Steele Plays Race Card
As embarrassing as it is to have an American president who can’t get enough of travelling the world apologizing for what he (and our enemies) perceives as our Nation’s wrongs to whomever will pause long enough for him to bow, comes today RNC Chairman Michael Steele to do the domestic equivalent:
Why should an African-American vote Republican?
“You really don’t have a reason to, to be honest — we haven’t done a very good job of really giving you one. True? True,” Republican National Chairman Michael Steele told 200 DePaul University students Tuesday night.
Can someone please explain why we need an opposition party if its leader is trying so hard to validate the most insidious and obscene false characterization of it himself? Did he turn over the Queen of Diamonds? (Read the rest of the article to see Steele play the race card, victim, and pander to the NAACP…I hope he spoke before dinner had been served.)
Chairman Steele’s response wasn’t, but should have been:
“Why, it would seem to me that the ideas of smaller government, a strong national defense, greater individual liberty, lower taxes would appeal to all Americans. Frankly, we’ve done a good job communicating these values, but a poor job living up to them. Indeed, when we put forth policies and execute programs based on these core principles, the Republican party thrives. At times, however—and I have to honestly say that, to a degree my own time at the helm has occasioned some of this—we get so caught up in the game of government—that Inside-The-Beltway mentality—that we lose track of these important concepts and let power go to our heads.”
Then he should have hit them with this:
“As I said, these are universal American concepts, and frankly, I find the concept of “reaching out” to specific racial segments of the American family anathema to what it means to be American, and quite offensive in its supposition. What black American wouldn’t embrace the concepts of smaller governemnt? Of individual liberty and responsibility? Of lower taxes and a strong defense? To suggest that the Republican party—or any party—needs to do something to appeal specifically to a racial group is insulting to that group. It’s saying that black Americans categorically are opposed (or at least not attracted) to these very values upon which our Nation was founded. Really? Who thinks that? Obviously the Democratic Party does, as they are constantly bringing up race as if we as Americans have a different set of values or goals simply because we don’t share the same skin tone. That, my friends, is offensive. That is racist. That is why I prefer to be a Republican. For even with all our failings that come with the trappings of power, we have always been the party of equal opportunity and equal treatment based in individual liberty and freedom from government overrreach.”
Perhaps he’ll be availed the opportunity to revise and extend his remarks?
-Nick (ColoradoPatriot, from an undisclosed secret HQ)
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Nick, too much common sense, sorry.
Comment by ILoveCapitalism — April 22, 2010 @ 11:38 am - April 22, 2010
If ever Mr. Steele decides to resign, I can think of the perfect replacement: Alan Keyes. He’s black, plus he has his bonafides in the social conservative department. Not too welcoming of gays, but that’s not a problem in today’s GOP; it’s a plus.
Comment by Jim Michaud — April 22, 2010 @ 11:56 am - April 22, 2010
Nick,
The problem is, Republicans use facts and technical information to convey their message — and Democrats use emotional buzzwords and headlines. That’s why they continue to win the messaging war.
When you say “The Death Tax is a double-tax (triple-tax for gay couples), and should be abolished,” that sounds great. When Democrats say “Why should people be able to inherit billions of dollars for doing nothing?” — and that resonates more with the average Democrat.
The same goes for the black community. The fact that Republicans founded the NAACP and ended slavery and fought for their right to vote, and the Civil Rights Act… means almost NOTHING today… because everyone believes the parties “switched” in the 1960s. So long as that belief exists, nothing we’ve done in the past matters as they think it was today’s Democrats that did it (due to the “switch).
Michael Steele is 1000000% correct that Republicans have not reached out to the black community. Steele misses an opportunity to explain why the Republican Party represents the values of hard-working African American families — but when liberals are succeeding at painting us as a party of racists, how can you expect blacks to come rushing back to our party?
We’re in an ideological war, and we’re losing. This is a good year for Republicans/Conservatives, but it has more to do with Obama’s failings and the misguided priorities of a Dem-controlled Congress, than it does with anything Republicans have actually done. We cannot succeed being the party of “We’re not Obama.” We cannot succeed being the party of “We voted no for that.” We cannot succeed being the party that continues to keep social issues at the top of their platform in almost every state, and nationwide.
We, as a party, need to change with the times. That means understanding technology, understanding our ever-changing society, and adapting accordingly. On this we are failing miserably.
