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993 days ago

Huckabee: Steele immune from 'the racism charge'

mug.hamby
Huckabee said Michael Steele's skin color is an asset when it comes to challenging President Obama.
Huckabee said Michael Steele's skin color is an asset when it comes to challenging President Obama.

(CNN) – Mike Huckabee said over the weekend that Michael Steele is doing "a good job" as chairman of the Republican National Committee - in part because of the color of his skin.

"I think [Steele] has sought to be, first of all, a very strong spokesperson," Huckabee told The Tennessean on Saturday, before speaking at a church service. "I'm not sure anyone else could be as effective in challenging the Obama policies any more so than Michael."

Asked why that's the case, Huckabee answered: "Well, I believe that that no one is gonna be able to use the racism charge."

But Huckabee seemed to quickly move away from that assertion, and went on to argue that Steele is an effective leader because he has experience at many levels of politics.

"No one's gonna be able to say that Michael doesn't understand, because he has gone up through the ranks," he said. "He has been an elected official I think there's value there. Sometimes our chairman has been a person, maybe, who has never held public office."

Just last week, Steele made some racial comments of his own, arguing that Obama avoided press scrutiny during the presidential campaign because he is black.

"He was not vetted, because the press fell in love with the black man running for the office," Steele said while filling in on Bill Bennett's radio show last Friday.

UPDATE: Ed Rollins, Mike Huckabee's former campaign manager, weighed in on Huckabee's comments on Tuesday.

Rollins said on CNN's "The Situation Room" that Huckabee "should have been focusing and not signing books," as he was during the interview.

"I think the bottom line here is, Michael Steele is chairman of our party not because he an African-American," Rollins said. "I think to a certain extent, whatever Mike was trying to say was not thought out. He is a guy who has had tremendous support in the African-American community as a governor, got 45 percent of the vote when he was running."


Filed under: Michael Steele • Mike Huckabee
soundoff (149 Responses)
  1. Jake

    Mike Huckabee is frightening!

    May 26, 2009 03:49 pm at 3:49 pm |
  2. demwit

    Takes one to know one...

    May 26, 2009 03:50 pm at 3:50 pm |
  3. Dutch/Bad Newz, VA

    Well Rush doesn't agree with you Huckaboo. Next, he'll be calling for your resignation.

    May 26, 2009 03:51 pm at 3:51 pm |
  4. Danny

    So they elected Steele so that the GOP could criticize nearly everything that Obama does without being called racist?!

    Keep digging that hole.

    May 26, 2009 03:51 pm at 3:51 pm |
  5. No Incumbents 2010

    Huckabee's race-conscious comment is an insult to Steele, by suggesting that Steele is a token Uncle-Tom who will sell out his race so he can pander to the far right.
    Shame on Huckabee for disgracing himself and his party with his provocative race-baiting.

    May 26, 2009 03:52 pm at 3:52 pm |
  6. Alex in Wisconsin

    Michael Steele personally might be immune from "the racism charge" but the Republican Party is not. When he spouts racist comments about another black man, he was speaking on behalf of the Republican Party. The fact that i heard no Republican denounce such racism says a lot on it's own.

    May 26, 2009 03:52 pm at 3:52 pm |
  7. Obama 2012

    Steele is just being used by the republicans–plain and simple. Thanks Huckabee for spilling the beans on your party!! :)

    May 26, 2009 03:53 pm at 3:53 pm |
  8. AJB

    Steele is a doofus. His phony cool black guy act just doesn't fly – it's sooooo not cool.

    Huckabee is nothing but an also-ran with no chance of holding higher office. He speaks for the far right – all 25 of them. Sorry gomer, the world has passed you by – it's not 1955.

    May 26, 2009 03:53 pm at 3:53 pm |
  9. S.B. Stein E.B. NJ

    People have concern over him being Black? Really, that isn't his problem. He seems that he isn't fully in charge of the party especially when Limbaugh and Cheney keep him back peddling on statements he has said. I also think that the Republican party has greater issues other than their "leader" being Black. Incompetent is incompentent.

    May 26, 2009 03:53 pm at 3:53 pm |
  10. Phil

    Just the qualification the republicans look for in a leader, the ability to be racist and not appear so. Intellectual rigor and vision are optional....

    May 26, 2009 03:53 pm at 3:53 pm |
  11. J.Crobuzon

    "Stainless" is about the dumbest guy who ever pretended to be RNC Chairman. He's doing a great job of showing how Rush runs the whole party. Please keep him; he's a triumph of style over substance, clearly picked because he's 'black.'

    May 26, 2009 03:54 pm at 3:54 pm |
  12. Alex in Wisconsin

    Michael Steele gave up his black card when he used the race card on another black man. He should have known better and the fact that he went there anyway shows that he does not consider himself a part of the African American community.

    May 26, 2009 03:54 pm at 3:54 pm |
  13. Roger

    Very true indeed. Want any more proof just look at the new Justice nominee and her preference on racial merit. No conservative would get away with incedenary and insulting remarks as her statements.

    May 26, 2009 03:55 pm at 3:55 pm |
  14. The Weatherman

    At some point, the curtain is pulled to reveal the Wizard of Oz. Michael Steele is pulling the curtain that everyone else fears pulling. I'm glad he didn't drink the Kool-aid.

