Steele and the party of Lincoln

John Bentley — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:02:26 GMT

Lincoln was a Midwestern progressives. Republican Party is the party of southern conservatives, descendents of Democrats who propagated Jim Crow and institutionalized racism that only became Republicans after the Democrats embraced civil rights. The Republican Party is the "Party of Lincoln" in name only.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Bruce Oregon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:05:21 GMT

After all of the vile racist comments coming through Rush Limbaugh's microphone regading Obama, what if anything will Mr. Steele have to say about the darling of the Right?

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Eva Marie, Elkhart, IN — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:06:02 GMT

exciting news!

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Andrea, New York City — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:07:11 GMT

How much do you want to bet that Steele will win and the Republicans will sit back with a satisfied smile and tell the world that they are reaching out beyond their white regional base.

Then they will do what they did to Watts, shut him him out and treat him like dirt. Andrea

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Well he won. Let the fun begin!!!!

The Repubs are a narrow-minded bigoted bunch. I hope Steele has a spine of steel. He is going to need it!!!

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:07:35 GMT

"It is time to get to work," Steele said. "We've got a party to build."
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Congratulations, Chairman Steele. May I suggest that if you are going to continue with the same tired mantras of tax cuts and trickle-down, don't bother. Your party is desperately in need of new ideas, not to mention integrity. Good luck to you on those fronts: hopefully you will be able to drag the 28%ers into the 21st century without too much difficulty, but I'm not holding my breath.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Sheila Bee — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:09:11 GMT

The GOP keeps trying hard, anyway. Don't know anything about Steele, but it's clear what they're up to. First they thought a woman on the ticket would help them Wrong. Now they choose a black man to help garner black votes. Their PC-ness is sooooo transparent. This party is the most insincere group of people. What arbout "country first"? Lose you power until February folks during the ice storm? Thank your GOP buds.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Paul — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:09:30 GMT

maybe this is a sign of the coming of the End Times. Is the RAPTURE soon to be upon us??????

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Eric Rudolph — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:10:53 GMT

It's great that the republicans have elected a Muslim to lead them.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Pariah — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:11:18 GMT

Steele's election is a good sign, but it means the GOP is split into two camps: Moderates and the Christian Right ditto-heads whose policies are the staple of right-wing radio. Judging from the House party-line vote on the stimulus plan, the ditto-heads are still in charge there.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

gepa — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:12:41 GMT

Now the Democrats can sing about the Leader of the Repubs, ""Mike the Magic Negro". The repubs are just a bunch of copy-cats and a bunch of whiners. it's ok for the Repukes to call Obama a Negro, but look out if the Democrats do it to them.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Amy B Portland, ME — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:13:54 GMT

"We must be a party that makes good on the promise of Lincoln,"

Lincoln is code word for "Obama." Uh oh, African Americans are working on the inside to turn the RNC into the party of OBAMA. Someone tell Limbaugh!

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Todd M St Charles, IL — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:20:23 GMT

Funny, the first time is historic. The GOP attempt seems like copycatting, but good luck to them. I bet we will never see any "magic negro" satires fro mthe GOP. It took them a little while, but they are trying to make appearances of getting it.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Ed Thomas, Appleton, WI — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:22:31 GMT

I think it's absolutely hilarious. First, they all despise African Americans and claim that they will ruin the country, now they put one in their leadership position. A little bit of copy catting?

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Beverly in Chicago — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:34:42 GMT

Lauri Smalls (Sent Friday, January 30, 2009 4:38 PM)
Pul-eeez....too obvious -- too obvious...what's he going to do about his party members who send out cd's with Barack the Magic Negro on it? - Please...too obvious.
*************************************************************
Lauri,
You are so correct.

Michael Steele the big, fat "O" -- zero has arrived.
"Another Black Man Gets the Worst Job" as the Onion Newspaper headline said about President Obama.

