Michael Steele: African-Americans "don’t have a reason" to vote Republican; we've "alienated many minority voters"

By GottaLaff

Can you imagine if it had been a Democrat saying this? There would be screams of "racist!" and 24/7 news recycling of accusatory punditiot after punditiot, as if on a loop. The GOP would be demanding apologies and the condemnation would be so loud, we'd all have to wear ear muffs:

Why should an African-American vote Republican?

"You really don't have a reason to, to be honest -- we haven't done a very good job of really giving you one. True? True," Republican National Chairman Michael Steele told 200 DePaul University students Tuesday night.

Racist! Oh, sorry. I forgot he's the RNC chair, so it's a-ok.

"We have lost sight of the historic, integral link between the party and African-Americans," Steele said. "This party was co-founded by blacks, among them Frederick Douglass. The Republican Party had a hand in forming the NAACP, and yet we have mistreated that relationship. People don't walk away from parties, Their parties walk away from them.

"For the last 40-plus years we had a 'Southern Strategy' that alienated many minority voters by focusing on the white male vote in the South. Well, guess what happened in 1992, folks, 'Bubba' went back home to the Democratic Party and voted for Bill Clinton."

When Democrats have suggested the very same thing... well, you know.

I wish Michael would get out there even more than he does. He's so very entertaining.

Tony Perkins warns GOP that supporters could switch to Tea Party

By GottaLaff

On April Fool's Day, Tony Perkins came out with this:

"If you can't run a party, you can't run a country."

He told donors to withhold their money, to refrain from donating to the RNC. And he wasn't April Fooling.

Today is April 8th. It only took Perkins a week to come up with a new quote or twelve:

“I think the Republicans have to realize they're not operating in a vacuum. Now, while Democrats may be in trouble coming into November's election, the Republicans are not the only game in town,” Perkins told us on ABC’s “Top Line” today.

“As we see the Tea Party movement taking on a life of its own, the Republicans have some competition, which I think is actually good for the conservative vote. And they're going to have to be responsible with how they spend their money, they're going to have to be I think very measured in their message, and that they are embracing a conservative message …. ”

Shorter Perkins: Shape up or we go all Tea Tantrum on you.

Shorter 2010 elections:

VIDEO- Ex-Steele Adviser: "Change in leadership" would be good for the RNC

By GottaLaff

Michael Aluminuminum is in a pickle of his own doing:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

On the one hand, there is Rachel Maddow who believes Michael Steele is not long for the RNC chair. On the other, there is Chris Hayes, who thinks he'll stick around.

Now Alex Castellanos thinks he should go. This from the man who helped shape Steele's public image. This is not a good sign:

Alex Castellanos, who was hired late last year by the RNC to help reform Chairman Michael Steele's image, said on CNN moments ago that he thinks "a change in leadership" would be good for the RNC.

I may go with Rachel on this one. The rats, they are leaving the ship.

VIDEO: Tony Perkins: 'If You Can't Run A Party, You Can't Run A Country'

By GottaLaff

Yesterday I posted about the Family Research Council urging donors to withhold donations to the RNC. Ouch.

Here's some video to buttress that. Watch Tony Perkins saying how much he likes Michael Steele, and it is the RNC that has to deal with all the suckitude:

Tuh-WEET! Scarborough wants Michael Steele out

By GottaLaff

Michael the Quitter? Why not? If it's good enough for HalfGov McBumpits, it's good enough for Steele, per Joe Scarborough:


For once I agree with MoJo. And so do other GOP leaders.

I'd rather he stick around. I'm betting I'm not alone.

CA Republican Erik Brown return RNC money; RNC cultivated young donors at Voyeurs

By GottaLaff


Michael Steele is toast. His sexcapades at the bondage-themed Voyeur club (that features topless dancers simulating sex acts), where he blew nearly two grand to hang with the who's who of voyeuritude, is getting blowback. (Fun with words!)

A California-based political consultant who charged the Republican National Committee nearly $2,000 for a night out at Voyeur - a risque West Hollywood nightclub now at center of the latest controversy surrounding RNC chairman Michael Steele - will return the money to the party, a committee spokesman told CNN Monday.

Erik Brown, president of the Orange County-based Dynamic Marketing, Inc., was re-imbursed in February for $1,946.25 worth of charges at the nightclub, according to the RNC's latest filing with the Federal Election Commission. [...]

