Steele's Slippery Slope

Last week carried enough political theater to fake an Emmy, and showed that all politics is really all about perception. Party-line stimulus vote in the House, from eagerly left-twitched Democrats to jacked-in-a-regional-box Republicans. The meteoric media rise of Rod Blagojevich and his peculiar fall - if that's what you call a talk show offer and easy book deals to come. President Obama ushers in the brand new with a busy blast of executive decisions, inebriated memos and a Fair Pay law. Fated action on MSNBC's "Hardball" where Dick Armey blew chauvinistic gasket at Salon.com's Joan Walsh, the former House Majority Leader giving full deference to the first name.

But, it all got slippery in a fade of black when the Republican National Committee elected Michael Steele as Chairman.

The gregarious, former Maryland Lt. Governor was clearly in his element, working tables and glad-handling the base, flashing confident smiles while occasionally busting a nervous bead of sweat or two. The RNC Winter Meeting is one of the more ... non-diverse political functions to take place inside the Beltway, yet Steele made his rounds with ease. Undoubtedly, Steele is a clean, polished cat - one of the more polished in American politics. Any seasoned political junkie could predict this. History, trajectory and the crispy shine of his striped ties could tell you that. For reference, see: rather public and vocal tenure as The Free State's Lt. Gov. For more, catch his doomed albeit promising 2006 U.S. Senate run.

As African American Republicans and conservatives go, he's the most affable and telegenic, glistening with normalcy and that feel-good, pat-on-the-back demeanor. Basically, he can flow. J.C. Watts, perhaps, comes in a tight second, but the former Oklahoma Congressman appears a bit reticent on the televised circuit, clearly preferring behind-the-scenes to blowing-up-his-spot. And, who else? There are some notable, young and rather convincing up-and-comers to watch (from Lenny McAllister to Princella Smith), but the others are consumed by partisan-paved bitterness. Steele, on the other hand, enjoys the spotlight. His recent gig as GOPAC head was a grooming fluke, perhaps an attempt by GOPAC's founder and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich to add new flavor to the very vanilla Republican all-time hits list.

But, funny thing, Steele is both recipient and victim of being in right places at the right time. Even though his start-up tenure as Chair of the Prince George's County Republican Committee put him on Maryland's map for statewide office, it also raised distressing questions concerning style and substance. Did he have clout or did he just appear to have clout? And if he did, could he exercise it? Questions continue to plague his legacy in Prince George's: how did he manage a rise to Maryland's No. 2 spot if he was barely successful at recruitment efforts in the majority Black Washington, D.C. suburb? That's another story for another blog; the fact remains, to Steele's defense, that he had a near impossible job in a suburb where 70 percent of residents are African American and nearly 90 percent of those residents are registered Democrats.

Still, few can deny that Steele played position well, understanding the fine line between being Black in the GOP and being too Black in the GOP. He had a healthy shot at the open U.S. Senate seat despite his Republican brand - but, like most Black Republicans, he allowed the party establishment to dictate strategy and message in a state oozing with primarily Black Democratic political power. He failed to retrofit.

Therein lies the root of Steele's real problem. Republicans needed a public relations break more so than a Michael Steele, a fact that will show itself much sooner rather than later. Let's appear to shake it up, they finally decided during the Winter meeting. Ok, with a depressing sigh and shrug, let's pick what we think is our version of Barack Obama. You could see it in the length of time it took to finally pick Steele (a record-breaking six rounds) and the grim look of rank-and-files shuffling about. Folks didn't appear all that pleased, being forced into the corner of history and demographic shifts. It was all they could do. It was sad, yet full of raw, dark political comedy. What other choice did the party have?

Perhaps they believe in a better go at classic divide and conquer, luring just enough Black voters to get them several more Congressional seats in 2010. It goes beyond Steele's color, obviously. It's also an ambitious attempt to stage a Northeast comeback, to change blue states into red, to get the purples back. To look less Southern, to look a bit less White than Western states like Utah and Wyoming according to the latest Gallup poll. And not only did the RNC elect its first Black Chair, it also picked someone from a solidly Democratic state (Maryland) while Democrats have a chair from a purple state that was solidly Republican (Virginia) up until an election ago. Although he shouldn't underestimate anything breathing on his flank, Obama is sure to have belched a healthy laugh that day at Steele's expense.

