CNN

Not Amused and Marcelo ... What are you'll?? Some type of echo?!? Well, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. Yipee for the RNC and the DNC. What's amusing is the obvious response of the White Supremacists ... Only in America!!

What political office does Steele "Currently" hold?

Steele have to go in the deep south than he see if he black anougth, then when they pick Palin I bet Steele would not show up to those rallys, or maybe the RNC wants to see Black on black crime in polictics.

I love all the blatant condescension from so called "progressives" who supposedly "own" the black experience. Last I checked democrats have been taking the black vote for granted while blacks are no better off today then 30 years ago. Sure, Obama was elected but that was the biggest case of affirmative action we have ever seen.

WHOA..., lit up the torches. the ignorant cuckoos are going to a barnyard meeting tonight to discuss their options to impeach.

Does the fact that a lot of republicans in the audience did not clap
when Steele to the stage have any significance?

PEOPLE, PAY ATTENTION!!!

The RNC election of Michael Steele is a great pick. Like Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Mr. Steele is smart, pragmatic, corporate friendly, and a real solution finder.

However, with Steele's pick as RNC Chair, the battle lines have been solidified between PRAGMATIC PROGRESSIVE REPUBLICANS (e.i. John McCain, Chuck Hagel, Colin Powell, Tim Pawlenty, Arlen Specter), and the FIERCELY RADICAL RELIGIOUS RIGHT (e.i. Sarah Palin, Chip Saltsman, Saxby Chambliss, and Rush Limbaugh).

First African American as the head of the Party? I think you mean the
ONLY African American in the party.

This is so transparent. It won't work. Kind of like the Palin Plot.

What?

We're now supposed to believe the GOP isn't really the party of bigots?

There's such a thing as tokenism.

Why is my comment from 4:20 pm still awaiting moderation?

Calling me a racist because I am a republican. Wow! That is one of the most racist and discriminating remarks ever. I am a republican because I believe the governments role in our lives should be limited to providing essential services. I should not have to pay taxes so someone else can sit at home collecting a free paycheck. The government should not be in the business of providing health care.

I won't attack Mr. Steele's qualifications to head the party or the motivations for his selection; however, I sincerely hope this is not a gimmick to attract minority voters. Minority voters have demonstrated over and over again in Mr. Steele's failed bids for elected office, their rejection of his party's ideology, policies, and rhetoric, irrespective of his race.

I'm curious if Mr. Steele would, again, attend the annual State of the Black Union conference and this time, present with clarity, the standard GOP talking points regarding immigration, entitlements, and the supremacy of corporate interests....

You are so right, I know the red states are loving this move. I can see Alabama calling Kentucky, man did you see what they just did? They got some Negro heading our party. One heading the country, now our Republican Party, they are trying to take over. Call the Secret Service.

Finally, finally, the Republicans are beginning to see the light. Actually I would find the more believable if (1) Sarah Palin had not been the nominee for Vice President and (2) the Republican Convention had not resembled a KKK meeting. Still it is nice to see the Republicans pulling their collective heads out of their collective butts. And I wish Mr. Steel a lot of luck I can't help but have the feeling that they will kick him to the curb when they decide that they don't need him. In the meantime, "Take That Lush Limbaugh. How do you like your party now!?"

I JUS WANT THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD TO KNOW, WHEN THIS ECONOMY GETS FLUSHED, ALL BLACK PEOPLE ARE NOT THE CAUSE OF IT! I HAVE A FEELING THAT "WE" ARE GOING TO GET THE BLAME FOR THIS! IM NOT DOWN FOR OBAMA!

2009 – the year of the Black!

We will see how good the rank and file work with Mr. Steele. I will be the southern republicans will fight him at every turn.
They will criticize his every move, that it is not conservative enough.
They will want the man to do as they say instead of working with him to build the party with inclusion instead of exclusion.

Come on we know what this is all about. African-Americans still will not vote for Republicans even if you put that Steele guy as the head of the RNC. What do all those Republicans who said such racists,mean and nasty things about President Obama think of this move?

Fantastic selection congrats Mr. Steele

The Republican party today resembles very little of the party during Lincoln. You can thank Nixon and Reagan for that one. Lincoln was for a strong union and strong government. Republicans now argue for more state rights and less government. That is more like the confederate party than Lincoln.

Steel = Obama lite. Its not as good as the original.
Seriously, republicans are grasping at straws. The election of Obama wasnt so much about race, as it was a rejection of the republican way of thinking which was found to be lacking. Mr. Steel I am sure is a good man who has worked hard to be where he is at, but I hope he realizes that the republicans are only using him.

Individuals bashing Mr. Steele on this blog are truely racists, no matter that they support Obama (obviously to hide their true colors).

Steele is the only African American in the republican party and the only
reason hes there is because he can say things about Obama in public and get away with it.

Mr. Steele should know that the only reason they chose him was because of President Obama. I wish him luck. The Republican Party is trying everything to regain grace with the people.

How fitting..A black pall bearer to carry the RNC to its final resting place.

Those of you who say this was only a ploy to counter Obama being African-American... Are you admitting that picking a black candidate for the Democrats was also a ploy?
Listen to yourselves! Going on and on about the Republicans being a party of hate and divisiveness, while you yourselves are being hateful and divisive. Republicans aren't all uneducated, southern white rednecks like you want to believe, no more than Democrats are all wealthy, snotty trial lawyers who snub the law when it applies to them.
Personally, I feel it's a good time for some soul searching in the party. We've lost the old fiscal conservatism that marked Gingrich's time and given into the same pork spending that we used to pin on the Democrats, while taking on far too many of the hateful former Dem racists. I wish Steele good luck steering the party the right way in these times, but from the sound of this board, many racist hatemongers are already Democrats again so that shouldn't be an issue.

Right– blacks will now believe that the GOP is not racist because they picked this lap dog after 6 votes. You know, like when women decided to flock to them after they put that air-head Sarah Palin on their ticket. The most insulting part about this is that Michael Steele is too dumb to know that he's a token.

As an educated Black man who does very well for himself and his family. As someone who studies politics and as someone who voted for President Obama, this is my reaction to Michael Steele and the Republican party.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't say I'm surprised that the out of touch republicans feel the road to a comeback is to elect an african american to head the RNC. Not to downplay the ability of Mr Steele but this seems like an elite frat boy social expirement.

Now they want their Obama ! Too little, too late.

Will you please post my earlier comment CNN? How long does it take to moderate a comment...? Or is because I said he is the negro pall baearer of the RNC..?

It's becoming like the Miss America Pageant.

How cute, different face, same repub bull !!

Whatever! The African Americans rule right now.

Congratulations to Mr. Steele. It appears he is a good man and this is a sign of progress for the Republicans. However, I am curious how Mr. Steele reacted to the "Obama the Magic Negro" incident. I would feel about as comfortable as a duck in a pond full of gators if I was this man.

The Republicans just don't get it. Just as Sarah Palin was a poor subsitute for Hillary Clinton, so is Mr. Steele for President Obama. They just don't get the fact that Pres. Obama was not elected based on race solely but because of his fresh ideas, youth, energy, and his desire to unite a very divided United States of America. Pres. Obama is brilliant and brings something to this country that has been missing for many years..UNITY! . I am black. However, choosing someone based on race to try and undo the Obama effect is ridiculous and it won't work.....

They don't get it. Mr Steele is a good choice, he's an intellegent man but he's no Barack Obama. It's obvious that like Palin he's being used as a token. Very sad.

Oh please Give me a break! First Palin and now Steele, this people think just because they put in the front an African American all the hideous thoughts and talks went away.
Nice try!

as McCain himself so succinctly put it, "you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig." How prophetic.

Michael Steele you are stupid to accept this position. I feel like you were the token chosen one today. You better keep your eyes open, mouth close and legs cross. No love for he brother right about now.

George Bush got the shoes, Ann Coulter got the pies (check out you-tube for the "Ann Coulter" one), and Michael Steele may just get the OREOS.

The republicans still don't get it. All blacks don't look alike, neither do we THINK alike. They lost the election because they are out of touch with people of all color. Putting a black man in charge is not going to work any better, he is just another Sarah Palin. (a token).

John@January 30th, 2009 6:26 pm ET

What a joke – how many votes will your new poster boy get you GOP'ers?

Ummm, the Democratic poster boy won the Presidency.... so, you never know.

No way those red neck, I mean red state folks are going to like this.

Republicans have always been color blind.

We pick the best person for the job.

This man is a conservative. That's why he won.

Get over it.

