Jack & Jill Politics

Friday, January 30, 2009
If you can't beat em....

THE FIELD NEGRO


"We've been misdefined as a party that doesn't care, a party that's insensitive, a party that is unconcerned about minorities, a party that's unconcerned about the lives and expectations and dreams of average Americans, and nothing could be further from the truth.."

So says Michael Steele, the guy who loves puppies and the new Chairman of the RNC. Oh, and Michael, as you can tell by his pic, just happens to be an African American. Oh those repubs, they are so original. Seriously, if you are a die in the wool repub this has got to hurt. Steele, after all, pissed off conservatives when he found a moderate organization, and from time to time has seemed almost embarrassed by his party affiliation.

But look at the choices they had: The frat boy's hand picked man, Mike Duncan, Chip (the rapper)Salstman, Katon (I am a son of the confederacy) Dawson, and Kenneth (I am a proud house Negro)Blackwell. Wow, talk about scraping from the bottom of the barrel. These repubs are in some serious trouble.

Oh come on field, you are always crying about how insensitive the republicans are, and how they need to reach out to people of color, and now they pick one of your people and you still aren't satisfied. Nope, because I know a hustle when I see one. Here is the thing: if you put an African American in a position of power just because the other guy did it and you think it was successful for him, you aren't really doing shit. You are just playing politics as usual.

http://field-negro.blogspot.com/

MMG:

It is interesting that the presence of former Lt Governor Steele on the ticket in heavily DEMOCRATIC Maryland brought the Black Democrats to make note that the DEMOCRATIC PARTY had never before elected a BLACK IN THIS DEMOCRATIC STATE to STATE WIDE OFFICE. Presto chango - what happened in the next gubernatorial race? A BLACK MAN APPEARS ON THE TICKET!!!

Where as when Kennedy ran against Erhlich she chose a WHITE MAN who had only a few months prior changed from being a REPUBLICAN to a DEMOCRAT over the list of BLACK CANDIDATES who could have been considered.


PiePiePie:

It is all too interesting - isn't it?

Many Black folks say that otherwise racist White folks elected a Black man as President only because of the dire straights that this nation is in. The same with the Republican Party.

Secondly these White racists figure that with the entity collapsing while a Black man is at the helm - this will prevent any other Black people from being seen as worthy of holding such an office again.

The key difference between you and these White racists is that you largely believe the same as they do BUT you hope that Barack Obama SUCCEEDS and thus this nation does not collapse but you hope Steele FAILS and the Republican Party collapses.

PiePiePie - I ask you to look where your people live AND there is no Republican threat to speak of. Are their lives in better shape ABSENT the evil, racist Republican threat?


Black people living in the following cities have:
NO REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE from Local to State to Federal AND no Majority Republican Legislative Body at any of the levels of government:

* Baltimore
* Newark
* Milwaukee
* Chicago

The Democratic Monopoly HAS FAILED to produce the expected benefits upon the Black community.

I suggest you read two excellent pieces about the modern (post 1960s voting rights act GOP) before you imply that black people vote Democratic out of some idiotic loyalty.
http://www.theroot.com/views/black-conservative...
http://blacksnob.blogspot.com/2008/04/michael-s...

Secondly, I suggest you not assume I'm black or a democrat.

Next, I'd suggest using real evidence and real citations rather than the weak "many people think" or "some people say" lines to trot out absurd premises about Black people believing that white people are racist.

Further, I'm tired of commentators and others making the assumption that blacks are not making RATIONAL decisions by voting Democratic. That's ridiculously paternalistic and not done for other ethnic groups with similar voting patterns.

Absent the historical issues presented in those two reference peices about black conservatives and then about Republican policies -- let's look at near term policy.

1.) Blacks overwhelmingly did not support the iraq war.
http://seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Features/3-03-28G... (this is from March 2003 btw)
2.) NCLB did very little to improve education in schools
3.) Reproductive rights -- Blacks are quite progressive
etc. etc. etc. There are no real policies "there."

So, now that I've adequately tackled that myth in your post let's get on to the M. Steele part.

The guy FAKED a racial antedocte about members of an HBCU college crowd throwing oreo cookies at him. You don't see any problems with this?
http://www.pamspaulding.com/weblog/2005/11/whos...

When you deconstruct his career it is full of these phony race-baiting incidents where black people "disrespect him" and other wise victimize him because he is a Republican. However, most of these are highly dubious.

Further in his MD senate race, he was all to quick to pay homeless blacks from philadelphia to pass out flyers that recast Steele as having Democratic support he did not have -- along with a considerable about of campaign signage that implied Steele was a democrat.

So, Steele's sole sthick as a republican has always been "I'm a black republican" not "I'm a republican" sorry that's unpersuasive. 1.) It goes against the "supposed" republican ideals of ignoring diversity and emphasizing commonality. 2.) The guy continuously (and weirdly) compares himself to Obama.

Steele is underwhelming --
How successful were his campaigns in adding minorities to Gopac or the MD RNC with his "strategies?" (where are his quantative data from those offices -- fund-raising, strategies implemented etc.)
How many successful campaigns for office has he mounted?
Where are his intellectual or entrepreneurial ventures?

The guy has a smaller record than Palin.

Lastly, I don't care one way or the other how Steele does as chairman of the RNC.
The principles of the party, as stated in the RNC platform, and the execution of the parties representatives in practice are out of line with my value-system. The RNC Chairman is not in a position to change either of those issues, thus it does not matter to me how Steele does in that capacity.

However, in the short-term I'm more concerned with how Steele has set himself up over the campaign as an "anti-obama." Essentially, ignoring any valid complaint Democrats might have about the "otherness" campaign against Obama by McCain-Palin (Obama to his credit and political craft never directly addresses those issues); yet, Steele both tries to benefit as "racial victim" and fraudulently play this on others.

Steele has lost my respect by his actions (not to mention his credibility), not his party affiliation.

I'm disappointed in his continuing use of fraudulent stories and false premises to belittle black people and aggrandize himself.

If he had spent his time constructing a strong argument for blacks to support the RNC, if he had some feature in his own biography -- some compelling reason to be interested in him as a figure (military service, legal career, entreprenuerial success) etc.

My hope is that he will cast asside the false stories of his past used to belittle black folks -- while asking for their support.

you say: Steele's sole scthick as a republican has always been "I'm a black republican" not "I'm a republican" sorry that's unpersuasive.

