Michael Steele: You have no reason to trust us at this point
posted at 5:08 pm on February 14, 2009 by Allahpundit
“Us” meaning the GOP, of course. I appreciate his willingness to beat himself up in the name of regaining the public’s trust, but, er, is the man of Steele being perhaps a bit too self-deprecating here? Even Beck’s taken aback by the brutal candor of it (but in a good way!).
Exit question: Why’s Beck yelling at him about “marketing”? What else can Steele do except sell the message? If you want to complain to someone about living the principles, call Arlen Specter.
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Its the organization stupid not the message that is causing the GOP to lose.
Seriously I am still not impressed with the RNC.
William Amos on February 14, 2009 at 5:10 PM
Better than the Democrats…How much better? Not that sure.
thedudesblog on February 14, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Wow. What a volley. Ball’s in your court, Arlen, Susan, Olympia.
Can we assume no RNC funds will go to Arlen in 2010?
Wethal on February 14, 2009 at 5:12 PM
Hey, lets nominate McCain!!!
McCain/Spectre ’12!!!!
VolMagic on February 14, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Great exit question. I saw that the other night and wondered the same thing.
V15J on February 14, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Yes, AllahPagan, Steele, is being too self-deprecating
Too negative; too defeatist; too beta-male, to use your favorite term
The Party needs someone who sounds like Reagan and organizes like Next–not a Beltway Moderate who maybe was picked for the Wrong Reasons
Janos Hunyadi on February 14, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Mike needs to let the PA GOP take care of their “mess” in ’10; for that matter, I agree with Glenn to an extent about ditching the “marketing” — right now, Mike’s job is NOT simply “message” but rather —
LINING UP 435 VIABLE HOUSE CANDIDATES AND 33 [GIVE OR TAKE] VIABLE SENATE CANDIDATES FOR 2010.
Little.else.matters
Buckaroo on February 14, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Racist?
/sarc
Glenn Jericho on February 14, 2009 at 5:20 PM
….organizes like NEWT
Janos Hunyadi on February 14, 2009 at 5:22 PM
Look the democrats took the full court press the last 6 years. We have Micheal Moore and the MSM and international crybabies whining non stop about how bad Bush was.
They threw everything and the Kitchen sink as us. We need to counter that constant drumbeat of spew that the left is famous for. And we dont have to resort to the outrageous or the outright lie/propaganda that they used.
The democrats have relearned Machine politics. Its about getting your people out to vote via an organized political machine that is well funded and people intensive.
Just throwing a huge wad of money at over price media consultants to form some kind of “Super” media message that sells to everyone no longer works. THERE IS TOO MUCH HOSTILITY IN THE MSM AND THE INTERNET FOR THE GOP TO EFFECTIVELY USE EITHER TO BEAT THE DEMOCRATS !
The GOP needs to start forming counters to the strengths the democrats have. Until and unless the GOP forms a strong core base that always goes out to vote we will always be susceptible to a counter backlash culture that comes in after we have been in power for a certain period of time. The reason the democrats keep coming back to power is that they have a larger base to sustain them when political tides turn against them.
Until the GOP creates that same kind of base we will continue to be the minority.
William Amos on February 14, 2009 at 5:22 PM
specter sold us out for his legacy project. The old man couldn’t resist.
rob verdi on February 14, 2009 at 5:24 PM
william amos,
you have a point. But the democrat base doesn’t eat unless democrats win, the republican base can survive without government, its just that simple.
rob verdi on February 14, 2009 at 5:26 PM
Michael Steele continues to prove my predictions about him correct, he is a total embarassment, even to Glenn Beck. And it says something when Glenn Beck can be taken aback by your utter suckitude and betamale-ness. Here’s Steele’s problem. He’s a spectacular opportunist, but he’s just not smart or charismatic enough to deal with these kinds of situations. Where Obama would smile and say “well look” to defuse Beck, Steele, quite literally, begins to wilt like a flower before our very eyes. It’s awkward and just hard to dal with.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 14, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Seems like he’s trying to pull an Obama candid sincerity move.
Just be yourself, Steele.
misslizzi on February 14, 2009 at 5:29 PM
capitalist piglet on February 14, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Which is why the dems win. They make people dependant on goverment for their very survival and hostile to any attempts to limit it.