This is just a smoke screen. The GOP dont know what direction to go.
They are still a white club., and steele is just a show…………..they still dont get it. all they want is to lower taxes for the rich and keep their reck necks base. This party made up is rich whites and poor un educated whites who need to fit in. They are the worst hate
group in the USA because they are the one that think they have the power to do want they what. You red necks Rep., they dont
care about you and your needs ,they care about following the money and keeping the money happy and the money making more money.
Wake up They are users……They dont care about the middle case
or the lower case and their needs. SHOW TIME

People claiming this choice was about Steele's color are ignorant.

Michael Steele has been a leader in the Republican Leadership Council since the get-go. The RLC is a moderate group of republicans that includes Christine Todd Whitman (one of my all-time faves.) Some believed his ties to RLC would prevent him from becoming the head of the RNC. I'm very glad it didn't.

I only wish the CNN reporters were smart enough to share Michael Steele's background and beliefs rather than just focusing on his race. Steele was elected to this position because of his beliefs.

Furhermore, the left-wing loonies spewing hatred using terms like "repuglicans" and deeming us all racists are scary. How do such uneducated, ill-informed people garner such egotism? Scary.

Was the republican party a psuedo-klan party or an all southern white party when Powell and Rice were made secretaries of state?

Why is it "pandering" when republican minorities gain a position of prominence,yet its "historic" when democratic minorites do the same things.

Its hypocritical and disgusting!

Goos luck Mr.Steele.

Is there one american out who believes Steel would have been elected to lead the RNC if McCain and the Idiot won the election? Can we all say "Uncle Steel's Party"

White people just don't have a chance anymore

Are you trying to tell me the republicans elected a black man to lead the klan? Wow change has come to america. God Bless America

Wow could theRNC be anymore obvious,they still dont get it.

I wish Mr. Steel the best of luck, but I have to agree with a lot of the other posters that this seems like a bad re-run of "Oh look ! John boy picked Palin to get the disenfranchized Clinton voters!" It just seems way too contrived RNC for it to be taken as sincere by most americans. I also wonder what the "rednecks" are thinking tonight!

With all due respect to Mr. Steele, who didn't see this coming from a million miles away?

A good man for the job. Way to go Mr. Steele!!

Soo, the RNC went out and found a "House Negro" to do it's dirty work huh? That's right Steele, hurry up and clean up that mess "boy".

I do not think this was part of Dr. Martin Luther King's dream of coming to the "Mountain Top".

amazingly the repugs would tap a black male along the lines of President Obama in as such both are attorney-trained. So obvious this was done to counter the minority voting bloc. Yet still will be hard pressed to make inroads after this administration steers the country and economy towards more stable times. Note that it took six votes to elect Mr. Steele, Will it take six months before the party actually splits?

YEAH, I WONDER WHAT THE RED NECKS ARE SAYING TOO!! WHEN OBAMA WAS RUNNING, THEY SAID & I QUOTE! I WOULD NEVER VOTE FOR THAT BLACK BOY! WHAT ARE THEY GONNA DO NOW?? HYPOCRITES! ALL

Repugnants AK copy-cat, you think Steele will equate Obama????Wrong!!!! Obama got where he is now because of his ingenuity and not his race. If you want minorities votes, put Jessie Jackson on leadership position!

Lt. Governor Steele seems well qualified, congratulations to him. I hope that the GOP improves under his leadership.

However one can not help but wonder about the timing. I am hoping that he was selected because he is qualified and competent, like he appears to be. However, if it is not mere coincidence that he became chairman of the GOP after President Obama became the first African American president, then while I do not fault Steele, I do want those who voted for him for the wrong reasons to know that voting for a black man because he is black is just as racist as not voting for a black man be cause he is black. As I said, I hope that was not their reasoning, but if it was it will come out, and they will fail if their reasoning was trying to appease and pander to people.

Uncle Mike can not be Barak Obama. Obama has attended a traditional Black church. Blacks will not dance in the streets for Uncle Mike. This is like replacinh Justice T. Marshall with Justice Clarence Thomas. Uncle Mike is the same as Clarence Thomas. This is not a good day for Blacks

well if nothing else hats off to the GOP for atleat atempting to come in the 21st century altho I do'nt know how much will change still republican

Kayla, you want to know what the rednecks are thinking? Just re-read the comments from your fellow liberals posted below. Somehow, that's considered that party of inclusion and tolerance!

What did he promise the GOP to do their bidding? President Obama support among minorities will continue to grow and Michael Steele should be wary of his infuence in these communities. Rush and his idiotic party should try chnging their ways if they want minorities ton tske them seriously. Yes people, Rush is calling the shots and that is why the Repunblicans will lose in 2012 regardless if they elect a Black RNC chair (insignificant). Their policy is what they need to change , not the face of their head of the party. GOP is a joke!!!!!!!!!!!

Those of you claiming he's just the token african american in the republican party are just as racist as the people you're accusing of selecting him to "counter" barack obama... and it's sad. As a moderate, asian-american, young republican i will give him the benefit of the doubt and say he was chosen because he will be the best to lead the republican party back to the ideals of fiscal and social conservatism, ideas that aren't as right-wing and for old white men as democrats think.

I have a strong feeling that the GOP slogan might be?

YES WE CAN!

or

YES WE WILL!

or

YES WE SHOULD!

or

YES WE MIGHT!

or

YES WE SHOULD HAVE!

or best of all

YES BUT IT IS TOO LATE!

Actually the DNC/Media selected Obama because they knew they couldn't push Hillary around!

I still remember the all white crowds and the hateful rhetoric during the campaign. Putting a black man out front will not change the minds of Black voters. The second he attacks Obama the s***t will hit the fan.

GOP, You Guys are all DONE.

You Guys have RUN OUT OF IDEAS.

You know what,.... JUST SIT BACK, Smoke ASH, Eat Pills like LIMBAUGH and GEORGE W. BUSH.

We DEMOCRATS will take care of USA an YOU GUYS, because you are our BROTHERS AND SISTERS AMERICANS. WE LOVE YOU GOP.

LET US UNITE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR COUNTRY.

Open-minded folks can see through this window dressing. Difference in gender and race but Sarah Palin all over again.

These comments are making me laugh out loud.....

Obama didn't win because he's black. He won cos he run a good campaign.

Mr. Steele cannot win young voters over.

Mr. Steele cannot win women over.

All the blacks that voted for obama would have still voted democratic.

This is just like how McCain picked palin to win over women. And we all know how it ended up.

"It's time for something completely different". Is that like ... um... It's time for change? haha....heh. Oh my.

Wow, is this the new Allan Keys? lol, The republicans are dead, how can a balck man lead the KKK? wow, first they brought Allan Keys against Obama and he didn't last even a month, now Steele, what a joke? the funny part of this joke is... none, the RNC is dead. R.I.P republicans. we won't miss you

Although I am not a Republican (perish the thought!)...I wish you well Gov. Steele. Hopefully, you can turn these jokers around, rid the GOP of lies and corruption. Wish you well!

I submit funny and witty remarks – above the belt – and CNN doesn’t post them??? Perhaps they don’t get it – I’ll type slower if that helps you.

Sad that both sides think Steele won because he is black, and all the subsequent comments–good and bad– on minorities.

Have you all stopped to think that maybe of all candidates this was the best candidate to lead the party AWAY from its past behavior?? maybe steele was the least Ultra-Con, the more socially tolerant, the truer fiscal conservative. do you all think the country would have been better with that nut that distributed the Barack the Magic Negro CD??

maybe if Steele can get the GOP off its radical social ideology we can begin to make progress in this country again.

and mind you im not Republican...

I think this is a great choice. Mr. Steele is a solid moderate conservative and the type of leader the GOP needs moving forward.

FYI Open your eyes America : it was the gop who abolished slavery!!!

Ever heard of Abe Lincon
he built the Republican Party into a strong national organization. Further, he rallied most of the northern Democrats to the Union cause. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation that declared forever free those slaves within the Confederacy

I THINK THE OBAMA WORSHIPPERS ARE A BIT WORRIED, JEALOUS, FRIGHTENED???
I MUST SAY, THE RNC HAS THE BETTER BLACK MAN HANDS DOWN!

it is good to see that Americans are waking from the long Slumber and taking Politics seriously. As for Steel, He needs all the support and luck perhaps for the next 20 yrs before seeing the gates of DC

Steele is a great person and a great republican. He was an outspoken McCain supporter.

Anyone who thinks for a second that this election was race motivated probably knew nothing about Steele.

Before you judge Steele and the RNC decision based on race, look at his amazing credentials. I'll bet all the critics and the cynics know nothing about this man. It's a shame that people, probably liberals, still think in black and white.