    May 26, 2009 03:55 pm at 3:55 pm |
  15. Bitter Republican, party of No I mean one, your table is ready!

    "He was not vetted, because the press fell in love with the black man running for the office,"

    Wow, I didn't know that the press accounted for the 69 million votes that Obama recieved.

    I guess that means that everyone who voted for John Mccain only did so because Fox News fell in love with him?

    Riiiiiiight...

    May 26, 2009 03:55 pm at 3:55 pm |
  16. Surly Scholar

    Aaaaaaand THAT'S why the republicans appointed him! Way to be up front about the agenda there, Huckabee.

    May 26, 2009 03:56 pm at 3:56 pm |
  17. Independent

    Thank you Mr. Huckabee....We now know for sure why Steele was chosen...He is a TOKEN

    May 26, 2009 03:56 pm at 3:56 pm |
  18. Shirley In California Now On The Fence Re Obama

    Watch how fast this board fills up. Just mention "racism" CNN and the ignorant come out. As for this fool's comments-he is just trying desperately to keep himself in the news. Good-bye Mike. Your 15 minutes will be up next year as your opponents will wipe the floor with you and your views.

    May 26, 2009 03:56 pm at 3:56 pm |
  19. Pragmatic

    so Steele says ""He was not vetted, because the press fell in love with the black man running for the office..." If President Obama wasn't "vetted" in that endless 2 years of campaigning – then the GOP didn't do their job! Sounds like more republican whine made from their sour grapes. Who notices Steele's color when he's making such foolish statements anyway!

    May 26, 2009 03:57 pm at 3:57 pm |
  20. Leslie, OR

    Huckabee is a nut, and a racist. Remember the "joke" he told about Barack getting shot. Mike is a yahoo, who wants to be taken seriously, but can't be trusted.

    May 26, 2009 03:57 pm at 3:57 pm |
  21. Kelly

    What a couple of joksters....

    May 26, 2009 03:57 pm at 3:57 pm |
  22. Jay

    And many people still want to believe that race or racism is all but non-existent in society.

    May 26, 2009 03:59 pm at 3:59 pm |
  23. Not So Fast Rabbitt

    Wrong Mr. Huckabee.

    I've seen black cops be as racist as whites, so you are wrong to think that we will give Mr. Steele a pass when he seeks to exploit racist sterotypes in an attempt to sell the same old GOP story against the POTUS.

    Now, if he comes up with a new story, backed by facts and not bombastic opionions like Mr. Limbaugh, then we'll give him the time of day.

    Mr. Steele was selected because Mr. Obama was elected PRESIDENT by an electoral landslide ... we all know that.

    May 26, 2009 03:59 pm at 3:59 pm |
  24. Independent

    Mr. Steele are you not a black man, why haven't anyone falling in love with you....perhaps because you are stupid as hell!!!

    May 26, 2009 03:59 pm at 3:59 pm |
  25. j

    We don`t need a preacher in high gov`t office. Other religions unlike theirs wind up getting the short straw. --Stay in the pulpit, Huck. That`s where you belong.

    May 26, 2009 04:00 pm at 4:00 pm |
  26. alvino

    A joke-

    What is the difference between Huckabee and a pail of razorback crap?

    The bucket.

    May 26, 2009 04:01 pm at 4:01 pm |
  27. ANGIE IN PA

    Of course the Republicans Picked uncle (TOM) Steele so he could say all the things they couldnt If you havent Figured that out yet you are sad!

    May 26, 2009 04:01 pm at 4:01 pm |
  28. Deb

    Huckabee is a candidate that failed and Steele is the RNC chair without "swagger"!

    May 26, 2009 04:03 pm at 4:03 pm |
  29. JT

    Huckabee is an embarrassment to the GOP, if that is even possible any more.

    Huckabee – You are irrelevant and so is Steele.

    May 26, 2009 04:03 pm at 4:03 pm |
  30. alvino

    It is not so much Steele's racist comments, it is the cheering response of the rich white guys when he says them.

    May 26, 2009 04:04 pm at 4:04 pm |
  31. Karen - Missouri

    Funny, during primaries Huckabee publicly admired Obama. I'm really getting tired of the Republican back and forth. No wonder their party is crumbling. Steele is irritating as is Rush and Cheney.

    May 26, 2009 04:04 pm at 4:04 pm |
  32. Once You Vote Black

    Lets just dream that Steele is right. My question is: So what? What was the GOP doing while the press was falling in love? Stop crying and deal with the landscape as it is.

    May 26, 2009 04:05 pm at 4:05 pm |
  33. Kelby In Houston, TX

    You know the GOP is in trouble. They chose Steele to lead the party and no GOPer is going to follow him. And then they get Marco Rubio to speak out against Obama's SCOTUS pick Sonia Sotomayor.
    The new GOP slogan should be "Vote Republican, WE GOT TOKENS!"

    May 26, 2009 04:05 pm at 4:05 pm |
  34. Alex in Wisconsin

    Even Huckabee knows why the RNC chose Steele, to be the 'immune' mouth piece of the Republican racial hate machine. Michael Steele has sold his soul to Emperor Rush Limbaugh. Michael Steele doesn't have the brainpower to understand anything except talking points, let alone understand the struggles of many black men and women in this country.