I would even expand that to the history of high-profile black commentators/analysts claiming conservatism. more often they ride as "black conservatives," a calling out of race that is diametrical to their constant cries to not see color.

honest question: can anyone name one honest black person among the lot of leaders, commentators, etc. whom you see as holding a conservative stance based on principle, so circumspect that we could not begin to confuse them for being tools in the race game? [i'll get much crime for saying Colin Powell, but I do believe he's one of those conservative voices] if not now - do you know of any up-and-coming voices who do provide that kind of counterbalance?

note: i'm not assuming black folks aren't tooling on the dem side either. it's obvious we've done that. but I do think there have been a few who could be named as not necessarily democrat, but still liberal by principle - according the popular definition of that. [give me crime again, but I'd name Obama himself as the first liberal but not necessarily democrat leader. He and Powell will agree generally but I am sure they will hold exact opposite positions on some critical issues. But O couldn't run as Republican and Powell couldn't, on principle, endorse any of them this time 'round, going for the greater good.]

so - who's a real conservative - or even a real republican - young or old?

http://www.theroot.com/views/black-conservative...
This piece talks about the issues you bring up. Essentially that black conservatives like Shelby Steele Michael Steele (no relation heh) allow themselves to become gimmicks by commenting solely on race.

However, you are also right -- there are plenty of hucksters on the left as well-- Jesse Jackson, Al sharpton, Bobby Rush and Roland Burris come to mind.

In fact, when I first arrived on JJP people were ready to burn me at the stake for critiquing the Burris - Blago - Bobby Rush show as racial hucksterism. In this case, Michael Steele has a career of doing the same sort of racial grievance politics within the Republican party.

Ultimately, I think Steele will have the same problems as Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson in the age of Obama -- the will have difficulty defining his own image as anything other than reactionary, the latter as racial hucksters.

The media (and black people ) feel more at ease in critiquing black "leaders."

Agree.

I think the real race victory may be that Obama is a tiny step into black as Americana where we will cover the whole range of topics without black being the overriding filter. It won't go away, but will take more background I would hope.

The result? Your Thanksgiving table, where, if you are black, you know full well the deep and principled stances the extended family takes when disagreeing on politics and life in America.

Piepiepie: EXCELLENT ANALYSIS! WELL STATED! :>)

The comparison with Palin is SAD, in light of the FACT that she is SOO UNDERWHELMING. :>)

Change happens one step at a time.

When the Republicans took control of Congress and the White House they abandoned their principles and their actions did not go unpunished. Bush enlarged the size and scope of the federal government and Republicans went along with it because Bush was their President. Dems cosigned all of his huge legislation because Dems believe the government cannot be big enough.

The stand against the pork filled stimulus is the first step towards repairing the damage done to the GOP with regards to their claim to be the party of smaller, more efficient, fiscally responsible government. They will need to continue down this path if they have any hope of reclaiming their credibility and attracting broader support.

Now, with the election of Michael Steele, another small step has been taken towards making the party more inclusive. I see this too, as a positive move.
For too long, the GOP has allowed their presence to be driven from minority communities, robbing these areas of serious debates about the best ways to improve their lives and neighborhoods.

The GOP has allowed Dems to stereotype them in the worst ways: Racist, bigoted, homophobes with no compassion for the poor and as tools of big business.

Hopefully, African Americans in, economically depressed, monopolized Democratic areas will be more receptive to the GOP message now that Michael Steele is at the helm. He is a man I admire and l wish him success.

Rome was not built in a day. Good to see the cornerstones being laid for a new foundation.

Ha....Republicans have been known to rail against the cries of "victimhood"...But I swear this piece you just wrote is full of "republican victimhood" and it is a crock.

You wrote:
When the Republicans took control of Congress and the White House they abandoned their principles and their actions did not go unpunished.

And so the question is why were your principles abandoned.....and even if you blame Bush. he was incredibly ENABLED by members of the republican party....hell, you all disenfranchised and stole elections to put him in office, so basically you all were the enablers and cheerleaders. Even after we saw clusterfuck after clusterfuck on Republican's watch.

The problem now is, Republicans only care NOW because they are wounded and down.....but it just goes to show you that Republicans only want to self-examine when THEY are hurt and down, and NOT when the PEOPLE are and the PEOPLE spoke their truths on November 4, 2008.

You wrote:
The GOP has allowed Dems to stereotype them in the worst ways: Racist, bigoted, homophobes with no compassion for the poor and as tools of big business.

Now I have to tell you, this almost made me choke on my juice, because quite honestly this is the most asinine thing I have heard.

No one, I repeat, No one had to help the GOP stereotype them....

Comments made by the xenphobic, gay-bashing, racist likes of people like
Michelle Bachmann, Steve King, Jeff Frederick, Tom Delay, Rush Limpballs, Sarah Palin, Sean Hannity, Chip Saltsman, Saxby Chambliss, Republican propangandist Fox News, Republican leaders in California and COUNTLESS others have done a fine job casting themselves in the worst light. Now to mention all thoseyoutube videos at the McCain/Palin/borderline Klan rallies where people yelled "off with his (Obama's) head and carried stuffed animals that were monkey.

yup. The modern GOP is blue-state rural and South strong (AL, MS,KY, TN, LA, SC, OK) + WY, UT, AK, ID strong. That's it.

There was absolutely no fiscal discipline and the socon goals were a farce and against the "strict interpretations of the constution" (the 2004 anti-gay marriage ammendments-- E.g. REMOVE rights from a large group of people)

NCLB failed drastically -- Bush had his chance to win minorities with "compassionate conservatisim" and had the opportunity to push for national unity -- he used it to wage an optional war in Iraq.

Also the conservative thing to do was OPPOSE the war in Iraq. It's pretty clear the modern Republican party is a bunch of Social Conservatives, and Neo Conservatives.

I completely agree -- it is like the Republican "media bias" cry, while at the same time Fox News brags about having the largest viewing audience and Republican Talk Radio dominates the Armatron.

Come on, give us a break and stop your effing whining.

Major, Co-sign!