Michael Steele is a puppet and the least articulate figurehead of the Republicans. Usually it's that stupid Hannity's who wants approval from his guest; especially from Rove and Newt Gringrich. But, when Micheal Steele appears on that stupid Hannity's America a.k.a. Corporate Socialism he asks for Hannity's approval. LOL

Prepare for him to ask that stupid Hannity... "Am I White Enough, or "Sean, Brother, let me put it this way have I shown enough disapproval of those who are not like us"?
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Jawille is happy and I'm glad too. But, personally I think he only window dressing to dupe other uneducated minorities in. Only time will tell if he has courage to break away Hannity and the likes of stupid Hannity's ilk. I doubt if Steele will. He' too more happy to be one of them than a courageous man of the people.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

KC,WPB,FL — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:37:08 GMT

First , the Republicans learned to be inclusive after Clinton had women & minorities in his cabinet. Then they (Republicans) detached Allen Keyes to Illinois to counteract Barack Obama’s run for the Senate. Now there’s a minority President, and then the RNC picks a minority to run their party. Republicans never stop amazing me! That’s not traits of leaders, that’s reacting to failure to include everyone. And to Mr. Steele, I hope your thoughts are true and inclusive because minorities can smell an Uncle Tom a mile away. That’s means in your thoughts, not your skin color. Don’t patronize us!

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:37:25 GMT

Bruce, Oregon:

Rush Limbaugh has never said a single racist thing about Barack Obama. You and gepa are full of oil. It was a black liberal columnist for the LA Times that called Barack a magic negro.

I'm seeing plenty of racist comments about Michael Steele here already, though. The word "token" has already appeared. Is that code for "house negro", another term frequently used by Democrats to diminish people like Colin Powell or Condoleeza Rice.

Is it OK to reference the pot calling the kettle black here?

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Andy, Seminole, Florida — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:38:50 GMT

Steele and the party of Lincoln

T.R. Hendricks, Norfolk, NE — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:38:56 GMT

Why should there be partisan divisions along race and religon when there are so may other issues in which people formulate their opinion.

While my of my fellow Democrat would bemoan an exodus of African Amerians to other political parties, such political diversity would be s sure sign of true equality.

Furthermore it will not benefit us to have the GOP reduced to a point where they are not an effective check and balance. Lack of mitigation would only allow us to "go off the cliff"

Steele and the party of Lincoln

James Smith Oliver, Lancaster Kentucky — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:46:18 GMT

In reading several 'comments' it's obvious that you
'Liberal Socialist' are already concerned about Mr. Steele leading our 'Ultra Conservative' movement back to grand-glorious heights...Go STEELERS & Mr. Steele !!! NOBODY 'whines' like a bunch of 'Left-Wing Socialist Democrats' ...........go to Europe !!
Smitty Oliver, Lancaster Kentucky

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Clint, redlands — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:49:49 GMT

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Mark Hayden MO. — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:51:20 GMT

do only morons read and right these post? well it is msnbc so i gues answered my own question-- msnbc saids steele is moderate- he is not- he is a conservative -he is head of cpac for gods sake-- its great that he is black but if you ever heard him speak you would know he was elected cuz of his core conservative principals and unwillingness to compromise them- those are what will win in 2010/12 republican party is the party of blacks if you did your research you would know this (for 200 years).
the only thing im worried about and some others have said this too is he is not strong enough -aggressive-- in recent years the country has said "duncan who?" no one saids reid who--I believe everyone will say mike will put the steele back into the RNC and the conservative voice will be heard on each and every issue with the virtue of uncompromised principal that will shield new leaders allowing them to wield the sword of conservatism that created this country dip in the blood spilt for liberty and freedom. join mike in fighting socialism be proud to be an american

Steele and the party of Lincoln

SAGG — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:52:49 GMT

This is freaking hilarious. The GOP is now run by brother! Red Skelton once said, "Imitation is NOT the sincerest for of flattery. It's plagerism." Well, this qualifies! Mr. Steele is now the head of the RNC--a FIGUREhead. Get ready to be used by the Good ol' Boys, Mr. Steele...

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Julie, Palm Desert, CA — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:53:53 GMT

Richard,

You don't consider "halfracan american" racist? Cause I do.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Dee, Dallas, Texas — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:53:57 GMT

...and it only took them FIVE ROUNDS to vote for him!

