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Another Day, Another "Michael Steele Said What?" Post

Today's moment of awesomeness...abortion with GQ.

How much of your pro-life stance, for you, is informed not just by your Catholic faith but by the fact that you were adopted?

Oh, a lot. Absolutely. I see the power of life in that—I mean, and the power of choice! The thing to keep in mind about it… Uh, you know, I think as a country we get off on these misguided conversations that throw around terms that really misrepresent truth.

Explain that.

The choice issue cuts two ways. You can choose life, or you can choose abortion. You know, my mother chose life. So, you know, I think the power of the argument of choice boils down to stating a case for one or the other.

Are you saying you think women have the right to choose abortion?

Yeah. I mean, again, I think that’s an individual choice.

You do?

Yeah. Absolutely.

Are you saying you don’t want to overturn Roe v. Wade?

I think Roe v. Wade—as a legal matter, Roe v. Wade was a wrongly decided matter.

Okay, but if you overturn Roe v. Wade, how do women have the choice you just said they should have?

The states should make that choice. That’s what the choice is. The individual choice rests in the states.Let them decide.

Steele has released a statement about his statement.

I am pro-life, always have been, always will be.

I tried to present why I am pro life while recognizing that my mother had a "choice" before deciding to put me up for adoption. I thank her every day for supporting life. The strength of the pro life movement lies in choosing life and sharing the wisdom of that choice with those who face difficult circumstances. They did that for my mother and I am here today because they did. In my view Roe vs. Wade was wrongly decided and should be repealed. I realize that there are good people in our party who disagree with me on this issue.

But the Republican Party is and will continue to be the party of life. I support our platform and its call for a Human Life Amendment. It is important that we stand up for the defenseless and that we continue to work to change the hearts and minds of our fellow countrymen so that we can welcome all children and protect them under the law.

The issue here seems to be his statement that, "Yeah. I mean, again, I think that’s an individual choice."

In his um, clarification, he seems to be saying that he was simply stating a fact based on the law at the moment. Okay, but that's not what he was being asked, was it? I mean, everyone knows under current law women have a choice of whether or not to have an abortion. Is Steele really maintaining the reporter from GQ was giving him a pop quiz on the state of abortion law in America or that he was answering some sort of metaphysical question about free will?

Again the question was specifically, "Are you saying you think women have the right to choose abortion?" He says, "Yeah. I mean, again, I think that’s an individual choice."

How is that not Steele saying he thinks there is a right to abortion? Did he not recognize that question for what it was? I mean, it wasn't a trick, it was pretty straight forward and yet that's his answer?

You know what would be fun? If the new chairman of the RNC could get through an interview without saying something he has to explain or clarify later. Is that asking too much?

Posted by: DrewM. at 08:38 AM



Comments

1 What I want to know is why Steele keeps taking interviews and questions about his personal views. He's Chairman of the party, every answer he gives should start out with " The Republican Party...."

Posted by: Rocks at March 12, 2009 08:44 AM (3RHzM)

2 I thought this guy was super articulate every time I saw him on tv.Than he got elected head of the RNC..........

Posted by: steevy at March 12, 2009 08:44 AM (y71+D)

3 Is it too obvious to point out, again, that this guy was just a lame, uhm... choice?

Posted by: goy at March 12, 2009 08:44 AM (BCIGN)

4 Probably coulda found a better choice of words when he called Limbaugh and Coulter "bomb-throwers."

Posted by: bunny boy at March 12, 2009 08:47 AM (YsSn7)

5 It's simply amazing to me.  And I supported him too.

It's like he really thinks that if he gives the media the answers they want to hear, that the media will treat him nicely.  Cause that worked out really well for McCain.  Did he sleep through the entire 2008 election?

Qwinn

Posted by: Qwinn at March 12, 2009 08:47 AM (/y1J0)

6

7% more voters...7% more voters...7% more voters...

yeah, not working now.

Posted by: ford at March 12, 2009 08:48 AM (Ki7fm)

7 Funny, the same situation played out almost exactly the same way in one scene of Tom Clancy's "Executive Orders."

Some questions you just can't answer honestly without pissing people off.

Posted by: apotheosis at March 12, 2009 08:49 AM (xWk3U)

8 Holy fuck, did he get dumber when he took the job or does he just get nervous under pressure and say stupid shit?

I used to listen to him when he came on with Andrew Wilkow on satellite radio all the time, and he came across as relaxed, intelligent, and articulate. Now he can't handle fifth-string opponents like DL Hughley and some hack from GQ.

I think what we have here is a case where the first round draft pick couldn't perform at the next level of competition.

Posted by: SGT Dan at March 12, 2009 08:49 AM (Pb41/)

9 Steele has a really strong, refined name.  It's the type of name you can build a battleship out of.  Other than that this guy is a disaster.

Posted by: kefka at March 12, 2009 08:49 AM (fKivs)

10 I posted this yesterday ... yall should read your comment sections

Posted by: Anti-Harkonnen Freedom Fighter at March 12, 2009 08:51 AM (5r0Tz)

11 Why is he even talking to GQ?  It's not like there are a couple 100K undecideds that read that rag.

K

Posted by: Kestrel♠ at March 12, 2009 08:54 AM (zccHr)

12 What the...? So he's saying his mother chose life, but if she'd chosen to abort him, he'd be cool with that, too? I guess this is how badly reason and ethics have become corrupted by protracted contact with the toxic issue of abortion. Far from "making us think", the word "choice" has just become an electric shock-therapy probe embedded in the brain, which obliterates thinking altogether whenever it's uttered. I guess nobody dares say that there are some things you don't have any choice over, no matter how that offends your sense of autonomy and dignity. "John Walker Lindh? Oh, he might have chosen loyalty to America, but he chose treason. And that's his choice! Choice! Choice! Choice! Beautiful, sanctifying choice!"

Posted by: Dr Mabuse at March 12, 2009 08:56 AM (AVYqB)

13

Steele's position is quite clear although not necessarily clearly stated by him.  It is also a positon that has been taken by others including The Economist.  That position is that the right to an abortion is not one guaranteed by the constitution.  It is not one of the powers that was given to the Federal Govt. in the Constitution and therefore is left to the "several states". 

This is a states rights position and one that has been espoused and defended by conservatives for 200 years.   It is also one that more conservatives would be wise to adopt rather than blind allegiance to any Dogma espoused by any party.   I know he is the leader of the Republican Party, so am I,  but that does not mean I have to walk lock step with every position of the Republican Party.