Despite lacking organizational skill, scattered management style and questionable fundraising acumen, Steele's real test could be his most elusive. Can he get Black Republicans elected to Congress and statewide public office? The chances and candidate pickings are real slim. In the current climate, the new RNC Chair should worry less about appeasing the party base with conservative diatribes and focus more on attracting independents and moderates with pragmatist appeal. If he can pull that off, then he and his party just might have a shot. At the moment, don't hold your breath, fam.

Comments

[Veronica]

If Michael Steele wants to succeed as head of the GOP, he just needs to stay true to himself and he'll do just fine.

Why? Because the true Michael Steele is an opportunistic slimebag who will over and grab his ankles (as Rush Limbaugh might say) for the REAL leaders of the party. Leaders who, without a doubt, have nothing but the utmost contempt for Michael Steele.

And hey, it's well-deserved contempt. Steele is a lemming and a pathetically eager one at that.

[Merersu]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I couldn't have put it better myself!

[trumpetman]

Whoever on this thread said that a republican is going to win the seat for govenor in New Jersey against Corzine LOL Yeah Right ! They better be a moderate like Gov. Jodi Rell of my state C.T. because the wedge issues don't work in this part of the country.

[zest]

The no party affiliation voters will be deciding the outcome of elections for the foreseeable future. The no party affiliation voters look closely at the parties and canidates. As a no party affiliation voter I can see right through this ploy. It's not going to work. Colin Powell and Condilisa Rice were loyal party players and they were thrown under the bus; Steele will be afforded the same.

[kanester]

SoundBite for this article:
GOP goes for Obama-lite: With no real talent, Steele will at least "look" good.

[imjustawitchywoman]

First The GOP used Palin as a Republican "Hillary"....which didn't work.

Then there was talk of Jindl as the GOP's Nominee in 2012.....darker complexion, young, articulate......the Republican's "Obama". But Jindl has said he won't run....so....back to square one with that one.

So....The Republicans came up with Steele. Who I believe to be an intelligent, articulate guy. But that is NOT why he was chosen. We all know that.

It might not be the most Politically correct thing to say.....and it is sad.....but it is true.

If the GOP truly wants to be relevant in 2010 and 2012s elections.....they had better stop all "gimmicks" and start retooling their party . The Republican Party
doesn't even know what it stands for anymore.

And they are out of touch and way off base with what is happening in America....you know....with American's (aka the Voters).

If they want the minority vote....they had better start to address and correct things that adversely affect minorities and minority communities.

[rageagainstmachine]

Eggzachary!

[appacom]

Steele does whatever is most politically expedient. Only a total lack of character could've enabled him to go on television - during the presidential campaign - to defend and support the devisive, malevolent ignorant Sara Palin. He embarasses me as a Black person.

[schicklett3]

I honestly think there's no way Steele would be the head of the RNC if Obama wasn't our president.
Steele may be a good man with good service and intentions, but, I think he'll be used and abused by the republicans - a token of sorts. He'll be the attack dog against Obama.
I would love to know what the RED states are thinking about their new leader.

[scottymac11]

Barack was elected by the voters in spite of the fact he is black. Steele was elected by republicant politicians because he was black. I'm sue some wished he too had been a beauty contest winner . You betcha.

[democracy7]

Without an original thought in his head.

[lawgrrl]

You hit it right on the head! Perfectly said! I am black and I don't know a single black friend of mine who gives a hang about Michael Steele. He already spoke today and blew it by trying to look like a badass with his message for "obstructionists" (I assume he meant Democrats, which is HILARIOUS!)

[BEHM777]

Good analysis.

[smoo]

These Rublican Leaders. All you have to do is stand out the way and let these old farts make an ass out of themselves. You would have thought theyed learn from the Sarah Palin gimmick. People can see right through these. The sad thing, however, is this and Sarah is that it sort of trivializes these very important positions. It's now turning into a me too game. As if being a woman or being black is somehow in style, like the internet , so "let's get in style." They just don't seem to understand, all American want is honesty and serious debate about what is good for this country. We don't want this what is good for "our" constituients and "our" influential donors. Democrates have been elected to lead because it is clear that they understand that this country, domestically, has be neglected for at least nearly 10 years (Clinton spent the last two fighting Lawiski), all of which Republicans were in control. Now look what we have on our hands, the worst American that we have every had. Yet these guys still want to play games. They are seriously at risk of becoming an obviously segragationist party.