Brown's firm, which also has an office in Washington, D.C., has done direct mail and consulting work for GOP candidates in California including Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, now a candidate for Senate, and Steve Poizner, the state Insurance Commissioner now running for governor.

Erik and Mikey are bff. Well, they're at least f:

In October, Brown tweeted: "Enjoying the football game with RNC Chairman Michael Steele. (Eagles vs Redskins at FedEx Field)."

Brown closed his Twitter account after the Voyeur story broke. His Gen Next page was also scrubbed. Sadly, I accidentally closed my tab while it was still up. But luckily, Democratic Underground copied the text and his photo (click on images to enlarge):

Erik Brown is Chief Executive Officer of DMI, Dynamic Marketing Inc. a direct marketing/media production company with offices in California and Washington DC. DMI provides services for corporations, political campaigns, issue advocacy groups, fundraising professionals, and various private concerns. Recipients of the prestigious AAPC Pollie Award in 2008, DMI’s portfolio includes work for notable candidates as well as a several prominent elected officials and public policy organizations.

A graduate of the University of California Irvine with a degree in Political Science, Erik has been an active member of The National Honor Society, Young Republicans, Friends of the NRA, Claremont Institute, and the Sheriff's Advisory Council. Apart from a passion for politics and a driving commitment to advocate on behalf of founding principles, Erik is a sportsman and a mentor to young athletes. As an ice hockey coach for over 12 years, his teams have won acclaim as State, District, and National Champions.

Erik is married to Alison Brown, a graduate of Chapman University and an MBA student at UCI’s Merage School of business. Alison has served as President of the Illuminating Engineers Society of Southern California, a mainstay of her industry. A former director of the Sunday school, Alison and Erik reside in Las Flores, California and are actively involved in the ministries of their local church.

Here's what is there now:

But wait! There's more!

What exactly was going on at that little Voyeurpalooza?

A $1,946.25 bar tab at a bondage-themed Hollywood nightclub financed by the RNC was part of a night of cultivating young Republican donors [...]

The California blog Red County reported that the outing at Voyeur West Hollywood was an after-party for a number of young Republicans who attended a Young Eagles event that night at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Those would be the same under-40s who are pallin' around with Blackwater for a fundraiser in April. I wrote about that earlier here.

The Party of No is morphing into the Party Party.

H/t: Windy City Watch, Gr8RDH

Michael Steele spent $1946.25 watching "half-naked ladies simulating oral sex on each other"

By GottaLaff

This is how Michael Steele rolls!

Presenting the face-- the chair-- of the RNC:

[...] Michael Steele considered buying a private plane, because he spends so much time flying to nightclubs and Hawaii, but he decided not to. Instead he found many other creative ways to waste money.

Once on the ground, FEC filings suggest, Steele travels in style. A February RNC trip to California, for example, included a $9,099 stop at the Beverly Hills Hotel, $6,596 dropped at the nearby Four Seasons, and $1,620.71 spent [update: the amount is actually $1,946.25] at Voyeur West Hollywood, a bondage-themed nightclub featuring topless women dancers imitating lesbian sex.

Now, Voyeur is not really a "strip club" so much as a terrible-sounding nightclub with bottle service, long lines, Lindsay Lohan, and, yes, half-naked ladies simulating oral sex on each other.

Hey, whatever floats your... floaties. Or maybe he went invested because he needed someone, or something, to inflate them again.... on his party's dime.

Here are some commenters' reviews of the club, via Yelp:

[...] There are topless "dancers" acting out S&M scenes throughout the night on one of the side stages, there's a half-naked girl hanging from a net across the ceiling and at one point I walked to the bathroom and pretty much just stopped dead in my tracks to watch two girls simulating oral sex in a glass case.

Really understated elegance here.

Also, Lindsay Lohan was at our table at one point.

***

As good as it gets in terms of places to be in LA. I can say this place is full of nothing but incredily attractive women, rich guys, and celebrities. Voyeur is very very exclusive and unless your a 8 or above ladies or willing to get bottle service ( 2 bottles =$1,100) fellas, be prepared to be turned away. I think this is one of the hottest places that I've been to in my many years in LA. The half naked models and topless dancers alone is worth the price of admission.

***

The layout of the club is terrible, and decor is not that inspiring... but Naked chicks + live porn + celebs. What more could a girl ask for?? A+ in my book. Beware of the ladies hanging above you in nets - they whip the occasional unsuspecting drunkie. Scared the bejeezus out of me. Also beware if you're ugly you won't get in.