    May 26, 2009 04:06 pm at 4:06 pm |
  35. Just waaw

    And he is useful because of the ... COLOR of his skin..? I just can't believe this!!!!!!

    May 26, 2009 04:06 pm at 4:06 pm |
  36. Barbara - Atlanta

    You shouldn't use Steele's name in the same sentence as President Obama. If anything, Steele wasn't vetted...he's nothing but a joke!

    May 26, 2009 04:07 pm at 4:07 pm |
  37. Janine

    Huckabee is wrong. No one is immune from the racism charge. A black person can be racist of another black person just as well as a white person can be racist of another white person. Ex. Adolf Hitler had dark hair but still felt a person with dark hair was inferior to a blond person.
    I also think the racism charge is thrown around way too much on both sides of the aisle.

    May 26, 2009 04:08 pm at 4:08 pm |
  38. Chele

    Actually Mike, yeah..., we can accuse Steele of racism. Just because Steele is black, it does not give him the right to pull the race card when he feels like he wants to bash Obama. The comments Chairman Steele made concerning Obama not being vetted, because the nation fell in love with a black man running for office is racial, pure and simple.

    May 26, 2009 04:08 pm at 4:08 pm |
  39. Polar Bears Against Palin

    The Huckster sucks. Steele is a Uncle Tom. A shoe shiner, if you will.

    May 26, 2009 04:08 pm at 4:08 pm |
  40. JT

    A racist, ex-preacher, turned politician. If my dog needed to be walked, and Huckabee was the last person on earth, Fifi would have to hold it.

    May 26, 2009 04:09 pm at 4:09 pm |
  41. Jewel - GA

    This is why the RNC is nothing but a joke...'cause "The Joker" is head of the RNC.

    May 26, 2009 04:09 pm at 4:09 pm |
  42. Lesley Anne

    This is the most outlandish and awkward statement he has made that I can recall. And racist at the same time, while trying not to be racist? The GOP has so many colorful characters speaking out on its behalf who are completely uncoordinated with their message that it's better than any reality tv show that has come along. With such low ratings, perhaps they will be canceled altogether in 2010.

    May 26, 2009 04:09 pm at 4:09 pm |
  43. Jon

    Huckabee avoids press scrutiny because he used to be fat. It's so obvious and unfair. *pouts*

    May 26, 2009 04:10 pm at 4:10 pm |
  44. Charlie in Maine

    And they say Obama nomine to the Supremes was racial.

    May 26, 2009 04:10 pm at 4:10 pm |
  45. gl, Pittsburgh

    Asked why that's the case, Huckabee answered: "Well, I believe that that no one is gonna be able to use the racism charge."

    I have two words FOR STEELE – BLACK TOKEN!

    May 26, 2009 04:10 pm at 4:10 pm |
  46. K in Florida

    Is Mike Hucklberry Fin really serious.....?

    Because if he is serious, this exposes the FRAUD that Micheal Steele is....

    Republicans don't like anything that doesn't represent white supremacy, Micheal Steele is HATED by the Republican Base behind closed doors, everyone knows that.......

    He's being used just like Sarah Palin, as a stage prop, thats why Palin likes Micheal Steele, becuase they have that "Prop Thing", in common.....

    May 26, 2009 04:10 pm at 4:10 pm |
  47. DLHanna

    Who is the guy in the photo? He's black, but he's not Steele!

    May 26, 2009 04:11 pm at 4:11 pm |
  48. Michigan

    They elected Steele as a foil to the black Obama, just like they chose Sarah Palin precisely because they thought that all of the smart females supporting Hillary would fall in line behind just any old woman candidate the GOP threw out there. So they didn't care that she was clueless and a pretty poor excuse for a parent, the things that matter to educated women. Oh, and the fact that they found her sexy appealed to those same entitled men. So how come we gals didn't fall for her too? I wonder.
    The GOP, the party of the entitled white male, still does not have a clue how to appeal to the average American, who is now NOT wealthy, male, or all white!

    May 26, 2009 04:11 pm at 4:11 pm |
  49. luan isuffi

    He may be immune from rasist charge but is right there with other GOP's morons -incompetent and stupid.

    May 26, 2009 04:12 pm at 4:12 pm |
  50. Alex in Wisconsin

    Steele apparently thinks he is something other than the token leader of the Republican party. All of America watched Michael Steele bow down to the real leader of the republican party. I'm sure most of the black community saw him kissing up to Rush Limbaugh and felt embarrassed. Even Colin Powell, an african-american 4 star general who happens to be Republican, was embarrassed by that display of ineptitude.

    May 26, 2009 04:12 pm at 4:12 pm |
  51. David S.

    ITs funny how the Liberals are so hypocritical when it comes to race. When Obama is selected it is hailed, accolades fall from the sky about how forward thinking the Democrats are, how historic the moment. When the GOP selects Michael Steele, he is an "Uncle Tom" or a "Token". It also amazes me to see wo much racial hatred lines against whites since Obama took office. Race bashing is in style now if your expressing it against whites.

    May 26, 2009 04:12 pm at 4:12 pm |
  52. don

    When will people love the truth more than themselves?