Those of you that say you don't know Michael Steele, please, read about his experience, and about him, then comment. Why comment on someone you know nothing about.

Congratulations Mr. Steele. I feel you were the BEST choice!

The real head of the Republican party is Lush Limprick and he is gonna chew this guy up and spit him out!

The KKK rednecks will HATE this choice and the bible beaters will say he is too moderate.

Watching this train-wreck in waiting is going to be fun!!

This is nothing but window dressing to attract blacks and other minorities. Most blacks like myself can see right through this. The Repubs are just using Steele to mudsling against Obama. He is being used to say the things that they know they would not be able to get away with. So all they have to do is stand in the background and use him as a puppet . And in doing so they will not hurt their reelection chances.

Steel is an idiot, he couldn't even win an election running for Governor in MD. This dude is a complete token black man for the GOP, and anyone can see through that fake smile. If Obama didn't win, I would bet a million dollars her wouldn't even have had a chance to win this bid. It's amazing how some people don't mind being used in ploys, just to get ahead.

GOP: do you think this will get you more votes in the future. Intelligent people see through your crap, and you will loose even more.

Pffft... does no one notice that the Republicans are doing whatever they think will help them? Too hell with the Democrats who naively continue to court them... that only gives the appearance of POWER!

Please, Please... wake up before it is too late!!

Whether you are black or white, white & black, yelow, red or pink, male or female, straight or gay, dead or alive, Americans are just tired of the republican ideology. " More power and more wealth to the already powerful and wealthy " leaving the people as an audience to an everlasting tragic play that will never meet their expectation. the RNC, sing us a different song, tell us a different story, and play us a different trick, if not we are leaving your theater.

He's being used "like a cheap suite", the Repubs are playing the race card with Steele. These people will not reach out too the minority (AA, Asian, and Latino communities) these people are self-serving......

Wonder if Steele will be welcomed at the Palin rallies?

Well "Proud of my party" the problems many people have with the Republican Party are numerous. Suffice it to say, the GOP has a "base" and the "base" was sought after and vociferously supported Palin and McCain during the November 2008 election. Those rallies were very divisive and were based on lines of color, creed, race, etc. The Republican ticket sent a message every news day, to wit: only certain Americans were "Real Americans". The hate, "kill him" chants, and demeaning conduct put a face on the GOP that many felt defined Republicans. It was validation of how the GOP made us feel. Long after we forget the words that were said and the votes cast, people always remember how they were made to feel.

Some serious desperation here by the repubs...LOL. I wonder what Rush Limburger has got to say about this now..lolol.

wow. anyone ever read all of the "liberal" hate that spews forth on these blogs? Which "side" is full of hate and divisiveness?

Majority of Americans are ignorant when it comes to world history or current events . They rather watch super bowl then know what the hell is globalism and ethno-nationalism. Now wonder the country is lost. Mr Steele will have to take America back and hand it over to the 'whiteys' not because he has to it is the right thing to do. The 2008 votes speaks for itself. Wish him all the best. A personal challenge well worth it.

Good choice. The stimulus package will not work, just another spending spree by the Democrats. Eliminate the pork focus on securing and creating jobs, relieving the devastated housing market and then maybe I can support it.

Steele will reunite the GOP and lead us in a new direction. Looking forward to 2012.

Huckabee-Jindal 2012

This is what the repudlumbs have brought themselves to. after all they are the moral authority; ( so they think ). they now are so well known for scandels, lies, perversion and hold on to power at any cost that you automatically suspect them of doing something shady. aren't you proud to be a sleezy republican?

Wow, how original of them.

Mr. Steele is very qualified to lead the Republicans and I am excited for him.

nice the libs still focus on race. i am waiting for the uncle tom comments to come from the talent on the left.

good luck mr. steele. lets win.

Magic

It's just a matter of time before YOUR OWN party cuts you down Lt Gov Steele.... cuz they really don't like you. As soon as you start making waves, the backstabbing will start . Good luck to you.

sounds like the democrats can t stan derveristy....women vp , black head of the party ... you dont get it donkey heads ,,,

I'm waiting Rush – When are you going to say that they picked Shelby Steele because he's BLACK! The Republican's are a joke. Steele's a bigger self-hating joke. Remember he wrote a book on Why Barack Can't Win...Ha, Ha! Wrong then, wrong now – losers!

It seems the GOP picked Mr. Steele because this is the face they feel will unite their party. Lets wish him the best and hope he can bring peace to their party which is badly damaged. I feel it will take a lot to bring people of color over to the republican side. They destroyed their fabric with the way they ran their campaign. I wonder if Mr. Steele is one of the people in small town America that McCain/Palin was referring to.

I hope this works for them, because it smells of 'me too' thinking

I must admit, this pick for RNC chair is fasinating. However, I have to agree with the blogger who said that it took the Dems and Independents electing a African American President to light a fire under the Rep. party. Way too little, way too late...

I just have to say this: You ignorant sheep liberals would not be happy about ANY choice the republicans made so we do not care what you think anyway.

And then I have to say this: You ignorant sheep liberals have something in common with the KKK and Nazis and Aryans: YOU are the only ones who give a RAT'S A$$!@#%^&* what color anybody is!!!!!!!!

the republicans use people , they don't care anything about them, they just suck the air right out of them, then they toss them to the wolves.

I would also add:

I guess it doesn't matter what color you are when you are hiding behind a white hood...

Must be the year of the black person! Oh, wait, I forgot, Obama isn't black, he's biracial. He just ran as a black person to secure the black vote because then anyone who disagrees with him will be called a racist. LOL! Funny how those blacks who NEVER BOTHERED TO VOTE BEFORE jumped on this bandwagon. Ha! Ha!

I don't know anything about him, but I certainly hope he is NOT a moderate. We need a very conservative leader right now. God bless you, Mr. Steele, and please be that leader. McCain is proof that nobody is interested in a moderate.

@ David in Colorado – what???

And you support OBama, someone who intimidates through "community activists....thug actions...puts down this country....I think you need to reevaluate what it takes to be an American. Anyone voting for Obama obviously just wanted a handout...

GOP, When are you going to show GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP.

Earlier, for HILLARY you brought in PALIN.

Now, for BARACK you brought in STEELE.

Can you Please stop this SILLY POLITICS, and REALLY DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR OUR COUNTRY.

GOP is WORST THAN TERRORISTS who WANT TO HARM USA.

It's a shame when a blackman does not realize when he's being used. Michael Steele is a TOKEN for the GOP. So what is Steele going to do when his racist party run racist ads doing elections time or when one of them send out something like ( Barack the Magic Negro ), do you truly think those hard core racist Rethugs, Neo-Cons are going to think about their Chair leader who happens to be black, ( HELL NO ). We elect our first black President so they think African Americans are going to jump on the Rethugs wagon, ( NO ), b/c 98% of African Americans knows that the Rethugs are full of a bunch of racist, bigots and hateful whitemen. So TOKEN man GOOD LUCK b/c you're going to need it.

He's the new Sarah Palin, the new puppet, they are going to use him, and throw out to the dogs, just like Sarah Palin

They chose Sarah Palin to steal the Hillary Clinton supporters, didnt work,

Now they have this dude, why, he is a uncle tom

is this guy an Indian?

Just a little late don't you think? I BET if Obama did not get elected, Steele would NOT be the "One"...Pandering. Too late Repubs...

As a conservative from the south I am absolutely overjoyed with the Michael Steele to head the RNC. It is not about the face of a blackman in the ledership that wins elections, but about deep and sincere love for all Americans despite the race or color. Steele's choice is real! The Republican party got it right this time.

As a conservative from the South I am really pleased that Mr. Steele was elected. He'll do a great job because he's qualified!

Basically every comment citing Steele as a token black man is racism. I hope you morons realize that.

Sorry, I meant to say: And you republicans don't think Obama represents CHANGE. What say you now?

For a Republican, Steele is not as extreme as most. I think it is an interesting pick and I give the Republicans kudos on this one.

It will be interesting to see how the party rallies around him and what this will mean for the Republicans in 2010.

Obama supporters: This is the Republicans' day. Let them have it. But if they start obstructing again, we get to hammer them again.

The only racism being displayed is not by the RNC, it's the posters who are claiming the Republicans trotted Steele out there to appear non-racist!! Steele wanted this badly, and campaigned and went after the position. He is not a false front put out there by Republicans trying to fool people. He would have been the best person for the job even if Hillary had been elected president! Go post somewhere else like HuffPo where your asinine comment will be appreciated...