I hope everyone sees this for what it is. This is just a ploy by the GOP. The Dems have a Black President; so then the GOP counters with a Black man as chairman. This way when they attack President Obama it will be impossible for white liberals and Blacks (so they think) to scream (when appropriate) racism. However, most of have seen this scenario before.
I don't know Mr. Steele; I cannot speak to his affection or lack thereof for the greater Black community. I can however, by his association, guess that my idea of progress in the Black community and his most likely differ. I would be called a flat out socialist in most conservative circles. So for this reason, and this reason only, I will pull the house Negro card out on Mr. Steele. I do not profess to believe that he doesn't personally wish the very best for our common community; I can only judge him so far by the group with which he is associated.
His association with the GOP; an organization that has cared about the Black community as much as non-Jewish Germans cared about Jewish holocaust victims. There were many good German citizens during that horrible time in our world history but there were far more that sat idly or even contributed to the genocide. The GOP has sat idly and watched as crisis after crisis besiege the Black community. In fact they actually attempt to block or deter any federal, state, or local funding or programs designed to improve the situation.
The GOP has even resorted to the “blame the victim” tactic to fire up their base. The GOP has rallies where people show up wearing, waving, and flying Dixie. The GOP had people at presidential campaign rallies literally scream for the assassination of the opposing candidate. That flag represents a group of men that waged war against the United States. The GOP has pundits like Rush Limbaugh that, on live radio, openly stated that he wishes the U.S. President, at a time that our country is at a cross-road and struggling, fails. When this is the company a person keeps it says more about who he is than that of the company itself.

I sincerely apologize for this long response for this posting, but I know this playbook. I know that GOP has plans to derail much of the good work President Obama wants to accomplish. I am also sure, by the lack of condemnation, that many of the GOP feels the same as Rush Limbaugh. I almost never agreed with Bush’s policies for our great nation, but I never once wished that any of his plans failed and/or weakened our country. I love my country flaws and all and I always want the person trusted to protect and manage her to have as much success as he is capable of achieving. For an American citizen to wish our country to fail in time of crisis is the definition of treason. I wonder what Ann Coulter has to say about Rush?

MMG:

Can I get you to FRAME your challenge properly?

You keep focusing on the people who have the MAJORITY APPEAL from the Black Community at this present point in time. This group also has CONTROL OF OUR COMMUNITIES.

You focus your anger upon the group that has NO TRACTION in our community and thus their "fingerprints are not on the steering wheel".

I have an answer to the question "WHAT HAS THE REPUBLICAN PARTY EVER DONE FOR BLACK PEOPLE?"

ANSWER: AT THE POINT OF CONFLICT WITH A COMPETING IDEOLOGY.......THEY MOVED AWAY AND ENTRENCHED INTO THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES.

This MOVE allowed Black Progressive politicians to be elected and Progressives of what ever color to set up the type of local government that they chose to craft. They took over the local school systems. They command the POLICE.

The evil, racist conservatives moved out to the suburbs and set up policies to their own liking.

MMG - In your perverted "glass half empty" viewpoint this exodus which opened opportunity and responsibility for politicians that you favor became an ABANDONMENT scenario.

In the view of many people who think like you - your FAILING SCHOOLS is evidence that your FUNDING HAS BEEN SHORTED by the suburban conservatives. In my research about the ongoing funding battle in Chicago - the Chicago Democrats chose to go to the wealthiest two WHITE school districts and compared the funding of a district with 1,700 students and 3,400 with their system that has 409,000 students - 80% of whom are minority.

Thank goodness that I am no mushroom MMG - you see I took a list of the 25 largest cities in Illinois and looked at their school funding. Turns out that the reason why these Chicago Democrats focused on the two rich White school districts is because their slight of hand does not hold when we look at the two 25 cities. CPS spends MORE per pupil than most of these other cities.

You see MMG - in my estimation the Black community has what I call a "Vertically Integrated System Of Messaging" that is being streamed to us by Progressive-Fundamentalists. These elements are not going to do the type of inspections that I just pointed out which substantiate their claims.

WORSE THAN THAT - the Chicago Schools funding issue should be looked at in terms of a CITY THAT HAS FAILED TO FIELD AN EFFECTIVE ECONOMIC PLAN that allows it to pay for the basic services that a local government is expected to deliver to its constituents.

The ironic part of your position MMG - is that the more concentrated in power your party becomes the more YOU will be forced to MAKE DEMANDS OF THEM as your ideological enemies are not in power and are not failing you.

I don't believe that some of you have the intellectual honesty to demand your PERMANENT GOALS from your PERMANENT FRIENDS.

Thanks for the feedback. I do have a few things I'd like to clear up for you. As fate would have it I happen to be from Chicago and I have heard that argument before about school funding. There's the problem with that "fuzzy" math you referenced in your response. Chicago's inner city public schools have a myriad of expenses that those "white" schools you refer to never have to encounter. The "White" schools being newer and centrally located for their community have lower operating and transportation cost than other Chicago schools. Chicago schools give students things like a CTA discount pass for travel to and from school, free meals, and armed security. The CPS operates older buildings that had to be retro-fitted for services like the internet. This expense alone versus the "white" schools that you refer to would drive up the cost per pupil significantly considering the volume of schools in any given community of Chicago versus the aforementioned "white" schools. I happen to be a person that had parents that could afford to move us to those republican suburbs and send me to those “white” schools. Even as a child I could see a vast and easily discernable difference between where I attended school and where many of my friends and family that remained in the city went for class. The resolution to this quandary, NEW SCHOOLS! Only if every school in the inner city of Chicago were rebuilt, remodeled, or moved to safer, accessible locations; as is the case in suburban areas like Naperville, Bolingbrook, and Downers Grove would the math that you use to show the inadequacy of my argument have any validity. As it is you are comparing a war-zone emergency room to an emergency room in a town in Wyoming. The Bagdad ER has higher a cost per patient because of the volume of unique issues that it encounters daily; whereas the Cheyenne ER has low volume, low security, and an overall lower cost of doing business. Good try but it’s an unfair comparison. That argument is one that many in the GOP rest their hats on, but like many of the GOP’s current policies the information obtained is flawed and so thus is their idea of what the problem is or how to fix it.
Lastly; stating facts about the GOP, I didn't see at any point in your argument where you disagreed with how I described the GOP, doesn't equal hate. I agree that Blacks & the GOP do not share a common ideology; however, as Obama has recently displayed, they should not have an approach of "if it's Black then we must attack!" The GOP and its leadership once successfully courted the Hispanic vote by actually supporting things important to that community. I would welcome a candidate for the GOP that actually cared about some of the same issues that I do. I do not, as you rebuttal implied, blindly support every democrat or every Black candidate on face value. I also do not have a problem calling out my parties leaders when I disagree with their policies. I’m not sure how you surmised that to be the case from my previous posting, but I assure you it is not. My posting was simply to say the GOP will use Mr. Steele as a shield. When they attack President Obama they will do it and that hide behind the shield of Steele! They will feel embolden to attack social issues, using the Steele shield and not fear attacks of being called racist. They can hide behind the Steele Shield if the GOP falters over the next 4 years and blame him for all of their losses instead of the policies that have lead to this incredibly difficult time in our history. I ask you to turn the mirror to yourself, I have no hatred for the GOP, and I am an American. I appreciate when our country succeeds, whoever is at the helm.