You cant get rich standing in a goverment handout line. That is what needs to be stressed. Not “We need smaller government”
Nobody but idiots want to live on welfare for their entire lives. The problem is that the dems now are telling people they can get free houses and free medicine and free food and not do anything for it.
Until that fantasy is dispelled Obama will look like the Messiah.
William Amos on February 14, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Until the RNC abolishes “open” primaries and develops a 50 state Congressional strategy they will continue to flounder.
Is Steele the man to do this? Can he convince the House candidates to run on a “Contact for America II”. Does he even want to?
I have little faith if we cannot “nationalize” the 2010 elections.
When it comes to economics and foreign policy there can be no divergence of opinion- period.
jjshaka on February 14, 2009 at 5:31 PM
Do these kinds of things make you feel better. If the Dem base needed Dems in power to “eat” then how come they didn’t all die off after welfare reform in ’94, how did they survive the Bush years where government grew, but social welfare did not. Why must your side pretend that Dem voters all are lazy, no job having, low lifes when that’s just not even close to the truth. But keep believing that about the American people, it’s why your side continues to not get it about the current economy.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 14, 2009 at 5:32 PM
How is that ‘strong core base’ formed?
Janos Hunyadi on February 14, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Yeah we suck! Thanks Capt. Obvious,
But I still didn’t hear what I wanted to hear. That RINO,s can expect no support from the RNC. You either get with the program right now or we will take your nominations away from you in 2010.
If I had heard that, I would write a check today.
conservnut on February 14, 2009 at 5:33 PM
How can you even hope for a Contract for America II when the architects of the original CFA have either been indicted, defeated or stepped down in office in some kind of disgrace. It’s not 1994
But Obama is the fascist?
DeathToMediaHacks on February 14, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Beck is a blow hard. His policy stance is “I hate everyone and everything”
KBird on February 14, 2009 at 5:34 PM
“Nobody but idiots want to live on welfare for their entire lives. The problem is that the dems now are telling people they can get free houses and free medicine and free food and not do anything for it.
Until that fantasy is dispelled Obama will look like the Messiah.”
quote.of.the.month.
Buckaroo on February 14, 2009 at 5:36 PM
I think what Beck was attempting to say is that actions speak louder than words or in this case marketing, focus groups, polling, etc.
We need action. I realize that Conservatives have very little power presently, but they still have a voice. Get someone who can articulate Conservative principles out there explaining why we oppose socialism and the Obaamanation.
We need a “Newt Gingrich” to their “Clinton”. That is how Conservatives gained power in 1994. Right now I see no leadership, no eloquence, no direction, no passion, and most of all no principles.
Fight! Damn it!
DeathB4Tyranny on February 14, 2009 at 5:38 PM
It was not a blowout and obama spent ten times the money mccain did.
Put a bunch of people that used to be middle class but soon not to be with stagflation, high energy prices, and high taxes along with the disillusioned that haven’t had the cars, gas, and house paid for by the one and it’s over for the socialists. The question is how long it takes to dig out of the hole.
jukin on February 14, 2009 at 5:40 PM
By organizing behind various groups. The dems have the NAACP and Unions and Academia and Hollywood as groups to push their message.
The GOP needs to start getting pro conservative groups together and pushing forward and agenda that has conservative goals.
For example is the business community to push for free markets and lesser government via growth through jobs. They can be used both for financing and recruit for higher office as well as votes.
Then there are the conservative religeous groups who could be organized to push for great voter efforts and utilized to push for conservative inititives for social and foreign policy inititives.
Has to be some kind of pro conservative youth group. The College republicans are good but far too small and unorganized. Money and training needs to be giving to create a youth based GOP conservative organization that can also recruit and organize college or younger voters to get involved in pro conservative groups.
Can have some kind of organization that recruits and works with the US Military which is one of the stanchests backers of the GOP. Again send organizers and recruit people from these backgrounds to help push for a stronger conservative GOP message.
Can also start to work at changing the attitudes of minorities. There should be some effort made to show that the democrats message of welfare and government lines is not a path to the American dream. We need to completely deconstruct the 50 years of damage that people like Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton have done to the black communities. The effort needs to be made.
