‘I’m in the Business of Ticking People Off’

Amid Criticism, RNC Chair Steele Says He’ll Stay Focused on Remaking Party
This article deals with the continuing problems of the Republican Party. After a month of “leading” the party Michael Steel has not been able to connect to his base. He has been criticized for “‘trying to be some talking-head media star,’ in Rush Limbaugh’s words, instead of on rebuilding the GOP from the RNC headquarters near the Capitol.” (Washington Post, Perry Bacon Jr.) The Fact that Rush Limbaugh is mentioned shows in what state the Republican Party is. If the word of a radio host is worth mentioning when it comes to the head of the RNC then there is a problem. This is not only the media that is playing the Rush card but also Republican members “I think he would choose his words more carefully [about Limbaugh],” (Gary Jones, chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party)
The article makes it clear that Steel is not the real party leader since he had to declare himself the “de facto leader” in a run against house speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.), House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (Va.), Gov. Bobby Jindal (La.). Since Steel is the “official” Party leader, he hopes that it will become clear to everyone that he is the one who has the last word “‘at the end of the day, all roads are going to lead to this desk,’ said Steel” (Washington Post, Perry Bacon Jr.)
Michael Steel plans to remake the party is seen as a nice idea; however, some believe that the way he is doing it is naïve. Curly Haugland a member from the RNC in North Dakota believes that Steel’s plan to reach out to the African Community–is at the moment—a waste of time. One should not be fooled in believing that the Republican Party will pull a lot of votes from Harlem. One should concentrate on building a believable and respectable party again. Steels plans sound noble at best but unrealistic. Even though I am a Democrat myself I do believe for a Democracy to function we need at least two valid parties. Right now our country is down to one.