Memo to the Repulicans:

"All my skinfolk ain't my kinfolk"


Try something else.

lol

My Chairman is Black

Couple excerpts, then off to bed:

I feel a sense of validation now. It’s almost like, in a single stroke, the work of most black conservatives-at least those who aren’t into playing into a stereotype-is valid. All we’ve wanted is a seat at the table, and not to have to relegate ourselves to “second-class” status to get it. Well, now we have THE seat at the table…something I thought less likely than seeing a black man become president.

We’re fools in the GOP if we think electing a black chairman undoes all the past sins of the GOP. Not hardly; I’ve already heard the “token negro” charge being leveled. It is, however, a step towards the reconciliation that needs to take place if the black community and the GOP are going to rebuild their historical relationship. While we can-and should-hold up the Steele chairmanship as an effort to move towards a more inclusive party, by no means should we make him into the “token negro” he’s already expected to be. That’s a line we’ll have to learn to walk: how to celebrate our progress without thinking that we’re suddenly the hood’s best friends. Long way to go for that.

D: Bringin' my response HERE:

D: I support your happiness and enthusiasm! :>)

BUT, why would I support Mr. Steele when we are IDEOLOGICAL OPPOSITES??

Does he believe that a “party of the upper class” would embrace people that are of a SES that is NOT wealthy? [Not sayin' that all AA's are not wealthy.]

There is NO evidence, that I’m aware of, that would suggest that they have in the past.

Annnnnd, the “WHITE SEA” this summer was abundantly clear in its message: We don’t want your kind!

Sooo, what are his plans to attract AA, POC, etc??

It won't be his "SKIN."

I'm just askin. . . .

I don't expect you to outright support him...

...but I will ask-as I have before-for the benefit of the doubt.

Steele's chairmanship doesn't automatically cure all the GOP's ills, and I recognize that. There's still a lot of work to be done.

The plan, for now, is just getting out there. We've neglected minority communities in the past (haven't campaigned there, haven't worked there), so the first thing we need to do is get in these communities and start talking/listening to people.

I agree...

D: Thanks.

I'm looking for "1 concrete policy/party ideal" that I should consider.

O.K. 2 or 3. :>)

'cause when U say u'll B out "talkin' to people", what will U say - -SPECIFICALLY?

Annnnnd, how will U answer the "past sins" of Palin's rallies/spending on clothes/unpreparedness/smarmy/snarky/sarcastic attitude?
SHE REPRESENTED U; annnnnd she IS still the SAME - - -"such as/you betcha/**wink**.

Thanks.

I can give you my angle if you want...

D: Oooookaaaay. :>) :>)
As long as U address what I "axed!" :>)

D
I do wish Mr Steele success in moving the Republican Party. As I've said before the Republican brand is so poor I can't imagine it really having any effect on much of the public. Mr Steele reminds me of Col Stauffenberg(Valkyrie). I do not buy the idea he is a hero. After all when the Nuremburg laws were put into effect Stauffenberg was a supporter of Hitler and a member of the party.

One of your hopes is getting into minority communities. How? Is he going to have the party aplogize or even denounce the Palin/Clinton race baiting?

Will he convince the party to apologize for the interference in brutally emotional family afrairs like the Terri Schiavo case?
One of the first things he will be engaged in is getting Cong Rep's reelected. Given that your policies have left your party w/ seats in districts representing the most extreme end of the Party is he going to find "moderate" candidates to run against his incumbents?

The list goes on and on.

I don't think all the past sins of the GOP should be cast on Steele. With that said, I think it's better to just get to work, show that thing are going to be different, and move forward.

Getting into the community is on us as party members. We have to get up and go, and begin to break the mentality that outreach is not worth doing; that we'll gain nothing from it.

He'll support the incumbents, and begin to groom their replacements. In other districts, he'll find candidates who can run and be viable against democratic incumbents.

Interesting, however I have only heard Steele talk about doing things -- yammer away matter of fact. I have never seen him do much of anything other than Lt. Gov -- on someone else's ticket, lie repeatedly about the "oreo cookie incident," pretend to be a democrat in the MD senate race and generally do a "blah" job at Gopac.

Essentially your piece goes against the "conservative nature" of the supposed RNC positions; however, some how equating 168 electors choosing a black person as a symbolic head as equavilent to the presidency is astounding.

Next, I'm guessing like Sarah Palin -- the GOP will begin to compare Steele to Barack Obama.

Someone last night called him the "anti-Obama." Not sure how I feel about that...

regardless of the intent, republicans maybe happy, but to everyone else it looks like a shameless case of "metooism."

If that were the case, I don't think it would've taken six ballots to finally elect him.

"regardless of the intent" -- meaning that in politics the optics count.

1.) Hillary loses, McCain chooses Palin -- people call it a gimmick.

2.) Barack wins, RNC's 168 back-office guys (The black conservative Ken Blackwell supporting "moderate?" Steele over conservative Dawson -- In his support speech Blackwell mentioning

[“I believe that the next chairman must inspire hope,” Blackwell said as he threw his support to Steele. “[He] must be smart enough to work with the policy leaders of our party to create opportunity, must have the leadership ability and vision to first pull us together and then to pull Americans together.”]

Pardon me if I draw the inference that the RNC has borrowed too much rhetoric from Obama; however, the circumstantial evidence is overwhelming.

I guess we'll have to see who actually acts on their "rhetoric."

My, my, my aren't you cynical....