The GOP needs to put its money where its values are and not where its mouth is. Work towards building a better party is the answer not “Well we just have to speak louder than the democrats”
William Amos on February 14, 2009 at 5:42 PM
Wow I’m so honored that a paid troll parsed my little comment.
I feel like it must have been quite good to have elicted a response, albeit painfully formulaic.
Thank you my young friend.
jjshaka on February 14, 2009 at 5:43 PM
DeathToMediaHacks on February 14, 2009 at 5:27 PM
O.K., now you just sound stupid; Even Axelrod will notice that you are the weakest link.
anniekc on February 14, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Still no whiff of consequences for Specter, Collins or Snowe.
If you gave the RNC money in the last year, call RNC Membership Services and get it back.
Valiant on February 14, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Now that I said all that watch some oportunistic RNCer to come here copy everything I said and take credit for the whole thing.
I have gotten use to them doing that. They dont listen but they do steal ideas.
William Amos on February 14, 2009 at 5:47 PM
Alcoholics and drug abusers are told that the first thing they must do is to ADMIT they have a problem.
That is what Michael Steele has done. I congratulate him for not being pompous and dismissive which many people in position often are.
Republicans have abused themselves too long by abandoning their principles. Admission is a good first step if one is to attempt a comeback.
technopeasant on February 14, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Rule #1 in politics.
Never, ever trust a politician.
Nouriel Roubini: Only Way To Save US Banking System Is To Nationalize It
getalife on February 14, 2009 at 5:49 PM
“You have absolutely no reason to trust us.”–Steele
DON’T PROPAGANDIZE US with prefab market tested wishy washy progressive tenderized compassionate try-to-influence-a-democrat sales pitch!
That was Coleman’s and McCain’s bane in what proves a poor campaign in these times.
WE DON’T WANT a sniveling weak-kneed spineless weasel acting humble as our leader.
Michael Steele needs to learn a lesson from Fred Thompson’s play book. HAVE THE CONSTITUTIONAL PLATFORM AND STICK TO IT. Do the damned research homework to know the problem and have worked out a Constitutionally strong, legal argument before presuming to lead the GOP in a public forum. Address Conservatives about the conservative agenda. Don’t blubber about distrust in order to gain the sympathy card.
Critics complained about Palin for not being “prepared” to be POTUS at the moment. I’m complaining about Steele for having spent everything on his own campaign to lead the GOP without having the vaguest idea of what conservatism is and how to lead the movement in any setting, let alone the current setting as the abused minority in Washington. Pelosi, Reid and Obama are using SEGREGATION to discriminate against Republicans through out America, particularly as seen in Congress right now as they bar Republicans and anyone from reading the legislation and discussing the legislation prior to the vote on the legislation.
How hard is it to argue against THAT apartheid, Mr. Steele?
Steele should have his battle plan determined, and be working to align united support amongst the conservative and centrist ranks of the dispossessed and “disappearing” middle class whom Soros via Obama exterminates.
So far, Steele is like a deer in the headlights, right where he’s dreamt of being all these years, but without the vaguest idea of what, where, why, who, and how now.
I am willing to let him gain his bearings. But if he has no bearings to gain, he’s on notice. Mr. Steele, do whatever you do well behind the scenes. But until you know what the score is and how to deliver PUBLIC LEADERSHIP to direct conservative momentum to counter the progressive Socialist Democrat barrage, send our effective emissaries to face the camera. Call on Newt, who can frame and win any argument! Call on Fred for the best ever sound bites that cut to the quick, or even call the milky voice of Huckabee for the emotional balm. Call on Romney to argue the success of responsible business practice, whether of the traditional free enterprise, or even that of Socialized Government Business that the Democrats have framed in order to deliver to the TAX PAYER and not merely pad the lawyers pockets. Call Obama’s record from Chicago, as he fleeced every tax funded program for those in poverty, lining the wallets of attorneys while sacking housing projects and public parks and gardens into ruins.
KEEP TAXES SMALL AND LOCALIZED, AVOIDING THE WASTE, ABUSE AND CORRUPTION IMBEDDED IN FEDERAL PROPORTIONS.