Well, I'm African American. Maybe I should run for second in command of the RNC...probably will get it in this climate...

michelle January 30th, 2009 4:40 pm ET
"I think he was only picked because of Barack Obama"

please continue your logic to its conclusion:

….and Barak Obama was picked because_______________
(hint: he mentioned this repeatedly in his speeches)

As a black female, I hope Mr. Steele brings more to the Republican party than his race. It would be step in the right direction.

I NEVER liked Michael Steele...still don't. He obviously has the same "issues" as Clarence Thomas. If the GOP think he is the one to change the image and direction of their party they are in deeper than they know.
"Free your mind and your *** will follow". If their thinking does not change they will remain in the wilderness...praying for the death of their enemies. (any one different from them)

I WONDER WHAT THE RED NECKS ARE SAYING NOW. MR STEELE, THEY WILL NEVER ACCEPT YOU. YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A MANEQUIN FOR THESE FOLKS. DON'T BE A FOOL.

WOW
Those calling this pick race related are so two faced. Keep it up. It shows you for who you are.

The Republicans keep doing the same things, remember when you did this in the primaries, lol. We all knew Sarah was not Hillary. You thought oh if it's just about a woman, we can do them one better. Look what happened with that scheme. Obama is now , President Obama. Now here we go again thinking Oh is it a black face they want we can give them that. Silly kids tricks are for kids. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

The Republicans keep doing the same things, remember when you did this in the primaries, lol. We all knew Sarah was not Hillary. You thought oh if it's just about a woman, we can do them one better. Look what happened with that scheme. Obama is now , President Obama. Now here we go again thinking Oh is it a black face they want we can give them that. Silly kids tricks are for kids. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

Hey! Has anyone seen J.C. Watts?? I hope the Republicans have improved their membership retention program.

Steele was a good choice. He is a very competent guy who has the ability to organize.

The Republicans really think this all about race, don't they? What a bunch of idiots. It's about ideas, inclusion, acceptance. Not tokenism!

THE - GOP - WILL - NEVER - WIN - AGAIN - UNTIL - THEY - GET - RID - OF - THE - "PALLIN - AROUND - WITH - TERRORISTS" - CROWD - AND - MR. STEELE - WAS - PART - OF THAT - CROWD!!!!!!!!!

The "red" state Republicans are going to LOVE this!

This should be interesting ....first Palin and now Steele. Not sure the RNC really get it. Just waiting to hear the new chants of Steele/Palin in 2012.

CONSPIRACY AND CUNNING TACTICS
——————————————————

GOP HAS INTENTIONALLY ELECTED AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN, TO COUNTER BARACK OBAMA.

SARA PALIN WAS NOMINATED AS V.P. CANDIDATE TO COUNTER HILLARY CLINTON, BUT THAT TACTICS FAILED.

Congrats to the RNC for picking their first black chairman. Now it will be interesting to see the right wing conservatives rush to split the party.. those who want things to return to the way they were and those who want to move the party into reality and the future.. Where are live in the south, a red state, the comments on this choice has not been civil.

Congrats to Michael Steele and America. He will do well to bring the party back to the White House and in control of congress.

What a joke – how many votes will your new poster boy get you GOP'ers?

Uncle Michael does not get it, he is now the defacto chairman of a sudo-klan organisation. I wonder if he was paying attention to the campaign, and how racist this party was. There is always one person willing to be the Token to gain prominance it s very disusting and he should be ashamed of him self.......

The Token has cometh!!!!!!!!!!!

This feels like the choice of Clarence Thomas all over again.

I hope this Steele man will see through the antics of the anti people, anti black, Repuglicans. They want to use him as an attack dog. Black against black, not so? Not so smart. We can see through this. If he allows himself to be used that way, woe betide him.

Mr. Steele is way too conservative for my liberal tastes and therefore a good choice for the RNC. But if the Rs think that the Steele selection will convince minorities that the RNC has their best interest at heart, they are as clueless as McCain, who picked Palin to attract disaffected Hillary supporters. We all know how that one worked out. Good luck, Mr. Steele....you're gonna need it.

This is the male version of Sarah Palin. Only picked because the democrats and the american people have put race totally out of the picture. Took 5 times voting before they elected him. They only picked Mr Steele because the republicans have taking so much heat for there all white party.

This is a prime example of pitting one black man against another black man–WHITE FOLKS HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS. If Obama had not been elected president–WOULD STEELE HAVE BEEN CONSIDED TO LEAD THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. He should be ashamed of himself to allow himself to be used in this manner. The Republican Party will have to do more than just elect Steele before I would ever believe they care anything about Black people or other people of color. When they finish using him, he will be pushed aside as the great black republican from Oklahoma(can't remember his name) was pushed aside. This is so sad another BLACK MAN BEING USED!!!!!!!

Good luck Mr. Steele, you have my support. I look forward to your leadership.

CNN you are so non-partisan. Maybe if you get even more wacko you could catch up to the MSNBC wackos in the ratings. Congratulations on being in last place on cable.

Good Lord what is the world coming too? Was this show that the republicans aren't all the way racist? But I guess you can look at the bright side the republican party will gain 4 more minorities.

I think Mr Steele could be good for America. I am a democrat and I hope he is more than either a wolfe in sheeps clothing or a puppet for the bosses of a political party that has caused America to be so polarized.

If he indeed ends the era of the republicans being just a party of southern whites and starts focusing the party on working together to fix the damage done by the last eight years by Bush and Rove ther eis hope for America.

If he is just window dressing for more of the same by Rove, Limbaugh and the republican thugs, Americans, and especially African-Americans will not fall for it anymore.

What is Mr. Steele's opinion on the popularity of the song "Barack the Magic Negro" within his party's base?

As a moderate American who is more concerned that BOTH parties have strong leadership, I think the selection of Mr. Steele is the right one. He has proven to be a level-headed, intelligent, and truly invested individual, and he has a chance of helping the Republican party find its feet again.

Oh yeah one more thing, hopefully he doesn't turn into a Sarah Palin

Michael Steel and the Republican Party are crooks. Michael Steel, a former Lt. Governor of Maryland, ran against Ben Cardin for the U.S. Senate in 2006 and lost. In an effort to trick voters into voting for him, he and the Republican Party printed campaign cards saying he was a democrat. This was designed to get especially blacks to vote for him not realizing they were voting for a Republican. It did not work. Ben Cardin won the U.S. Senate seat.

Ya, sure, nothing to do with timing. It only took until the Democrats–and the U.S.–electing an African-American to the Presidency for the GOP to finally elect their first African-American chair. Ya, just a coincidence. Oh & compare Lincoln–and the Republican party of the 1860's–to the Republican party of the last 30+ years. Ready, Set, Go....,,

first they picked sarah palin to tap into the hillary effect..now they put up steele to tap into the obama effect...palin failed and so will steele

I am black and i'm proud that african american person is taking control over the GOP, however i feel this pick is is very condescending and unoriginal of them as a matter of fact tantamount to an insult.
No imagination whatsoever

I'll begin by admitting that I am a life-long Democrat, having never voted for a Republican - but not because I completely disagree with all conservative ideas.

What has driven me and millions of other Americans away from the GOP is their far-right social agenda, which is driven by a religious coalition that I find as dangerous to my country as Hamas or any other group of zealots.

If Mr. Steele (whom I do admire) can neutralize the elements of theocracy that currently control the Republican party, they might survive and win over Independents and moderate Democrats.

If he can't, the party will continue to be basically a white, Southern, mostly rural party - regardless of the race of their Chair.

Congrats to Mr. Steele but your party is still irrelevant and on the wrong side of every major issue.

Goodbye CNN. I have always been a clean poster but lately, nothing I post gets posted, even on small articles. My email is correct and valid. I guess I just don't toe the party line like you think I should. Oh well.

REPUBLICANS --KEEP ON DREAMING ---PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WILL WIN BY A LANDSLIDE IN 2012.

First off I know why they picked him. I think it is obvious to the whole country. But the good thing for the GOP is that Micheal Steele is a real conservative and he is a capable leader. He will make for some good debates in the future... I would caution him against tailoring the GOP message to suit African-Americans too much. He can get away with it for a second but people wont take too much of it. Obama doesn't tailor his message for any particular ethnic or religious group. He is about reaching out to everybody. If Steele isn't careful he will alienate the white and Hispanic voters in his own party. So don't frame your discussion on how conservative principles benefit African-Americans in the name of inclusion because once you go down that path you are no longer being inclusive. Conservative principles have to be good for everybody otherwise a majority of voters wont vote for it. So congrats Mr. Steele... and I hope something positive comes out of your term as RNC chair. 1 more thing Mr. Steele...the GOP will never win the Presidency again until they LOUDLY denounce the 'Pallin around with Terrorists" crowd... and if I remember correctly.. you were part of that crowd, so it looks like you are already starting off in the hole. Anybody that carried that message with even a lick of breath in my opinion is not qualified to hold any office. Good Luck!

