There is not enough billboard space in Los Angeles to express the measure of symbolic change now evident in the election of Michael Steele as chair of the RNC. I am very pleased to see that he has finally landed on his feet in an office worthy of his character and political appeal.
There's going to be a lot of shrugs, head shaking and raised eyebrows over the next media cycle. For me, it's a sigh of relief. There's not much to say ahead of this as far as I'm concerned. Steele is a good government, responsible conservative who in my mind best exemplifies the Old School values that Cobb has been all about for years. He is a social conservative without being an evangelist harpy. He is a fiscal conservative without being a rabid supply sider. He is the right man for the job of setting a lot of myths straight about the past, present and future of the Republican Party. I think the man deserves a party.
Interestingly enough, I think the politician that Steele's temperament most resembles is that of NY Governor David Paterson. He's been around the block and he's all business. He's not particularly glib or charismatic, but he's a natural born leader.
Obviously the stock for black conservatives is going to rise in media trading. You can certainly expect that we'll share a little of the spotlight for a while. That can be good and bad depending on who's doing the spinning. But I'm really excited to hear how Right Radio is going to take this considering some of the negative propaganda put out on Steele about his dalliances with the RLC, my particular favorite group within the Republican Party. Social conservatives may have some beefs. But I'd say that black conservatives are more social conservatives than not with regard to basic values. I am a social conservative, but not an evangelizing one - I think such matters are hot buttons for energizing a base, not for forward policy. This should be an area of interest once the dust settles.
Steele has a significant job ahead of him, but the non-job that everybody will certainly soon be talking about is handling the Republican Party's 'racial agenda'. It will be interesting to see how pretzel logic will attempt to rule the day in describing what it means for Michael Steele to be the head of the presumed party of white racism in America. But what you're actually going to see is Steele and Palin remaking the party with a revitalized energy and spirit, and you're going to see a good deal more lip service paid to marketing and outreach.
In my view, the GOP's issues are not with marketing and outreach, but with figuring out a grand strategy in the wake of Karl Rove's decade of machinations. So I'll continue to pay particular attention to Brooks and Douthat and their new way of speaking out. They have a winning way and a fine message based on the same conservative values as ever. With the calm, convincing and workmanlike dedication of Michael Steele at the helm of the GOP ship, it won't be long before the sailing will be smooth. Job One: 2010
A very good commentary with Steele from December.
Recent Comments