When will the Republicans learn that it's not their party that most people reject, it's their outdated philosophy and semi-bigoted views...and hitching their little red wagon to Michael Steele is not going to change that one bit!

Steele and the party of Lincoln

SAGG — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:55:48 GMT

It looks like all of the inappropriate race-baitng comments on this blog are comming from so-called "progressives" and well-wishers of "change". Thank-you for for winning the recent elections. It will remind we Republicans that America was built and hard work and big dreams, not Big Government.
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No, Andy. They're NOT racist comments. They're MOCKING comments about the GOP's hypocrisy. Don't try to twist this around to fit your sense of right or wrong.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

C.M. — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:01:00 GMT

The RNC is going to learn quickly that Black does not equal Barack just like McCain learned that Woman does not equal Clinton. I think Michael Steele is a hack who will have a very difficult time in this very big job. I have never been impressed by a single thought that has come out of his mouth despite trying very hard to give him the benefit of the doubt. Isn't this why Republicans are against Affirmative Action?

On a separate note, I hope the RNC doesn't think having Steele as the Chairmen is going to boost its Black membership. The majority of Blacks can't stand guys like him. Right or wrong, racist or not, he is a poster-child for "Uncle Toms." Going around saying Barack Obama didn't deserve the Democratic Nomination (as he did on Bill Maher) isn't going to win him any Black fans.

On a positive note, at least Republicans are trying to be more diverse and that can never be bad IMHO.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:02:10 GMT

Calm down here Richard. I'm sure we could find many quotes and innuendos from Rush that could easily be considered intolerant and biggoted. Just remember that people like Rush condemn certain segments of our society while engaging in the same behavior that he condemns, as with Haggard. Rush the drug addict condemns drug addicts. Haggard the gay basher is gay, and so on.

Intolerance can be found on the left, in the middle and on the right. But what I have found as an Independent and the middle of the roader is that those on the right are quicker to condemn persons different then themselves (supposedly different than themselves). I am reminded of those in the Republican crowds during the campaign calling Obama a Muslim, the N word, a terrorist, a socialist. Hell, every name in the book. Some evn called for his assassination. I think Rush did his best to keep such flames a burnin. Those on the left however may also be intolerant but they condemn those they may be intolerant of just a bit less (with the exception of neo-cons). But here again neo-cons should not be tolerated. Palin for example may have been called incompetent, a pinhead, etc., but I don't recall the Democratic crowds during the campaign calling her a whitey, a nazi, or calling for her assassination.

Say what you will Richard and yes there is intolerance on both sides. But what I saw and heard from those attending campaign rallies on the right versus those on the left, those on the right appeared to me to be much more hateful, sinister and down-right scary. And guess what? They all listen too and love Rush. Now why is that?

Steele and the party of Lincoln

STEELE IS FAR MORE LIKE ABE LINCOLN THAN OBAMA — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:03:48 GMT

STEELE IS FAR MORE LIKE ABE LINCOLN THAN OBAMA EVER WAS OR EVER WILL BE!

Steele and the party of Lincoln

SAGG — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:05:25 GMT

Yeah. Who appointed the first black Judge to the Supreme Court? a Republlican. Who appointed the first female to the Supreme Court? A Republican. Who appointed the first black (female) as sec'ty of state? A Republican.
Clint, redlands
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You're wrong about the first Black Supreme court Judge, Clint. It was done by Lyndon Johnson, a Dem, and that man was Thurgood Marshall. As for the first woman, you are correct. Reagan chose O'Connor, and look how THAT turned out! Thank you, Ronald Reagan!

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:07:36 GMT

Julie, Palm Desert:

First of all, it's "halfrican" and no, I don't consider it racist.

It actually makes a point, if you are of a mind to see it. And that is the Democrat obsession with race.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Richard, Washington State — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:08:57 GMT

CA:

I'm so calm I'm just about to fall asleeeeeeeeeeee zzzzzzzz . . .