[Charmed]

Great article....it's hard to look at Steel as a historic vote because it's so obvious that they were looking for their own Obama and came up short.

[Angelus2007]

Remember the average voter doesn't know who the RNC chair is. Heck, I didn't know it was Duncan Hunter until I saw Steele win.

People who know who the DNC or RNC chairs are, are into politics and in most cases are either firmly left or firmly right. So to most people Steele will be the charismatic guy supporting a candidate.

He is also focusing on 2 states, Virginia (who know him, at least in N VA), and NJ. Both states could get republican governors.

NJ-Corzine is in trouble, he has a 44% approval rating, and is polling down 2 pts against Chris Christie(fmr. US Atty) and Christie hasn't even won the Republican primary. For an incumbent to be down against a no-name, its not like Christie was a Senator or Congressman or something, 9 months before the election is not good.

VA-McDonnell is out-raising any of the democratic candidates including Terry McAulife, former DNC chair. He also has been elected to state office, and has no challenger in the primary as the democratic side does, so he can sit on his money until that is decided in June and focus on his candidates.

There are not a lot of races in 2009, but if VA and NJ go for republicans, I will be worried for 2010. I am more concerned if VA goes, because NJ should still go dem nationally, people in NJ hate Corzines, I would happily take Whitman back.

[garymc8]

VA looked like the most racist state in the nation. Why else would Palin start a pac there of all places? They will hold onto their bigotry and racism for years to come.

[MsLiz]

Palin's PAC has an address in a DC suburb, and it has nothing to do with alleged racism of the voters in Virginia. Virginia's voting is much less racist than many other states, IMHO. Obama carried Virginia.

[trumpetman]

Actually Virginia isn't really a racist state and the state has been shifting blue over the past couple of years making it a purple state. Thats why obama won the state.

[jimmyaj]

"Can he get Black Republicans elected to Congress and statewide public office?"

I really doubt it. The affore mentioned rank-and-file Republicans will likely NEVER vote for ANY black candidate. They don't want to see blacks in any major position, particularly politics or finance.

If anything, Steele's elevation to the RNC chair will alienate that lily-white base that has long been the core of the GOP... All for the better...

GOP/RIP

[pfrogger]

Could not agree more.
Another gift to the Dems.
Picking the one guy that,
1. isn't the Repub version of Obama (no such thing, and this guy nothing compared to Obama)
2. alienates the hardcore, die by the Repub mantra, anti-fact, follow any insane idea by the leadership, and vote against your their won self-interest Repubs,
who can't like Steele on principle alone - he's black

They have just cut of or minimized a good chunk of their party - the rabid racists who used to be approved by the Repub party.
This is too good.
Where the racists be at???

[HyperInfluential]

That actually worries me a little. What will the hardcore racists do now that the GOP has abandoned them? Hopefully move to Switzerland or something in protest.

[MO4Obama08]

THANK YOU! Finally.... I was thinking along this same line when he was announced. They pulled what they thought was a strategic move by finding their "Republican Obama", but the whole thing was completely see-through from the get go! Seriously... an Af. Am. for chair of the RNC? Do the Rep. people of the country (what's left of them!) REALLY believe this because he was "the best man for the job"??? Uh... no! They KNEW they would have to pick either a woman or a black man. That's just the facts. They are TRYING to "appear" to be in the now... but, they are STILL back in the dark ages with their ideals! I would hope people didn't buy into this "we're not out of touch anymore" BS, like they want peeps to believe! Plus, Steele saying "Bi-partisanship is overrated" is just another example that they will never change, never budge, and have the exact same platform... cut taxes, ban abortion, give guns to EVERYONE, bend over for all corporate big wigs, less government (which means less oversight...what got us into this mess in the first place!!!). That's all they've got, and they're not listening to what the people (the VOTERS) actually want. They've got a LONG way to go if they want to make their "comeback"!!!

[NotFooledByDistractions]

It's kind of like the Palin selection. In light of Clintons loss, the repubs thought they could lock in women voters by selecting a woman - any woman - as a running mate. LIke women are that stupid and gullible. This smacks of the same thinking. Putting a black man as head of the rnc will automatically lure black voters. Women didn't fall for their transparency, and I sincerely doubt that African Americans will fall for this superficial ploy either. Until they reexamine their ideology - and lose the bigoted ways, their party will continue to shrink. After all, how long can their base - old white rural voters - live?