Earn your apprenticeship OFF CAMERA while the seasoned media personalities garner their followings to the GOP flock. Learn the lesson of a CEO, chief executive or manager. You had best not attempt to be all things to all people doing all the work yourself, micromanaging to the point that as the leader, you assume yourself also to be the staff and pack all rolled into one person.
maverick muse on February 14, 2009 at 5:50 PM
I have seen the Beck show only once and liked what I saw. His radio show is getting much better than it was a year or so ago. His TV show seemed to be fast and hard hitting. We could use a few more like him.
Engrpat on February 14, 2009 at 5:51 PM
You mean like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce? The very same Chamber of Commerce that 100% supported the stimulus because it contains subsidies for big business? Yeah this is the problem with the outcry about this stimulus bill from the free market crowd, the private sector wanted this bill just like they want the bank bailouts. You’ll never get any business group to organize against federal subsidies into research and development/other projects. Now if you want to join some anti-corporatist causes, OK, but then don’t look for the business lobby to help you. They only care about working against federal regulations and increasing profits.
And the idiocy continues. Yes, the way to get black people on your side is to take two individuals who are intimitely ocnnected with the heroic civil rights struggle in black urban communities and say “they’re wrong, these white people who have used race baiting rhetoric blaming “welfare queens” for what’s wrong with America, you should vote for them.” WTF. I really don’t like Jesse Jackson. But when cops are killing innocent black men the night before their weddings, Al Sharpton is there. The man has been a consistent advocate of civil rights for urban African Americans for decades.
And I know you believe that these folks pander/coopt black folks. But you refuse to acknowledge that ALL political leaders pander/coopt people. So when you tell black people “these pandering politicians are keeping you on the plantation, but the pandering politician who pretends to care about family values while not voting for a Federal Marriage Amendment is who you can trust.” You insult the intelligence of everyone.
Also you accept the logic that part of what rural/midwestern folks love about Sarah Palin is that she is like them, why don’t you also accept that urban African Americans are more likely to support someone who they see as “one of them.” Again, when you call that very basic political reality “keeping people on the plantation” you reveal your own racism and refusal to see black people as no different than any other constituency. Get it together.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 14, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Or when he’s out on someone’s lawn in Jersey for months every night, attacking a father for defending himself in the dark of night; running that family out of the state.
Yea. Al’s there, looking for a payday.
yea. Good job Al, with Tiwana Broly
blatantblue on February 14, 2009 at 5:55 PM
I really liked Steele most of the times I’ve heard him on Fox, before, but his interview with Beck was really weak and disappointing.
progressoverpeace on February 14, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Steele needs to be in attack mode. Don’t let other people step on your toes. Also, yes the GOP is not trustworthy yet, especially with RINOS voting for S-CHIP and the porkulus. 2010 has to be the year republicans make gains, by actually having articulate conservative candidates defeating liberals and RINOS. Steele has a lot of work to do.
jencab on February 14, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Now go prove yourselves.
Black Adam on February 14, 2009 at 5:58 PM
William, the conservative base is larger than the liberal base we just need to be motivated by better candidates to come out and vote.
goat on February 14, 2009 at 5:59 PM
death to media hacks,
you can call it whatever you want, but the Democrats builds up institutions that are dependent on government spending, these groups in turn donate money and supply votes in exchange for government largess. In essence one vast political machine funded by taxpayer dollars. Of course there are democrats who are in the party for ideological reasons, but when someones job or pay is threatened or enhanced by who is government they are sure as hell more likely to participate and vote in favor of the party that keeps the gravy train going. Perhaps you should save your ire for the people who are using tax payer money designed for the collective good as a means to provide patronage in exchange for political favors.
rob verdi on February 14, 2009 at 5:59 PM
I said a conservative alternative to those groups. Of course they will work to try and influence legislation that they would otherwise be frozen out of. But a counter organization can be used to push free market ideas.
I am not suggesting that any GOP effort go in with the plan to trash JJ or Al Sharpton. Just to recognize the damage that they have done to America with their race baiting.