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Dave Dubois, Alexandria, VA — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:10:07 GMT

As a person of mixed race open to new ideas and diversity in general I find the above comments racist and disturbing. My vote is owned by no party or idealogy. All of you attacking Mike Steele should look inside as to why you do not like people who are not like you -- clearly you like people who are liberal like you, but if they are not, you freak. I believe your racism is more dangerous as it limits "blacks" and persons of mixed race such as myself to have to fit within certain acceptable roles and expectations. I guess you hate Republican women, gays, Hispanics too right? Please open your minds and do not say horrible things about people you do not know.
I am truly disturbed by your hatred.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Sally, Kansas City, MO — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:14:43 GMT

I am thrilled that the RNC has elected Michael Steele as Chairman. Michael has been a very public figure and avid spokeman for the Republican party for many years now and is a solid conservative. He will make a great Chairman. He should have been elected to the Senate. It is always amazing to me as I read the comments from all the big mouths out here that hate the conservative movement that somehow a Black conservative is merely a token symbol for the Right Wing. Well, they are well respected, admired and beloved by those of us out here who keep up with politics and they deserve better than they get from the people who should championing their success and instead riduculing them. Ask Michael, Condi, Clarence...add in Alberto Gonzales...and some of the other minorities that the Republicans have put into high office how much respect they received. And for the record...Michael Steele deserved this election. It is not some big plan to combat Obama. Michael can stand alone on his merits.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Ed, San Antonio — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:16:23 GMT

The "Party of Lincoln"

What about that whole Civil War thingy, and the little incident in the Ford Theater.....my my my!

Selective memory of the delusional Repukes!

Steele and the party of Lincoln

PB, Los Angeles Calif. — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:22:06 GMT

The GOP was the party of blacks from the GOP's end of slavery, until the welfare state. Black Dems used to be very rare, even up til MLK's time (MLK was GOP!)

A bit of historical review:
GOP destroyed slavery.
GOP tried to pay reparations (to actual ex-slaves, not distant descendants of slaves) but was thwarted by the Dems.
GOP congressemen did more to end Jim Crow & pass civil rights than the Democrats ever did.
GOP sent troops to desegrate the schools.
GOP even created the first (fair) affirmative action program (which the Dems wrecked).
READ YOUR HISTORY. There's a lot more.

It's only because Democrats
(a) bought off a lot of blacks with welfare money,
(b) perverted affirm.action into unfair advantage,and
(c) falsely took sole credit for the Civil Rights movement
-- that blacks now vote Dem. THEY ARE DECEIVED. Hopefully the Obamination will be the last deception.

As to CA from Tuscaloosa --

"Palin for example may have been called incompetent, a pinhead, etc., but I don't recall the Democratic crowds during the campaign calling her a whitey, a nazi, or calling for her assassination"

Actually some liberals DID call for her to be RAPED. It made national news. And Dems are supposed to be the party of Feminism? (Even though it was the GOP that originally got women the vote!)

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Julie, Palm Desert, CA — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:27:06 GMT

As a southern woman who was raised by a racist but managed to grow up open minded and decide who I like on the inner person and not what color they are, I know what I am talking about. Would like to see the many quotes from Rush that are racist? Please don't pretend he is not a racist. And I am not obsessed by anything other than the televison series Lost. And on the day Obama became president, the racist remarks by the republican members at the golf club I work at can't help make me believe that a majority of republican's are racists. How can I not believe it when I hear it with my own ears?

Steele and the party of Lincoln

eagle1776 — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:57:30 GMT

This whole race thing has got to stop. It is ridiculous. Both sides knock it off.

Mr. Steel is obviously capable of running the Republican Party in their opinion. Regardless of his race. While the left may not think so as long as the GOP does that's fine with me. Time will tell how effective he is.

As for Lincoln people don't realize he was against slavery but was also not pro black people. He sent letters to leaders in several countries to see who would be willing to take the former slaves since we no longer had need of them. He, like other white men of his time who were not slave owners may have abhored slavery but still had no use for people of color. Not just people of African decent but anyone who wasn't white, Western European and Protestant.

Lincoln was not a god no more than Ronald Reagan was a god and no more than Rush Limbaugh or Barack Obama are gods. These are (were) men, warts and all.