[Note: Edited for accuracy; some text removed]

Family values are alive and well in the Rushpublic party. So is hypocrisy.

And they fired David Frum for simply opining about that hip, good-looking, sexy, jet-setting party that Steele represents. Go figure.

Voyeur Club photo via Yelp

RNC says "no" to joint statement calling for civility

By GottaLaff

Greg Sargent has two interesting tidbits to share with us.

Tidbit numero uno:

Has anyone else noticed that the Dem efforts to demand that Republican leaders condemn the threats and intimidation have suddenly gone silent today? I’m told Dems made a concerted decision to dial down the noise.

IMHO, they weren't noisy enough. But what do I know?

Tidbit numero dos:

Speaking of threats and intimidation, DNC spokesman Brad Woodhouse emails that the DNC sent a letter to RNC chair Michael Steele today asking him to issue a joint statement calling for civility. The RNC declined, Woodhouse says, which makes sense, since GOPers wouldn’t want Dems to set the agenda on this story.

But of course they declined. Politics are much more important than the health and welfare of the country. Better to maintain the boiling hot tone than to show any sign of unity. Benefiting one's party is the priority, not benefiting the nation.

Well, at least the Party of No is consistent...ly wrong.

Send your significant other a GOP Valentine's E-Card!

By GottaLaff

(click on image to enlarge)

Nothing says "love" like a Valentine's card adorned with political propaganda. And what's more convincing to do just that when the request comes from the inspiring, romantic words of Michael Steele while he has his bling-blinged hand out for donations:

Dear Fellow Republican,

This Valentine's Day, show the most important Republicans, Democrats and Independents in your life how much they mean to you by sending them a GOP Valentine's E-Card.

Pass along a special message from Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi that they didn't craft this Valentine's card behind closed doors like they did with their government-run health care experiment.

Or let President Obama extend your sincerest wishes to a loved one by claiming he's saved or created millions of Valentine's -- just like his party has claimed that the wasteful, pork-filled stimulus bill has created or saved thousands, 1.5 million or 2 million jobs depending on which Obama Administration official you ask.

Choose from 18 different Valentine's E-Cards that the Republican National Committee has created for this very special day. Share them with all your family and friends, especially those Democrats who need to know how you feel about the wrong direction their party is dragging our country.

After you've sent your GOP Valentine's E-Cards, please take a moment to make a secure online contribution of $10, $15, $25, $50, $100 or more to help our Party continue to build momentum as the critical 2010 mid-terms elections draw nearer. Your gift will be immediately put to work helping recruit and elect Republicans committed to our conservative principles of limited government, fiscal discipline, a strong national defense and personal responsibility.

On behalf of the entire leadership of the Republican National Committee, Happy Valentine's Day!

Sincerely,

Michael Steele
Chairman, Republican National Committee

P.S. Spread the love -- just like Obama spreads your wealth -- this Valentine's Day by sending your friends and family a GOP Valentine's E-Card from the Republican National Committee. Once you've sent your e-cards, I hope you'll consider making a secure online donation of $10, $15, $25, $50, $100 or more to support the RNC's efforts to elect Republican majorities at all levels in 2010. Thank you.

---

Contributions or gifts to the Republican National Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Contributions from corporations, labor unions, federal contractors and foreign nationals
without permanent residency status are prohibited.

---

Republican National Committee | 310 First Street, SE | Washington, D.C. 20003
p: 202.863.8500 | f: 202.863.8820 | e: info@gop.com

Paid for by the Republican National Committee. 310 First Street, SE - Washington, D.C. 20003 - (202) 863-8500 www.gop.com

Thank you, Mark Karlin of BuzzFlash, for forwarding me this love-filled, Valentine's Day e-mail.

The GOP mindset, courtesy of Michael Steele

By GottaLaff

Brought to you by the RNC Chair, Michael Steele, in a debate with Harold Ford Jr. :

"Trust me, after taxes, a million dollars is not a lot of money."

One: We will never trust you.

Two: Thank you for putting things into perspective for us.

Three: A million dollars is a lot of money... you insensitive, bubble-headed, out of touch dimwit.

VIDEO- Liz Cheney to Donna Brazile: 'Please don't endorse me'

By GottaLaff



Do I have to post about Liz Cheney again? I have such an aversion. But if I don't, your eye will start to wander, you'll start flirting with other blogs, and then... then... the inevitable break-up. Sniffle.