    May 26, 2009 04:12 pm at 4:12 pm |
  53. KIM

    We arent dumb, we know that the republicans picked a nobody the Steele to head the RNC just because he was black and that he could say things that their white counterparts could not. The republican party is pathetic.

    May 26, 2009 04:13 pm at 4:13 pm |
  54. Angela

    Can we just waterboard Hannity already?

    May 26, 2009 04:13 pm at 4:13 pm |
  55. NObama is our downfall

    I've seen the term "Uncle Tom" used many times on this comment section................by liberals of course.

    It is the pant wetting liberal who defines everyone and everything by race that is the true racist.

    REPUBLICANS ARE GOING TO DESTROY THE DEMOCRAPS IN 2010!!!

    May 26, 2009 04:14 pm at 4:14 pm |
  56. Super D

    Anyone calling Steele an "uncle Tom" is so drunk on their Liberalism, that even rehab can't help.

    Polarbears against Palin, go screw yourself.

    May 26, 2009 04:15 pm at 4:15 pm |
  57. Peter

    That seemed racist...

    May 26, 2009 04:15 pm at 4:15 pm |
  58. Wanda jones

    Mike Huckabee calls himself a christian. I tried watching his show and couldn't because of the lies and hate. Whatever christianity Mike Huckabee has I DO NOT WANT IT. Huckabee is no better than Hannity/Limbaugh/Beck. They all sound just alike.

    May 26, 2009 04:16 pm at 4:16 pm |
  59. Sallie

    I'm soooooo sick of Huckabee, he thinks he's cute as a button, I think he's a twit! Fool.

    May 26, 2009 04:16 pm at 4:16 pm |
  60. EBJ

    uhhh,,,,,,I hate to break it to you Huck but African Americans can be racists also....especially when it comes to skin color amongst their own. Trust me I speak from experience as a darker skinned "brutha"!

    May 26, 2009 04:16 pm at 4:16 pm |
  61. Greg Smith, Clifton Heights PA

    Michael Steele, Mike Huckabee and the Republican Party are true Americans. Barrack Obama and the Democratic Party want to throw away the American way of living and replace it with socialism. I know the truth hurts but that is the truth.

    May 26, 2009 04:17 pm at 4:17 pm |
  62. ez

    I think that Mike Huckabee is right about having Michael Steele as the chairman of the GOP; you put a negro versus another negro to tear each other apart. The same concept as slavery. Then, you can trow all the mud towards the presidency until something stick. I think it's dirty politics; but, it can work.

    May 26, 2009 04:17 pm at 4:17 pm |
  63. gl, Pittsburgh

    Just like most of all on this post know, Steele is being used by the White Repubican party to try to bring down President Obama. Sorry, I am black and I thank Steele is stupid to let the white Republicans party use him and be prove to say it as well. This statement – And he is useful because of the … COLOR of his skin..? I just can't believe this SAY IT ALL. Steele was pick to run the RNC for one reason and one reason only to go after the President – black on black.

    STEELE COULD NEVER BE THE PRESIDENT AND WE ALL KNOW HE IS NO OBAMA!

    May 26, 2009 04:17 pm at 4:17 pm |
  64. Fritz

    Michael Steele is an idiot. His position even labels him as such. For a guy like him to slam the dems and Obama as he had in the past, well, I feel for his constituency. I am sure that there are people on every block in America looking at him and wondering just what the hell he's doing. Power is quite the intoxicant and obviously working for the truly needy in his arena means nothing to him. Oh, and he's as eloquent as Mike Tyson. He gives the term "Take care of your own" a completely new meaning – and I think he's embarrassed by his own color. Shame on you, Mr. Steele.

    May 26, 2009 04:18 pm at 4:18 pm |
  65. Andi

    "I believe, no one is going to use the racist charge" – which sums up exactly why the GOP picked Steele.

    May 26, 2009 04:18 pm at 4:18 pm |
  66. teacheng

    Wow – the GOP knows how to dig a hole fast! Soon they won't be able to see the sun.

    May 26, 2009 04:20 pm at 4:20 pm |
  67. Republicans are the American Taliban

    And he's useful to use because he's black and can't be accused of racism? So Steele is the Republican token negro? sad ....They keep spreading this hate everyday and seemingly without end. Now when these hatemongers like Huckabee here along with Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, Coulter etc. cross the line and are called on it, they claim to be merely entertainers.... similar " entertainers " I remember from history were Tokyo Rose and Axis Sally...spewing the same venom.

    May 26, 2009 04:20 pm at 4:20 pm |
  68. Lynn

    Michael Steele is an idiot! He can't even debate Pres. Obama effectively. You can't use the racism charge when the playing field is not level, Steele is not even on Pres. Obama's level, who cares what color he is. Ken Blackburn or that dude from MSNBC would have been better choices for the leadership.

    May 26, 2009 04:20 pm at 4:20 pm |
  69. Andi

    To Steele's defenders on this board, please tell me what makes you think Steele wasn't selected to head the RNC because a Black guy might help? What qualifications did he have? What has he done for the RNC? What do you think of Steele, yourself?

    Seriously, I really would be interested to know.

    May 26, 2009 04:21 pm at 4:21 pm |
  70. BJ

    I'm a white democrat and Steele can't see that the republicans are using him against President Obama. He never would have been chosen hadn't it been for President Obama...that's who he should be thanking.