Posted by: Skippy at March 12, 2009 08:59 AM (W6GfJ)

14
You remember how some were floating the idea that McCain was purposely throwing the election for Obama?*

Well, it sure sounds like Steele is purposely sabotaging the RNC. (He sure ain't helping the RNC with these blunders.) I know it's probably just paranoia, but it doesn't seem like so much of a leap to believe the GOP has been infiltrated by the DNC. For instance, McCain's own people steered him in the wrong direction mnay times. And McCain's people badly mishandled Gov Palin's campaign.

*My little inner conspiracy-theorist tells me Shifty Paulson torpedoed McCain's candidacy. And Shifty Paulson was in kahutz with the Left.

Posted by: Darling, just an entertainer at March 12, 2009 09:00 AM (fJdbo)

15
Oh, and George Bush just called and said: "You're doing a heckuva job, Steeley."


Posted by: Darling, just an entertainer at March 12, 2009 09:01 AM (fJdbo)

16 And Steele whiffs another one.

The man just can't give a straight answer to controversial questions....and that's what conservatives are yearning for- unapologetic conservatism, explained with conviction.

I know he's a good guy, and he means well, but this just can't continue.

Posted by: Nice deb at March 12, 2009 09:03 AM (MHx40)

17 It looks like his plan to "reach out" to voter demographics is to sound like McCain-Grahamnesty in appearances toward the "middle", and then turn around and go right winger to the base to keep the donations coming. You've got to say what you mean and mean what you say, or you will fucking piss off everyone!

Good grief, I think we are fucked.

Posted by: Brian72 at March 12, 2009 09:03 AM (h6lGQ)

18 Whatever his positions, they don't matter. The outcome that he articulated is the only real possible outcome that the pro-life movement can hope for - overturning Roe v Wade and letting the states decide. 

Posted by: gm at March 12, 2009 09:05 AM (aXpYP)

19

Sadly, no major candidate of either party is allowed to have a view that differs from the party platform.  I'm a pro-choice republican.  Or perhaps I should say I'm pro-choice but republican on most other issues.

Posted by: Eric at March 12, 2009 09:07 AM (WGBbc)

20 Re 18: I should say that the only real possible outcome that the pro-life movement can hope for is overturning or eroding Roe v Wade and letting the states decide.

Posted by: gm at March 12, 2009 09:07 AM (aXpYP)

21 It's too bad that "Choice" isn't extended to public education

Choice on Abortion  ... good
Choice on Education ... bad

Perhaps we could use "card check" to organize the "unborn"

Posted by: Neo at March 12, 2009 09:08 AM (Yozw9)

22
I shoulda rapped my answer. You know, to ad some hip-hop to the Republican party.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-oice
You know wut I sayinnnn?
It's your V-v-v-oice

Yo boyz be careful
When you T-t-t-t-ap that ho's azzzzz
O' yo be buyin diapers 'n shit


Posted by: Michael Steele at March 12, 2009 09:08 AM (fJdbo)

23 #13 - You hit the nail right on the head.

That's one of my major beefs with many "conservatives". They're all for small government, and less regulation until it comes to their pet moral issue. Then their inner Stalin comes out and they toss out every other principle they support.

Conservatives talk about abortion like liberals talk about free speech: if it doesn't fit our notion of what's acceptable it must be banned via the barrel of a gun.


Posted by: Tristan Phillips at March 12, 2009 09:08 AM (0tV1H)

24 I also tend to think it doesn't matter what he says, the MSM will find a way to make a turd out of him. If he pisses off the base going for the middle, they will play that up to split the party. If he stays on principle like most of us would want, then he's just another right-wing extremist that runs off the "undecided". Also, there is that whole Clarence Thomas factor, where he's an ideological heretic for being black and Republican, like Sarah was attacked for being "against women's rights". It's a no-win situation the MSMers will set up for him. The problem is he keeps falling for it!

Posted by: Brian72 at March 12, 2009 09:09 AM (h6lGQ)

25

To me the issue here is not abortion, it's that the head of the RNC seems to be incapable of giving a clear answer and has to come back later and attempt to redefine or clarify what he claims he was trying to say. This is the second time in about two weeks he's done this, and coupled with the staffing and funding problems at the RNC it looks like this guy is in over his head.

It ain't looking good but I think it's too early for a no-confidence vote. I would give him until May 31 to get his act together and if he can't do it by then he needs to be broomed.

Posted by: Ghost of Lee Atwater at March 12, 2009 09:13 AM (sXLx/)

26 #22
That's some funny ass shiznit, my nizzle!

Posted by: Brian72 at March 12, 2009 09:13 AM (h6lGQ)

27

Once ND's bill gets to SCOTUS, this will be a National Issue

Viva: "Viva @ Concepcion"

its the DNA, CSI even knows that.

Posted by: Cromagnum at March 12, 2009 09:16 AM (UxAb/)

28 "How is that not Steele saying he thinks there is a right to abortion? Did he not recognize that question for what it was? I mean, it wasn't a trick, it was pretty straight forward and yet that's his answer?"

Maybe Drew could let people say what they want to say, and not try to interpret what he thinks they said.

"I am pro-life, always have been, always will be. '
- Michael Steele

Just what don't you understand about always have been and always will be???

Posted by: jason at March 12, 2009 09:17 AM (nRSv7)

29
Yeah, being against murdering unborn babies is my pet moral issue.

And this is why we our civilization is going socially backwards -- when we accept the Left's premise on that whole 'baby/fetus thing' and treat ending life so cavalierly.

To be clear, I'm a Conservative, I'm for small government, and I'm for my fellow humans not killing their unborn.


Posted by: Darling, just an entertainer at March 12, 2009 09:18 AM (fJdbo)

30 Steele is a failure so far.

He has hidden in the bushes and jumped in front of it himself. Bus never had a chance.

Posted by: krakatoa at March 12, 2009 09:20 AM (n4Su9)

31 We seem to now have a purity standard here where we have to parse and over-analyze everything any conservative says...it was done with Rush and now with Steele, the interpretation police is out in full force on this blog. I am sure Daily Kos and other moonbat sites are laughing their heads off, they have no concerns about what the Messiah, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Barney Frank say...they know what it means.