I'll do just about anything to keep us together. I'm just that needy:

"Liz, are you looking for a job?," Democratic strategist Donna Brazile teased Sunday when the two women were asked about Steele Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.

"Thanks," Cheney responded, "Donna, please don't endorse me for that."

"Go head, girl. Go head. Go head, girl. Go head." Brazile, a member of the Democratic National Committee, joked as she playfully nudged Cheney who was sitting right next to Brazile.

Of course, we all know that Lizard can't possibly think about chairing the RNC... not when she's busy prepping her Big 2012 Presidential Bid.

Maybe she can ask Secession Ricky to be her running mate.

VIDEO: "How do you know the earth is cooling?" Michael Steele: "I don't!"

By GottaLaff



At about 7:17, you'll see the relevant segment.

Embarrass yourself much, Mikey?

Oh wait. I've answered that question for him in about 813943998 posts. But this was new and improved, refreshingly minty fresh humiliation. Hey genius, here are the facts:

Climate experts and scientists reject the idea that a number of relatively cool years in the last decade are any indication of “global cooling.” “It is a misinterpretation of the data and of scientific knowledge to point to one year as the warmest on record…and then to extrapolate that cooler subsequent years invalidate the reality of global warming and its effects,” U.N. World Meteorological Organization secretary-general Michael Jarraud said. In fact, independent statisticians have called the global cooling myth “not scientifically legitimate.”

Of course, the actual science is clear. This has been the hottest decade in recorded history. Climate change is real. The earth is warming, and it is man-made.

If you can't back up what you put out there with facts, Mr. RNC, then know when to zip it.

As I type this, I'm watching Hardball, and the guest is an expert, one of the Union of Concerned Scientists, who is giving us a global warming reality check. One guess on who she agrees with.

Hint: Mikey isn't one of the "forward thinking" types to whom she has referred.

No, really? RNC Embraces Obstructionism

By GottaLaff

From the Department of Couldn't Be More Wrong:

In a new strategy memo, RNC chair Michael Steele said that Republicans should do everything they can to stop the health care reform bill because that's what Americans want.

Writes Steele: "I urge everyone to spend every bit of capital and energy you have to stop this health care reform. The Democrats have accused us of trying to delay, stall, slow down, and stop this bill. They are right. We do want to delay, stall, slow down, and ultimately stop them from experimenting on our nation's health care. And guess what, so do a majority of Americans."

No, you ignorant, inept excuse for a "leader", that is not what Americans want. Seen this?

You really have to go read that strategy memo. Then file it under "sick humor". Here are few examples:

Looking at the mood of the American electorate, the strategy in the health care debate is clear: be with the people and listen to the people. We don’t have to manufacture anything. [...]

And if frustrated Americans in their districts continue to be ignored, there will be consequences next November, just like we saw last month in New Jersey and Virginia.

I guess New York's 23rd slipped his mind.

Some things are more important than politics. This is one of those times. Please do everything you can to stop this bill … before it is too late.

RNC purity test designed to 'stick it' to Steele, ally claims

By GottaLaff

Those durned Purity Rules are becoming a bit of a sticky wicket for Michael Aluminuminum.

Yes, stickin' it to Steele is quite the little hobby these days. Maybe someone will start a Steele's Been Stuck Magazine or a new cable Stick It to Steele Channel:

"You've got a few backbenchers who are unhappy," said Shawn Steel, an RNC member from California and one of the chairman's top supporters on the committee. "They don't have the power they once had under the previous chairman, and that's what motivating this. This is an attempt to stick it to Chairman Steele by the losers."

Awww, poor widdle Mikey. He's been officially stuck... and by losers! He is the King of Stickitude. The Stick Dude. The StickMeister. StickaLickaDingDong.

Citing e-mail exchanges with his fellow committee members, Steel estimated that almost 80 percent of the RNC opposes the purity test. "This resolution will fail," Steel told CNN. "It will absolutely fall on its face. The resolution was just to stir the pot. It's for reporters."

And, indeed, the reporters are lapping it up. Mikey has been reduced to a stick figure, but he managed to do that all on his own. Stick Man Steele:

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the effect Rushpublic purity has on the Chair of the RNC. Or should I say, the Stick Chair.

