WASHINGTON (CNN) – Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele defended Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's decision to step down from her post, saying Thursday that he admired her decision to "focus on her family," adding that the "brain trust here in Washington" should "wait to see what she does."
Steele also said that Palin is not a quitter and called that notion a "wonderful Democrat talking point."
"You have to take her at face value, why she made that decision when she did and then, let's wait to see what Sarah does next," Steele said in an interview with Wolf Blitzer on the Situation Room. "Then, that will begin to give you some idea of how that story will unfold. All the pontificating, stop it. Wait to see what she does."
Earlier in the month, the Republican National Committee Chairman suggested Palin's decision to leave the governor's mansion early was a sign she did not intend to run in 2012.
"Not having talked to the governor, I take 2012 off the table right now simply because given everything she's going through personally, dealing with the financial mess that all these ludicrous investigations have put her and Todd in, at the moment, I think she's trying to focus on getting her house in order, her personal house in order," he said.
Also in the interview Thursday, Steele said fixing the health care system is the first priority for Republicans, but continued his heavy criticism of President Obama's plan - declaring all Americans shouldn't get taxed more to pay for health care reform, but that the overall costs need to be lowered. Earlier in the day, the RNC launched a Web site also criticizing Obama's plan.
"We do not have to tax and spend our way to deal with the costs," Steele said. "With where in American history or anywhere have you saved money by spending more money?"
From CNN Politics
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shes is hands down the dumbest politician in america – truly our worst.
Steele, along with the rest of Republican leadership, is so out of touch with any semblance of the twenty first century and the attendant problems, it looks as if they will never regain the national spotlight until they lose some of these bozos like Palin, Romney, etc. No chance for these guys, they will be going up against too much Obama for them. He will have a war chest in the neighborhood of a billion. So the Republican "Brain Trust", in reality is non-existent.
Are you f'ing kidding me? SHE'S A QUITTER. That's what "stepping down" means. Give me a break.
I don't understand why people vote for stupid republicans. They are just plain stupid and I don't understand why anyone would want a stupid person making decisions for them. Every republican I know is stupid. I guess smart republican is an oxymoron. <<<>>>>
She is not a quitter. A good point guard knows when to pass the ball, always looking at the basket. There ya go again, Joe, pointing the finger backwards. You betcha I am going to progress the things I believe in . . .
Run Sarah, run, please. . . pretty please, with sugar on it.
What is missing in this picture? If the republicans would spend as much time and effort in governing, instead of quitting, maybe – just maybe – we could dig out of the whole they dug us into.
She flipping QUIT. Period. Just as she QUIT every job she has ever held. If that doesn't say a great deal about her CHARACTER, I doubt nothing will.
Financial mess, Steele? Her public defense fund is footing the bill. She hasn't doled out one cent, for pete's sake, nor will she have to.
Geesh, when will the lies ever stop coming from this party? Sad as this is, I really think these idiots actually believe their own spin.
Who cares what a quitter does?
"brain trust in Washington" is an oxymoron.
Whatever she does she'll always be a quitter for leaving her elected post.
HA! The words "brain" and "trust" are not two words I'd use to describe Republicans in Washington.
I was taught that if you have a job and you don't finish that job then you are a quitter. So please explain to me how she isn't a quitter. Did she not finish the job that she was elected to do, so isn't that quitting?
Classic example of GOP spin
Palin quite her job, but she's not a quitter (isn't the definition of a quitter, one who quits??)
Wow-and that is being said with a straight face!!
I'm just glad that Palin is done politically!!
Poor Sarah, how could such a good Christian have forgotten Galatians 6:7:
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap"
She and the GOP will be left to wander in the desert, ignorant of their own unrighteousness and arrogance
You know, after watching the Republicans during the Sotomayor hearings this week, I think Palin might actually be the best hope the GOP has in 2012.
just don't bother about her...let her cook for her hubby...ok...and take care of her children.....she knows by now, politics is dirty....
These people who say Palin isn't a quitter do not know the definition of "quitter" is. She hasn't been fired or retired from her job as governor. I wonder what word they would substitute for the word "quitter?"
Palin has a bright future in whatever she does. Hopefully, she will run for presdent. We need her.
She quit her job, half way through an agreement with she made with the voters and the people of Alaska. Not for a higher job in washington or anything like that, she just quit.
How is that maverick?
Makes you wonder if she would have quit half way through a term as vice President, dont it?
What is all this leading to?
A person quits but is not a quitter but a talking point?
I am really getting frustrated at the way these people in politics seem to think that the general public is just plain stupid. These spin doctors, in all the political parties, don't realize just how these things sound.
Next they will say a person who lies is not a liar.
who cares!!!
she speaks the truth and from the heart, the people that don't like her don't have to listen to her, but they do that and much more don't they? Team Sarah!
Uncle Mike will save us, and the GOP,just ask uncle Steve,the real one.hahaha
I can't wait to see the new Sarah Palin line of womens clothing at Wal-mart! She'd be perfect to travel around the country, from Wal-mart to Wal-mart and explain how hockey moms can benefit from her slimming fashions.
So if I leave my job, what does that make me? A QUITTER...just like Palin.
the "brain trust here in Washington", man, that let's him out, doesn't it? Steele, the only person in the GOP LESS relevant than Palin.
Again, the republicans say the Dems are wrong on healthcare but bring no ideas to the table.
You repubs need to help us fix things or get out of the way.
Help us since you think you have all the answers. Healthcare costs have been ruining hard working americans for over a decade now. We NEED relief.