They have helped to try and turn minorities into constant victims with themselves as the solution to their victimization. The conservative alternative would go into minority areas and say that America is the land of opportunity IF you give it the hard work that is needed to succeed. You dont need Uncle Sam to be your sugar daddy to be successfull.
William Amos on February 14, 2009 at 6:00 PM
Everyone affiliated with non-profits in an area servicing low-income minorities needs to look into the federally funded “Weed and Seed” program to use that grant money to work with America’s Youth. As it is, only Socialists are utilizing all of that government grant money to brainwash children into Socialism. Better CONSERVATIVES direct the children than the intolerant good for nothing beyond self gratification elitists.
maverick muse on February 14, 2009 at 6:00 PM
And conservatives don’t overlook some of the unpleasant things their political leaders do? The point of my post wasn’t that Al Sharpton is perfect. The point is that you insult black folks intelligence when you say “you shouldn’t support this pandering black urban politician, he’s bad for you, support THIS white pandering politician from the suburbs because that’s what you should WANT to be, suburban and middle class.” That’s essentially the premise and it’s condescending, stupid and defies the very logic you use to choose politicians YOU like, that they reflect your values.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 14, 2009 at 6:01 PM
I tend to agree. This is not the party that took over the House in 1994 with the Contract with America. If it were, the GOP might still be in control.
But Steele now has to move on to articulate traditional conservative principles. And explain why they’re better in the for individuals and the country than Obama’s stealth socialism and Bush’s “compassionate conservatism.”
Wethal on February 14, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Perhaps you are missing a point here. The DNC under the leadership of the filthy liar and Congress that violates its own rules and enacts something as big as the Porkulus without a single bit of GOP support is distrusted just as much.
Making the message all about regaining public trust is important right now. Proving it through actions is more important and the way the GOP said no to pork is a big deal.
highhopes on February 14, 2009 at 6:01 PM
I agree it is just far less organized. That is the fault of the GOP for not getting the tools in place to get the votes out to win elections.
William Amos on February 14, 2009 at 6:01 PM
One contact point would be with the black small business owners and entrepreneurs. I read last fall that Sharpton had doubts about card-check because he was afraid that unionization would burden growing black businesses with too many labor costs.
NRO had a list of the best 26 conservative films this week. One of the was “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
Wethal on February 14, 2009 at 6:05 PM
If Steele was serious he would be calling for Collins, Snowe and Specter to be stripped of their party membership. These three prevented the most important fiscal bill in generations from being crafted with Repub input.
Had the bill been voted down unanimously the Dems would have been forced to rewrite the entire bill.
For the hubris of their vote they should be kicked out of the party and mocked in the public square. Failure to do so will allow any Repubs going forward to carve out their slice in future bills. The Repubs once again will guarantee themselves the back bench for decades.
patrick neid on February 14, 2009 at 6:05 PM
The strongest rationale that Romney supporters used against Fred Thompson was that he didn’t buy their vote.
We had great candidates and great momentum.
THE PROBLEM IS IN THE ELECTORAL PROCESS OF PRIMARIES AS CURRENT RULES IN PLAY WORKED AGAINST BRILLIANT CANDIDATES AND BENEFITED THE LEAST DESIRABLE.
And that primary process has been argued at HotAir as well. If anything, Steele and the GOP need to streamline our campaigning for a single primary election day. And God damn any party that coerces the public to endure the unending campaign. This past year was hell.
maverick muse on February 14, 2009 at 6:06 PM
The RNC needs to identify the weasel incumbents and replace them on the ticket(s) with believers in conservative principles. Not an easy task.
Many of the Republicans currently in congress have already demonstrated, through their votes, that they have abandoned, or never even believed in, conservative principles.
Actual deeds will speak far louder than grandiose words.
stonemeister on February 14, 2009 at 6:08 PM
There’s a few people who comment regularly here, who are telling themselves, hey, who don’t the Republicans tell the “social conservative” nut jobs to blow off and stop alienating the broader audience? Well, this is the answer to that (really stupid) question. Going for the “big tent” approach is what got us into this mess to begin with. There’s a tent for people who want tax-and-spend big government, taxpayer-funded-abortions, and other cash cows. It’s the Democratic Party. If that’s all the GOP had to offer us in ’08, we may as well have gone with the guy who’s less likely to fall over from a heart attack.
