In Robert Caro’s first volume on Lyndon Johnson: The Path to Power there was a line that was used to describe Lyndon Johnson in his early political years:
Lyndon goes the way the wind blows
Apparently on Abortion as the American Spectator reports so does Michael Steele.
But the reality of Steele is quite different. He is proving himself to be a shape shifter who is trying to please everybody, but in the end delivering a completely muddled message. Ultimately no pro-choice independent or Democrat is going to be more inclined to become a Republican as a result of that GQ interview, because Steele comes off like a bumbling clown who is trying to have it both ways. The mere fact that we have to have a whole debate over what he means demonstrates that he’s doing a terrible job at communicating. And lest we forget, communication was supposed to be his strong suit.
That is the political reason for rejecting him. Captain Ed agrees:
I have seen the man speak with conviction and passion at conservative events and leave everyone mightily impressed, but now we have to wonder whether Steele just tailored the message for the audience, as he appears to have done with Hughley and GQ. I don’t necessarily buy that, as he has easier ways to get media air time than being in the Republican Party, but it’s hard not to ask the question these days.
One thing is certain: he’s a lot less media savvy than most of us thought. And since he doesn’t seem to have much skill in organization, we have to ask ourselves why we should support his continued tenure as RNC chair.
You tell me what pro life person is going to give to the Republican National Committee with him in charge?
Some National Review readers are a little more flexible but on this subject a Catholic can’t be. I’ve seen enough “Roman Catholics” who are personally opposed to abortion but vote the other way. I can’t stomach it. If Mr. Steele doesn’t have the courage of his convictions to stand up for his own expressed beliefs I have no use for him. I suggest he take advantage of the Lenten season to avail himself of the sacrament.
I don’t think he will last to the end of next week. It’s just an amazing bit of timing that Rush is off the air for the next two days when this is happening.
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