Posted by: jason at March 12, 2009 09:21 AM (nRSv7)

32 Since I am wishy washy and lean pro-choice on the abortion issue, this seems pretty "meh" to me. I think Roe v Wade is a crappy law, since it's pure legislation from the bench and I don't favor abortions, but I personally agree that this is a matter of individual choice as well. There's too much grey area with things like rape, incest, health of the mother, etc. to make it a cut and dried issue for me and, regardless of circumstances, I don't think that the goverment has any place in something involving parents, children, health and religious views.

I also accept that my personal views don't match with the party line. For that reason, I should never be the Republican Chairman.

His abortion comments aside, Steele really manage to bungle his statements on this issue regarding race and he again walked into a bear trap with Rush; referring to him as a right-wing Al Franken. Again, I see his point in context, but doesn't he realize that he's feeding the fire that's burning him from both side of the asile?

I don't know what happened to Steele since he got elected to his new job, but wow... all semblance of competence went right out the window.

Posted by: Damiano at March 12, 2009 09:23 AM (cfKer)

33 I do not give a rat's patoot what Michael Steele's personal opinion is on ANYTHING.  His answer to everything should be stating the RNC's platform.  He should have said "I thank God that my mother chose life, which really is the only choice the RNC believes in.  If more women would choose life and adoption instead of abortion, our country would be more morally sound."

Shut up about your own effin views on stuff.

Posted by: annie at March 12, 2009 09:24 AM (fGu28)

34

That's one of my major beefs with many "conservatives". They're all for small government, and less regulation until it comes to their pet moral issue. Then their inner Stalin comes out and they toss out every other principle they support.

You're an ass.  If you believe, as pro-life people do, that a person is a person at the point of conception, then you'd be an amoral monster not to insist that the government ensure that those people aren't murdered by their craven slut mothers.

If you don't believe that a person is a person at the point of conception, then fine.  But don't dare conflate the appeals to government intervention by pro-lifers in the matter of protecting what they see as human life with Stalinism or any other atrocity whose purpose is to enslave people for the purpose of enslaving them.

Posted by: VJay at March 12, 2009 09:24 AM (k87Wm)

35 I hope Abortion FAILS. Miserably.

Posted by: Cromagnum at March 12, 2009 09:24 AM (UxAb/)

36 "I thank her every day for supporting life."

.....and, like somebody else said ..uh, duh?

Posted by: annie at March 12, 2009 09:25 AM (fGu28)

37

To me the issue here is not abortion, it's that the head of the RNC seems to be incapable of giving a clear answer and has to come back later and attempt to redefine or clarify what he claims he was trying to say.

Yeah, and he needs to realize that the media only allows Obama and his administration to do that.  Thos are the rules they are playing by.  You need to be aware of it.  And make sure your answers aren't going to require clarification later.

Maybe Drew could let people say what they want to say, and not try to interpret what he thinks they said.

"I am pro-life, always have been, always will be. '
- Michael Steele

Just what don't you understand about always have been and always will be???

I can say I'm a 30 foot polka-dotted dinosaur.  Should you accept my word on that?  The reason Drew is doing this is because its usually when people are speaking off the cuff and without time to prepare their statement that they let out the truth in their ideology.  Its why Obama's "Spread the wealth around" statement to Joe the Plumber had such impact.  Your quote from Steele comes from his later prepared statement not his off the cuff answering of questions.  He's coming across as pulling the John Kerry Pro-Life attempt.  Claiming to personally being Pro-Life but then not wanting to force his views on his constituents.

Posted by: buzzion at March 12, 2009 09:26 AM (Lrsi6)

38 I'll be issuing a statement later today to clarify the statement I issued to clarify my original comment.

I hope that will clear this matter up.

Posted by: Michael Steele at March 12, 2009 09:29 AM (DeP/G)

39 At least he said that overturning Roe v Wade would not automatically make abortion illegal.  It would only allow states to once again decide what limits, if any, they would place on abortion.  This is essentially the same position taken by Fred Thompson, if anybody remembers him.

Posted by: OCBill at March 12, 2009 09:30 AM (OuJKA)

40 "For that reason, I should never be the Republican Chairman"

Why??? I am a pro choice Republican, although I favor parental consent laws and am against partial-birth abortion. I think Obama is a socialist, I support the war on terrorism, a strong military,  the Patriot Act, Gitmo, death penalty, strict immigration laws, tort reform, free trade, the second amendment. I am against card check and gay marriage. The fact I am pro-choice makes me (or you) a pariah? Abortion is not and should not be the central tenet of what constitutes a Republican.

Posted by: jason at March 12, 2009 09:31 AM (nRSv7)

41 get that man a teleprompter!

Posted by: heinricho at March 12, 2009 09:31 AM (Fltc2)

42

And why is the head of the RNC doing interviews?  Did we elect this guy to be the public spokesman for the party?  I was under the delusion that he was elected to get the house in order, prep the groundgame, get the money rolling in, and find decent candidates.

You know, all that stuff that he hasn't been working on while he's been off doing coffee talk with Mad Magazine and George Noory.

Posted by: VJay at March 12, 2009 09:31 AM (k87Wm)

43

The only thing I agree with, is that the States should be able to vote for or against it. If Roe v Wade is going to get oevrturned under this hotdog of a president, I want the states to have a vote on it!

And if my 14 year old neice has to drive to NY or MA to get an abortion, then so be it. Maybe the brat and others like her, will think before pulling her pants down in the first place.

And maybe more kids will be using birth control (or abstinence) instead of opting for an abortion after their bad decision punishes them with being pregnant.

Meanwhile, I am disappointed with Steele, thought much higher of him when I knew less about him. I only hope this is a bad start, and he will make up for it later when he gets used to all the limelight.

 

Posted by: Trish at March 12, 2009 09:31 AM (mTvHJ)

44 That is not the Michael Steele I thought I knew.

Posted by: M Steele at March 12, 2009 09:32 AM (n4Su9)

45

but I personally agree that this is a matter of individual choice as well. There's too much grey area with things like rape, incest, health of the mother, etc. to make it a cut and dried issue for me

You do realize that for a good portion of the pro-life crowd these are things that are the exceptions to the rule.  They tend to be accepting of an abortion in cases of those things.

Posted by: buzzion at March 12, 2009 09:32 AM (Lrsi6)

46


Ward Connerly is probably punching a wall about now.