Or… we can offer an alternative. We didn’t, and Steele is owning up to it like a man.
Somebody has to.
manwithblackhat on February 14, 2009 at 6:12 PM
The RNC need to identify the GOP PLATFORM, just as when Newt Gingrich organized the Contract with America.
Given a concise platform, candidates either sign-on and get the GOP RNC endorsement and funding, or get cut off.
Have the contract in writing and follow the money.
maverick muse on February 14, 2009 at 6:13 PM
…but whose VP is not likely to last one year, and will be replaced by Michelle Obama.
no thanks
maverick muse on February 14, 2009 at 6:17 PM
William Amos on February 14, 2009 at 6:01 PM
I agree to an extent but our GOTV efforts have been pretty successful. I understand the McCain team reached more people than the Bush team in 2004, McCain was just a terrible cndidate and many just stayed home or left the presidential vote blank. Its not really Steele’s job to develope policy or party platform its his job to recruit and help groom new candidates and raise money to get them elected. He has about a year to recruit about 270 candidates to challenge incumbent Democrats. He needs to be working on that instead of trying to be the face of the GOP on the talking head shows. Let the candidates do that.
goat on February 14, 2009 at 6:19 PM
I’m still getting mail from the RNC with Mike Duncans name on it.
southsideironworks on February 14, 2009 at 6:21 PM
Maverick muse..Amen.
Mason on February 14, 2009 at 6:23 PM
I’m sorry, explain why the Republicans cannot be trusted? The Democratic Party has become a criminal enterprise, engaging in voter fraud and illegal fundrasing on a massive scale… how about we start hammering them on that, instead of this namby-pamby apologia for our existence. Who gave this guy the nickname “Man of Steele”, anyway?
drunyan8315 on February 14, 2009 at 6:25 PM
maverick muse on February 14, 2009 at 6:06 PM
Agreed, we need to close the primaries to only those in the party, it was Dems and indies that gave us McCain. We would have had Romney or Thompson with a closed system.
goat on February 14, 2009 at 6:26 PM
“The House GOP is back!” (video from RS). They get it.
Wethal on February 14, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Its not up to Steele and the RNC to punish Snowe, Collins and Specter that would be for the NRSC to decide.
goat on February 14, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Yes the GOP’s 2008 GOTV efforts were the best I have seen the GOP do in decades. However the dems GOTV efforts were far superior to that effort. We jump up 20% to the democrats 200%.
William Amos on February 14, 2009 at 6:33 PM
You know, thats a very intersting idea…
Social Cons have been able to work through Mega Churches and such… but Fiscal Cons like myself have nothing…
Key is that we need a group, that people can rally behind, with a LIMITED Agenda. Part of the GOP… but with its own infrastructure as well, heck, even with it own Platform.
Face it… most of the American electorate are Fiscal Conservatives… but right now they have no EFFECTIVE voice in Government. Repubs were on the right track (IMO) but by allowing the three defectors to defect… prooved themselves ineffective.
Hmmmm… may have to give this a bit of thought…
Romeo13 on February 14, 2009 at 6:33 PM
There will be many more important votes coming. We will know if they have truly learned there lesson soon enough.
genso on February 14, 2009 at 6:35 PM
To with hold funds from the RNC over the turncoat trio would hurt candidates at all levels, local, State and Federal that may need some help. Protest to the National Republican Senatorial Committee about the trio not Steele and the National committee.
goat on February 14, 2009 at 6:36 PM
“southsideironworks on February 14, 2009 at 6:21 PM”
must have a LOT of inventory to burn through yet …
:-)
Buckaroo on February 14, 2009 at 6:42 PM
multiple dittos…
I thought if I tossed you the ball you’d turn this thread into what it should have been about from the get-go, and I wuz right
Janos Hunyadi on February 14, 2009 at 6:42 PM
Steele, just start with the contract with America…any Republican running must sign to that contract, the other is the congress person needs to prove to him that they have a basic understanding of the constitution…starting with the trick question ( True or False, the 2nd Amendment was to guarantee Hunters Rights )
Conservative Voice on February 14, 2009 at 6:43 PM
William Amos on February 14, 2009 at 6:33 PM
In the states Obama won that had gone for Bush he didn’t get that many more votes than Kerry just McCain got quite a few less that Bush. Indiana is a perfect example, Obama got about 100,000 more than Kerry but McCain got 300,000 less than Bush and lost by 100,000.
goat on February 14, 2009 at 6:44 PM
I still like Steele a lot, and appreciate that all the GOP congress critters and most of the GOP senators stood steadfast against the ‘Dimulous Bill.