There’s little doubt we’ll have a great November, but what then? Independents, Libertarians and disaffected Democrats have been leaving our party in droves since Reagan left office. What are we doing to bring them back? What are we doing to show them that the Republican Party really IS the party of individual liberty? Or really is the party of fiscal responsibility?
Michael Steele is right. We have failed. It’s up to US to fix that. And representing a core set of values is a beginning… but until we go back to the black community (and the gay community, and the Jewish community, and the Hispanic community)… with our hat in our hand, and explain that we WANT them to be part of the only party that truly represents freedom — we will fail.
Comment by Mark — April 22, 2010 @ 12:32 pm - April 22, 2010
Steele sucks, Republicans doing well is in spite of him not because of him. I’m not sure why he even got the job not like he was ever an successful candidate when he ran for office before.
Comment by darkeyedresolve — April 22, 2010 @ 12:52 pm - April 22, 2010
This is the perfect case (“Steele Race Baits”) of some conservatives wanting to shoot the messenger rather than listen to the message.
Steele said nothing surprising except the truth to this group of college age students at a liberal arts college known for its socially progressive activist training programs –the motto of DePaul U is “I will show you the way of wisdom” and it is solidly Catholic social justice activism in the classroom, in x-curricular activities, in mission.
The simplest wisdom is that black voters, who have voted overwhelmingly for Clinton, Gore (92%), Kerry (88+%) and Obama (96%), have very few reasons for voting GOP… the Dems have done a great job with their VictimHood Industry mindset to cater to blacks, to make sure they have a series of seats at the table, expand govt programs to address their needs, their political priorities, their interests. Just like the Dems do for gays. For big labor. For inner city voters. For mass transit interests. For the disenfranchised poor. For hispanics. For felons. For the disabled. For environmentalists. For trial lawyers. For college students literally bleeding through their hearts with anguish over the abuses of the prior generation… etc.
Identity politics. We do it for business. The Chamber. Anti-tax folk. Military interests and vets. Hunters. Etc.
Steele would be a fool to trot out the standard BS about GOPers standing for the American Dream, Mom, God, Guns and Apple Pie to a bunch of liberally inclined, social activists. He wanted to cut through the clutter and capture the audience with the best ploy in the book: speaking the truth and answering a student’s question.
And you guys want to shoot him? For that? Or is this part of that same RedState ranters’ RINO purge idiocy that captivates so many soc cons these days?
Steele is speaking the truth and he needs to keep doing it. He’s a good spokesman for the GOP. He may not be able to reverse the generations’ long trend in black voter identification, but he can speak with authority to other minority groups and college-aged voters. And if he isn’t willing to be frank, candid and direct in answering a college kid’s question –then he needs to hang it up and go make buckets of money selling his soul like Frank Fahrenkopf.
Can we get off Steele’s case and keep focused on winning the 2010 elections?
Comment by Michigan-Matt — April 22, 2010 @ 1:26 pm - April 22, 2010
Before people get down my throat, My earlier comment was satire. I’m aware that Mr. Keyes has left the GOP. But seriously, Mr. Steele is saying a painful truth. In a bull-in-china-shop way, but true.
Comment by Jim Michaud — April 22, 2010 @ 1:30 pm - April 22, 2010
It’s getting to the point with Steele that if he doesn’t quit or get fired, I’ll actually vote for Obama in the name of totally anarchy. Don’t you dare go on some type of apology tour, Steele. 95% of blacks voted for Obama, and 95% of blacks still support him today. Those are facts. Going a boot licking and groveling tour based on skin color is just embarrassing. Stick to ideas and values. Whoever joins you, joins you. That’s it. (P.S. here is a little secret for you, Steele: The truth is on your side. Americans already don’t like Obama anymore. We are a center, right country. You really don;t have to do much right now except get out of the way!)
Comment by Frederick — April 22, 2010 @ 1:33 pm - April 22, 2010
why did you amend the title of this post?
Comment by rusty — April 22, 2010 @ 1:38 pm - April 22, 2010
[...] Steele Plays Race Card [...]
Pingback by GayPatriot » A Defense of Steele’s Sentiment, A Critique of His Expression — April 22, 2010 @ 3:30 pm - April 22, 2010
To Michigan Matt I say, what should the GOP do to seek the kind of racialists who vote in such lockstep? Increase welfare payments? Pay “Reparations”?
Who has been spoiled by liberal democrat gifts by taking the money of hard working people and giving it to lazy sex addicts? Not white men, who are the real strength of this country and have built thos country.
I feel sorry for blacks, but enough is enough.