    May 26, 2009 04:22 pm at 4:22 pm |
  71. Claudia in Houson

    Huckabee is "branding" Michael Steele in the worst way which is not a Republican or Democrat "branding" it's a racist "branding". Huckabee is no different than Jeremiah Wright.

    May 26, 2009 04:22 pm at 4:22 pm |
  72. Just a statement

    Michael Steele will never be the man President Obama is...never!

    May 26, 2009 04:23 pm at 4:23 pm |
  73. will

    what is racist is Mike huckabee for call or profiling a hispanic women like ms. Sonia Sotomayor and just because she is hispanic call her maria in his rush to blast her.

    May 26, 2009 04:23 pm at 4:23 pm |
  74. Randolph Carter

    Good thing Obama didn't nominate a one-armed midget to the supreme court. Where would the conservatives find another one to trot out denouncing the liberal one-armed midget? Have a nice day!

    May 26, 2009 04:24 pm at 4:24 pm |
  75. carlo

    Wow, does Huckabee believe that? Just because Steele is black doesn't mean he can't say racist things against black people! There is such a thing as "self hatred" and "stockholm syndrome".

    Okay, why did Huckster just give away that they are using Steele to spurt racist things about Obama that they can't say?

    May 26, 2009 04:25 pm at 4:25 pm |
  76. Retired US ARMY

    Huckabee is a fool, and Steele is a moron. What a pair, plus Mike anyone can be a bigot, or a racist, such ignorance is truely non-partisan and does not find itself negated by ones race or skin color. In other words Mike, bigots and racist are not limited to middle aged white males.

    May 26, 2009 04:26 pm at 4:26 pm |
  77. Kevin -- Evansville, Indiana

    Huckabee's reasoning is racist in itself:

    Let's hire one of "them" to attack Obama. Because "they" never attack their own "kind."

    Give me a break.

    The Southern Baptist religion - what Huckabee represents - was based on racism. Check out the history. They gave an extremely weak apology of it a few years ago, though my experience is that they are still pretty racist. Most the churches are completely segregated into all-white and all-black churches.

    – another ex-Republican

    May 26, 2009 04:28 pm at 4:28 pm |
  78. Melissa

    No one is immune from the racism charge. *rolls eyes*

    I'm seriously starting to think the Republican leadership is mentally retarded.

    May 26, 2009 04:29 pm at 4:29 pm |
  79. Anonymous

    Steele congratulations you have become the mascot for the Republican party. Are you gonna do good for the massa "Oops" did I spell that wrong, there goes the black in me.

    May 26, 2009 04:29 pm at 4:29 pm |
  80. Jane

    Mike Huckaby - BIGOT – nice commnet. And the GOP wonders why only 21% of the population calls themselves Republican.

    May 26, 2009 04:29 pm at 4:29 pm |
  81. Shanel

    Right on Michigan. When I saw Mrs. Palin, I knew what they were trying to do and I am very pleased that all of us rallied around Obama....

    Steele is so phony. I don't beleive in him at all.

    May 26, 2009 04:31 pm at 4:31 pm |
  82. w.l. jones

    One thing you can count on"Repud" want put and intellecture in a high place. Its all I got your ear. Said enough.

    May 26, 2009 04:32 pm at 4:32 pm |
  83. the real common sense

    The Republican Party is using Steele. They would have never chosen that Uncle Tom had it not been for Obama's win. The Huck (i.e. crooked preacher) needs to Steel away into the night.

    May 26, 2009 04:33 pm at 4:33 pm |
  84. EllieBelle

    Who gives two hoots about Huchabee?. . . last election proved that!

    May 26, 2009 04:33 pm at 4:33 pm |
  85. JML

    OMG, I looked at Mike Huckabee as the only "sane" republican. Well now he's just another republican who is basically like all the rest ............................. plain IGNORENT! Mike Steele is not a "Black" man he's just another crazie republican.

    May 26, 2009 04:33 pm at 4:33 pm |
  86. janey

    Huckabee is such a boob!

    May 26, 2009 04:34 pm at 4:34 pm |
  87. Tektite in Houston

    Who is Mike Steele?

    May 26, 2009 04:36 pm at 4:36 pm |
  88. zago

    That's who they are. Republicans=Racist. He cant betray his inner. At least he speaks out loud.

    Steel was chosen as an imbecile first black RNC chair to oppose first black president. He will go doing to history for being an instrument, a dummy.

    I know CNN will not publish my post. Fox News is better at posting what they disagree with

    May 26, 2009 04:36 pm at 4:36 pm |
  89. Abby from Minnesota

    Huckabee just slapped Steele across the face.

    May 26, 2009 04:39 pm at 4:39 pm |
  90. FormerGOP

    Finely one of the GOP’s big mouths tells the truth, Steele is a pawn! They only reason he got the job was because he is BLACK! Period! Thank you!

    May 26, 2009 04:40 pm at 4:40 pm |
  91. Jeff

    OK, a guy who appeals only to the most far-right 10% of Americans thinks that Steele is an effective leader. Wow this is good stuff, keep it coming...

    May 26, 2009 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  92. NrewsHound

    Just like a Republican, Always putting the shoe in the mouth. LMAO

    May 26, 2009 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  93. Sniffit

    Wow. I mean, well, what I'm saying is, it's just that...sigh...wow. I think someone must've spiked his communion wafers.