I am happy about this. Steele will put Rush Limbaugh in his place. The republican party is not as stupid as I thought.

Mr. Steele a real leader....? As a Marylander, I don't think so.

The question really is: Will he/does he worship at the alter of Trickle Down Economics, and will he/does he accept Ronald Reagan as his lord and savior?

Funny stuff: This guy is a true right winger. Get over the color that is for talking points. I have seen this guy speak out and he is the same right wing guy as all the rest of his party. His color might be good to help the GOP with a group that voted 90% against them in the last election but it changes nothing. His views are the same. GOP will have to move to center. PS point about Lincoln is funny. The dems are to the right of Lincoln!!! I wish Republicans would stop talking about Lincoln because the more they do they simply show how little they know about the man.

Won't help the RNC or the GOP!!! Anyone with any sense knows that this PR..since when have the RNC gave a ***** about minorities??? They're just trying not to look racist!!! But trying not to look racist only proves that you are...it's a shame that they're boosting about the 1st black chairman of the RNC...toke a black president to make that happen...it's a lil too late guys...your time is UP!!! You all have been exposed!!!

Obama gets my vote again!

Not to begrudge his experience or value to his party, since I don't know him, but to me this seems very much like another one of the GOP's attempts to "re-invent" itself. But dress a a piece of crap up all you want, it's still a piece of crap.

Congratulations Mr. Steele! I hope you bring this party back to what it used to be. But, ummm, what do you think the odds are of Tool Shed Rush Limbaugh saying Steele was appointed because he was black? Buajajaja. Nah, I only bet on a sure thing.

O please! They just want to attract more vote from black in chosing this guy. The difference with Pres. Obama is that Steel was picked by republican elites, but Obama was choosen by US citizen all over the country. That is theal breakthrough. However, congratulation Steel, but don't have a swelling head,now, for you realy don't have real power to get things done.

Setting up to Pander to the "Coloreds" huh!

SURPRISE SURPRISE SURPRISE!!! are the Republicans worrying more with Obama at the WH???

Interesting the time of this election for an African American in the Rep Party............ isn't it??

When will Americans stop fighting one another over political parties, your country is on its knees? You sound like Haitians, they fight one another, hate one another and finally killed the country and they still don't see that and they go on and on. This is exactly what Americans are doing. Afterall, whether we are the superpower of the world or a poor country, human beings are the same.

Please, the only reason that Steele was picked because the RNC is trying to gain more African-American support. They realized that they're out of touch and really wasn't showing any interest of any of the issues that even concern the African-Americans in this country. They did this with Palin trying to receive all the females voters, that didn't work. STOP TRYING TO PLAY THE RACE CARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, the GOP figured it out finally. You can't be an exclusive party in this new day. Times have changed and the ideology of the old dixiecrates turned GOP, has past on in scenes like a little black girl trying to go to school surrounded by national guard troops. What would have happened to her if not protected? Hanged at the school doors perhaps? The GOP took on that personna for decades. It is over! Hate is over! exclusion is over!

I hope the GOP conversion experience was meaningful. Hate speech like that of Palin, Limbaugh, Colter and Hannity do nothing for this country but pull it apart. That is the one thing we don't need ever again!

First the Repubs pandered to the country with Palin (their version of Hillary, lol) and now again, pandering to us with Steele. He's the Fox News token. How he handles the RNC remains to be seen – he may be fine, but I'm tired of Republicans pandering just to keep up.

I am so proud of my Republican party for picking this great man Micheal Steele to lead our party that I cried when I heard it !! YIPPIE!!!

Give me a break. This man can't get elected governor or senator from Maryland. With the Republicans screaming last year about the lack of President Obama's experience, they are certainly two-faced in selecting a man who has only served one term as lieutenant governor and currently holkds no office whatsoever.

I could not be any PROUDER for MY party, not because Mr. Steele is black, but because he is a GOOD MAN and will lead us into a different direction.

I take great offense to the previous postings on this election of today where you supposed progressives were calling him an Uncle Tom or hinting that the Republicans hate blacks and this is for PR.

Lincoln freed the blacks and we NEVER had the head of our party a Klansmen like YOU DID.

Michael Steele is a good man and should be the standard bearer for MY party and I love you bigoted geniuses that supported Obama, spewing your hate SOLELY because Steele happens to be black.

You are as phony as your "messiah" and uh, uh, uh, uh, you want to talk about and empty suit, ARE YOU KIDDING?

You KNOW nothing about Steele who is brilliant and fair minded and when a Republican deserves to be hammered he does it, and when a Democrat deserves praise, HE GIVES it.

MY PARTY is NOT strictly the party of Rush Limbaugh no matter how much Keith Olbermann and the "messiah" tell you he is.

I hate Rush TOTALLY, but more importantly for you geniuses, Let the "Uncle Tom" remarks from the phony progressives begin in 1,2, 3……………………………….

CNN show some "audacity" and post a PRO-Steele remark.

He was obviously picked because of Obama. The RNC should be ashamed of themselves for thinking people are stupid enough to believe that Steele is who they REALLY wanted as the face of their party. As 'see thru' stated: "oh. please".

I could not be any PROUDER for MY party, not because Mr. Steele is black, but because he is a GOOD MAN and will lead us into a different direction.

I take great offense to the previous postings on this election of today where you supposed progressives were calling him an Uncle Tom or hinting that the Republicans hate blacks and this is for PR.

Lincoln freed the blacks and we NEVER had the head of our party a Klansmen like YOU DID.

Michael Steele is a good man and should be the standard bearer for MY party and I love you bigoted geniuses that supported Obama, spewing your hate SOLELY because Steele happens to be black.

You are as phony as your "messiah" and uh, uh, uh, uh, you want to talk about and empty suit, ARE YOU KIDDING?

You KNOW nothing about Steele who is brilliant and fair minded and when a Republican deserves to be hammered he does it, and when a Democrat deserves praise, HE GIVES it.

MY PARTY is NOT strictly the party of Rush Limbaugh no matter how much Keith Olbermann and the "messiah" tell you he is.

I hate Rush TOTALLY, but more importantly for you geniuses, Let the "Uncle Tom" remarks from the phony

I hate Rush TOTALLY, but more importantly for you geniuses, Let the "Uncle Tom" remarks from the phony progressives begin in 1,2, 3……………………………….

CNN show some "audacity" and post a PRO-Steele remark.

Shame on him. This is not a promotion for the African-American. Haaaaaaaaaaaaa do you see now, GOP is having interets to African-American. Thanks to President Barack.

I guess black is the new black

He had to back away from the idea that he was too moderate? What is up with these political parties that there is something wrong with being closer to the middle then the extremes?

Congrat! BUT Mr. Steele, Pres Obama is USA "1"!

Wow republicans don't get it. Do they know how unpopular this man is among minorities? way to go republicans, your party is going downhill!!!

I like the pick but question the support he will get from the RNC.

This is kinda like when NBC comes out with a show about psychic detectives then two months later FOX comes out with a show about psychic detectives.

-------they think people are stupid

Darn, I thought they were going to pick Pookie or Ray Ray maybe next time fellows, I don't really know this young man but he must be special being the first african american to lead the RNC wait a minute you tell me it's only two black people thats a republican thats sad at least he made history lets see how many death threats he will get

So does that mean the GOP is no longer the party of white, rural, lower-income, lower-education, southern voters?

Republicans still dont get it! It is not about the face of a blackman in the ledership that wins elections, but about deep and sincere love for all Americans despite the race or color. Steele's choice is not real! The Republican party of hate and divisiveness cannot fool us again except they ger rid of the 'KKK' cladded in the deceptive garment of 'evangelicals'. The nation is too much in a mess to succumb to this tactic of divide and rule. God bless America!!!

MICHELLE .... GET A LIFE .... ITS ABOUT COUNTRY NOT PARTY

As an African American, I offer my congratulation to Mr. Steele.

But that is as far as I will go.

It's going to take more than a milestone in history to convince me to EVER vote Republican, and the way I see it, they are STILL the same racist, bigoted, sexist, fear-mongering, greedy savadges that will kow-tow to the will of Hannity, Coulter, Limbaugh, Beck, Medved, O'Reilly and any other Neo-Con Media or talking head.

