HeadlineTranslation: "Yes, Republicans say now its time to for the introduction of RNC Chair Michael Steele on this fine day!"
It was well after midnight during the Republican National Convention in early September of 2004. The very well dressed, but not too blinged out Michael Steele was holding court chilllaxing in the VIP section of Jay-Z's Club 40 in Manhattan. The place all smoky banged out the hits of Hovah's followed by "Fitty" Cent, Eve and Usher's "Yeah" with L'il Jon. White Republicans, many dressed preppy and some sexy, jammed packed themselves in the club. Attempting to dance to beats that definitely looked foreign to them with out-of-sink head bops and broken rhythm booty shakes, they were enjoying themselves. A number of them made their way to Steele giving him props with awkward pounds/fist bumps for the best party of the entire week.
Black Republicans too shy to "bounce" feared being labeled ghetto. Not too many dared to allow a little jiggle. Instead many talked politics. The few Black Elephants who dared to swerve came with a few Black Democrat party crashers for confidence.
The booze was flowin' -- Hypnotic, Henny and other combination drinks to help with loosening up. Despite the spectacle and rare moment in the Republican political experience, there was a feeling in the air (perhaps because many were buzzed from the liquor) that Republicans needed to get more "tricked out," and perhaps the man to do it was Michael Steele.
It is a great and historical moment for the Republican Party to have Michael Steele as the new Party Chair. It is quite clear, President Obama's win in November factored into the Steele win, but to Steele's credit he has spent years nurturing relationships with Republicans on the far right hanging out with persons like New Gringrich and Trent Lott to the moderate left. And, while some of his political views rub the average Black Democrat the wrong way, there is something about Steele they can't completely discount -- he has not tried to be anything else, but what he is -- a black man who embraces his culture and happens to be Republican.
Steele has garnered respect and friendships with persons such as Tavis Smiley, former Congressman Harold Ford and members of the Black Congressional Caucus. This has allowed him to have a wider path to the Black community. While he may never admit it publicly, Steele has also experienced the Republican racist rub behind the scenes, but he has continued to fight and work hard inside the party making the case that serious outreach to African Americans, Latinos and other demographics of color are critical to the survival of the Republican Party. President Obama's Gangsta style beat down against Senator John McCain and the Republican Party in the House and Senate last November, sends a message that says, "Whatever kool-aide you were makin' ain't nobody drinkin'.
In his victory speech, Steele came on strong essentially vowing to jack anyone who gets in the way of what he and the Republicans are trying to do. Clearly his throwing down the gauntlet signals a new battle between the Right Coast and Left Coast. Steele's win may truly signify the moderate wing of the party getting the Chutzpah to finally say, "Stop," to try something new. His win could also signify the Big Dawgs of the Republican Party (older white boyz) know to directly attack President Obama they will be labeled as racist, but if Steele does it, then the "race card" gets taken off the table.
Steele's win was not done solo. A lot of work was done behind the scenes. I would not be surprised if the invisible prints of the highly respected former House Republican Conference Chairman, Congressman J.C. Watts were all over this.
Steele will have an interesting tightrope to walk. His four big jobs to balance are 1. Re-tool the party to attract more candidates and members. 2. Raise "big money grip" for a party that has fallen way behind the DNC. 3. Balance Republican egoism on the Hill and Brunette Ambition Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. However, Republicans are saying "Whatever" to the shrill Palin for lying to them about why she could not attend their 130 member retreat in VA this weekend. Instead, she was in D.C. flossin' at the Alfalfa Club soiree. 4. Try to find a way to prove he has "street cred" to make the Republican Party hype enough for African Americans to at least take a serious look. The Obama juggernaut will make that virtually impossible! All tasks will be extremely difficult if he does not hire the "new school" people who really get it.
His win shows African Americans are not monolithic. However, his greatest challenge will come from inside the party when they begin to roll on him; will he like President Obama retort with real power and authority, "I WON."
Loading comments… 
