And In the Event The RNC Chair Is Unable to Serve....
And in the competition to be the RNC talking head, aka The Impossible Gig, former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele won the job after six vote counts, finally winning a majority of 91-77 over SC GOP Chair Katon Dawson today.
There are a couple of theories behind Steele's win today. First off, his name recognition. Secondly, he was considered the most moderate of the six candidates. Thirdly, and I hope this wasn't why - his color. It is an interesting dichotomy of the GOP recruiting and electing African-Americans to leadership posts. While those of us who know SC Executive Committeeman Glenn McCall , and why voting for him was an easy choice, there are other difficulties...
Truly, it is a Catch-22 for the GOP. While we may never be on equal footing with the Democrats with regards to attracting minorities, the effort still had to be made. Unfortunately, when we do elect minorities, it is still viewed as a token gesture - a pick to attract press. Maybe someday we will have enough African-Americans, Hispanics and other groups in the fold that it won't be looked at in that manner. I think so, but just like the Democrats, it could take decades. For now, we'll just have to be viewed as the trailblazers in the party that broke the mold just a little bit.
Michale Steele is now the RNC Chair - but which Michael Steele is it? Hopefull not the bass player from this band...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyM61ja9YSw&feature=related
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7 comments:
All I could think of with seeing this is "we got one too." Steele has been riding Obama's coattails since their '04 speeches. And he ain't no Obama.
You know, the more I think about the Steele pick the more it reminds me of another recent decision the GOP made: Palin. It smacks of desperation.
It really seems the GOP is trying to compete by capturing the same excitement Obama has brought to the Dems. I really think that is a fatal mistake. You can't do it. Any attempt to bottle your own similar lightning pales in comparison.
What the GOP should do instead, is cede the limelight to Obama and position itself as the more workmanlike, true less government party. Drop the social issue bullshit (Obama is not gonna be vulnerable there. The only reason it worked before was the GOP was able to poach some of the black vote over gay marriage. That ain't happening now) and focus on a Goldwater type opposition. As long as that stuff is paired with the social issues, it seems like the same old tired crap and it will allow Obama to tar the GOP as wanting to play the same divisive, partisan politics.
I really think the GOP should have picked an intellectual heavyweight for this spot. Someone with some real conservative chops. They picked a clown.
I go to Democrats to strategize as much as Republicans, and this proves why. I have no disagreements with that analysis. The problem with my party right now is that all the people who run the party now are the Christian Coalition folks who took over in '94. The game has passed them by, but most of them haven't noticed yet.
Once the dead wood is chopped away, we'll be back.
Just look at the polling - two-thirds of voters are generally fiscally-conservative, but about 45 percent are socially-conservative.
As the overwhelming majority of social conservatives are also fiscally conservative, it stands to reason that the GOP should be the natural place for them. But there should be far more give-and-take within that coalition than there has been so that both groups get something out of the process.
Earl, I think it's the classic case of the tail wagging the dog.
During the Clinton years, I think the GOP found they couldn't make enough headway through ideology. The majority of people tuned them out, b/c the economy was booming and economic times were good.
But then they noticed that all the stories about Clinton and his libido really grabbed attention, b/c let's face it, blowjobs are more interesting than tax cuts.
They moved to exploit that attention by recasting themselves as the "family values party" and teeaming up with the Devil (funny enough it its own right, by way of teaming up with the Religious right).
When times were good, people could afford to be a little more self-righteous. But now that everything has gone in the crapper, the voters attentions are focused a little more on things that matter to them.
All the factors are there for the GOP to make itself a truly relevant shadow governement type party, ala the Brit system. But with the continued flirtation with Palin and the election of Steele, it certainly doesn't look like anyone in charge gets that.
As a democrat, I am pleased that I don't see a serious challenge coming our way anytime soon. As an American, I am disappointed. Our system requires the checks and balances of a true, ideological opposition. I would welcome one. But opposition just for oppositions sake is all I read into this current GOP leadership.
By no means is Steele a bad guy. I do know him. I also know Katon Dawson and hate it for him. I really believe the final vote was race and that should not happen.
I'd love to sit at a table with you too guys and a couple of beers, and just watch you two go at it.. You guys make much better arguments than I do.
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