Personally I don't and never have given a whit what someone's race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin of their ancestors, or gender. I look at their record. If I like what I see in their record I vote for them if not I don't. While I am a registered Democrat I do vote for Republicans or Independants if I believe they are the better candidates. Yes, I lean left but so what. We need both left and right working together to govern from the center. It is only through governing up the center that we make any improvements or progrss. Neither the far left or the far right can govern such that our country is better for it.

I wish Michael Steele well and hope he can bring his party to the center. If they remain under the control of the far right radical extremist nuts they will remain a regional and minority party for a long time. If he can bring them to the center they might be able to have a shot at gaining seats in the next Congress or at the Presidency in the future. The GOP needs to take a lesson from Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. Neither was a Conservative and tolerated the radical right wing element of their party. They turn out to be two of the greatest Presidents their party or any party has ever produced. Reagan may be seen as a god by some but he was really only soso, good but not great. From the failure of trickle down economics we know that to be evident. More will further show that Reagan was not a step below the angles and a step above the saints as some seem to think.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Dave, Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:05:40 GMT

When they referenced "the party of Lincoln" it was not referencing Lincoln the same way Obama does over and over. They were referring to conservative ideals. Lincoln was a strong supporter of small government, an ideal that Republicans have held onto ever since.

I've made my way in life remembering the quote "Don't trust anyone who doesn't respect or tolerate your opinions." For those of you out there labeling Republicans as racist, you are those people who should not be trusted. You spend your time trash-talking people who hold different political views, you stereotype them, and you demean them. Was it not Obama who supposedly ran his campaign on ending dirty politics, ending the partisanship, and encouraging Americans to unite behind our country, not our parties? Or is that just rhetoric that doesn't matter?

I'm a moderate, who has leaned Republican since 2000. I am not a racist. I live in a family that includes blacks, asians, latinos, arabs, Jews, and even Mormons. Do I fit that stereotype of country club racist? Do I fit the stereotype of a rich Republican? No, I'm a college student trying to make my way through college. I'm proud that Michael Steele was chosen, and despite the stereotypes being promoted here, I'm proud to vote Republican.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Richard, Washington State — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:06:52 GMT

Yes, Julie, please show me the racist Limbaugh quotes. We've already addressed "magic negro" which didn't originate with him and we've discussed "halfrican". I would suggest you contact "Bo Snerdly" (AKA James Golden), Rush Limbaugh's program manager, assistant and friend. He might be happy to help you.

I'm sorry about the effect racism has had on you. I know it's real. But don't allow that experience to create your own personal stereotypes or misjudge people as something they are not.

As for the people at your golf club, I condemn them. I wasn't really talking about them or denying that there is racism.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

J. F. Williams, Knoxville, TN — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:27:40 GMT

As long as Sarah Palin is considered the frontrunner
for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012, it does
not matter who the Republicans elect as Chairman.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Ronnie Jackson, Inglewood, California — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:30:47 GMT

I think this is a good move for the Republicans. They seriously have to revamp their perception as the party of exclusivity. It's weird in a way because the Republican Party is actually THE party that made pushes in civil rights dynamics. King, Marshall, Rice, Watts, Powell, Blackwell, and a whole host of others are members of this party...Yet, on the whole, the Republican party continues to be PERCEIVED as the bastion of the ol' good boys network..translation: the good ol' white mans network. Just look at a Democratic gathering as opposed to a Republican gathering and judge for youself which one looks to be the party of inclusion....

Steele and the party of Lincoln

SAGG — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:58:43 GMT

PB, Los Angeles Calif: My, but your historic memory is selective, isn't it? Check this out from Wikipedia concerning disputed election of 1876:

"During the 1876 presidential election, Tilden won the popular vote over his Republican opponent, Rutherford B. Hayes, proving that the Democrats were back in the political picture following the Civil War. But the result in the Electoral College was in question because the states of Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina each sent two sets of Electoral Votes to Congress. (There was separately a conflict over one elector from Oregon, who was disqualified on a technicality.)