You know it is funny that you mocked "hope" in a reply to Craig......yet your new Chairman is clearly been following Obama something kinda of fierce and has actually become an "indirect" protege of his

I mean where else would Michael "Steal" get the idea of a "Blueprint for Tomorrow".....sounds almost exactly to another blueprint and declare himself now a "technology geek"

So let's be honest......nothing has come out of your side that is original.....even the idea of "tax cuts" seem played especially after Bush relegated far-sweeping tax cuts....which has led to the greatest income disparities we have faced AND the worst job growth in 40 years.

I have to say though, at least Michael "Steal" has chosen to copy the best........because before Obama, the best "Steal" could come up with is "Bush is my Homeboy".

If this new strategy/direction works....you republicans have A LOT to thank Obama for....and you know it....but I don't blame you all at all for FOLLOWING and COPYING the best.

Well OFA has already broken through tons of organizational campaign records.

So, now you are admitting the reactionary nature of the selection?

Reality is, the left was going to find some reason not to like Steele, Blackwell, or any of the other candidates.

Find an object, project it, and polarize it. That's your strategy.

So, actually, I'm just not having that argument anymore.

"Find an object, project it, and polarize it. That's your strategy."

-Nope.
That's the Republican strategy:

"Flag Pin"
"Community organizer"
"Barack Hussein Obama"
"Barack, The Magic Negro"

Say it again, Admiral.

There's clear evidence, and a well constructed argument for my position -- one of the candidates even admitted that was the case. You even admitted , to paraphrase, this was an important achievement b/c of the color of Steele's skin.

"Denial ain't just a river in Egypt. "

Like I said Duncan was the smart choice.

Piepiepie: Co-Sign;

especially @ however, some how equating 168 electors choosing a black person as a symbolic head as equavilent to the presidency is astounding.

***shakin' my head***

For all the flack, mocking and dismissiveness President Obama received from the opposition, it sure seems like Rethugs are following his lead....

And now for more "STEAL, baby, STEAL....."

From an article at Time.com
"Recently, Steele put out a "Blueprint for Tomorrow" that indicated a determination to strike a balance between Republicans pushing to return to the party's core principles and those who "claim we need to modernize to meet today's reality." Said he: "To my way of thinking, we must do both, and quickly." In the blueprint, Steele clearly borrows key elements of Obama's groundbreaking tactic for generating record levels of donations with innovative social-networking tools. He calls himself a "technology geek," and already posted on the RNC's main website is his "Network for the Future," which features links to Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, LinkedIn and blip.tv. At the very least, Steele knows his party needs to play catch-up."



If Republicans were handbags, they would be sold on Canal Street, "inspired" by the originals.

To the beat of "The Bridge is Over"....."Democrats keep creating it...Republicans keep on faking it"

Tha'ts not a Rolex! That's a Folex!

steele's blueprint is pixie dust.

LOL!!! basically, the DNC already has kick-ass "burned-in" Ex. Directors from the IA field office (the longest running campaign).

Also, OFA is busy working on a burned-in version of myBO -- something that evolved over 2 years.

GUCCI, GUCCI, GU!

Am I wrong for enjoying the White liberals reaction to Steele?

Since Nov 4 some white liberals have been arguing that Obama is not really "Black" and they get offended if you even mention it! As of today,all of the sudden Obama is Black Again!!! Now Republicans are saying that Steele is more "Black" than Obama because he is 100% , so they are more progressive. CRAZINESS.

White Liberals
"Republicans got their own black guy."

Republicans
"Our guy is Blacker than yours!"

Americans have lost their minds. lol

THAT. IS. HILARIOUS.

I don't see how that's going to help this ancient, really old, extremely white (no black elected officials) party all that much. The GOP lost big, juicy southern states like Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia. At this interesting rate of shrinkage, they may have Texas, the deep south, western states, and West Virginia left to play with.

Will the Repubs in those locales be happy with a black man as head of the RNC? Nope, can't picture it.

Would be interesting if their efforts were sincere to expand their base. Either they grow, or they shrivel up and stay a wacky "minority" party.

Say it again.

My first thought was this is a problem Steele wish he had; a real brand. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601110...
I realized , however, that Mr Steele has just taken the worse brand since Coke came up w/ New Coke.
The brand of the Republican party is nonfeasance. Their nonfeasance has created a worldwide economic disaster. Talk to any business but a pawn shop and business is down in a manner described as falling off a cliff. Ask any worker and they will tell you there biggest fear is losing their job period not finding one that paid what they did ten years ago pays but finding one. This is what the Republican brand has wrought.

I guess I'm the only one who sees this as a big fat joke.

And I'm laughing.

Nah Craig - I have been smiling since the announcement. I think it is HYSTERICAL.

It is a beautiful thing.

Oh I think a whole LOT of people see this as a big fat joke. The GOP just gave Saturday Night Live brand new material.

Steele the Magic Negro - he's going to save the Republican Party. NOT.

heh . heh. heh.

So who's gonna be the RNC's version of Geraldine Ferraro. You know..."Steele is lucky to be a Black Man...he wouldn't be the RNC chair if he wasn't Black"

Or how's about redneck in WV or KY? What's his middle name? Stephen right? "What is Michael Stephen? Is that one of them there double hippie names? "We don't need no hippie named Micheal STEPHEN Steel running the GOP", well at least it's not some "Aye-rab" name like Hussein!!! American has had enough Husseins"

Wait is he wearing a flag pin?? Are we even sure this guy really "loves America"???

Oh, and let's hope he's not married to some "American hating", fist-bumping, Angela Davis militant?

Seriously though, I wish Mr Steele all the luck in the world, him and the 5 other Black Republicans (that includes you D, and Sheryl Underwood, although Sheryl did vote for Obama) are gonna need it.

They had their Geraldine, her name was Sarah Palin

Who will be the RNC'sGayle Quinell?

"I don't trust that Steele. He's a KNEE-GROW."

"No mam, he's an OREO, he's our favorite cookie."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8XmerZEyHE

I hope she has a better beautician than Quinell.

I demand to see Michael Steele's birth certificate.

There you go.

LOL!!!!!

LoL

I have to say, Steele's speech sounded kinda "Obama-esque"....Now they want to emulate the "community organizer"

You know how the Republicans do.....STEAL, BABY, STEAL...nothing original

You mean STEELE, baby, STEELE. ;)

nuh-uh...Monie spelled it right! LOL (I know)

This is one of those instances where imitation is not a sincere form of flattery.

