Washington (CNN) - Another prominent conservative is asking Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele to resign, calling his comments on the war in Afghanistan "deeply disappointing and wrong."
Liz Cheney, a former State Department official and daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, said in a statement released Saturday that Steele must go.
"RNC Chairman Michael Steele's comments about the war in Afghanistan were deeply disappointing and wrong," Cheney said. "The chairman of the Republican party must be unwavering in his support for American victory in the war on terror – a victory that cannot be accomplished if we do not prevail in Afghanistan. I endorse fully Bill Kristol's letter to Chairman Steele. It is time for Chairman Steele to step down."
Cheney, a founding member of Keep America Safe, a conservative advocacy group focused on national security and foreign policy issues, is not the first to call for Steele's resignation. On Friday, influential conservative and editor of the Weekly Standard William Kristol called on Steele to step down.
Kristol was joined by former South Carolina GOP chairman Katon Dawson, who finished second to Michael Steele in the Republican National Committee chairman's race last year, and also called on the committee to oust their embattled chairman.
The controversy was sparked by Steele's comments made at a Republican fundraiser in Connecticut Thursday. A YouTube video shows the RNC chairman declaring of the war in Afghanistan, "This was a war of Obama's choosing."
"This is not something the United States actively prosecuted or wanted to engage in," he added.
That statement is at odds with the fact the United States led a NATO coalition with overwhelming public support to invade Afghanistan in the wake of the September 11 attacks.
Steele also appeared to suggest any conflict in Afghanistan may be unwinnable.
On Friday, the RNC defended Steele.
"The Chairman clearly supports our troops but believes that success of the war effort in Afghanistan requires the ongoing support of the American people," RNC Communications Director Doug Heye said.
And late Friday afternoon, Steele issued his own statement on the matter, saying that "During the 2008 Presidential campaign, Barack Obama made clear his belief that we should not fight in Iraq, but instead concentrate on Afghanistan. Now, as President, he has indeed shifted his focus to this region. That means this is his strategy. And, for the sake of the security of the free world, our country must give our troops the support necessary to win this war," Steele said.
"As we have learned throughout history, winning a war in Afghanistan is a difficult task. We must also remember that after the tragedy of September 11, 2001, it is also a necessary one. That is why I supported the decision to increase our troop force and, like the entire United States Senate, I support General Petraeus' confirmation. The stakes are too high for us to accept anything but success in Afghanistan."
-CNN's Alexander Mooney, Peter Hamby and Sarah Baker contributed to this report
From CNN Politics
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"That statement is at odds with the fact the United States led a NATO coalition with overwhelming public support to invade Afghanistan in the wake of the September 11 attacks."
um... "at odds with the fact"; you mean a complete lie?
I AM NOT A FRIEND OF MICHEAL STEELE , , , , , BUT , , , ,
I would 'not' trust Liz Cheney's opinion on any thing political. Come on, , , , stop and think about it. She has absolutely NO real credibility on politics.
Liz has 'never' run for office. Liz has 'never' run any politician's campaign. Liz has lived a silver-spoon life and talking big while standing on her daddy's (Vice President Cheney) shoulders.
Once Liz goes and accomplish something then I may listen to what she has to say.
Please tell me who Liz is? She has any knowledge or expertise that would allow her to speak?
He's just another Republican hypocrite trying to rewrite history, and think that people are stupid enough to listen to his stupidity, oh wait a minute Republicans are stupid enough to listen him, they listened to George Worstever Bush when he lied this country into the war in Iraq.
That was the war o Bush's choosing.
So lets get history straight Mr. Steele and the stupid Republican that will listen to this rewriting of history nonsense.
Thank God for Michael Steele, Michelle Bachmann and Sara Palin. These are gifts to the Democratic Party. These idiots are making the republican camp smaller and they are driving more democrats to the polls. The Arizona Governor is also in danger of losing Arizona for the republicans. President Obama was not elected because of his color, he was elected because he is a brilliant man, unlike our last president, Michael Steele on the other hand, was appointed the house negro by the republicans to take pot shots at President Obama, without being accused of racism. This is backfiring on the party of Archie Bunker who traditionally have been against minorities,
Another Dick Cheney puppet! GWah was first and now his daughter speaks his mind.