[StillIRise]

It's also reminiscent of their sudden attraction to Jindal in Louisiana. Republicans focus on the wrapping, and seem not to care that underneath the wrapping, the box is still empty!

[listeningpost]

You're probably right, but they will probably loose as much support from their conservative base as they might gain in the middle.
Sooner or later they are going to have to come to grips with the fact that this divide cannot be bridged.
This is an age of thinking the unthinkable. Such as a 3 party system. (or more...)

[Angelus2007]

I don't think they will lose much if any support from the base. Just as regardless as who runs for the democrats they won't lose their base. The base on either party will never vote for the "other side". So like the candidate or not, you will vote for your party. Did all of Hillarys supporters all of a sudden realize Obama was better? No, they decided that Obama was still better than McCain. Did most Romney or Huckabee supporters vote for Obama? No, the still voted for McCain, even if they didn't like him.

[pfrogger]

Agreed, but a black man as the head of the RNC is going to confuse the hell out of the hard core racists and those with tendencies. They certainly won't run to the Dems, who wouldn't have them anyway, but at least maybe some proactive people can fix the country while their base is dazed, confused, and paralyzed at the thought of their new RNC head.

[StillIRise]

If the Democrats had chosen a Democratic version of Sarah Palin or even a John McCain to run for the highest office in the land, I would NOT have voted Democrat. And in fact, many Republicans and conservatives DID vote for President Obama, having been turned off by Palin and McCain and recognizing that Obama was the better candidate. Many, if not all of Hillary's former supporters, also supported Obama not because he was the only one left, but because they genuinely liked him. On the other hand, some of her supporters voted for McCain. There are some die-hard party voters who will never switch their party allegiance, and there are still a large number of die-hard racists who will never vote for or willingly follow a black man, no matter which party he represents. But as this election has shown us, there are just as many independent thinkers who are not persuaded by party alone and who still look for the substance of a candidate's character.

[HyperInfluential]

There is such a thing as going too far for people to continue to feel that loyalty you mention. I think for some portion of the Republican base, they were supporting that party because to them, there was an unspoken understanding that the GOP was the party that was going to protect and promote the interests of "Real Americans," i.e. people who look just like them and live in a similar setting to them and share a similar religion to them.

And now the face of the GOP doesn't look like them at all. I think for many of these people, this decision will be going too far, and they will leave the GOP, either by turning away from politics altogether or joining a more militant Anglo Saxon Power party.

[Snowflower]

It's not likely that he will be the chair long enough to really make a lasting impact either way. The last chair was in place less than a year, I think.

"lacking organizational skill, scattered management style and questionable fundraising acumen" . . . if he's all show and no substance, it'll be a short tenure.

[rockinrod]

For Steele to come out of the gate saying that the Republican Party simply has to get back to core values and re-register for the Contract with America is a disappointment and shows their continued disconnect with America.
No change other than a minor color change...I'm underwhelmed. These people are in deep, deep denial and obstructionism through adherence to their sacred values is all they have left. None of them are willing to own up to their polices that got us in this deep do-do.

[garymc8]

BACKWARDS THINKING. The gop is hopelessly locked in the past. All their answers are coming from the last 30 years and they do not recognize America's rejection of those tired, old unsustainable fiscal policies. The gop is not a political choice it is a party for those who think the white man is supposed to get everything. These people are truly greedy and think their whiteness gives them supremacy, their religion gives the impunity. They never seem to be bothered by the constant deceict oriented approach to politics. They seem to think they are lying for Christ.

[SandraL]

This article was fantastic! The dilemma here is that, maybe people will see like the Palin pick, you cant just choose a woman, or an African American, and then all of the sudden you are engaging these voting blocks. Woman were not fooled by Sarah Palin. I was insulted by the pick, and the questions" Does John Mccain look better to you now that there is a woman on the ticket?" was a constant annoyance during the race. I know for a fact that Steele being black is not going to change anything for my Father, who is conservative and voted for McCain(I forgive him :D). The Republican party should know better. It didnt work with Sarah Palin, and it's not going to work with Michael Steele. From his tone during his press conferences, he was not engaging any community except for the right. It was business as usual, instead of extending a hand to either the Democratic party or black voters. And women? Forget about it...His comments about abortion and stem cell research? He lost me at "We will run you over"