Not picking up the water bucket for either one right now, but this is a very important point you make. We have a serious perception problem. Someone like Steele could help with that. And he's a pretty good guy on top of it.
I have been a strong vocal proponent of “just get out our base and who cares about shifting demographics” the last three election cycles. But even I have to admit the writing is on the wall; we have to re-brand the party and destroy this perception that we are a bunch of rich white racists. The left has done a very acute job of painting that picture and I give them credit for it.