Steele is qualified for RNC chairman on paper, but Mehlman probably was.
NellE on November 10, 2006 at 12:57 PM
Steele would be great in the Presidential cabinet. How bout Veep?
americanpundit on November 10, 2006 at 1:06 PM
grebook didn’t say that Steele achieved what he achieved because he’s black…he was simply saying that GOP may be pandering to minorities, a suggestion that I don’t agree with, but isn’t racist or ignorant by any means. I think that outrage on the scale of calling someone a “little sack of hate and filth” may be better directed at Soothsayer…instead of just nagging him to soften his language a little.
crr6 on November 10, 2006 at 1:13 PM
Are you mentally ill? Cheney is probably the only person left in this administartion who has a freaking clue. Even the so-called genius Karl Rove is coming up with boneheaded crap like trying to put Steele in at HUD. Having Steele as VP only makes sense if Bush were to step down first.
Watcher on November 10, 2006 at 1:18 PM
Steele might be a fine choice but if the Republicans think that concentrating on bringing minorities to the party is the ticket to power, they are doomed.
The politicians who will take on Democrats and win in 08 will be those who tap into caucasian grievances and motivate those caucasians to vote for them.
If the Republicans want to be the party of devaluing the labor of citizens through the importation of low-skilled workers and the party that wants to accelerate the US Census Bureau’s 2050 estimate for a caucasian minority ( which will be the first time in history that a national racial majority ever gave up their majority without a war ), they will have very few voters 2008 and there will be a viable third party.
Perchant on November 10, 2006 at 1:19 PM
Of course … in the minds of racist liberals like Grebook, if the GOP promotes a minority figure like Michael Steele and listens to their concerns, they’re pandering.
If they don’t, they are “insensitive” to minority concerns.
Nice little Catch-22 logic there to keep the minorities firmly in the Democratic party.
Who’s pandering again?
thirteen28 on November 10, 2006 at 1:21 PM
…now, where would he get the notion that someone would do *that*….
…maybe *FROM THE FRICKIN’ DEMOCRATS?*…
…you know…the Plantation…you know what I’m talkin’ about….
Puritan1648 on November 10, 2006 at 1:27 PM
I know you all love the guy — I think highhly of him too. We’re all sad he didn’t get elected. He is friendly, intelligent, and charismatic. But we need someone who has vast national political experience and is highly connected in Washinton to head the RNC. Someone who can hit the ground running and really get things going. Steele simply doesn’t (currently) meet the criteria. Having him as RNC head would not be good for the party. A cabinet position where he can 1) get something accomplished and 2) prepare himself for bigger and better things is the best option for both him and our party.
db on November 10, 2006 at 1:29 PM
All I know is that as a conservative I like everything I’ve heard about Steele and I don’t care if he’s green or orange we need some leadership in the RNC or 2008 is going to suck just like 2006 did. RINOs out, conservatives in.
Buzzy on November 10, 2006 at 1:32 PM
First you claim:
Then you claim:
Which one is it? Do you think highly of him or do you think he should be in the cabinet. Can’t have it both ways… if you’re a thinking person.
Editor on November 10, 2006 at 1:34 PM
Absolutely.
Why would he want to go into the cabinet of a lame-duck presidency that just suffered a repudiation by the voters?
I’ll say this - if Steele was strategically tin-eared enough to make such a bad move, I’d defintely reconsider my support for him.
Since Bush is now a lame-duck president, we need to get a new face on the party, and the RNC chairmanship will assume that role between at least now and 2008. Another thing a chairman has a role in is recruiting candidates. Steele has the type of magnetic personality that could sell hamburgers to vegetarians, and as such is exactly the type of person needed for the position now.
thirteen28 on November 10, 2006 at 1:51 PM
…I love it…the Democrats…the party of “thinkers”…how dreary it is that you’re surrounded daily by such unthinking plebians….
*YAWN*
…consider…if you stumble across a 4-pound uncut, raw diamond, you’d probably think highly of it.
You’d still want it cut and polished. It only makes your treasure more valuable.
This isn’t a case of “both ways”. Right now, he’s an un-employed ex-lieutenant governor. Give him the chance to work, learn from working, and shine nationally, he’ll be like that Cullinan Diamond…3,106.75 carats of pure joy, polished to perfection.
Puritan1648 on November 10, 2006 at 1:51 PM
Keep it real - the more Grebook and other like-minded folks like him talk, the more they proves what the majority of contributors here know to be the truth about them:
1. That they are racists against any societal leadership except whites (after all, keep in mind that it was the Democrats who gave us Bull Connor, George “Segregation Forever” Wallace, Robert “Kleagle” Byrd, and others);
2. That they are impulsive - otherwise they would not get so torqued so easily;
3. That they are die-hard Democrats who believe that their party should be;
4. Kept in the hands of elitists who:
5. Of course, know better what is good for the mass majority of the people than they themselves, and;
6. Suscribe to basically socialistic and communistic socioecomonic systems of government which are usually totalinarian in their application.
Emmett J. on November 10, 2006 at 1:53 PM
As usual, said right and said well.
“Democrat in ‘08 - The party of thinkers late”
Not perfect, but it is a start.
Emmett J. on November 10, 2006 at 1:59 PM
I’d rather have Steele as the RNC Chairman, rather than a cabinet position–because he’ll be around longer than 2 years.
Or, if Cheney resigns and Steele is made VP, for a Presidency bid in 2008, that’d do too.
But RNC Chairman is better suited between it or a cabinet position.
Enoxo on November 10, 2006 at 3:58 PM
Precisely. But make him head of the RNC, and he’ll be ill equippped, in over his head, hurt the party, and injure, if not end, his political career.
Sure he’d be a great mouthpiece — provided someone tells him what he needs to be saying. But that is not what the position is all about.
db on November 10, 2006 at 4:00 PM
Not a bad idea, actually. Under the circumstances.
Lawrence on November 10, 2006 at 4:12 PM
If you think he’s so ill-prepared, maybe you should relay your feelings to outgoing RNC chairman Ken Mehlman, who recommended Steele as his replacement.
I’m sure he’ll be all ears.
thirteen28 on November 10, 2006 at 4:38 PM
Rick Santorum would be my choice to be the RNC chairman.
DannoJyd on November 10, 2006 at 4:58 PM
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