    May 26, 2009 04:42 pm at 4:42 pm |
  94. Sooze from Kona

    Funny thing how the Republican party is disappearing faster then the Polar Bears. They picked Steele because he was the token black republican, but he Steele can't get the party of No back.
    Huckabee should stay in Church were he belongs.

    May 26, 2009 04:43 pm at 4:43 pm |
  95. The Marginalizer

    These idiots just don't know when to shut up do they?

    May 26, 2009 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  96. Ed, Santa Fe, NM

    Steele is the black pawn in a losing GOP game of politics. Sadly, Steele doesn't even KNOW he's a token in the Grand Old White Party.

    May 26, 2009 04:44 pm at 4:44 pm |
  97. Simmy

    He looks like Gomer or Goober from that show with 'Opie.' He really needs to lose that grin.....He looks like an escapee from a mental ward.......Is he ok?

    May 26, 2009 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  98. Tektite in Houston

    Who is Mike HiccupBee?

    May 26, 2009 04:45 pm at 4:45 pm |
  99. John Tucker, Alaska

    ok doesn't this make you a big fat racist because you think its necessary to have Steele be the talking spokeperson because of Obama's skin color?

    yeah thats what I thought.

    May 26, 2009 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  100. Brendan H., San Antonio, TX

    Huckleberry's at it again, eh?!

    May 26, 2009 04:46 pm at 4:46 pm |
  101. Jenn, Philadelphia

    Please, he's absolutely right. It happens here everyday on any article. Criticise Obama and the liberal-left labels you a racist.

    May 26, 2009 04:47 pm at 4:47 pm |
  102. Jefe

    lol I love seeing stupid ideas backfire. I can picture it now:

    Newt Gingrich: Hey! Let's get one of those coloreds, like that Hussein Osama fella!

    Rush Limbaugh: I dunno Newt, them coloreds are all COMMIES!

    Ann Coulter: Yes, but if we find the right one, then everyone will vote for fascis–er, I mean, Republicans from now on!

    Result: Another epic Neoconservative Fail.

    May 26, 2009 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  103. thetruth

    you know what I love, is the fact that during all this talk of raced based political picks–Obama, Sotomayor–there is little or any truth from white people re: their own privilege or white based affirmative action that allows them to avoid having these discussions. I would love for white people to remark on how the system that has been American life has been leveraged to favor them in almost all aspects of live. When it comes to jobs, opportunities, access, security, fairness in the courts...lets not talk about fairness and white privilege–I could be here all day!. If we really want to have a true discussion about race, we must examine the sins of the past to learn how we got here and then see how these ancient societal institutions continue to leverage unfairly in today's world. Then we can make some assessments about moving forward and purging the soul of racism.

    May 26, 2009 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  104. Willie

    Now You know What Problems We Would have Had Far As mike Huk-A-Bee Concerned. He Flows With The Tide No Matter If the Warning Signs Are There!

    May 26, 2009 04:49 pm at 4:49 pm |
  105. Simmy

    Mike is right.....Steele is their "Amos 'n' Andy" caricature.....Just what the old white men ordered.....He (Steele) is also known as 'a crab in the barrel.'

    May 26, 2009 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  106. honest Ab

    @ez – Sorry I have to totally disagree with you. Steele will battle against himself, remember we have a intelligent, responsible, and poised President, who does not have time for childish games. The white man will have to figure out another way to get to President Obama. They chose an unintelligent and ignorant fool to represeent them. Remember this is the party who go after dumb people to support them.

    May 26, 2009 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  107. Tektite in Houston

    Who is Peter Hamby?

    May 26, 2009 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  108. ghost

    Huckleberry Hound is wrong. Steele hasn't been black for some time now.

    May 26, 2009 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  109. Tulsa

    LOL..... that's all, you really don't need to say anything, it's just so comical.
    Keep it up GOP! You are always good for a laugh! Though it would be better for the Country if you would just shut up and do your JOBS. While you still have them.

    May 26, 2009 04:51 pm at 4:51 pm |
  110. James M. Holmes

    Hick-abee pretty much just confessed to what most of us know... The GOP is a bunch of red-neck racists...

    So glad Hick... uh... Huckabee just let Steele know the truth on why he was put in charge of the RNC... Not for merit... his performance so far proves that isn't the case... but becasue they want him to be their "Uncle Tom"!

    WOW! Is there anyone left in the GOP who isn't a complete idoit other than Colin Powell (who the GOP is trying to kick out for not being "stuck on stupid" like the rest of them)... Please keep talking loud and clear 21%ers (and dwindling)...

    May 26, 2009 04:52 pm at 4:52 pm |
  111. JT

    What a racist statement. Everything coming from the GOP seems to have a racist, sexist, or exclusionist tone to it. How on earth can people who call themselves the 'religious right' ever be condone such a set policy?

    - One of the many reasons that I am no longer a life-long Republican. The entire party is based on lies.

    May 26, 2009 04:53 pm at 4:53 pm |
  112. Melissa

    Jen, I don't and I'm a liberal-left as you insultingly decided to call me, you fascist.