But Steele is right; I have no reason to trust the GOP. They are going to have to continue to be steadfast in opposing socialism and they are going to have to deal harshly with traitors like ‘Snow Job and S.P.E.C.T.R.E.’ before I trust them OR finance them collectively.
LegendHasIt on February 14, 2009 at 6:44 PM
His primary job is to raise money, but in doing that, he has to explain to what people are contributing.
And I think having one point man consistently giving the GOP program is better than individual politicians. Then it’s just the individual politician’s interpretation of Republicanism. And we saw what three senators did with that this week.
Someone has to “speak for the party.”
Wethal on February 14, 2009 at 6:45 PM
LOL – yeah, thanks again, Huckabee!
JustTruth101 on February 14, 2009 at 6:48 PM
KBird on February 14, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Really? Sounds like KBird gets all of his information from Daily Kos instead of listening or watching Glenn for himself. Glenn bends over backwards to give people a fair shake…even Al Sharpton.
Conservative Voice on February 14, 2009 at 6:49 PM
But, this is what the democratic base thinks, believe, and feels. How did they get there? I think, believe, and feel that it is a breakdown in their parental upbringing, their education K – 12, and their lack of spiritual training. Their “leaders” have failed them.
cjs1943 on February 14, 2009 at 6:56 PM
DeathToMediaHacks on February 14, 2009 at 5:34 PM
You either do not understand Fascism or understand principles. Defining yourself to be a party of certain fundamental beliefs and ideas, and then building trust with the voters that you keep your word is not being a fascist…nor does it matter if its not 1994, or if the leaders who came up with the contract of America have issues. Its like saying we shouldn’t have the Bill of Rights, it isn’t 1776, and all the founding fathers are dead. Some things last longer than a decade, and some things are right no matter who the messenger is.
Conservative Voice on February 14, 2009 at 6:57 PM
No sweat, Mikey, especially if this is the best you can do as “leader”.
SuperCool on February 14, 2009 at 7:02 PM
Wethal on February 14, 2009 at 6:45 PM
Good point, he does need to be the point man to an extent by explaining why our policies are better at the kitchen table level.
goat on February 14, 2009 at 7:02 PM
Michael Steele is the RNC’s Steve Yzerman.
liquidflorian on February 14, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Remember he’s not supposed to be able to live for a full term. He’s too old and Palin is too good looking to run anything except Alaska. Unreal.
johnnyU on February 14, 2009 at 7:04 PM
And two generations at least have grown up with the idea of the “federal grant.” Not just for education.
But need a new firetruck? A new arts center? New school? New government program? More cops? Just call your Congressman or Senator. He’ll get you a federal grant from Uncle Sam’s bottomless bank account.
Wethal on February 14, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Not to mention how delightfully awkward it will be for the three RINOS to have the RNC Chair saying this. They can’t say, “Well, it’s his opinion. He doesn’t speak for the party.” Because the Chair does, in the public’s view.
Wethal on February 14, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Wethal on February 14, 2009 at 7:08 PM
That’s why I say Steele shouldn’t even bother with the three RINOs, he needs to build the party from the local level up. He needs to focus on the kitchen table issues, most voters don’t sit around worrying about social issues, they worry about the economy, whether their job will be there, whether they can pay their bills, put gas in their cars and cool and heat their homes.
goat on February 14, 2009 at 7:23 PM
While PAC was running kick a… ad against the three traitors, Steele’s sight had a valentine displayed…enough said…..probably another RINO courtesy of Soros.
nondhimmie on February 14, 2009 at 7:23 PM
As long as the Treacherous Trio received funds from the RNC, they’ll not get a nickel from me.
michaelo on February 14, 2009 at 7:24 PM
They all went onto “disability”. I know that’s what my sister did to get around welfare reform. Speaking of which, welfare destroyed her life by providing her a crutch for years when she could have been working a job and getting job experience. Welfare is soul-destroying if partaken of for too long. I’d rather the government loan people money to make it when they’re down and out. At least that would give people an incentive to find a job to start paying the government back.