Who gives a rat's A** what Liz Cheney thinks?
enough with this irrelevant story already. steeles is a clown,whose statement is complete opposite from the rep party. When is CNN going to cover that the democrats in the house of reps, introduced a bill to stop the war in afghanistan now. YOU THINK that's a story,duh.Also, nancy pelosi and other democrats voted to put conditions on funding the war. YOU THINK thats's a story, duh. CNN is just a political rag,that picks and chooses stories based on how it makes liberals and democrats look-Pretty sad commentary on CNN.
What kind of times do we live in when freedom of speech is amended to include the clause "at the cost of your job?"
That's right Republican's get rid of him – he should have been ashamed to take this token position in the first place. Everyone knows, the last place republican's want to see a black man is the head of anything...
Michael Steele is a bonafide twit. With the GOP having leadership such as this, how can they expect to win over Independents such as myself in any forthcoming election?
He reminds me of that old toy, the Slinky. He stretches the truth and when he is caught he retracts. Mikey, it's time to go.
Liz Cheney and the other Republicans calling for his resignation are spot-on. I am not a big fan of Obama right now, but I'd vote for the Democrats on a straight ticket from meter maid to Governor if a vote were being held today. C'mon you Republicans, show some oompa-loompas.
Who gives a flip about what Liz Cheney has to say?
– "This is not something the United States actively prosecuted or wanted to engage in." –
Talk about a selective memory. It was widely supported by both Democrats and Republicans and certainly by the Bush administration. Get rid of this clown.
If She was honest, She would include all GOP/Tea-party hacks.
Oh, please, don't take him away from me!
I am looking forward to many more deep thoughts from Chairman Steele
and hope that some day he will wright a book explaining how he comes up with these utterances.
You are correct Steele.
Is the implication of Michael Steele's statement that we just invaded Afghanistan since President Obama took office?
I can't decide. Is he ignorant or just a lying hypocrite? Personally, I'm leaning more toward lying hypocrite.
Michael Steel was elected as the GOP tried their token inclusiveness. Their ruse at trying to confuse people of their real values fooled few people. Obviously he has not attracted any of the minorities into the GOP ranks. He's got to go now!
And late Friday afternoon, Steele issued his own statement on the matter, saying that "During the 2008 Presidential campaign, Barack Obama made clear his belief that we should not fight in Iraq, but instead concentrate on Afghanistan. Now, as President, he has indeed shifted his focus to this region. That means this is his strategy. And, for the sake of the security of the free world, our country must give our troops the support necessary to win this war," Steele said.
Sorry Steele it is too little to late. and incase you forgot it was your party that took their eyes of the Afghan war to start a war in Iraq. I love for the RNC to keep you because you are a great gift to the Dems.
Has Boss Limbaugh called for Steele's resignation yet? After all. Rush is the REAL head of the Republican Party. He owns the RNC outright, having purchased it with his uncounted millions after the GOP drubbing in 2008.
...How was the war in Afghanistan "Obama's choosing???" Last time I checked it was the entire country's choosing.
Who said what?.....This is just ridiculous!
I don't care a whit about Michael Steele, but, really people, who is Liz Cheney? She is the daughter of a former vice president. She is nothing but a publicity seeking, narcissistic offspring of a famous man. I don't listen to Chelsea Clinton. I couldn't care less what the Gore daughters say. And even though their dad was worst of all, at least the Bush twins are smart enough to know that no one cares what they have tp say.
Liz Cheney is nothing but hot air. But we don't have to listen to her, and CNN, and the rest of the media, would be wise to just ignore her. Maybe then all the Cheneys will simply go away. One can only hope.
Shut up Liz! How about your resignation?
No! Leave him in there! He's the smartest, most non-political, and most non-race/token-motivated choice the RNC has ever made!