You Really Wanna Give Us that Option?
(December 13, 2009 - Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America)
RNC Chairman Michael Steele has had yet another banner weak at the helm of the Republican Party. It seems that he is of the mindset that being talked about unfavorably is more important than not being talked about at all. So to continue this pursuit he has spent the last few days making a total ass of himself and the Party he represents.
Speaking on the Hannity Show he was asked for a prediction for the 2010 Congressional elections. Lets just say he didn’t play the role of cheerleader or even optimistic supporter. Not only did he tell Hannity that he didn’t think Republicans would reclaim the House, but he decided to tell the Fox News host that he didn’t know if the Party was ready to lead if it did claim victory. Did I mention he’s out trying to sell a book “Right Now.” Who ever said bad publicity isn’t good publicity? Here’s the clip.
After hearing these remarks, lets just say more than a few Republicans were a little angry. It kinda makes it hard to raise campaign dollars when the leader of the Party is predicting defeat.
I have to admit that for once, I actually agreed with the idiot running the party I’m registered with. I don’t think we will reclaim the House in 2010 and I think many other passionate and informed Republicans would likely agree… BUT… I’m not the Chairman of the RNC and no one’s asking me for a prediction.
I just don’t understand how this guy is so absolutely checked out from hotel common sense that he is yet to realize that everything he says carries more weight than the simple ramblings of one man completely out of his league?? You can’t go on television and tell the world that your party’s going to lose the next election when it is your job to make sure that your party does not lose the next election!!
So you would think he would offer a retraction. You might assume that he would hit the circuit and try to mend some fences and qualify his statements in an effort to save face. You would think that, but you’re not Michael Steele. Instead, this is what he chose to do.
I’m telling them and I’m looking them in the eye and say I’ve had enough of it. If you don’t want me in the job, fire me. But until then, shut up. Get with the program or get out of the way.”
RNC Chairman Michael Steele Lashes Out at Critics on ABC News Radio from ABC News Radio on Vimeo.
Shut up? Maybe Steele hasn’t noticed, but America is a place where we hold our leaders accountable, or at least attempt to do so. While the GOP should be focusing on holding Democrats accountable, Steele argues that we treat him like a dictator, given the keys to Rome for a year in order to rout the barbarians. At the very least, Steele should familiarize himself with Harry Truman’s famous maxim: if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
I never watch ABC so I did not see this. My only comment is he did a better job of representing himself that I would have predicted. I’d be curious as to just who he thinks “the base” of the party is and who –besides Michaele Steele” thinks “we’ are not ready to lead yet? Can he seriously think it would be difficult to improve on the leadership of Pelosi, Reid and Obama? Did not hear a single critique of the current administration. Lost opportunity.
He tends to scare me, embarrass me, and irritate me more than he inspires me so I expect very little. As to his thoughts on the “base” I think he has no idea to be honest with you. He’s one of these “big tent” folks that finally realized that if you’re going to chant that message you must also remind the crowd that you won’t abandon your principles to bring new supporters under said tent. Essentially its his job to appeal to as many people as he possibly can – which is also what leads him into taking all these ridiculous positions on a daily basis. In short – he’s a walking contradiction. He says we aren’t ready to lead and that we wont win in 2010 – but as leader of the Party he wants us to go out and buy his book where he is supposed to give us the playbook for combating the Obama administration? If he has all the answers – why aren’t we fit to lead and why can’t we win in 2010? Im not saying shoot the captain when the boat hits bumpy waters, but I’d sure consider making this cat walk the plank.
Agreed. I’m seeing a side of him I did not know about too. This “I inherited a mess” sounds like some other guy – he will not step aside very willingly IMO.