    I call you fascists, and anarchists dear. Because thats what you are. If you people had your way, we'd have a Third Reich in this country where the Nazi's are the Christian Republicans completely convinced that they're the ones in the right who think they should have the power of life and death over everyone else.

    Enough is enough.

    May 26, 2009 04:53 pm at 4:53 pm |
  113. Thanks, Huck, for your insight...

    Huck, you might want revisit your thoughts about Mr. Steele. Given the fact that he's managed to cram both feet down his throat AND fight a losing war of words with His Nibs Rush Limbaugh AND piss off many moderate Republicans, I suspect you're not quite up to speed on current events. If it's 4:00 p.m. in Kansas, it must be 1999 in Huckland!

    May 26, 2009 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  114. David in San Diego

    If you didn't already know that Huckleberry is nothing but a traditional Southern "good ole boy," you know it now. I think a Huckleberry/Palemoose ticket would be just great–about 5% of the voters are trailer trash, and the Dems would get the votes of almost all the others.

    May 26, 2009 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  115. Willie

    Mike Huckabee ! Thank you for exposing Who You really Are. Racism is truly becomeing a myth and thank God for that. Change is in the white house.

    May 26, 2009 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |
  116. NrewsHound

    To the writer who wrote Blacks are racist against other blacks because of the color of their skin.
    That is not racism that is called a class struggle.

    May 26, 2009 04:56 pm at 4:56 pm |
  117. Super D

    Well, if the GOP is nothing but a bunch of out of touch white guys.

    Then I think the DEMS are nothing but a bunch of uneduacted, lazy, free loaders who have found their jesus in a black, socialist, elitist snob named Obama.

    May 26, 2009 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  118. peter

    Michael Steele is not true steel enough handle the Dems and the Obama machine so, get out of the way Reps, Limbaugh, and Newt before your party collapse like that of George Washington Federalist ( no disrespect for great American hero president in any kind, just opinion here folks) which never existed in the first place

    May 26, 2009 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  119. Chris in North Carolina

    As Seth Myers said on SNL Weekend Update not too long ago, "It doesn't work with just ANY black man". How could Michael Steele possibly say Obama wasn't "vetted"??? Good Lord...we just experienced the longest campaign in US political history...every closet was opened, we got a peek under every rock. Mike Huckabee and Michael Steele seem to be all over the place with their comments...just like the rest of the GOP lately...

    May 26, 2009 04:57 pm at 4:57 pm |
  120. Doc Ray

    Who cares what Huckabee and Romney think? I don't recall every ex-Presidential candidate in the past being asked for their opinion on every news item. Just because these "losers" (they did lose!) want to run again in 2012, we don't have to be subjected to hearing from them years before they officially start running.

    Let us enjoy our peace and quiet for a while before you unleash the Huckabees, the Romneys and the Palins. Don't get into 2012 election cycle too early like some shops putting up Christmas decorations after fourth of July.

    May 26, 2009 04:58 pm at 4:58 pm |
  121. Bill

    CNN, Why is this even a news.

    Is it because, a Great Man is speaking against another Great Man. And these Great Men have nothing else but to speak against each other.
    or
    That CNN does not have better ideas and better news.

    May 26, 2009 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
  122. Just waaw

    Who let the dogs out ???? Romney....Huckabee they are all out today...Hmmmm.

    May 26, 2009 05:00 pm at 5:00 pm |
  123. Walaroo

    The repulicans are nor racist, they are classists! They feel that anyone in the lower class are not worthwhile. They want to eliminate the middle class and turn the U.S. into a Religious Heiristocracy. They don't care what race the poor and middle class are.

    May 26, 2009 05:02 pm at 5:02 pm |
  124. Wha dup?

    Mikie and Steelie don't understand that sometimes saying less is more for them. But that's ok I like the game hangman. lol

    May 26, 2009 05:02 pm at 5:02 pm |
  125. K in Florida

    Michael Steele is becoming as popular as Sarah Palin....:O)

    Naw I take that back, just the mere mention of the name Sarah Palin, and it makes you go running for the Medicine Cabinet or the toilet...

    I know one thing, Republicans sure know how to create Fake & Fony people....

    Micheal Steele your giving Sarah Palin a run for her money.......

    May 26, 2009 05:02 pm at 5:02 pm |
  126. John H.

    From the Party of Racism, comes another racial zinger. Republicans just can,t keep their ignorant mouths shut.

    May 26, 2009 05:03 pm at 5:03 pm |
  127. JT

    Thanks Huckabee! That ought to be good for 5% less GOP supporters remaining. What is it down to now? 17?

    May 26, 2009 05:05 pm at 5:05 pm |
  128. elliott

    Steele is a smart man.
    Mike is right.

    May 26, 2009 05:05 pm at 5:05 pm |
  129. Shadysider

    Republicans race-baiting? Never. The way that the GOP treats Colin Powell and any other black Republicans and his/their decision to endorse Obama is sick. They try to make an argument that race is the prominent reason they voted for Obama, when first, Obama is half white, and secondly, they endorsed Obama because he was clearly the better candidate with the better plat-form and a better grasp of the issues at hand. They tried to race-bait in order to win an election and to rationalize to themselves why they weren't going to win the election.

    May 26, 2009 05:06 pm at 5:06 pm |
  130. Think

    Now that we're heading towards a bright future, these outdated ideas seem even more silly in the rear view mirror.

