I have never been a huge fan of Michael Steele. In Steele's defense, he's exactly what he's always been: a Republican politician. And more politician than Republican.
Lots of Republicans took up his cause during his run for Maryland Lt. Governor, after the Oreo Cookie incident. After his loss in the 2006 Senate race, Steele became chairman of the Republican National Committee.
How has he done? Not all that great. But, really, could anyone? Look how the Republicans have acted over the last several years. Overall, they've been Rockefeller Republicans. I can't imagine having to deal with those Republicans that abandoned the conservative base, so I can't fully fault Steele for the way the party has imploded.
On the other hand, Steele has been guilty of abandoning the conservative base. He's talked it up at times, but he's also fallen into the trap of criticizing Republicans, a violation of the Eleventh Commandment: "Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican." And he lost the base in the process.
He's probably done about a good a job as any traditional politician who is also a Republican. But he's doesn't have the support of the conservative base. And the head of the GOP needs to have that support.
Who should be the head of the RNC?
I like Kathleen McKinley's suggestion.
Basil, with all due respect to Mrs. McKinley, and to you for liking her suggestion.
ReplyDeleteNaw...
If you think Steele has done a miserable job running your party...being the face of your party...you'd be begging him to come back after two weeks with Sarah at the helm.
Just my two cents.
Oh wait! You're not a Republican. My apologies for calling it "your party." I am not one either, but I certainly do not want to see them totally fall to pieces as they would under Palin's leaderthingy.
Dunno, Andy. Palin's record at running things seems pretty good. Steele and his gaffes have led to diminished donations to the RNC which could hurt come election time. Palin is polarizing at times, but she'd bring in a lot more cash.
ReplyDeleteSince Romney can't seem to get the RomneyCare albatross off his neck, his chances don't look so great right now. He also knows a thing or three about running large organizations. He is the one I'd probably suggest.
Bring back Haley Barbour. He will be finished in Mississippi soon enough and he is tough as nails.
ReplyDeleteHaley Barbour would be great running the RNC.
ReplyDeleteAnd he would be a good president, too.
Inno, it's just a personal thing with me I guess. And, not being a
ReplyDeleteRepublican, my opinions are really worthless. Don't get me wrong here, I think Steele sucks at his job. Very disappointing for the party, I'm sure...but a bunch of folks tried to tell 'em.
But...there is just "something" about Sarah that rubs me the wrong way. Don't get me wrong...I believe her to be a nice lady, and at my age, she's as close to a supermodel as I care to stare at.
But, I am not convinced that she is truly down for the cause of true conservatism. My wife's Uncle, and cousin are friends of hers. Pam's Uncle and Aunt sat at the table with her at her inauguration as Alaska Goober. They go way back.
But when I see Sarah out front at Tea Parties, and then stumping for McCain...well...
Heck, what do I know? She might raise a bazillion dollars, and solidify an otherwise unset bowl of Jello with her magic spell. But, she doesn't do it for me politically.
And, btw, she doesn't appeal to my wife (the right wing, tea partying Republican in our family) either. There's just something we can't quite put our finger on about Sarah...and when we agree on something, it's rare.
Haley is not a bad choice. He had not crossed my mind. But, if you want a gal, how about Michelle Bachman? She's sharp as a razor, and does not refer to notes often.
There are a lot of good choices out there. Look to the House of Reps. Flake comes to mind...or the dude from Michigan (let me think...) McCotter, or Pence.
Honestly, I think that if Sarah was asked to do it, she would not. And if she did, she would bring too much confusion to an already confused party.
They need a solid, stable, single-messaged voice (and administrator) right now.