Comment by tomcj — April 22, 2010 @ 9:07 pm - April 22, 2010
In other words, your recommendation is that the Republican Party continue to deny reality and keep saying the same things they have been saying for decades that has resulted in total desertion by every minority group in the country…. Great plan!
Steele is undeniably right; Republicans have not given minorities a reason to vote for them, and that is evidenced by the fact that minorities don’t vote for Republicans. If you think that re-using your lame ‘don’t you love freedom?’ should be enough to reverse those trends, you’re crazy. The fact is, minorities are disproportionately poor, under-educated, in prison, shorter lived, less healthy, etc., and until Republicans start recognizing these facts as inherent biases in the American system, as opposed to deficiencies in certain groups’ work ethic or value system, you’re going to continue seeing blacks turn out for Democrats at a 9 to 1 clip. Spouting platitudes about taxes and freedom and personal responsibility might be okay for middle class white people that are far removed from tangible, real world social problems, but that type of bullsh*t doesn’t have much of an effect on minorities – who are dealing with things like crime and low wages and access to higher education and yes, still plenty of racism. In addition, the manufactured Rev. Wright controversy was an indicator that the GOP is still more than willing to flog racist stereotypes to get votes, minority voter suppression in the 2000 and 2004 elections have been well documented (low density, rural Republican districts get plenty of voting machines, high density, urban Democratic districts get substantially fewer), and urban development organizations like ACORN were the targets of a deliberate propaganda campaign. These things aren’t going to endear your party to any minority community, how do you not realize that?
Comment by Levi — April 23, 2010 @ 9:19 am - April 23, 2010
tomcj @10… are you expecting to be taken seriously with that racist nonsense? Go find a Lyndon Hermyle LaRouche Memorial Coffee Klatch mtg and spin those evil, hateful sentiments there. Gheesh.
Comment by Michigan-Matt — April 23, 2010 @ 10:20 am - April 23, 2010
The fact is, minorities are disproportionately poor, under-educated, in prison, shorter lived, less healthy, etc., and until Republicans start recognizing these facts as inherent biases in the American system, as opposed to deficiencies in certain groups’ work ethic or value system, you’re going to continue seeing blacks turn out for Democrats at a 9 to 1 clip.
Despite having preferential treatment in hiring, education, government contracts, and welfare payments for over forty years at the request of liberals.
Or, put differently, for forty years, liberals like Levi have been insisting that minorities are not capable of performing at the level of white people, and it has become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Jaime Escalante demonstrated that you help minority students achieve by RAISING standards, not lowering them. But Levi and his fellow liberals adamantly oppose any type of standards for minorities, insisting that non-white individuals cannot be expected to perform at the level of white people.
You are a racist, Levi. That is the problem here. Worse, you have created an entire class of dependents by drumming into black peoples’ heads that they are not capable of surviving, thriving, or succeeding without the government’s help.
Comment by North Dallas Thirty — April 23, 2010 @ 7:03 pm - April 23, 2010
minority voter suppression in the 2000 and 2004 elections have been well documented (low density, rural Republican districts get plenty of voting machines, high density, urban Democratic districts get substantially fewer)
Levi, perhaps you need to educate yourself on who is responsible for purchasing voting machines.
Speaking in Cambridge, MA, [on Thursday] during a panel discussion at the EmTech organized by Technology Review, Bowen noted that individual counties are currently responsible for purchasing voting machines.
In short, if those rural Republican counties have more voting machines, it’s because they chose to purchase them. And if those high density urban districts have substantially fewer, it’s because they chose NOT to purchase more.
And you know who makes those choices? The county elected officials who are chosen by the voters. Thus, it is the VOTERS in those “urban” districts who are choosing not to spend the money on voting machines.
Again, it’s no surprise that such an uneducated and unintelligent individual like yourself makes such obviously-untrue statements, but it is an excellent commentary on the Obama Party base and how the Barack Obama Party is based solely on lies and false allegations.
urban development organizations like ACORN were the targets of a deliberate propaganda campaign
Only if “propaganda” means “real fraud”.
Clifton Mitchell helped register nearly 2,000 voters for the community group ACORN. But not one of them actually existed.
Now again, Levi, we understand that your belief is that the Obama Party has the right to steal votes and commit fraud as long as it gets the Obama Party elected. But really, you shouldn’t try to claim yourself as “moral” or supportive of American ideals when you openly advocate voter fraud and voter registration fraud.
Comment by North Dallas Thirty — April 23, 2010 @ 7:56 pm - April 23, 2010