Republicans had taken over the state governments in the South during Reconstruction, but were unpopular with the overwhelmingly Democratic white southerners, many of whom resented what they perceived as interference from the North and blamed the Republicans for the Civil War. As a result, one set of Electoral Votes from each of these three states had cast their ballots for the Republican Hayes, and another set had cast their ballot for the Democrat Tilden. Without these three states, Tilden had won 184 Electoral Votes, but needed 185 to win the Presidency. If he had taken even one state, he would have become President. However, if Hayes were to win all the contested votes, he would receive 185 Electoral Votes and win the election. Because the Constitution does not address how Congress is to handle such a dispute, a constitutional crisis appeared imminent.

While the Republicans boldly claimed the election, Tilden mystified and disappointed his supporters by not fighting for the prize or giving any leadership to his advocates. Instead he devoted more than a month to the preparation of a complete history of the electoral counts over the previous century to show it was the unbroken usage of Congress, not of the President of the Senate, to count the electoral votes. [Bigelow v 2:60]

Congressional leaders tried to resolve the crisis by creating a 15-member Electoral Commission that would determine which set of votes were valid. The Commission consisted of five members from the Republican-controlled Senate (three Republicans and two Democrats), and five from the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives (three Democrats, two Republicans). The remaining five members were chosen from the Supreme Court – originally two Republicans, two Democrats, and independent Justice David Davis. Davis, however, was elected to the US Senate from Illinois and resigned from the Court. Justice Joseph P. Bradley, a Republican, was named to replace him. The Commission voted 8-7 along party lines to award all the votes to Hayes. The dispute, however, did not end, as Democrats threatened to filibuster in the Senate. Eventually, a Compromise of 1877 was reached whereby the Democrats agreed to Hayes' election and he agreed to withdraw all federal troops in the South, bringing an end to Republican Reconstruction in the South."

In essence, that vaunted GOP that you fell over backwards to praise abandoned blacks, leaving them to become less than second-class citizens for almost a hundred years more. So don't you DARE sit at your computer and sing the praises of "Lincoln's" GOP. THAT party is long gone.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Syko, NY — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:54:31 GMT

Is Steele a "Magic Negro" too? I'm waiting for the song, but somehow I don't think we'll be hearing one...

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Sadden American — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:58:48 GMT

Julie, Palm Desert, CA... hate to tell you this, but obama was elected because he was black. Period. To prove this, ask yourself, had he been white, would you have voted for him? I truly doubt you can say yes if you're honest. His whole campaign was based on fear and hate of the Republican Party. There was, and still isn't, any substance to his policies. If anything, the US is in more jepordy from attack now that there was on Jan 19. And lemmings like you helped him get there. Is Rush a racist? No more than obama is, I guess. He USED his color to get into office. If he didn't, he would have denounced all the hoopla about being the first black in office and said he wanted you to vote for him because he was the best for the job. He KNEW that wasn't true, so he ran with the race card.

And you bought it... that's sad.

Now, the Republican Party is playing the race card. It'll backfire... but any non-white male that won the seat would have had the race/gender card thrown on him/her. And that's really too bad.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Jim Jones, Omaha, NE — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 02:52:28 GMT

The racist democrats rejected Steele, Lynn Swann, Ken Blackwell in 2006 and now are mad about Steele? The dems are the ones with racial agendas and quotas, nominating an inexperienced and naive candidate while the GOP is going for the most qualified person regardless of race.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:01:24 GMT

Amazing and sad at the same time here. People who often posted hateful bigoted comments toward Obama because he's Black (you can argue the pointless semantics of him being bi-racial among yourselves) are now suddenly embracing Michael Steele because he's...Black. Meanwhile, those who embraced Obama in part because he's Black, are now dissing Steele as a "token"...because he's Black. Amazing the juxtaposition here. Obviously racial tolerance here is contingent upon party loyalty, and that's rather sad on both sides (neither should get self-righteous here). What's been lost in all of this vitriol is that this is an historic moment. Regardless of the underlying implication, I feel that this is another step in the right direction for America. When a party that's been (rightly or wrongly) associated with racisim, bigotry, intolerance, homophobia, etc., can find it in itself to elect a Black man as it's leader, it should be celebrated, not cynically analyzed for some ulterior motive (that will doubtless become clear later). Me, I'm ignoring party loyalties here and taking it for the historic moment it is. That doesn't mean that I'm going to rush out and change my party affiliation (nor will most Blacks). It just means I'm willing to give the GOP a rare bit of well deserved props.