Shelby Steele, Thomas Sowell and Walter Williams are probably doing the same.

Posted by: Sen. Gov. E. Buzz Miller, PhD at March 12, 2009 09:33 AM (0Th9m)

47 Why is he even talking to GQ?

Has he staffed the RNC yet?  For crying out loud fill the staff positions.  It's a team effort led by the leader, the chair.

Get the band back together.  We're supposed to be on a mission.

Posted by: WTF Capital Investments at March 12, 2009 09:34 AM (VeUJ4)

48 Judging by CPAC, when your movement is being led by a 13-year-old child, the morbidly obese recovering benzodiazepine addict radio star Rush Limbaugh, and a mystical simpleton like Joe the Plumber, then you're at the point medieval Europe reached around the time of the children's crusade. Can a talking dog with a Blackberry be far behind?

Surely it is only a matter of time before photographs of Ronald Reagan cry tears of real blood.

Posted by: Graham at March 12, 2009 09:34 AM (YrCzB)

49 "which really is the only choice the RNC believes in."

Really?? You actually have a "code of beliefs" for the RNC? If that's the case let's just publish a list of "choices" the RNC believes in and we can save a lot of money. We won't need a Chairman or a staff.

Posted by: jason at March 12, 2009 09:36 AM (nRSv7)

50 @1- exactly right.

Don't much care about what Steele thinks. His feckin' job is to articulate what the Republican Party's beliefs or at least general ideas are.

If there aren't any hard and fast beliefs, or for that matter general ideas, then we have a whole lot more problems than a guy who can't articulate his take on abortion.

Posted by: buster mcDissenter at March 12, 2009 09:36 AM (4ezUN)

51

Note to all who will listen:  Democrat Litetm is a stupid, empty and ultimately destructive strategy.

Mr. Steele, the next thing you sign whould be your resignation.  The next thing after that should be your Democratic Party registration card.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 12, 2009 09:37 AM (B+qrE)

52 We'd better not disagree with him. It could alienate moderate voters.

Posted by: richard mcenroe at March 12, 2009 09:38 AM (CqxjU)

53 Why??? I am a pro choice Republican, although I favor parental consent laws and am against partial-birth abortion.

Exactly.  When Steele is asked about Roe, abortion, or pro-life he is given a wide open playing field to respond any way he chooses.  He can take the correct route and talk about the incredibly popular positions on life issue that the Republican Party holds such as parental notification, waiting periods for abortions, and "informed consent" laws.  Instead, what he chooses to talk about are the most contentious, dividing topics that make moderates and independents want to avoid signing up for the Republican Party and the already enlisted want to leave it.

Posted by: WTF Capital Investments at March 12, 2009 09:39 AM (VeUJ4)

54 I'm starting to wonder if Steele got chosen head of the RNC for the same reason Obama got elected to the White House:
the color of his skin.

I was pro-life long before I was ever a Republican.
From now on, I am not giving one penny to the RNC-- or the RNCC or the RSC-- or anything else connected with the national Republican party.
MAYBE to my state party---but only if they throw out all these doggone "moderates"---like frickin' Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, for crying out loud.

Even Brownback has behaved despicably, IMO, for endorsing her for HHS Secretary. Socialized medicine is heading our way like a runaway freight train, complete with care rationing, euthanasia of those who are not "cost effective," and total elimination of freedom of conscience for medical personnel, who will be forced to participate in abortion against their will. Thanks, Sam, for helping it happen.

Shit. We are so screwed.

Posted by: Kathy from Kansas at March 12, 2009 09:39 AM (ERBcY)

55 Doofus is as Doofus does!

Posted by: TennDon at March 12, 2009 09:41 AM (o6Yv2)

56
Posted by: Graham

If it's Thursday, it must be ergastulalriauds.

Hi, eggmcmuffin! They're letting you use the internet today at the asylum? That's nice.

Oh, and who's Graham? A famous person that you just read about, I'll bet. Or perhaps a character in a book? Do tell, egg.

Posted by: Orson Welles at March 12, 2009 09:42 AM (fJdbo)

57

You know what would be fun? If the new chairman of the RNC could get through an interview without saying something he has to explain or clarify later. Is that asking too much?

That would cost someone a job.  He whas a guy who issues statements and a guy who issues clarifications to the first statement.  The second guy wouldn't be necessary any more.

Posted by: Steve L. at March 12, 2009 09:42 AM (Gkhxf)

58

 Graham at March 12, 2009 09:34 AM (YrCzB)

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Posted by: Stupid fucking liberal at March 12, 2009 09:45 AM (m2CN7)

59 Even Brownback has behaved despicably, IMO, for endorsing her for HHS Secretary.

You might see that as a loss, but I see it as a gain.  It was clearly a political move, but the objective was to open the Governor's office in Kansas so he can run for it.

Senator to Governor to ...

This the Republican Party political ladder.  We turn out, volunteer, and contribute to elect actual leaders with real governing experience.  We don't like Senators or Congressman running for President.

Posted by: WTF Capital Investments at March 12, 2009 09:46 AM (VeUJ4)

60 "From now on, I am not giving one penny to the RNC-- or the RNCC or the RSC-- or anything else connected with the national Republican party."

And that will ensure exactly what? More Democrats in Congress? Obama thanks you for your intelligent strategy.  The fact is Republicans will never get back into power if everyone we elect is held to a litmus test on every issue. If McCain had been elected, we would be must better positioned to push for a conservative agenda WITHIN the ruling majority rather than being out of the cold fighting over who is the purest conservative and the purest Republican.

Posted by: jason at March 12, 2009 09:47 AM (nRSv7)

61 #54 Said: "...and total elimination of freedom of conscience for medical personnel, who will be forced to participate in abortion against their will."

I read an article the other day that said that Catholic Churches  are considering closing Hospitals if the FOC is negated.

The un-intended (or is it?) consequences of radical, leftist, pinko, commie dim (but I repeat myself) actions.

Posted by: TennDon at March 12, 2009 09:49 AM (o6Yv2)

62 @ Jason

Well put. No, I don't view myself as a pariah. I guess my opinion comes from the fact that I am used to getting lambasted by the hard, pro life crowd whenever this issue comes up and accept that I am in the minority.

