One more quick one, then I’m through with the election (for a while). Wanted to say, I saw Michael Steele on television last night — and thought he did very well. I thought he was measured, persuasive, likable, and altogether impressive. This was the Steele I was excited about, back when he was lieutenant governor of Maryland. This was the Steele whose rise I was so looking forward to. I wrote a piece about him — this was 2005 — called “A Horse of a Different Color: Maryland’s Michael Steele and the courage of the black Republican.” (Go here.)
As RNC chairman, he had a very rocky start. He seems to have found his footing now. And I hope that excellent new opportunities open up for him in the future. He has a lot to contribute. It will be hard for him to win office, though. It will certainly be hard in Maryland.
Bob Ehrlich has failed in his bid there. As I say in Impromptus today, Maryland seems pretty much hopeless — too “blue” for even the best “red.” I further say, Ehrlich might well have an easier time winning the presidency of the United States than the governorship of Maryland. He would make a splendid president, too. He’s a total ace, not just on domestic policy, but also on foreign policy: foursquare and fearless. Reminds me of Reagan, even more of Thatcher. Throw in some George W. Bush too (which is fine by me, incidentally).
Oh, well.
I don't think he's necessarily a "total ace" on the abortion question, as one absolutely superb, incomparable writer reported, although, as he said, he might be as "good as you get" in Maryland:
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Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseSteele is like Obama.
With practice, he can sound great. He aint.
I noticed he was not with the leadership during their morning press conference. I hope that means much.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseNo seat is unwinnable by the GOP. We just need the right candidate. Problem is, many people who should be in charge will never run.
Why didn't Giuliani run for office in NY? He could have been governor or senator elect today and helped carry a few seats on his coattails.
Why didn't Michael Steele call Joe Manchin the day Byrd died and try to convert him to the GOP? Manchin is more of a conservative republican than many currently serving in the senate. He is pro-life, NRA A+, likes coal mining and hates Obamacare. In his tv commercials, he literally shot guns at symbols of the Obama administration. He could have switched parties and been a GOP win.
We just need to find the right candidates and encourage them to actually run with us.
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abusegullyborg - You're exactly right. The Quixotic hubris of Giuliani and Pataki (both of whom still harbor presidential delusions) is too blame for the GOP squandering a golden opportunity to take both the governorship and Gillibrand's Senate seat in NY. Giuliani could have waltzed to the executive's mansion even over Cuomo and Pataki would have had favorable odds to knock-off Gillibrand in her first election. Being stuck with Paladino and two no-name Senate candidates was a drag on the down-ballot races and probably caused losses in the AG and Comptroller races, as well as a few House races.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseMaureen Dowd is more of a republican than George Pataki- I'd help clean up the mess he left here in New York, but I have several knives in my back that need attending first...
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseWhen Howard Dean took over the DNC, it seemed like it was going to be a total clown show. Then 2006 happened, and Dean didn't look so crazy after all.
Steele sounds like he "gets it" as far as the Tea Party challenge goes (crucially important), and he's gotten much better at PR lately (mostly by being seen a lot less.)
Republican party had a very good night, so give Steele a little credit for once. Hopefully this is a sign of what's to come in 2012.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseWith all due respect, there's not a snowball's chance Manchin would have entertained switching parties for a microsecond. He would have instantly become radioactive ot the West Vitginia Democratic machine he had spent his whole punlic career working his way through. Not a chance in the world that would have happened.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseYes!
Affirmative Action Repubics Chairman, could never win anything himself (ceremonial position of Lieutenant Governor does not count), screwed up all he could during his tenure, did not raise much money - what's not to like?
Spent $8M in CA on Fiorina who lost by 10 points while NV, CO and WA campaigns were starving.
The man is genius!
Nominate him for presidency!
Nominate Nordly for VP!
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