Steele to Rush: I'm sorry

The Politico ^ | March 2, 2009 | Mike Allen

[Jeff Chandler]

Actually, the last thing the GOP conservatives need at this time is to destroy the few media supporters they have.

[WorkingClassFilth]

Mr. Steele,

First you didn’t discipline Specter, Snowe and Collins and shove them out the door - inexcusable and a certain sign that your leadership is all about the same ol’ same ol’.

Secondly, you diss the single biggest reason, since Reagan, that there is a conservative movement. Here’s a clue - Gingrich and whoever else might like to think they are ‘leading’ conservatism don’t hold a candle to Rush.

Third, the single biggest reason that Rush has the popularity, power and influence that he does is that he is actually articulating what conservatives already think and, by doing so, has single-handedly expanded conservatism beyond ANYTHING the pubbie party has done since RR.

Get a clue and join us - that, or take a hike.

[humblegunner]

It wasn’t “running his mouth” that got him 17 standing ovations

Yeah it was.

He stood there and talked.

Did you see him do something else?

[goat granny]

I have read humblebummers remarks on other threads. He is not worth responding to and has lots to humble about.....Rush was on fire at CPAC and today.....

[don-o]

Michael Steele - Dim Bulb.

Perfect fit for Chairman of the Stoopid Party

[VictoryGal]

> he still had to prove himself after the hip hop nonsense. This wasn’t it.

Yeah, not Steele’s finest hour. Also, he’s agreed to go on the faux conservative Colbert Report for a “rap battle”. Words fail me. Now we are clowns dancing to the Dim tune? Why or why do they do this?? It’s sad and appalling. Our leaders. Barf.

[COBOL2Java]

Is he sorry for what he said, how it was interpreted, or that his words got so much attention?

I'll take what's behind door number 3, Monty...

[airborne]

“My intent was not to go after Rush – I have enormous respect for Rush Limbaugh,” Steele said in a telephone interview. “I was maybe a little bit inarticulate. … There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership.”

Misleading title.Steele never said "sorry", or apologized in any other way, IMHO.

[Beloved Levinite]

Steele used the word “UGLY” in regards to Rush’s speech.
In my opinion, a word like that doesn’t just SLIP out. This is what Steele really believes, when he’s chillin’ wit his homies. It’s unforgiveable. Steele needs to be OUSTED for this party to move forward.

[Cedric]

Rush started the fight.

He knew what he was doing.

He can take it.

[libertarian27]

i just unsubscribed to the RNC e-mails tonight.

Appropriately the e-mail from RNC today was from Steele

Bye~Bye

I’m a Conservative!
(small libertarian...lol)

[adc]

Calling Rush “an entertainer” was a deliberate choice of words. He realizes his mistake, but he’s gonna have to work much harder for me to trust him.

Don’t mess with Rush Michael . . . you’re gonna lose.

[topfile]

The whole vid..

Yep that's right. See for yourself....HERE.. the NAZI comment occurs around the 2:20 mark.

[relictele]

I forget where I saw it (will Google later) but DC was once described as a sweaty, swampy, dreary Southern town.

I love the South but I have to agree with that assessment.

[Jeff Chandler]

He can take it.

He can, but he obviously doesn't suffer backstabbers lightly. He's not the typical gelding Republican.

[hinckley buzzard]

I have yet to be able equate running his mouth with leadership.

When you get tired of playing with your "gun," and decide to learn something, ask the "Class of '94" about his leadership.

[Beloved Levinite]

Due to this "revelation" I could never trust, NOR WILL I SUPPORT any party with Steel at the TOP.

BE GONE, Chairman Steele!

[NoMarxist2010]

Michael Steele...RESIGN!!

[adorno]

Rush Limbaugh has been known to make a lot of good points on his show, and I'd be the first to defend his right to have his show, but at the end of the day, the guy has NO operational responsibility for the functioning of the RNC, or America for that matter.

Limbaugh at this point is basically just a Radio Personality and Entertainer. When the day comes where Limbaugh is measured by something other than selling ad space, maybe I'll take him more seriously.

Though not operationally responsible for any government or civilian positions, Rush has meant more to the conservative cause than any republican or conservative in the last 30 years, other than Reagan. There have been thousands of republicans who have been elected to positions of responsibility who have not come even close to the influence that Limbaugh exerts on conservatism.

As such, he is a leader. He has more followers than any one person in any leadership position right now when it comes to the republicans.

Though he functions as a "radio personality" and an "entertainer", his influence on republicans far surpasses any that Steele or any republican could hope for. He speaks about the conservative cause and understands it a lot better than any one in a visible position right now, and that includes Steele or any elected "republican" official.

If any republican elected official, or "selected" official (such as Steele), wants to trash or disown Rush, then they are in effect also disowning the conservative cause. I would rather follow a Limbaugh than a Steele who would compromise his conservatism for minor gains in political correctness or diplomacy.

[wolf78]

Frankly: Why is this nonsense an issue?

Yes, Limbaugh is an entertainer, yes, he is incendiary, because that's what earns him his dinero. Its his role and he plays it to near-perfection. Of course he wouldn't want to be chairman of the Republican party - why have your pay cut?

Do I sometimes enjoy listening to Rush. Sure. Would I vote for him? Probably not. The "yes, it's ugly"-part, ok that one was unnecessary. But Rush's attempt to seperate the Republican party from Republicans per se ("harakiri"), is just as much an insult to those who got out the vote last year. (Ok, when it comes to economic policy, he of course is right with the term "failure").

Why is this breaking news?