I WILL NEVER VOTE REPUBLICAN AFTER THE FOLLY OF RECONSTRUCTION, WHICH LED TO THE CREATION OF JIM CROW AND SEGREGATION, I WILL NEVER VOTE REPUBLICAN AFTER THE 2000 ELECTION, AND I WILL CERTAINLY NOT VOTE REPUBLICAN AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA!

Good luck, Michael. You are a force to be reckoned with and will lead the GOP back to its conservative values and to VICTORY.

Are they kidding? All of a sudden, they want a black person to lead this ridiculous party. I am black and I am offended. He is no Barack Obama, and the Republican party has a long long way to go before they will be able to unite and bring people together.

NO doubt he probably is a good pick. But why not until now? And why just the leader of the party? Why not candidate for president?Could his place be only because president Obama open the locked door of racism? THINK ABOUT IT SERIOUS AND IF HE DOESN"T DO GREAT HE WON"T GET ANOTHER CHANCE?

Congrats!

I'm surprised there are not at least a minority of Republicans using Race as the reason for Gov. Steele's win. It was the reason for everything during Obama's Campaign!

What in the world will he "spar with Obama" for? So the republicans are officially Anti-anything Obama says and does. Glad I live in a blue state.

hahaha... the decision somehow feels... forced? i'm just saying. it's great to consciously elect a black man but coming from this party, it seems that the conscious decision has underlying motives in addition to having a seemingly good leader.

Looks as if the Republicans are setting the table for Sarah Palin's run in 2010. I am guessing Steele's background means GOP is once again moving back to their narrow base...anti-abortion, "moral" values, homophobia, and big business.
During a time of economic crisis in this country they continue with their divisive tactics....what a bunch of losers!

Why?

Ohh yes DNC picked Obama to be their leader.

I don't know why but this feels more like an insult.

RNC so sad.... Palin couldn't bring it; now this.......... give him his 15 minutes and let move on............

Not to be cynical here, but the timing of the RNC selecting its first African-American chairman seem really suspicious... I mean, some can see this as their way of trying to appeal to minorities. But I hate to say this, it's not because of the chairman that the Republican Party does not appeal to minorities. It is the exclusionary ideals and nature of the Republican Party that keeps minorities away. So that's where the RNC members selecting an African-American chairman seems suspect.

After saying that though... I'm hoping I'm wrong. I am hoping that Steele can stop the continued push towards the far-right... stop it from continuing to become the white-bible thumping-science hating-greed loving-minority/immigrant fearing political party.

Please. hahaha. same way they picked Palin because of Hillary now they pick this dude because of Obama???
Politics is turning into comedy

Give me a break. You mean the "Republi-Klans" are actually going to choose someone black? What a coincidence....Wow.... I am so shocked. What about all those rifle-loving backwoods Repubs? Are they going to send out the KKK to get him now? You guys all talk the talk but do not walk the walk until you are made fools of......Give me a break.

Good choice!!!!

I guess the Daily Show was right......"Black is in" LOL

Republicans are always a day late and dollar short.

1st: Hillary runs for president

2nd: Republicans answer with unqualified POS Sarah Palin

1st: Obama becomes president

2nd: Republicans answer with Michael Steele as RNC chairman.

Republicans have realized that their time is short, their party is weak. They are now looking to the Democrats for answers, and are trying to mimic their moves.

No one is fooled GOP.

"Hey America – we like black people too!" – RNC

I thought the Republicans were a party of sexist bigots.

But they picked a woman for Vice President.

And an African American for Party Chairman.

Maybe I was wrong.

Although it's not my party, I hope this guy has some more inspired ideas than 'drill baby, drill'.

They are trying to stay up with the democrats. If "Chip" had not sent the CD out about President Obama, this guy would never have been considered. What was Bush always trying to say "don't fool me once or twice............., " and he could never get it right.

Steele defended former Gov. Bob Ehrlich's decision to hold a $100,000 fundraiser at a country club that did not allow non-white members, saying that the club's membership's policies were "not an issue" because "I don't play golf."

Copy cats. Again, nothing ORIGINAL or innovative from the Rethuglicans. Now if they could just stop palling around with racists, terrorists and people from the fake America ...

Change you can believe in!

Who is Michael Steele? What is it ten Black Republicians in america? What Party is that? IT IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THAT PARTY IS DEVIDED.

HEY THE REPUBLICANS ARE NOW DIVERSE....AND THEIR TENT WIDE AND VARIED.

Leave it to the Repubs–it's all about image! (Let's see, the Dems have a pretty popular gal in that Clinton woman, so we'll get Sarah Palin! Then they got that even more popular black guy, Barak Obama, so we'll get...uhh, who's out there..You! What's your name? Steele? We'll take ya!)

Can they now sit at the "popular kids table" at lunch?

copycats

Hey Michelle; that's bad news for you huh? Well...it's a long time coming so you have to get used to it.

Black, Whie, Brown or even Green...as long as it is an American; he is an American.

The days of "only Whites" are over, on both sides of the fence. Take that to the bank.

I want to see Hispanics, Jews, Indians and even those we love hate take office AS LONG AS THEY ARE AMERICANS AND DO RIGHT FOR AMERICANS!

TYPICAL!

I hope he don't be a token for the RNC/GOP

WERE BACK...............................

Hey look, we got a black guy too!

This I believe was the best choice. Now let's see if the policies actually move toward the middle, because that is all that really matters doesn't it?

Wow, welcome to the 20th Century. And to think, it was only a few months ago that they were supporting a song called "Barack the Magic Negro." This selection stinks of pandering. Ok, so the broad didn't work, let's try a Negro. Better jump far from the sinking ship Repugs!

@ michelle
That's ok I think Barack was picked only because of race.

One has to wonder about the timing of the GOP picking a black man to lead it into oblivion. This proves their message is lost. Their white, religious-right cult fanatic followers are screaming bloody hell right about now!

I think it's a good choice, and shows diversity, but unfortunately, this is probably the final nail in the GOP coffin, because of the GOP lemmings: mainly white, gun-toting racists.

Oh, the times they are a chaingin'!

This must have the hard-core right faction of the GOP ready to mutiny.

Good Grief ! He is going to need more than LUCK...

They are using you, thinking the color of your skin will appeal to the liberal conservatives. It's the Sarah Palin trick pulled once again.

wow, how bout that for pandering.

LOL...the repugs are trying to get a little color on their team! This is pretty hilarous!

First black RNC leader...WOW, why did they wait until we had our first black president to make changes....OH please, good luck. LOL!

Can you imagine?A black president then a black person in charge of the RNC?

He is a pawn!

It is probably mean-spirited but I feel a bit disgusted by this. Mike Steele, from what I'd read until now, was never someone the Republican party, ideologically speaking, would make their chair. I'm sure he's a great guy, but he seems a moderate conservative at best. The reason his win bugs me is because when they thought putting a woman on the ticket would help them, the Republicans pick an IDIOT – Sarah Palin – just because she's a woman. Now, because the nation is in love with their first black president, the Republicans pick Steele. How could anyone not think the party picked him because he's black and a great speaker like Obama? Just 4 months ago, they were race baiting and fear mongering (ie: Obama is a secret Muslim), but now they are celebrating "how far they've come"? Even Steele just said on NPR like 15 days ago that the GoP don't care about blacks. I'm sure Steele is a good person but his party is nothing like him – and copying the left just so you can start winning again is pathetic. He won't deserve the title but I'd be surprised if the Malcolm X quotes about types of blacks don't start again.

Michelle... dream on. Steele is a true conservative. His color has nothing to do with it ... unlike the election of "The one" who was only elected because of his skin color. Steele was elected because of his abilities and ideas. You know ... content of character vs color of skin.

Right On! Truly the best pick and the future direction of the Party.

Couldn't be happier with his selection!

Lead on Michael, we're all behind you!

I am a democrate and I voted for changed and Pres Obama. As an Aferican American Woman I am please that an Aferican American was picked to head the RNC, but I think that his win is two-fold.

The Republican think that this will get them back in the running for 2010 & 2012. Sorry, but this won't work.

excellent choice!

Congrats Steele...and he is the first African-American chairman too for that party. It'll be interesting how he manages his game style.

Give him a fair chance, let's see what game he's got...

Just like the GOP picked Sarah Palin as their token female candidate, it smells like they picked this guy to be their token black candidate. Are they going to run him against Obama in 2012 too?

now to add icing on the cake watch them snatch up a couple of hispanics. to put on this sharade or false front for therepiblican party. the stars and bars are up in arms tonight. people you are being hoodwinked.

LMAO!!! Sorry, couldn't help myself.

I supported Obama since the beginning. I find it funny that the RNC looks at the accomplishments he made and says hey if it works for the Democrats it can work for us. What they don't realize is that Obama is not and has never beeen about color, he is about hope and change. This is just the long goodbye from the RNC.

