Give Michael Steele More Time (Meghan McCain attacks Tea Partiers as "fringe")

The Daily Beast ^ | 2010-01-10 | Meghan McCain

[rabscuttle385]

The RNC chairman is indecisive and at times immature, but there is plenty to respect, including his call yesterday for Harry Reid to step down. Meghan McCain on why she hasn’t lost faith.

What is going on with Michael Steele? In the last year, the Republican National Committee chairman has become one of the most confusing and controversial figures in politics. Last week brought yet another example of his troubles representing the party: an outburst during an interview in which he said his critics should “fire him or shut up.” It was alarmingly immature coming from someone who is supposed to be a leader.

Steele also protested recently that he “didn’t ask for and didn’t seek” the job of RNC chairman.

Unfortunately for him, there are those records of him attending the RNC election last January, not to mention videos announcing his candidacy where he states, “I want the gig. I’m ready, I’m ready to lead this party.”

When a leader is so indecisive about whether he wants his own job, how is anyone supposed to want to follow him? When Steele was initially elected chairman of the RNC, like many others in my party I was excited about a fresh and different voice, especially because Republicans were in need of new inspiration after the last election. However, since his appointment, it’s been one snafu after another, giving the impression that he’s disorganized and full of mixed messages. From his early criticism of Rush Limbaugh as an “entertainer” to recent reports of his $20,000 speaking fees, one thing is certain: From a public-relations standpoint, his actions are killing him in the eyes of the GOP.

But let’s hold off on the firing squads. He’s had his role for only one year, and, like the rest of the party, is still adjusting and struggling to find his identity. I understand from personal experience how hard it is to be criticized by fellow Republicans. There is something that particularly stings about negative comments by people whose side you are on.

And there is plenty to respect, starting with his call on Fox News Sunday this weekend for Harry Reid to give up his position as Senate Majority Leader because of his racially insensitive comments about President Obama not having a “Negro dialect.” Chairman Steele rightly took a hard stance, emphasizing the double standard of Democrats and Republicans making racially insensitive remarks, and comparing Reid’s comments with Trent Lott’s to Strom Thurmond in 2002.

I also admire that he has resisted the urge to placate the Tea Party fringe of the GOP in the name of fundraising. And he is willing to admit when he is wrong, as he did a week ago when he used the slang term “honest Injun” in an interview, and apologized for his mistakes.

Has Michael Steele made mistakes and questionable decisions? Yes. But he deserves more time before we jump so quickly. Michael Steele should know that the clock is ticking, but we’re in no hurry to see that time run out.

Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com.

[rabscuttle385]

Idiot alert.

[rightwingextremist1776]

That little miscreant should go back to partying and slim fast....every time she opens that clap trap stupidity comes out.

[Earthdweller]

I don’t think Steele wants this endorsement...just saying.

[Diogenesis]

"Having our minions attack Gov. Palin during the election
worked out real well for us. Let's keep doing it."

"A political party during the cannot be all things to all people.
It must represent certain fundamental beliefs
 which must not be compromised to political expediency
or simply to swell its numbers."
--  President Ronald Reagan

"We don't intend to turn the Republican Party
 over to the traitors in the battle just ended.
We will have no more of those candidates who are pledged
 to the same goals as our opposition and who seek our support.
Turning the Party over to the so-called moderates
wouldn’t make any sense at all.""
--  President Ronald Reagan

[gimme1ibertee]

The Daily Beast....Meghan McCain...in the same breath. Too funny.She’s a beast,all right!

[bcsco]

Why should we listen to a ditz for advice on anything?

[cripplecreek]

Miss Piggy needs to STFU and go away.

[Vision]

Can someone run Meghan out of town on a rail?

WTF? She’s nobody. Worse she’s proven to be a know nothing.

[statered]

I think we should just ignore this person. She offers nothing; the only reason anyone pays her attention is her father. The more her comments are highlighted here and elsewhere the more we will continue to see them.

[bmwcyle]

I move we launch her into space, one way.

[stephenjohnbanker]

“Steele also protested recently that he “didn’t ask for and didn’t seek” the job of RNC chairman. “

Yes, we had to knock him out, cuff him, and drag him to his new office.

[svcw]

Who cares what MM thinks or says?

[paulycy]

[sasquatch]

I move we launch her into space, one way.

Nah, there’s too much space junk out there now.

[Congressman Billybob]

There is a large number of Democrats and a smaller number of Republicans who should have the following quote from Forrest Gump on their letterheads. This airhead daughter of an incompetent Republican candidate for President should have it on her letterhead twice.

1. She's dumb on the subject of politics. 2. She's too dumb to realize how dumb she is.

Congressman Billybob

Don't Tread On Me (9/12 photo and poster"

"Getting Control of Congress, Permanently"

[youturn]

I just refuse to read her dreck. Somebody tell me how many graphs it takes before she says opposing Steele is racist.

[mortal19440]

She was on last night. Not only is she a lard a**, she is immature AND stupid.

[AzaleaCity5691]

Steele was an affirmative action hire. The problem is we have probably painted ourselves into a hole where me may have to take Blackwell.

Personally, I say we skip the AA and hire someone who actually knows how to run a party. I know that there’s Gingrich hatred on this site but Gingrich is one of the greatest political talents in our country. Someone like him could certainly be of great value as Chairman.

[Congressman Billybob]

Duh! I referenced the Gump quote and then didn’t give the quote:

“Stupid is as stupid does.”

John / Billybob