This brings up a good, relevant point. I am not a down the line Republican. I'm pro choice, I actually liked McCain (didn't agree with everything, but I have always 100% respected him... except for his insistence on endlessly talking nice to people who are trashing him) and a few other issues. Economics, fiscal responsibility, military, etc.- I am hard right. I vote consistently Republican, though there have been a few Blue Dogs that I don't despise. So, why it is that the more traditional Conservatives turn into Koos kids when I attempt to discuss a position? Hasn't happened here, but wow... I had people calling for me to be banned from HA and the flames were wicked, on occasion!

@ buzzion

Yup, I realize that. I lean a little more left than just these exceptions, however. I was just choosing to stick with a more centrist view for the sake of the relevant topic.

Posted by: Damiano at March 12, 2009 09:51 AM (cfKer)

63 "Even Brownback has behaved despicably, IMO, for endorsing her for HHS Secretary."

Polls showed Sebelius actually ahead in a Senate race in Kansas. She will do a lot of damage at HHS, no doubt, but this was not a senate seat we could afford to lose. So getting her out of that race is probably part of Brownback's thinking also.

Posted by: jason at March 12, 2009 09:52 AM (nRSv7)

64
jason, it will accomplish a lot; namely, a message: Stop being assholes.

It's better to have the money dry up now and force the RNC to get its act together in time for 2010. Or else they'll simply continue on this path to failure.

Posted by: Darling, just an entertainer at March 12, 2009 09:52 AM (fJdbo)

Posted by: Darling, just an entertainer at March 12, 2009 09:54 AM (fJdbo)

66 This guy is an embarrassment and a joke. He needs to go sooner, not later. If he can't even finesse the A issue, what freaking good is he?

Posted by: laddy at March 12, 2009 09:56 AM (AUzci)

67 "The strength of the pro life movement lies in choosing life and sharing the wisdom of that choice with those who face difficult circumstances. They did that for my mother and I am here today because they did."

There was a "pro-life movement" in 1958?

Posted by: MrC_5150 at March 12, 2009 09:57 AM (yOEj4)

68

#34

You sure you're a conservative? Because you sure sound a lot like the liberals that run around where I work. I disagree with your views and immediately you start with the personal attacks and vile language. The conservatives I talk to here, when I can find the few that are allowed in the area, have much better manners than you. They discuss and argue, not insult and whine.

And yes: I believe that any person that is willing to throw all their beliefs under a bus to support a personal moral issue and is willing to use physical force from the Federal government to impose their will on everyone else is no conservative. They're simply a one-issue Stalinist who won't stop with their authoritarian ways once their pet moral cause is sated.

Posted by: Tristan Phillips at March 12, 2009 09:57 AM (0tV1H)

69

Steele was fumbling a slippery ball.  It's a complicated issue.  Roe v. Wade is a crappy case, it should be decided by the states.

That being said, as Republicans, would you really want elections in state legislatures being fought over whether women who get abortions and the doctors who perform them are fined, go to jail, or get the death penalty?  Because if that's your platform, you would get croaked in most parts of the country.   It would probably turn over several state legislatures to the Democrats.

Plus, I don't think you could get a jury of 12 to convict a woman in almost any county in the USA.  

Where Republicans want the issue is where it is now - out of politicans' hands, where they can posture and condemn abortion, or talk out of both sides of their mouths like Steele and Romney, but not have to really do anything about it.

 

Posted by: icus at March 12, 2009 09:58 AM (Ozf6a)

70

Just more proof that the Rep party is run by that limp-wristed bunch we call "moderates."  No spine.  No principles.  Or at least none that they aren't willing to toss aside when challenged.  No wonder average people despise them, and only vote for them out of fear of the Democrats.  What a pathetic bunch of pussies.  I wish an actual Rep party official would stand up and show he has some balls, rather than leaving it all up to Rush and dear Ann to wage ideological war.  If only we had a genuinely conservative, nationalistic party to flee to.  Sigh...

 

 

 

Posted by: Reactionary at March 12, 2009 09:59 AM (H7yZC)

71 I'm sure he just meant to say that Republicans can only get abortions at their Nazi rallies.

Posted by: DoDoGuRu at March 12, 2009 10:00 AM (xBkZj)

72 "It's better to have the money dry up now and force the RNC to get its act together in time for 2010. Or else they'll simply continue on this path to failure."

That's ridiculous. All the planning and fielding of candidates has already started. Drying up funding will only mean a new wave of Democrats. What would happen if every Republican that disagrees on any platform position or any personal belief of a RNC member refuses to support the party. I still contribute to the party although I disagree on the abortion issue with the majority view within  the party. But how many elections would Republicans win if only right to life Republicans voted? There are millions of pro-choice Republicans should they all stop contributing?

Posted by: jason at March 12, 2009 10:00 AM (nRSv7)

73 Nice illustration of the "false dilemma" fallacy, Icus. Do you make balloon animals too?

Posted by: krakatoa at March 12, 2009 10:01 AM (n4Su9)

74
Triscuit, you satarted it with the Stalin snark. You're entitled to your opinion, but there was no need to insult those who are anti-unborn-baby killing who just so happen to be your fellow conservatives.


Posted by: Darling, just an entertainer at March 12, 2009 10:02 AM (fJdbo)

75

Reading the “walk-back” statement where he says he really supports a “Constitutional Ban” it sounds like someone in the Party has calibrated him. I thought his first statement fit much better with my own personal beliefs if you left out the “I support freedom of choice” shit.

 

The fact is the that Roe v Wade was one of those Stare Decisis crepe cases that wound up with a new right manufactured out of the ass of 5 justices.  First they had to get some kind of privacy right from penumbras and emanations in the condom case in MA (bad laws make bad cases) then they used that stretch to give us Wade.

 

Both cases should be overturned but the way things are looking now there is no real chance of that until the Supreme Court itself is replaced with the judicious use of some trees and rope (along with most of the rest of Washington.

 

And on the overall score it looks more and more like the Republican Party has NOT learned a thing since the debacle in 2006.

Posted by: Vic at March 12, 2009 10:04 AM (f6os6)

76 I kind of agree with what Steele seems to be trying to do. The party has become isolated and intolerant of views that fall outside of hard-line conservative values. More to the point, it often comes off like the Conservative party instead of the Republican party. The GOP needs to be more inclusive.