Guess who's coming to dinner Rush?

A lousy atempt by the RNC to recruit manority members. What does Rush think????????

haha, well, they tried to win by putting a folksy woman on the ticket, failed. Now, Obama is president, hoopla surrounding being the first African American president...doesn't surprise me that the RNC chose this guy. The loss is still hurting them so bad that they think they can pull their image out of the gutter. Steele-Palin ticket for 2112, I'll wager.

Of course... the GOP is saying, "Look, we like black people too."

They chose Palin to attract Hillary voters and Steele to attract Obama voters. They just don't get it.

I am pleased with their selection but do the Republicans think they are fooling anyone-but themselves. The only reason they voted him in is because of Obama. Too little–too late. What hypocrisy!

Electing a black man to head their party was a nice jesture on the part of the Republican Party, but it will not solve their problems with the electorate. They must first embrace the idea that government belong to the American people, and we want to tell politicians what to do, not have big business tell them what is right for us. Until Republicans learn this, they will remain on the margins of the political landscape.

Of course they NEED a leader... they can't think as individuals.

I loved his victory speech; "Change has finally come to the Republican party. Now let's work together to outlaw gays and abortion!"

Self hating!!! enough said.

Congratulations Michael Steele! He is an excellent choice and will help bring back credibility to the GOP.

A superb choice. I used to live in MD when he was lt. governor, and it was apparent that being a backbencher was a stone waste of his time and talent.

Typically, guys like him are running hedge funds and raking in millions. I'm sure the lefties wish that is where he stayed as he wrecks their ability to paint the GOP as they see fit.

Please, don't be negative! I think it's a GIANT step forward for the RNC. I may not agree with many of their ideologies, but I have to applaud for their choice. If Obama's electing as the first African-American president prompted Steele becoming the first African-American RNC leader, then, I must say that our country has made a great progress. We should also move forward with them!

Negro please!

Did David DUKE get to vote?

I say to him what Rush said to Obama – I hope he fails!

Yet another gimmick. Sarah was and idiot and so is Shelby.

Can you say "Uncle"?

This is clearly a tactic by the GOP (the dems have President Obama- so, we need one too). It's too bad the appointment of Michael Steele as RNC Chair will do nothing to draw conservative African- Americans (like myself) to the GOP. Based on my belief system, education and principles, I should be a Republican; however, I will not join a political party that does not bother to reach out to me and other voters like me. This past election was not my first time voting and I vote based on issues- not political affiliation. I live in a MD suburb of Washington, DC and when Mr. Steele was Lt. Gov. he did nothing to reach out to the large African- American population in my area until he unsuccessfully ran for a US Senate seat. That's not good enough.

Great selection! Mr. Steele is a great guy and will be a great leader. Congratulations RNC!

Too little much too late. This is not going to get this party in step with the American people. The Republican party is tired old men that haven't a clue about what real, working Americans want. We are facing huge layoffs, housing meltdown, financial meltdown, all of the failure of the Republican administration and now the stimulus package isn't enough. There wasn't even one on their radar!!!! New ideas and substance is what we all need and NOW!!!!

Wow! I can't believe how much he looks like Strom Thurmond. What a great day for republicans! Thank you Mr Lincoln.

You've got to be kidding me!

Steele couldn't get any votes when he ran for Senator of Maryland against an old white Jewish man. The black residents of Maryland didn't vote for him then, and making him chairman of the RNC isn't going to bring minorities to vote for Republicans. Such a lame attempt to copy Dems. Immitation is the biggest form of flattery!

He was only selected because he is Black. Trust me, if John McCain won the election, we wouldn't even know who Michael Steele is. The republicans think it's abouy race...wrong. It's about policy and NOT the polcies of the republican party.

It is not a matter of Barack Obama working with him but it is more like those in the Republican party working with him. It is a good thing for the party that this happen but they still have a long way to go.

This guy is about as rethuglican as you can get. He is no Barack. I bet there's a bunch of rethuglicans crying in their bibles at this moment.

This man is a stalk opposite of President Obama. Arrogant,combative,full of himself in every aspect. If the republicans thought they would get a second look from the voters because of a black man party chairman,they are in for a shock of their lives. President Obama was not beating his chest the way I just watched this guy do in a press conference.
He lost the Senate seat for a reason even with Dick Cheney and Karl Rove's money and brain on his bald head.

How is he a real leader? He's never been elected to any public office, except as a running mate.

Wow, what a leader.

He's nothing but a token. If we didn't have a black Democratic president, he wouldn't have been considered. The RNC is saying "Hey, we have one too!"

MIchelle I agree with you 100%

We see through this. The only reason they elected a black man was to seem mainstream or modern. Still a bunch of stingy, racist, confrontational morons.

Yes...Barack Obama has opened the doors for many, but make no mistake, Mr. Steel is republican. I am so very proud that the RNC is attempting to make a change. Let's not doubt or criticize...but to encourage. At the very least, we will never hear Michael Steele call the president the "Magical Negroe" as others vying for the chairman position has done.

I think the Repulican party expired already and outdated, it's not the personality that makes the party, it's the issues.

Steele will now have to stand on his own and against the MaHa Rushie if he is going to move the ball forward. This is good for the GOP but the results of it won't be seen until 2020 and by then Hillary will be running for her 2nd term.

This just proves how hard Republicans have been fighting for the rights of minorities and the poor ever since Barack obama was elected President.

ha ha ha ha, this republicans are funny. lol . i got it . they know obama is gonna win the 2012 election so they are trying to break the african american support of obama into half . this is what i call rubbish. it will not work. republicans are always devising mechanisms to win , but the will not win in 2012.

It just seems that the Republicans have been playing catch-up this whole polictical season. They tried Palin to counter act the Hillary factor. Now it seems they have elected Steele as the counter act to Obama. Where is the pro-active wing of their party. If they ever want people like myself who are Democratics to think about maybe ,just maybe the other parties candidate is best for me they need to not look like the always white angry man party. Show and include more minorities in your your party leaders so it really seems that your are including everyone and speak to everyone.

What wouldn't republicans do to get some black voters?
How cynical! I am from MD. Steele is a looser.

Copy Cats. Too bad his party is the party of intolerance and bigotry. Lets see how much backing he gets from the Grand Old Haters.

This may help a little but until the Republicans change their "core values" that is trying to legislate morality,antiabortion/gay rights/only tax cuts for the rich/power-party first; they will continue to lose.

Copy Cats. Too bad his party is the party of intolerance and bigotry. Lets see how much backing he gets from the Grand Old Haters.

I'm simply not impressed.

As a Black man...I'm offended

Good luck to Steele. I hope he is more than a figure head and can make a real difference in the Republican party. If he was chosen to garner the minority vote, too late. The Republicans lost that vote in 2008.

THe 'stimulus' bill" is loaded with pork. Obama said no pork another BIG LIE.

WAKE UP!

THE NANNY STATE IS UPON US.

Is this not the same thing as picking Palin to win the Hillary votes.

It's good to see the RNC has at least one Black man in the party and not a bunch of old white cratchity fogeys, but this guy is a nut. I remember seeing him on Bill Maher during the election. He is very pushey, doesn't allow other people to get their statements out fully, and seems to agree with all of the filth the right was spewing about Obama during the election. But hey, by all means Republicans, keep trying to get the fringe nutjobs to vote for you. There's far more voters that are centrist or Democrats in this country and it is growing every year.

Nice try RNC, nice try!!

The Dems enjoy talking about race bating, but his colleagues pelted him with Oreo cookies when he served in Maryland - for daring to think and act for himself. For not towing the Democrat line that ends up undermining the black population.

Its just odd.
Not that he is not qualified, but you him NOW?

*joke time*
Like with Obama, when everything is in the can, you pick a black person to clean it up.

Michael Steele is an accomplished individual who had a distinguished record in Maryland and nationally. He was the first Republican Lt. Governor of the State as well as the first African American to hold elected state wide office in Maryland (2003-2007).

As the former Chair of not only GOPAC but, the Maryland Republican Party, he was highly succesful in putting Republicans into office.

A comment like the above saddens me (I think he was only picked because of Barack Obama) because there will be those who may look at this as another "Palin" move (counter balance the Democrats). Instead, this indicates a move away from that mentality and more toward reality–the party must change.

Steele is an excellent choice all by himself, no matter who is President. He is articulate, intelligent and inspiring, plus understands the mistakes the party has made and what they need to do to correct them.