    May 26, 2009 05:06 pm at 5:06 pm |
  131. mike,texas

    When your the party of NO it dosent matter if your Christ. Republicans are at 21% and the way they keep behaving it will be 10% by the next election.Its a good thing they dont like change.They want to stay a minority.

    May 26, 2009 05:07 pm at 5:07 pm |
  132. Shadysider

    Huckabee stated further "...I have lots of black friends."

    May 26, 2009 05:07 pm at 5:07 pm |
  133. Bill

    Why does Huckabee smile with closed lips ? So that People can't see his lips.

    Why does he have to Bend his Neck while he is Smiling ?

    May 26, 2009 05:10 pm at 5:10 pm |
  134. Sniffit

    I'm dead serious...that wasn't a communion wafer you put on your tongue dude....

    May 26, 2009 05:11 pm at 5:11 pm |
  135. Well, DUH!!!!

    So, Huckleberry ADMITS that Steele is a token black hand-picked by the RNC to deal with the President. Well, DUH!!!!! The sad part is, that the only person who might have been shocked by that revelation is Michael Steele. He REALLY thought he was elected based on his merit. But then Limbaugh and Cheney showed him that his job is to just sit there and be the token....

    May 26, 2009 05:11 pm at 5:11 pm |
  136. Brian A

    LOL! There he goes admitting what we all knew to be true. Steele is just a puppet to make the Republicans seem less racist.

    May 26, 2009 05:12 pm at 5:12 pm |
  137. Tina

    Micheal Steele, Huckabee, Romney and all those people are so not on President Obama's level. While he is President of the United States, they can only dream about reaching that level one day in their lifetimes...again, not on his level. So who really cares what they say? And dont forget that the President won the election without their votes, (or the votes of these die-hard Republicans) so who really cares what they say or think? Not me and not President Obama. End of story.

    May 26, 2009 05:12 pm at 5:12 pm |
  138. Ruty

    Why do these republicans keep bringing up the color of skin? Why don't you rich OLD white men realize people of color are as smart as you–if not smarter.

    May 26, 2009 05:13 pm at 5:13 pm |
  139. Sniffit

    Thanking Huckabee for the compliment, Mushmouth was quoted as saying "why thanks you massah, wouldja like some mint tea? I brews it real good juss foh you!"

    May 26, 2009 05:13 pm at 5:13 pm |
  140. Daisy

    WOW. Could this get any more sad?

    PS-he reason they can't challenge Obama is NOT due to skin color, but due to their inability to form and offer any viable solutions or alternatives.

    May 26, 2009 05:13 pm at 5:13 pm |
  141. Sniffit

    Someone quick, call an ambulance...I think he needs some Thorazine to bring him back down...

    May 26, 2009 05:14 pm at 5:14 pm |
  142. Randolph Carter

    Shadysider wrote: Huckabee stated further "…I have lots of black friends."
    Ha ha ha. Good one, shady. Have a nice day!

    May 26, 2009 05:15 pm at 5:15 pm |
  143. Lou from CT

    Indeed – the Republican are already in a deep, dark, hole. Between Steele and Huckabee and the rest of GOP boobs, they will become less than irrelevant

    May 26, 2009 05:15 pm at 5:15 pm |
  144. Keefe

    Huckabee is merely stating the truth.......

    I mean when you think about it, Rush Limbaugh spews HATRED on a normal basis, he doesn't hide his RACISM....

    Michael Steele can be RACIST and Republicans feel like they hit a home run, becuase the RACIST comments came from a UNCLE TOM BLACK GUY......

    We all know if Barack Obama hadn't been chosen PRESIDENT, we would'nt be having this conversation about Micheal Steele, or better yet, we wouldn't even know Michael Steele existed.....

    May 26, 2009 05:18 pm at 5:18 pm |
  145. Billy J in Texas

    Telling it like it is. Now we know why Steele is there. We also know why Alan Keyes was paid to run against Obama in Illinois. There are times when the GOP really doesn't get it. I believe this is one of those times. On a side note.... I really liked Huckabee and had hoped if we HAD to have the GOP in the whitehouse it would have been a McCain Huckabee ticket. I am very happy with the way the election turned out though.

    May 26, 2009 05:18 pm at 5:18 pm |
  146. Mike, Syracuse, NY

    Ruty: Why do these republicans keep bringing up the color of skin? Why don't you rich OLD white men realize people of color are as smart as you–if not smarter.Ruty,

    Average IQ of a white American =100
    Average IQ of an African American= 85
    These are real statistics confirmed by dozens of studies. Before the inevitable racist chants, Google 'IQ by race.' The most recent studies have concluded that the difference is genetic, not due to culture, testing differences, or upbringing.

    May 26, 2009 05:19 pm at 5:19 pm |
  147. greg

    so its ok for the right to bring up Steele's race when being hired, but the left gets crucified whenever some non-white gets hired and race is not brought up?

    talk about a party full of double standards.

    May 26, 2009 05:20 pm at 5:20 pm |
  148. Possum

    The reason you see very little in the way of factual cogent Conservative rebuttal? They are filtering. That's what you liberals voted for – freedom from truth...just Hope and Change.

    May 26, 2009 05:21 pm at 5:21 pm |