I completely disagree with how he's doing it. He's putting himself and the party in a weak, apologetic position. Statements such as "we don't offer them anything" are a perfect example. This isn't about pandering, it's about approaching people from groups that have historically been too ignorant to realize that the GOP has always been the party that has given them greater freedom and a path to a better life & supported their core values.

Instead, he keeps going down the Nazi rally path and insisting that we need to give black folks stuff. Nope. It doesn't work that way.

Posted by: Damiano at March 12, 2009 10:04 AM (cfKer)

77 I hate to be an asshole to Steele... he's being put through thte ringer, and there's no way Howard Dean or Terry Mcullife (sp) had to deal with this horseshit.  He knowingly took on a tough job at a hard time.

but would he have been picked... would he be an impressive republican at all, if he was a white dude?  same for Obama, of course, who wouldn't even be a lawyer without being black.  Affirmative action is always wrong.

Posted by: shill at March 12, 2009 10:06 AM (8jYMc)

78 Darling@14:

Well, I, for one, don't think you're paranoid. People nowadays, egged on by Hollywood, think the communist threat was nothing more than a fantasy on the part of the all-evil Joe McCarthy. You can question the man's tactics all you want, but his motivation was based in reality. And the power-hungry would-be world dominators didn't just suddenly, magically give up everything they believed and lived for once McCarthy was discredited.

In the Congressional Record of January 10, 1963, one of the goals of the Communist Party is listed as "capture of one or both of the political parties in the United States." And there's also, "Get control of the schools"; "Infiltrate the press"; and "Gain control of key positions in radio, TV and motion pictures." You can read more--and see how many of the CP goals have been achieved--at http://contributors.blogsome.com/page/3/
Scroll down about halfway to the article "Commie Watch: American in Peril: The Communist Plan to Take Over America," see the section on "Current Communist Goals." Read it and weep.

Who said these people couldn't be patient? Very patient. What's 40 or 50 years in the big scheme of things. They were waiting for "the perfect storm" conditions---and now, by Jove, they've got them.

Remember, even such a volatile guy as Billy the Bomber was able to give up the immediate gratification of watching buildings go BOOM when he figured out that the more time-consuming and patience-requiring process of turning our schools into PC indoctrination centers was a more effective way to achieve his socialist utopia than bombing government facilities.

Posted by: Kathy from Kansas at March 12, 2009 10:07 AM (ERBcY)

79 Michael Steele sticks to his guns like an ice cube sticks to a sloping roof.

Posted by: Crusty at March 12, 2009 10:07 AM (GvSpB)

80 Mr. Steele,

Please quit going doing interviews.

Sincerely,

Jukin

Posted by: jukin at March 12, 2009 10:08 AM (vkkNZ)

81
jason, who says we can't disagree and still belong to the same political party?

As I just said to Triscuit, everyone is entitled to their opinion onunborn-baby killing. What we don't want is a Chairman who is spineless and who can't think on his feet.

Steele is a lemon, a failure. He's fostering failure while he's in charge. We will lose with Steele's business model.


Posted by: Darling, just an entertainer at March 12, 2009 10:08 AM (fJdbo)

82

"personal moral issue"?  Personal moral issue?

Look, maybe you don't see it this way, but as Vjay was trying to point out, to pro-life folks, this isn't a personal moral issue anymore than murder or manslaughter or negligent homicide are.

And people cuss at each other here.  Its part of the charm of the place.

Posted by: Fred at March 12, 2009 10:10 AM (J5aoU)

83 ".....but would he have been picked... would he be an impressive republican at all, if he was a white dude?"

Probably not, but that's water over the hill. An impressive white RNC chairman would now be being grilled unmercifully on why he was white and why the RNC could not find a minority chairman and why was Steele passed over for example.

The campaign against Steele in the MSM is a concerted effort to destroy someone they view as threatening to their standard "Republicans are all white" mantra. So I think we should not be assisting them in their mission.

Posted by: jason at March 12, 2009 10:10 AM (nRSv7)

84
By the way, remember how President Bush was a stumblin' bumblin' bumpkin yet he had no trouble at all articulating his pro-life position?

And remember how he won in 2000 and 2004?

Weird how that worked out.


Posted by: Darling, just an entertainer at March 12, 2009 10:11 AM (fJdbo)

85 @ 48 - "Can a talking dog with a Blackberry be far behind?"

This is not to be- said party is otherwise engaged, leading the Democrats.

Posted by: buster mcDissenter at March 12, 2009 10:13 AM (4ezUN)

86 He knows he's gettin' shit canned so he's auditioning to host his own show on MSNBC, right after Chrissy.

Posted by: Admr. Sebastian B. O. Buniontow VI at March 12, 2009 10:14 AM (NLtVk)

87 That's not the Smeele you thought you knew.

Posted by: Admr. Sebastian B. O. Buniontow VI at March 12, 2009 10:14 AM (NLtVk)

88

Once upon a time, (before this administration?) the common language of flip-floppery was rare in professionals.  Now it is commonplace.  What a loser.

The "You know?" also seems very commonplace in politics these days.  Could "You know?", perhaps go hand-in-hand with flip-floppery? 

I can't take anyone who talks like a teenager seriously.

Posted by: katya at March 12, 2009 10:16 AM (oRJZj)

89 Use this to drive the federalism/ states rights angle.

Roe is a great entry into that.

Posted by: LiveFreeOrDie at March 12, 2009 10:17 AM (q6zPc)

90 "The "You know?" also seems very commonplace in politics these days."

You know, I resemble that comment.

Posted by: Caroline Kennedy at March 12, 2009 10:19 AM (nRSv7)

91
Kathy from Kansas, I was going to mention the influence that the Commies have had on abortion in the U.S. after I read Triscuit's silly comment.

I wish these pro-choicers would think about how and when laws against abortion originated. Did it only become an issue in the 20th century because the Left's radical social agenda.

Wasn't it the Leftists who concocted the "pro-choice" movement as an attack on the Catholic church?

All this social shit starts with the Leftist's radical social agenda. Always.

Posted by: Darling, just an entertainer at March 12, 2009 10:21 AM (fJdbo)

92

Nice illustration of the "false dilemma" fallacy, Icus. Do you make balloon animals too?

Why yes, I do.  I don't see the false dilemma, though.  If Roe v. Wade were overturned tomorrow (not going to happen now, with 2 Obama appointments coming), there would be huge fights in several state legislatures.  Most would just pass laws tracking Roe and outlawing late-term and partial birth abortion.  There would be fights, and the threat of criminal penalties for all abortions would turn out the Demo base and switch a lot of libertarian and country-club Republicans to Dems.