VIDEO- Michael Steele: White Republicans are scared of me

By GottaLaff

Welcome back to the Michael Steele Show, folks! This week's episode is brought to you by "Yessiree!" Just pop one "Yessiree!" pill with a big glass of gullibility every day, and you'll finally be able to swallow anything Steele throws at you:



However, you may have to swallow hard:

Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman Michael Steele, who is known for making controversial statements, on Sunday said that white Republicans are afraid of him.

Steele also took aim at some in his own party last week as well, saying that he would "come after" centrist Republicans who support healthcare reform.

Yessiree! Gulp.

VIDEO- Pat Buchanan: Michael Steele Had A Kanye West Moment

By GottaLaff

Michael Steele, the RNC chair, had this to say regarding President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize win:

"The real question Americans are asking is, 'What has President Obama actually accomplished?' It is unfortunate that the president's star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights. One thing is certain - President Obama won't be receiving any awards from Americans for job creation, fiscal responsibility, or backing up rhetoric with concrete action."

What a guy, huh? That's some party leader, always knowing just the right thing to say.

Or not. Pat Buchanan had this to say about what Michael Steele had to say:

Steele calls GOP “the party of no,” says health care reform will fail

I was really rather surprised how strong Steele was on MTP yesterday. Or maybe Kaine was so weak it made Steele seem strong?

RNC to Rebrand Democrats as "Socialists"

When they first floated this even Michael Steele knew how stupid it was. No ideas, just stunts. Via Taegan.

A RNC member tells Roger Simon that when committee members meet in an extraordinary special session next week, they will approve a resolution rebranding Democrats as the "Democrat Socialist Party."

RNC Chairman Michael Steele didn't want the meeting to be held, but members exercised "a rarely used party rule that allows any 16 RNC members from 16 different states to demand a special meeting" forcing Steele's hand.

"A further comeuppance -- a vote of 'no confidence' in Steele -- is not being contemplated, I am informed, because Steele's opponents in the RNC have already won a major victory by forcing him to accept greater controls on how he spends party funds."

RNC Chair Steele Foolishly Boasted That NY Special Election Was ‘Credible Repudiation’ Of Obama

This guy is a treasure trove of oops. Via Think Progress-

The New York special election was held on March 31, 2009. Wasting absolutely no time, the very next day, Steele wrote an audacious -- and foolish -- op-ed in Politico, triumphantly declaring the outcome a defeat for President Obama's agenda:

Tedisco’s victory will be a credible repudiation of the spending spree that Obama and Congress have been on since January. Even the executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee acknowledged over the weekend that the race was “a referendum on the Economic Recovery Act and Barack Obama’s policies.” Well, the DCCC is right — this likely Republican victory is a referendum on the president. [...]

Well, the voters have spoken, and while the results are still pending, Republicans are confident that the final vote tallies will show those voters have rejected the president’s approach. [...]

The ground has shifted, and is shifting, as the voters become increasingly worried about Obamanomics. [...]

Tuesday’s election was a vote of "no confidence" in the Democrats’ tax, spend and borrow approach. I hope Obama and congressional Democrats are listening.

"That's a seat that we should be able to go in and be competitive and win," Steele said prior to the special election. "I'm gonna put -- make it a focal point, right out of the box."

Huge oops.

Michael Steele demands more delegates 'of color'

By GottaLaff

That whacky, zany Michael Steele. He must have taken a gander at this. But hey, he's nobody's fool, nosireebob, he calls it as he sees it. The Rushpublics have a problem? Poof! Michael Aluminuminum will solve it. What a sly, wily ol' leader he is:

Republican National Chairman Michael Steele is urging Florida Republicans to send delegates who “look like Florida” to the next GOP National Convention.

“Could you help a brother out? No more national conventions with 36 people of color in the room,” Steele told fellow Republicans on Monday, according to the Miami Herald.

He's right. The goal should be to get that number to shoot right up to at least 37. Okay, with a little luck and elbow grease, 38. I doubt they'll be able to do better than that though, so let's keep things realistic.

“Please send some folks to the convention that look like Florida,” he implored.

They want people who look like this?

No comment.

Steele told Republicans that it was “time to get busy” and fight back against Democrats who have been building on a voter registration edge in Florida.

“We want to turn around those voter registration numbers. We want to turn around the turnout. And we want to keep Florida competitive for the Republican Party and not cede any ground, any area or any vote to the Democrats,” he said.

Here's an idea: Start coming up with actual, you know, ideas. Inclusive, constructive, 21st century ones. Yeah. Start there.