Pretty much agree with most of the comments. This seems all to gimmicky. The RNC has shown it's hand and now trying to backtrack with the Steele pick. I 'm not buying it and this is only slowing down the slow death of the RNC. GOOD RIDDANCE. I predict Steele will be undermined at every turn, just like how Pelosi and Reid are doing to Obama.

"I predict Steele will be undermined at every turn, just like how Pelosi and Reid are doing to Obama."

I think President Obama hasboth of their numbers and it ain't COLT 45 either. But I dig where you're coming from. Reid & Pelosi aren't really in to CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN.

You're right about President Obama (that feels really good to type) being hip to Reid/Pelosi. Prez Obama already made a fool outta me during the primaries and g.e., so let me just let him do his thang :-). Reid/Pelosi deserve to be challenged and lose their seats. They're truly ineffective as leaders.

Agree, freespirtibty. I have no doubt that those two will have to earn every inch of those seats if challenged.

Exactly. Reid/Pelosi need to have their bell rung. They're truly self-serving in their interests.

EVENING THREAD IS UP

The white supremacists must be going ape shit over this. lol There's no where to hide!!!! LMAO!

Serious question:

Has Steele opted for some personal security?

If the white supremacists are angry at President Obama for being President, how do you think they will react when their party, their last refuge, is chaired by a BLACK MAN?

They might be more than "bitter".

I don't think the factions of the Republican Party are going to be good little soldiers.

That is a real question. I wonder if he is willing to admit he needs it.

AND what will he say about the first "monkey" dolls to be created about him? Will he just dismiss them like he did the curious George references...

and there you have it.

OMG...I hadn't thought about it, but, can you imagine Palin's followers now getting religion about Steele??????

Yeah, just like they did about Obama:
"Kill him!"

Get the popcorn evita.

It has already started.

All I can think of is the words to American Pie

The good ole' boys are drinking whiskey and rye
singing this will be the day that I die, this will be the day that I die.

There are a lot of folks pounding liquor tonight. Both political parties are headed by black men.

pjamma: Oooooooo-Kaaaaay! :>)

American Pie

ENJOY!! :>) :>)

Both political parties are headed by black men.

I better take my butt to church Sunday.

Congratulations Michael Steele. You've come a long way from those "cornrow" cases you were known for.

But as the Washington Independent's fantastic Dave Weigel witnessed, Blackwell and Steele conferred man-to-man in the halls of the Hilton (instead of sending emissaries from their camps, as per the usual tradition), and Sailor -- who had some knowledge of the inside negotiations -- said they essentially agreed that "one of us has to lead this party." The desire to replicate the Obama magic is so powerful.

Not all the black Republicans in the Hilton's ballroom were overjoyed by Steele's victory. Among the complaints I heard: Steele never adequately apologized for busing in homeless people from Philadelphia to distribute fliers in black Maryland neighborhoods during his '06 senatorial campaign. Jabriel Ballentine, of the District, worried that the white party chairmen who had supported Dawson might not accept Steele. And Brian Summers, another young African-American GOPer from D.C. who spent the afternoon prowling the Hilton ballroom sporting a big, red "Katon!" sticker, regaled his buddies with some sarcasm: "I guess it's not about the content of your character, it's about the color of your skin."

http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archiv...

Black Republicans supported Katon Dawson? (face palm)

B-Serious: What's this I HEAR??

SUIT CASES BEING LOCKED! :>)

'cause some people are gonna B Leaving On A Jet Plane

TRUST! :>) :>)

Who the hell do they think they're fooling?

Oh boy do I wish Dave Chappelle would do a full HBO special on this.

lol

Steve Gilliard would have been cracking up. Long live Steve.

Ha! I know that's right, blksista.

Yeah!! That photo of Steele on his blog was a CLASSIC!!!!

heartsand flowers, you mean this photo?

http://michellemalkin.com/2005/11/02/the-vile-b...

Malkin's site was the only one i could find it on. I can't stand this bitch!

Yeah! It still generates a laugh to this day!!

That's not news.

Um, well this is an interesting turn of events. I just can't help but wonder if the election of Steele was to soften or legitimatize the RNC criticism of the Obama administration.

Well, I do hope he will at least steer the party away from the Rush Limbaugh mentality.

Limbaugh seems to be running things from his radio booth these days.

Steele is the same tired Republican ideas wrapped in more colorful paper. This is the same guy who LITERALLY tried to run as a Dem to disenfranchise people. He's just another typical Republican, I don't care what color he is.

Say it again.

well good luck to michael steele and i hope hes ready to beat back alot of stupidity because he will face it.

Typical GOP. Go for imagery over actual policy change.

Looking at the commentary by a couple of people, I'm trying really hard not to say "gee, y'all are acting towards Steele the same way the right acted towards Obama. Thought y'all might be better than that."

Your side was wrong, though.

That's the difference.

Of course you'd say that. Gives you a false sense of legitimacy.

See you in the streets. Maybe they'll be a GOP candidate up your way I can come work for.

There's nothing false about me, D.

President Obama was elected by the American people. Michael Steele was elected by party activists.

Your side's approach to President Obama was wrong. And your side paid for it.

Dearly.

Michael Steele makes you feel valid again. Because without him, your party is nothing.

It will likely remain nothing, but Micheal Steele gives you hope, no?

You can come up here anytime. We're a Democratic state that likes Republican women as our senators.

But that's about it.

Steele didn't change my legitimacy, or the GOP's.

Only difference is that, tomorrow, I'll be a party member. And then, I'll get to work fixing my state and this country, and taking our message to where we traditionally haven't.

And our actions-what the electorate will see and benefit from- will replace the vague notion of hope.

But that's tomorrow. I'm too excited to go to war tonight.

Hope is not a vague notion.

Nothing can replace hope.

Nothing needs to replace hope.

Hope inspires the action of which you speak.

Micheal Steele gives you hope even if President Obama doesn't.

Never underestimate the power of hope.

And stop being so damn contrary.

It doesn't become you.

Everything isn't war.

D., even on the other post you said that maybe NOW you can join the GOP. And that probably was aj oke...but I know it has some truth in it.