I think this is a good selection. At least its an effort get away from the "white-only Republican" stereotype that still runs wild within their party.

ohhh no!!!!!!!!!!!!! he is no obama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rebublicans, lol, this is hilarious. Are you serious, we see right through you.

This smacks of tokenism. The RNC hasn't exactly been the most minority-friendly party.

I guess this gives them the appearance of being a "big tent" – they're all about appearances you know (it's substance they have problems with). I won't buy this as legit til there's more than 5 total African Americans in the house and senate.

Michelle,

Words cannot describe your blatant stupidity...

I hope you don't have kids....

It is kind of funny. This is the best the republicans can come with. Tax cuts would not work, yet they still trump them as a way of coming out of recession. They just do not get it. It starts with first changing your priorities. Second, stop pretending of putting country first. l heard no one of you the last 8 years complaining about the direction where the country was going. And please, Mr. Steele is not President Obama. He is mere a puppet Republican.

The blind leading the blind.

This is only the right wing with their smoke and mirrors once again. Stick a black guy out in front, and continue to conduct their racist business behind his back. It's like the Klan electing a black leader. Maybe he should have talked with Colin Powell first. Well, he knew what he was getting himself into, so good luck to him. He's gonna need it.

Good Luck Mr. Steele! I have confidence in you and my party.

Well he might be the most intelligents of the candidates, but they picked him because of his race, just like they picked Palin because of her gender. It's still the GOP and their selfish stinking thinking that got us into this mess - let's hope the public is not fooled!

you're being used Mr Steele. Sorry

He is Mike Tyson former brother in law.

He was a great Lt. Gov. for Maryland, and has real potential as a national leader. I hope and expect great things.

Can we say token! It is about time the Repubs get some color and realize the fabric of America is no longer the color of black and white.

Ugly tie.

I think he is magic.

i wonder what the gop leaders think?? especially palin and limbaugh
they have a black leader that they will be expected to follow. lol

Uncle Tom?

The year of white guilt continues....

Winning the Chairmanship of the RNC has all the prestige of winning an Ugly Dog contest ... why would any self-respecting black man want to be a member of the republican party let alone chair their national committee? Big whoop! I hope he enjoys sharing the spotlight with Rush!!

BOPPAAA.........BOOPPPAAAA....BOPPPAAAAAA

whatever republicans, this is not gonna get u any af-american votes,, him and kenneth blackwell are blacklisted from the black community,,,, its okay to be affliated with a different party,,, but when u put down the historical nature of the election as kenneth blackwell did then you are a loser,,,,the loser list,,, kenneth blackwell, michael steele, bob johnson,,, majic johnson,,,,, blowhards

The GOP has made a number of firsts already. One being, the first African American man and woman as Secretary of State. Which, in my opinion, are much more prestigious and important than head of the RNC. But, maybe having the first black man to run the GOP is something special.

But, if this was done, in some way, to attract more African Americans to the GOP, then maybe they should really focus on the issues.

OMG, UUMMM I HOPE SOMEBODY HAD A TAPE RECORDER OF ALL THE STUPID AND PARTISAN THINGS HE HAD TO SAY DOING THE PRIMARY!!!

HE IS WORST THAN LARRY ELDER THAN ON SECOND THOUGHT MAYBE NOT THEY ARE NECK AND NECK!!!

GOP WILL PHASE OUT ANY DAY NOW!!!

Michelle, I advise you to stop looking at the color of one's skin and focus on the quality of their character like Dr. King asked us all to do many years ago

Oh goodie, now the Repugs are "one of us"! ::rolls eyes::

the republicans may thing that the recent win by a black democrat signifies that all it takes is skin color to sweep a nation. not taking anything away from Mr. Steele, but the GOP needs more than this to dig out from the abyss in which they find themselves.

Once again, the Republicans just don't get it. They picked Sarah Palin because she was a woman, in order to get the Hillary vote, but it backfired when it became clear Sarah was no Hilary. Now they've chosen Michael Steele, in order to get the black vote. Folks, he ain't no Obama.

This remind me of when the republicans chose Palin as there VP.

You must be kidding!

GOP = No original ideas.

Steel has shown himself to be fiscally conservative and socially moderate. More important, he is not a right wing religious nut job. In a system that is supposed to have checks and balances, this may be a guy whose politics I can live with. We can all speculate about the timing of "this" and the motivation of "that" until the cows come home, but in the grand scheme of things, if this is somethings that helps our broken government function a bit better than it currently does, then I am all for it.

In as much as I mostly support the platforms and aims of my party (DNC, duh!), even I am leery about the complete and total collapse of the other side. We have a 2 party system for a reason. The RNC has been so far off in recent years that I have developed serious concerns for its continued viability as a political machine. They have allowed their party to be high jacked by relgious extremists and back woods know nothings who are afraid of education and knowledge...all key contributors to the "dumbing down" of America.

I'm putting my soap away now...

Michelle,
You're an idiot. Michael Steele has been a leader in the republican party longer than Obama was a senator. I realize that doesn't have to be very long. And at least every third word out of Steele's mouth is uh, uh, uh.....

Congratulations to the New Party Chief. Looks like some people on this blog are running scared already.

President Obama is quickly proving he is not an agent of change, just the Same Old Politics as Usual.

Can you say "Uncle Tom"?

No surprise here. Steele is a documented homophobe. And now he represents the republican party. Wake me when the GOP finally self implodes.

It does not matter. This is just window dressing.
The GOP is still the racist party in my eyes.

Not buying it, the just did this because of Obama and they want to try and get minority vites by having a minority leader.

Probably a saavy move for the RNC. They needed to move away from the image they'd created for themselves. The Dems better stay on their game or else the GOP will be back with Democratic ideas repackaged as GOP ideas. But that is how politics works in the US, and we'll all be better off if the GOP move in the right direction, too.

Let's see if he gets on his knees for rush like the rest of RNC.

Wonderful! It's time to reemerge as the party of America's true ideals, and bring us back to those ideals! Good luck Mr. Steele!

I am happy for him personally and he is a good man. However, it is OBVIOUS why he was picked. Sorry. That party is in serious trouble-and if they think a black face makes a difference, I hate to tell them, it doesn't.......

Help….
Laid off yesterday, boat builder in Seattle Wa.

Search Utube, Reich,Rangel, Non-white construction workers

Non-white construction workers????

Am I excluded as a white person and a construction journeyman from a stimulus that my tax dollars help to fund?

I voted for change, I voted for unity……if I am excluded, if I lose my house …..
I'm ready to move on and begin impeachment on this new guy right now!

Please help, open a discussion to understand what Rangel and Reich are talking about.

Sincerely, a friend, a supporter, a contributer, An American citizen, tax-payer, stimulus plan funder,…. laid off proffessional

Hope he really is a moderate. And glad he's not big on social conservatism.

You can change the face of the party but the policies are the same. They need to change their policies!!!

After how many ballots? Doesn't seem like he starts with much of a mandate. Does race matter? Time will tell. Take a look at the pictures of the electors ... still looks like the GOP Convention – awfully white.

Real Leader? Give me the specifics, please, not just grand generalities. You can not continue to preach hatred and division, offer only blame rather than solutions: The GOP can not ignore its own failures over the past decade.

The RNC web page, as of today, was bragging about how strong the economy is; how GOP policies have contributed to economic growth and job creation: how much more out of touch can this group be – or do I really want to know?

The Republicans want to go back to basics? Which are? I'm afraid while the GOP was waiting at the train station, the rest of the country is at the air port and moving into the future. You can not put the genie of progress back into the bottle: The poor are not content to quietly go away and die anymore and women are used to voting.

"I think he was only picked because of Barack Obama"

Yeah right... and how about Collin Powell and Condi Rice..? Because of Jesse Jackson..?

The Palin PICK TRICK didn't work and NEITHER WILL THIS "STEELE" PICK TRICK!!!!

Does this mean the GOP is hip now? This is hilarious. I believe you all have missed the point.

And cue the Republican bashing.

"They only picked him because of Obama", "They're just trying to take away from Obama's historic presidency", blah blah blah.

Can you imagine if Steele hadn't been picked? Oh what cries of racism we would hear from left!

please give the man is due He won a free and fair GOP chair and I think he will to a good job.good luck Mr. steel

Mr Steele, the country has spoke in moderation. If you insist on your conservatism, then the republican party just made a huge mistake. You are not what they need to help their party win over anyone but a very few African Americans that feel the same way you do, and their aren't many. The number of whites that will abandon the party because of your skin color will be astounding.

Oh please.

I think he was only picked because of Barack Obama

I'm pleased with this selection.

It's about time we have a REAL leader, Good luck Mr. Steele

Good for Steele.