Now, the Republicans really have it made on the issue.  Con-men like Romney can sucker and turn out the hard core(minority) pro-life base while doing nothing on the issue.  Even Reagan and the Bushes did nothing on a constitutional amendment.

So enjoy the posturing and sucking in the votes of pro-lifers.  Roe was a gift to Republicans.

Posted by: icus at March 12, 2009 10:22 AM (Ozf6a)

93

Mr. Steele was certainly inarticulate in his answer.  That is somewhat concerning given that it is a question that is foremost in many peoples minds and therefore he should have had a more articulate answer ready, knowing full well that the question was going to be asked.  I suppose if he was going to give the usual pat answer of Republican leaders then it wouldn't matter.  His position however is nuanced and he should have known to have had a prepared answer so as not to appear confused on the issue. 

As far as Rush is concerned he should have told Rush to screw off.  Rush is a pompous blowhard that makes money off controversy and is laughing all the way to the  bank at Steele's expense.   I am not doubting Rush's convictions I am saying his manner is confrontational for a reason, and that reason is cash.   Steele should have said that if Rush wants to be the leader of the party he is welcome to run for it otherwise he can sit in his studio and make waves.  Rush doesn't want to have to try to build the party, that requires too much work with too little spotlight. 

Steele should, as one previous poster alluded to, stop making public appearances.  His job is to develop faces of the party, not be the face of the party.

Posted by: Skippy at March 12, 2009 10:23 AM (W6GfJ)

94
I am confused. Which sports metaphor do I use: unforced error, double fault, fumble?

Does this moron even think about how he wants to discuss issues before he goes to an interview? Does he not know that he will be asked about current events, controversial personalities and contentious issues and therefor develop a clear, pithy quote that summarizes the Republican position. Would somebody sit this fucker down and explain his job to him.

Posted by: Ronsonic at March 12, 2009 10:24 AM (ywSvi)

95

How can he not have a clear, rehearsed response to the abortion issue? This was a huge mistake and one that could have been completely avoided.

I liked what he said about Palin in the interview and he also said he felt no emotion when Obama was elected. I liked what he said about his mom not accepting welfare. I also liked that he said the media was in the tank for Obama. But yeah, on this he really made a huge mistake. He looks like a joke.

Posted by: Adrienne at March 12, 2009 10:26 AM (aa5rL)

96

His position however is nuanced and he should have known to have had a prepared answer so as not to appear confused on the issue. 

Honestly, I haven't been following Steele at all so I really don't know where he stands on the issue except for the above interview.  But he doesn't sound nuanced to me.  Sounds like he is pro choice but doesn't want to admit it publicly.  His "answer" sounds like Obama.

Posted by: katya at March 12, 2009 10:31 AM (oRJZj)

97

Meh. So long as he's on board for overturning RvW (Which is, by neccessity, the only step that can be taken right now until it's gone) who cares?

But yeah.. this dude is not..very, uh, what's the term... good.

He's starting to remind me of Jeanine Garafalo playing Newt Gingrich's mother being interviewed by Laura Kitelinger playing Connie Chung. Reporters must be lining up to interview this dude.

"Newty... allways liked ... nazis".

Posted by: Entropy at March 12, 2009 10:32 AM (m6c4H)

98 jason@63

Yeah, I've thought about that, and one of his staffers even told me that that was part of his reasoning. There were other considerations as well--such as: Obama is going to appoint a pro-abortion fanatic to the post, no matter what, and at least with Sebelius, Sam might have some leverage/influence, and possibly limit the damage she does.

But why the heck couldn't he have just stayed mum and not said anything one way or the other? Why'd he have to come out and actively endorse her, for crying out loud?

It was a teachable moment for the American public. Sam and other pro-life Senators could have united and, as a group, held a press conference and stated boldly and in detail exactly what the Left envisions for the future of health care in America: care rationing; euthanasia; pre-natal genetic screening with refusal of coverage if a handicapped baby is brought to term; mandatory participation by pro-life medical personnel in abortion, against their will, whether by actually killing the child themselves or by referral to others who will kill the child; decision-making by government bureaucrats on what avenues of research to pursue, and drying up of funds for all other avenues; tying the hands of the pharmaceutical industry so that development of new drugs and therapies slows to a halt; etc, etc.

http://tinyurl.com/dyums4

Posted by: Kathy from Kansas at March 12, 2009 10:34 AM (ERBcY)

99

Mr. Steele was certainly inarticulate in his answer. 

Racist.

Posted by: Entropy at March 12, 2009 10:34 AM (m6c4H)

100

That's ridiculous. All the planning and fielding of candidates has already started. Drying up funding will only mean a new wave of Democrats. What would happen if every Republican that disagrees on any platform position or any personal belief of a RNC member refuses to support the party. I still contribute to the party although I disagree on the abortion issue with the majority view within  the party. But how many elections would Republicans win if only right to life Republicans voted? There are millions of pro-choice Republicans should they all stop contributing?

You're telling people that are unhappy with the party to just shut up and bend over and give them your money because oh no the democrats might get elected.  I doubt the abortion issue is the only reason people who are considering withholding money are doing it.  The spinelessness and attempting to be Dem-lite are probably bigger factors, which the abortion issue with Steele is a symptom of.  The way we are best able to influence the RNC is with our wallets.  If we have problems with how things are done, but merely complain but still give money then you aren't giving the RNC any reason to change, because you may complain but you still fund them.  But if you complain and stop giving money, then they will need to make changes to get that funding back.  Why support something when it becomes apparent that they no longer agree with you on important issues or demonstrate an unwillingness to fight for those issues?

Posted by: buzzion at March 12, 2009 10:37 AM (Lrsi6)

101

Exit Question:

Why do you rubes who listen to Rush....

 

Ah, f*ck it! We'll just pout in a corner.

Posted by: Ace And Allah's Communal Maxipad at March 12, 2009 10:39 AM (wnU1W)

102

And yes: I believe that any person that is willing to throw all their beliefs under a bus to support a personal moral issue and is willing to use physical force from the Federal government to impose their will on everyone else is no conservative. They're simply a one-issue Stalinist who won't stop with their authoritarian ways once their pet moral cause is sated.