Now, be honest...does Steele appointment as RNC chair make you feel legitimate now....because if YOU are only feeling welcome NOW after your ardent support---how do you think other minorities will make of this "convenient" appointment since many have been reluctant of the Republicans "message."

....let's be clear hear, the truth is the GOP showed it ass this past election and so Steele comes off as a GIMMICK

But I have to say...say what you want, but I DOUBT there would be no Steele as RNC chair if there was not a PRESIDENT Obama....and you know that's right.

Nope, that was the truth.

Legitimized, no. Validated, yes. More to follow on that.

This is the guy who said students rolled oreo cookies at him! Come on now! I think it's great he got elected but we'll see if he has any actual POWER and what he does with it. Otherwise it's just window dressing and a waste of time. I love it, though. The Republicans are running scared now.

Hey D,

Check out this post about the mood in the room. Sorry it's from The New Republic, but it's still a good piece discussing the mood and on the spot manuevering (sp?).

http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archiv...

Interesting.

Reality is that no matter who got picked, there was going to be animosity.

If one of the white guys was pickes, the claim would've been that the Party wasn't moving forward.

If Blackwell or Steele was picked, there would've been cries of tokenism.

So, to the opponents of the GOP, it was always lose-lose, because it has to be.

The best man won the day.

I thought Duncan was the best choice for the Republicans, someone who could both raise funds and organize well. However, he is not someone you would want making your case on t.v. -- but, I think folks have sort of forgotten that it is more about strategy and execution not profile.

Dean did well at the DNC by working, not going on TV.

Steele is primarily a good communicator; however, no proven organizing or fundraising ability (senate run, gopac chairmanship). I haven't seen Steele do anything except go on tv.

The longer term problem is this -- how will Steele do with the primarily Southern GOP powerbase? Especially if Steele attempts to "reach out" to ... who exactly? RLCers? "moderates?" "minorities?"

I keep hearing how good a communicator he is but the only thing I remember is when he was on Bill Maher's show and kept insisting that people making $300K are considered middle class.

(yes it is a very low bar!)

The other problem for the RNC is that Steele is no Dean ... he will need a good Ex. Director first thing -- to actually do the work. In this case, the work is to try to copy the DNC's 50-state strategy....

However, there are a LOT of state republican parties that will need help -- I dont see socons donating to see their money go to bluestate -blueblood NE republicans -- especially if the RNC is going to be anti-TARP...

Where is there NE money going to come from?

He can go on TV and not sound nervous, that beats Duncan, Blackwell and Dawson.

It's good that the GOP is coming out of the dark ages. Great ya'll got your Black Chairman, but is that supposed to negate the "Magic Negro..." business.

The same questions that were asked after Obama won in regards to race will be asked about Mr Steele and the GOP. The problem for the GOP is that there is just too many racist antedotes (?) to talk about.

No, it won't. That's one of the things I'm gonna write about later tonight/tomorrow.

Steele's chairmanship doesn't erase the sins of the Party. But it is a step toward reconcilliation.

Well D,

That's gonna be a long post. No one is completely blame free (yes this includes us Dems), but ya gotta admit, the RNC since Nixon has a lot to of reconcilliation to do.

The 13th Amendment was 1865 right? How long did it take before African Americans had full civil rights, over 100 years later. So the "modern" GOP, (not the old Party of Lincoln) has about 40-50 some odd years to make up. Gonna take at least a generation. So hopefully for you, your children or your children's children will have a more inclusive GOP to TRY to admire!

LOL

Ain't nothing conservative about my son.

My hope lies with my daughter. LOL

hehehee

Yeah, I remember when he kicked and screamed to get out of the Palin rally.

Clue #1

LOL!

He did kinda say "Michael" today, but I know it was a front.

Well if she's anything like me she will be a daddy's girl and that should help you out!!!!!!!!!!

D, what I want to know is how the "right" is going to act towards Steele? Sure, you think Steele is the "Right." But how is he going to be received by Hannity and Limbaugh? Will it be open arms? That's the million dollar question.

Actually Hannity supported Steele. It's still the Roves and Cheneys that will get the final word.

FIne yo, let's see how long it lasts.

Lets forget about Hannity and Limbaugh for a sec...how will Steele be recieved by the Council of Conservative Citizens (aka The White Citizens Council)? Do ya think they're celebrating over there on Stormfront? How's Steele gonna be received by the the same people yelling "kill him!" at McCain-Palin rallies? Yeah, I can't wait for the first time Michael Steele goes to Martinsburg, WV or Vernon, AL to spread the message of inclusion for the GOP Party!! That'll be great!!

heh heh heh


It is already happening Miranda and I think it is funny. I am sitting on the sidelines cracking up. This year is going to be good. lol

Its going to be a priceless moment when Steele is somewhere in Kentucky or Tennessee and gets called "boy".......and I'll bet my dwindling 401k that is gonna happen! LMAO!!

WHEW! The next time Paul Mooney is at the Comedy Corner I am SOOOOOO there! LOL

They're going to walk a really careful line.

What y'all may or may not know is that a LOT of people supported Steele, both in and out of the party.

So, now he's got his chance. The Rush/Hannity crowd has issues with him (he is a moderate, which doesn't bother me), but their alternative is to start a "conservative party." Good luck with that.

They'll fall in line, and it won't take much pulling either.

Hannity supported Steele -- it will be interesting to see how he reacts now though. I'm interested to see how socons will react -- they did not want Steele as a result of his (now scrubbed) RLC forray.

LOL, the guy made-up stories about Oreo cookies getting thrown at him. There's not much more to say.

Who cares?

You should. It means the man you support is a liar.

And D. is down! The ref starts the count! 1.....2.....3.....4....5....6....7....8....9.......KNOCKOUT!

I do, it's the same old black conservative playbook.

I want to congratulate Michael Steele on winning his post as the chair. Hopefully he will follow through on his message that he wants to make the Republican party more inclusive and focus on issues that affect everyone.

"his message that he wants to make the Republican party more inclusive and focus on issues that affect everyone."

there goes the base.

"there goes the base." RAOTFLMBO.

this is the best thing EVER. Gotta restock on my popcorn.

Let them go.

LOL...they won't go quietly.....heck, if the way the GOP "base" showed their asses during the presidential campaign is any indication, Michael Steele might need Secret Service protection.

So is Steele gonna get his own version of that classic "Magic Negro..." song.