Dem voters are made up of two groups: lazy, no job having low lifes and those who enable them by continuing to vote for Dems’ stupid wealth redistribution policies. You sound like you’re in the latter group. Happy now that Dems aren’t being painted with one broad brush?
venividivici on February 14, 2009 at 7:24 PM
The Dems focus on those issues like a laser beam and the last two cycles it worked.
goat on February 14, 2009 at 7:24 PM
Why must your side pretend that Dem voters all are lazy, no job having, low lifes when that’s just not even close to the truth.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 14, 2009 at 5:32 PM
Good point; lazy people wouldn’t drag themselves to the welfare office to get their monthly checks.
So: Not Lazy.
Happy now?
Bishop on February 14, 2009 at 7:29 PM
We in PA will deal with Specter. He’s pretty much admitted in quotation on his invisible friends in the senate cloakroom that he expects a primary challenge. And this time neither Santorum or Bush will save his sorry butt.
Any primary challenger will have to explain to people how much the stimulus will hurt them and their children. Most definitely.
As far as social issues go, I think Fred! had a good take on that with his federalism. Let the people decide on the state level. Last fall, CA OK’d Prop 8, but Washington state OK’d physician-assisted suicide for the terminally ill. When people have their say (as opposed to being silenced by a few judges), they’re a little more accepting. And they can always campaign to change the law back.
Wethal on February 14, 2009 at 7:29 PM
I hope Steele words are true.I would like to believe that sellouts like specter ,collins & snowe have bought tickets on the S.S. Rino and it,s sinking fast and there are no GOP lifeboats.If we are to rebuild the Consev GOP party. We have to stay away from the big tent Rino Specter,Collins,Snowe and others just like them.We tryed that road and it,s a dead end.Also if and when we get power back no more mr. nice guy.We kick A** and take names.We use the power of Gov.to go after ever Dem & Lib group we can fine.Let then feel the raft and show no mercy.Go after the MSN like white on rice no mercy.
thmcbb on February 14, 2009 at 7:47 PM
I haven’t seen this anywhere and admittedly haven’t looked…
Has Steele denounced, in any way, the “Three Mouseketeers” for their treasonous behavior…?
jerrytbg on February 14, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Wethal on February 14, 2009 at 7:29 PM
I agree that social issues should be left to the states or even localities instead of trying to bring them to the federal level. The GOP needs to stop focusing on them and instead explain why their economic and security policies are better. I would lump healthcare into the economics bracket and those are the three issues that the vast majority of voters focus on. Ever wonder why when budget cuts are discussed Democrats immediately bring up police and fire departments and not all the other extraneous wasteful spending they engage in like propping up corrupt unions like they do here in Ca.
goat on February 14, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Why so?
DrStock on February 14, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Yes, it would seem that any other way just won’t work anyway. As always, the Constitution has to rule so not just any old state law can be passed.
venividivici on February 14, 2009 at 7:55 PM
This may be a newsflash for AP but grown adults can handle the truth…as a matter of fact, we appreciate honesty. Steele is saying he and the GOP have to earn our trust……I find that candor refreshing since its accurate. Isn’t it time you post another Palin bashing topic…its been a few days since you started the last one.
David in ATL on February 14, 2009 at 7:57 PM
Edit. No charge.
ex-Democrat on February 14, 2009 at 7:58 PM
To add to my last post, that is why I favored Rudy over Huck but then again I was and still am a Romneyite.
goat on February 14, 2009 at 7:59 PM
The threat from Within
The Axelrods of the GOP. but with a moderate voice.
William Amos on February 14, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Unfortunately goat, with the juggernaut we witnessed this cycle…I wonder if Reagan could have won.
jerrytbg on February 14, 2009 at 8:06 PM
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