Day 10 of 100
http://jawillie.blog.com

Steele and the party of Lincoln

James Fort Mill S.C. — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:10:27 GMT

Rush and Steele are very much alike Rush is no racist He just doesn't believe in stupid liberal ideas They are not what made this the greatest country in the world. Things that Rush and I believe in did

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Sue, Chicago — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:24:47 GMT

The Republican National Convention was nearly all white. That's what they don't get. Also they don't get that it's not all about businesses and tax cuts. The head of the party is a start, but they have alot of work to do.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Tony, Milwaukee, WI — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:25:26 GMT

You idiot liberals need to learn your history when you call the republican party racists. It was democrats including Al Gore Sr. who tried to fillabuster the 1964 Civil Rights act. Just because the Republicans don't pander to certain groups like the democrats do, does not mean that they are racists. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL, NOT EQUAL OUTCOME! And as far as being hateful, ever been on the Daily Kossacks or the Huffington Post? Conservative blogs would never allow half that crap to be posted. And you claim to be for women's rights - but you're not. You're for <i>Liberal</i> women's rights. The things that were said about Palin were absolutely disgracefuly. She is an embodiement of the success of the women's rights movement - but because she doesn't believe in killing her babies, liberals tried to destroy her. You all digust me with your hipocrisy.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

julio — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:03:50 GMT

Julie:

Would you like to see some of the racist comments made by the blacks? Turn your TV or your radio on right now. Would you like to bet that you are going to hear one rightaway, against whites, hispanics, ete? I have never met any race more racist than the black people of this country. They hate everyone. Of course, thanks to people like you when they do it it is funny; it is only racist when a person of another race does it. Your mother must be very proud of you. Are you related to Michael Jackson? I'm sure that you would give anything to change your skin color too !!

Steele and the party of Lincoln

KYJurisDoctor — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:14:24 GMT

While I wish Michael Steele good luck in his new position, I see his selection as a ploy for the GOP to make Blacks and other minorities feel like the party is suddenly pro minorities and anti racists.

Please color me "UNIMPRESSED".

Until the party adopts SUBSTANTIVE steps rather SYMBOLIC ones to address its INHERENT problems, it might as well be whistling DIXIE! OsiSpeaks[dot]com

Steele and the party of Lincoln

eagle1776 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:05:21 GMT

Lincoln wouldn't recognize today's Republican Party. The radicals have taken control. Although there were radicals in his time he had them under control and was not himself a radical.

Lincoln, although opposed to slavery, was no fan of African American people. After the slaves were free he offered to send as many as possible to any countr or countries that would take them. A man of his time, he favored white, Western European, Protestant, males as having any kind of power. Today some of that attitude might be different in Old Abe but not much.

This doesn't dimish the greatness of President Lincoln but does put him in perspective of men of his time vs. today.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

DG, Oakland, CA — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:40:44 GMT

Although, I am skeptical about how Mr. Steele will "lead" the RNC, I wish to congratulate him because it is another step forward. My hopes are that he will try to change the image of their party, "truly" try to be inclusive and quit subtle negative racial imageries to try to win elections. Although I am a Democrat, I do not wish the destruction of the Republican Party. I believe there is a need for multiple parties in order to put forth a multitude of ideas and solutions. I have voted for Republicans on the local level several times, but have not been able to do so at the national because the RNC seems to have much more control on that level and as an African American have not felt included and at sometimes negatively used.

So I say, Mr. Steele -- Congratulations and I wish you well in your new position!

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Marion Sandefur 28 bark rd nw Dellroy,OHIO 44620 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:01:18 GMT

I read these communications and it makes me sick. Can you not look at the bright side. At least someone is willing to try somthing new. Why are youall so negative. Go look in a mirror and smile,It will not hurt.

