Posted on 11/09/2009 12:53:22 PM PST by Sub-Driver
Steele: White Republicans are scared of me By Jordan Fabian - 11/09/09 03:12 PM ET
Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman Michael Steele, who is known for making controversial statements, on Sunday said that white Republicans are afraid of him.
Steele also took aim at some in his own party last week as well, saying that he would "come after" centrist Republicans who support healthcare reform.
The Republican chairman appeared on NewsOne's "Washington Watch" this weekend, a new Sunday polititcal talk show aimed at a black audience. The host, Roland Martin, asked Steele how could Republicans could reach out to black voters. Steele responded by talking about issues such as education, small business, jobs and the econoy, The rest is in a partial transcript:
MARTIN: But your candidates got to talk to them. One of the criticisms I've always had is Republicans -- white Republicans -- have been scared of black folks.
STEELE: You're absolutely right. I mean I've been in the room and they've been scared of me. I'm like, "I'm on your side" and so I can imagine going out there and talking to someone like you, you know, [say] "I'll listen." And they're like "Well." Let me tell you. You saw in Christie and you saw in McDonnell a door open because they went in and engaged. McDonnell was very deliberate about spending...
MARTIN: Right.
STEELE: I mean, Sheila Johnson was on his team. I mean, that was a big deal. That's because he engaged her and she helped navigate him through that relationship.
Steele is the first African-American to serve as RNC chairman and has at times made controversial remarks regarding race.
Shortly after he was elected chairman in February, Steele said that the Republican Party needed to conduct an "off the hook" public relations campaign to attract blacks and Hispanics in "urban-suburban hip-hop settings." He also said that he would attract minority voters with fried chicken and potato salad.
RE: “Is this guy REALLY on our side?”
**************
Uh no.................. make that HELL NO!!!!!!!
I have contacted the party numerous times telling them to get rid of Steele; how shocking (/sarcasm) that they have ignored me!
Good thing that the GOP is the last best hope for these United States of America! /s
...could there ever be more stupid party?
Time for Steele to resign. What a dumba$$.
Seriously, Folks. I think (I hope) someone is making an attempt at satire here.
Oh, now the party is doomed!
My strategy for the coming year: find good candidates in my state and send my money and support straight to them, and not to the GOP.
word
Michael, you should join the DNC where race baiting and pandering to minority groups is welcomed & encouraged.
I’m offended by his comment.
Meghan's boobs are to be feared, not her brains. That pic of her with the squished boobs gives me the heebee jeebees.
This affirmative action, token hire has got to go.
No he didn't. Typical stupid journalist, can't get the simple facts right.
He said that there were SOME white republicans who acted afraid when they were in the room with him -- and his description sounds like the "afraid to offend", not "afraid of" variety.
Media is trying to stir up trouble.
He's not gettin' his money's worth based on last Tuesday's results in VA & NJ.
No.
The GOP apparatchiks were afraid of Alan Keyes.
Great. The head of the GOP is a RACEr.
It worked!
Some of my best friends are black Republicans and I am white so what the heck is Steele talking about? I’ve only seen black Republicans treated as PERSONS among a group of Reapublicans.
Michael, please just go away. You’re embarrassing us now.
What a stupid thing to say to the press, let alone on TV. You can bet the democrats are lovin’ this and will use it in every black district next election
Yep. He is going to imitate Colin Powell in 2010.
Good grief who voted for this dipshit.... with friends like him......
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.