And who wants to place a bet on how soon some dumb ass Repub calls Steele the "Repub Obama" or "that's my kind of Black guy". or "he's one of the good ones"

LOL! Michael Steele, "the white magic negro" as opposed to Barack Obama "the black magic negro"

A Democratic strategist sums up their skepticism about Steele's transformative powers. "I remember hiring homeless people to hand out literature in African American neighborhoods. If that is their national strategy to broaden their appeal to minority voters it's going to get awfully expensive," this strategist said.

Steele was a seminarian for a few years before getting his law degree. He is trained in corporate litigation.

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/20...

http://www.pamspaulding.com/weblog/2005/11/whos...

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. said yesterday that he is angry at "revisionism" from political opponents who question a much-repeated story about Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele being pelted with Oreos during a 2002 campaign debate in Baltimore.

...Speaking on Stateline with the Governor on WBAL-AM yesterday, Ehrlich said he would not tolerate questions about the veracity of the incident.

----
...Wayne Frazier, president of the Maryland-Washington Minority Contractors Association said he watched Steele walk into the auditorium that night but saw no Oreos. "I was there the whole time and did not see any of the so-called Oreo cookie incident," Frazier said.

5. Steele defended former Gov. Bob Ehrlich’s decision to hold a $100,000 fundraiser at a country club that did not allow non-white members, saying that the club’s membership’s policies were “not an issue” because “I don’t play golf.”
http://www.juddlegum.com/blog/2009/01/5-facts-a...

"Now watch this drive."

lol

I sincerely hope that the Republican Party doesn't end up treating Michael Steele like they did J.C. Watts.

But electing him Chair is a good first step.

Uh-oh...what is Rush gonna say...other than, "Dammit, where is my stash!"

LoL, I was thinking the same thing. I wonder how long it will take before Ish-nannity and DrugRush throw Steele under the bus???

Probably next week when Steele won't come on their shows to be the "Black History Month" showcase.

Well we know that sharing a similar phenotype or genetic pool does not mean that person shares an emotional tie or isn't disengaged from the Black community as a whole. Then there are the professional victim snakeoil salesmen and the individual profiteers (I'm thinking of Magic Johnson hawking Jackson Hewitt products or even Billy Dee Williams with Colt 45). If he can get anything done to make the Republicans a bit more inclusive it'll be a good thing. Either way I'm hoping for lots of infighting and intra-party ideology wars vs new strategies. it's the only way progress will be made. We know this would NOT have happened if Barack Obama wasn't President. Symbolism has power, but we'll see how much Steele can wield.

The real rundown on Mr Steele. No he doesn't wear blue tights and a red cape but he is afraid of Oreo's:
http://pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do;jsession...

Oreos is his kryptonite?

I think this is great!

But Steele will need to be a man of steel if he is to fix the badly damaged GOP.

"What will Republicans be getting in Steele? Maybe the ideal television presence, a dynamic and energetic speaker who cheerfully brings a Republican message to communities that aren't always initially receptive."

"Maybe the ideal television presence, a dynamic and energetic speaker who cheerfully brings a Republican message to communities that aren't always initially receptive."



heh heh heh yea right.

He has Sarah Palin to help him, also.

That is going to be one hell of a beat down on the Snow hoe.

And, there, also, is the problem, also, there. LOL!!1

raotfl

Ugh! just, ugh!!! My parakeet recites grammatically correct sentencs than this woman.

spirit: LOL!!! :>)

. . .SUCH AS! :>)

Maybe the ideal television presence, a dynamic and energetic speaker who cheerfully brings a Republican message to communities that aren't always initially receptive."

And that's where it begins. For us to win anywhere, we have to be willing to go everywhere.

Steele knows that. I hope that's one of the first things he acts on.

I totally agree; my husband and I like Mr. Steele and he has serious clean up work to do after the fiasco with the guy with the happy negro c.d., Sarah Palin etc.

I don't like the democrats having a lock on our community, but at least Mr. Steele is at the helm and will be able to drive his directives of serious outreach to our community from the top down to the street level.

All the best because he is going to need it.

"but at least Mr. Steele is at the helm and will be able to drive his directives of serious outreach to our community from the top down to the street level."

Won't make a difference. The core message is the same. Just because he is black doesn't mean he will bring anything extra to the table. Actually - I foresee that he will further reduce the size of the remaining Republican party. (the Palin voters).

This is going to be very interesting.

If the Palin voters reject Mr. Steele and their party is a decreased, regionalized party , then good they definitely get what they deserve.

They have to realize that whites are becoming the minority in this country rapidly, and they have to expand their base beyond older white, rural, or big business factions if they want the party to have a future.

Think the Whigs, the Know Nothings; who?? My point exactly. We will be watching this with great interest indeed....

Steele defended that song.

He certainly is going to need it. Putting a Black face as RNC Chair will not cover up or erase the ugly racist mindset of the Republican Party. These folks have to get their own attitudinal houses in order.

LOL ok. Steele is the variety of Shelby...
He's the same guy the RNC PAID to run in the MD senate race b/c he was having "financial problems"."

Sorry, I see the guy as a perenial token -- with few results for al his "work."

Agreed.

This should be interesting.

Y'all got to check the footage of when they make the announcement. You'll see some people applauding Steele, then you'll see some nasty saltines just glaring at him.

I really don't know what to think about this situation. I am 100% for hastening the demise of the Republican Party, but I don't want the downfall/destruction to be blamed on a Black Man.

...Oh well, nobody told him to be an Uncle Ruckus. So Burn, Baby Burn!

Webb: then you'll see some nasty saltines just glaring at him.

SAW THAT!! ONE MAN JUST STARED - - NO APPLAUSE!! He mad! :>)

"I am 100% for hastening the demise of the Republican Party, but I don't want the downfall/destruction to be blamed on a Black Man."

what black man are you talking about? I thought this was about Michael Steele??
me confused.

Exactly. I think it's ridiculous to expect Michael Steele to clean up the Republican Party. It's like sending those pesky white liberals into the inner cities to correct our misplaced, ill-informed black youth.

I can see Michael Steele waving his magic wand to correct his racist Republican cohorts. Right!

I'm ALL for having the downfall of the republican party due to a ridiculous black dude.

LoL, my bad--I need to go get my eyes checked.

Lol...I was thinking the same thing.