Marion

Steele and the party of Lincoln

RW — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:56:35 GMT

The new rnc chairman = puppet FACE UNCLE TOM HOUSE NEGRO for the reSCUMlican white masssahs. Don't believe? Go watch the video of the rnc meeting.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Charles — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:58:47 GMT

I am black. Steele is a token. Excuse, some of GOP supporters dont like it, and I am being prejudiced.I dont care. If your party is seliing Obama waffles at your convention, singing Happy Negro songs, Palin hateful rhetorics, major Civil rights leaders Congressman. Lewis calling your behavior racist, Real americans versus others bs, then GOP is racist party. Steele is a token pick, It is obvious attempt to change thier image, but if you pull back the curtain, you will see the real GOP>
Rush limbaugh racist quotes>
http://newsone.blackplanet.com/obama/top-10-racist-limbaugh-quotes/
http://news.aol.com/newsbloggers/2007/08/25/rush-limbaughs-unebelievably-racist-comments/5

Steele and the party of Lincoln

JB, Houston — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:40:40 GMT

Hmm...wonder how the gop base is reacting. I bet Walmarts ammo shelves are really empty now. I can't imagine the old white rural repubs and evangelicals appreciate this (token) selection much. It's such blatant pandering, but desperation forces desperate actions. I doubt this will work.

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Jilli - Milwaukee — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:43:29 GMT

Actually some liberals DID call for her to be RAPED. It made national news. And Dems are supposed to be the party of Feminism? (Even though it was the GOP that originally got women the vote!)
PB, Los Angeles Calif. (Sent Friday, January 30, 2009 6:22 PM)

___

I've go to call bullsh__ on this comment. Post a link because this post is outrageous. Do you defend the chants of "kill him" at Palin rallies?

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Ron Lincoln - Tulsa, OK — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:59:50 GMT

Amy B - Portland, ME
----------------------------------------------------
Lincoln is no "code word" for President Obama! Not even close. I am 5th cousin to Abraham Lincoln through his mother Nancy Hanks. Lady, you need to hold your tongue!

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Micaiah2004 — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 04:43:56 GMT

Demonrats are the prejudiced corrupt bunch, sucking...and diddly away as demagogues, spreading swill to their enslaved crooked ACORN followers....their scandals are worst than any Republicans. Republicans are the principled ones, they deviated in recent years to do the excessive, deficit spending along with the damn demonrats....TIME to go back to Lincoln principles and destroyed those demagogue demonrats like Nobama, like corrupt clintooooooons...like Jim Wrights, and Coelho the scumbags of today. Did I forget the Airheads Reid and Peeeeeeeeeeelosi!!!

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Bill W, Hermiston Oregon — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:14:34 GMT

P B you rock!!!!! Actually some of these lib's comments are really amazing,,,,, how can someone have that much hate and ignorance and still breath air????
Pigment seems to bring out every evil in the respondents. We have a black pres, black congressmen and women, we"ve had a black secretary of defense and secretary of state, mayors and governors, etc: et al ,,,, can't you people see anything but the paint job,,, look at what they stand for and what they do!!!! Their skin color shouldn't matter,,,, it doesn't seem to affect their brain,,, so why should it affect yours???? Unless you are RACIST ....... I really don't think race is the reason for all the hooplah,,,, its the fact that Steele is conservative, and this sets off the mudslingers..they seem to be concerned about loosing their freebies...

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Mishka Mehrens Anaconda MT — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 15:08:35 GMT

Congradulations Mr Steele and to the Reublican party
Catch us Dems if you can. Let the games begin :)
Sarah Alin

Steele and the party of Lincoln

Jackson, Seattle — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:08:45 GMT

The problem though, is that, according to the way the articles are being written, Steele only won because the other finalist for the position had belonged to a whites only club and they were afraid of the perception that would have given the current administration. So, if indeed that is the case, then isn't Steele's victory somewhat tainted, because he appeared to be "the better choice than the whites only guy"? That isn't exactly a strong mandate, is it?