When it pertains to abortion, that argument is intellectually dishonest at best.

You dare  not complain about the physical force of the Federal government imposing it's moral opposition to murder on you. You are not allowed to shoot your neighbor dead. That is legislative morality, and you're on board.

From a libertarian perspective, not even the most pot-addled morons think they should be free to murder people. Pro-murder is not a libertarian position - it's an authoritarian one. You have a right to not be killed by someone just because they are more powerful then you.

Many people within the pro-life movement believe abortion is murder. Murder is illegal. That's not imposing their moral views on you in a stalinist manner. You're not pro-murder. It's a disagreement over what the fetus constitutes.

But it's not imposing, and it's not authoritarian. From their perspective, they're protecting the individual rights of the baby.

Posted by: Entropy at March 12, 2009 10:43 AM (m6c4H)

103 You know what would be fun? If the new chairman of the RNC could get through an interview without saying something he has to explain or clarify later. Is that asking too much?

Yes. The GOP gene pool seems to be a bit, how shall we say? shallow.

Posted by: I R A Darth Aggie at March 12, 2009 10:46 AM (1hM1d)

104 I would say "I hope Michael Steele fails", but that seems a bit redundant at this time.  Sort of like saying "I hope pie is delicious" or "I hope the sun rises in the East tomorrow morning". 

Posted by: Rush Limbaugh at March 12, 2009 10:47 AM (dyz/7)

105

Mr. Steele was certainly inarticulate in his answer. 

Racist.

 

 

Don't forget Rush.  I hate white folk too.

Posted by: Skippy at March 12, 2009 10:52 AM (W6GfJ)

106 I blame those stupid unborn babies for putting Steele in the awkward position of having to distance himself.

Posted by: Yeah... at March 12, 2009 10:56 AM (MHx40)

107 @69:  would you really want elections in state legislatures being fought over whether women who get abortions and the doctors who perform them are fined, go to jail, or get the death penalty?

Stop it with the hysteria, already. (Leave hysteria to the Leftists, please.)
Back before Roe v. Wade, women who had abortions did NOT go to jail, or even get arrested.
The (mostly) men who actually cut up the child lost their licenses to practice medicine. (Which makes sense, since medicine is supposed to be about healing people, not killing them) And none of them ever got the death penalty. Most of 'em never served any jail time, either. I get so tired of pro-legal-abortion people making up this shit. There's absolutely no historical basis for it.

And for all you folks that do make a very eloquent case for not letting the Republican Party have a pro-life litmus test, I have only this to offer:  The Republican Party had its very origins in a single-issue movement: the movement to abolish slavery.

Abortion is the ultimate civil-rights violation: A person can be deprived of their life when they are under a particular age. Discrimination is discrimination, whether it's on the basis of skin color or of age.

The cheapening of life that poisons every aspect of our culture is inevitable as long as one third of the children conceived in this country are being killed before birth by people who are making enormous profits off of panicked women.

Everyone from Michael Steele to my church pastor feels obliged to dance around the issue of abortion because he knows that there are women who've had abortions in their listening audience--and they're scared to death of driving them away. But how about this radical idea. How about: Speak the truth in love. (Gee, where've I heard that before?) Every post-abortive woman out there has grief and guilt down deep in her core. The abortion cheering section--NARAL and the Democrat Party--keep telling her that what she did was okay, even noble. Deep down, she KNOWS it's not. The effort to convince herself otherwise, and keep the awful truth stuffed down out of sight and mind, is enormously taxing, and results in all kinds of neuroses and acting out. No one is doing her any favors by denying the grief and guilt she is carrying.

The best thing, in my opinion, would be to speak truthfully what we all know--abortion is the snuffing out of a genetically separate, living individual--and we are here to both support pregnant women in difficult situations, and to offer forgiveness and healing to those who've been hurt by abortion.

Posted by: Kathy from Kansas at March 12, 2009 11:05 AM (ERBcY)

108
He needs to shut the fuck up already.  Go staff the RNC, go find a replacement for the head of technology that just bailed, go fix the primary system.

Every time he opens his mouth, the stock of the RNC drops...

Sound familiar?

Posted by: RarestRX at March 12, 2009 11:07 AM (uIn6z)

109

You sure you're a conservative? Because you sure sound a lot like the liberals that run around where I work. I disagree with your views and immediately you start with the personal attacks and vile language.

You're right.  I was overly harsh and insulting in my tone.  I apologize.

Oh, wait, aren't you the guy that accused pro-lifers of adopting Stalinist tactics?  And then repeated the slur just so there would be no confusion?  And now you're whining like a passive-aggressive bitch about people being overly nasty to you?

Yeah, on second thought, go fuck yourself.

Posted by: VJay at March 12, 2009 11:12 AM (k87Wm)

110

If anyone respects John McCain 100%, they are indeed fucking stupid.  This means you.  You know who you are.

Posted by: Pelvis at March 12, 2009 11:14 AM (LlaBi)

111 This is what passes for leadership in the GOP now?  I try to avoid obscenities but there is no other way of describing this except as fucking embarrassing. When did coherent English become completetly optional and quaint?  When did clearly expressing a thought become such a goddamn chore for these talking pinheads?

I think we have given Steele the benefit of the doubt. He's either an administrative genius who simply can't express a coherent, conservative principle while cameras are rolling or he's an all- round idiot.  If the former, then Steele -- STFU, avoid saying anything within earshot of a microphone, and administrate. If the latter, time for you to go, Mr. Steele -- maybe the DNC is hiring.

Steele and creamy conservative bloggers -- you know, someone a bit paranoid could start thinking this was all a genius plan by MoveOn and Howard Dean to destroy the conservative movement, what little is left of it.

Arnold

Posted by: prairiemain at March 12, 2009 11:27 AM (oPAYR)

112

here's my two cents,

First, mostly this is about Steele, i had such high hopes for him but every time he opens his mouth he makes things worse.

Second, if you were take a poll amoung registered Repubs i'm fairly sure that the vast majority would be pro-life, for the GOP to abandon it's pro-life stance would be suicide, my personal opinion on this matter goes against the majority, but since we operate on democratic principles that means the majority rules, Dems play the "tyranny of the majority" crap and they always sound like a bunch of whiny little brats when they do, so let's be different than the libs and stick to the rules that all the adults know are right - majority rules

Posted by: shoey at March 12, 2009 11:38 AM (IRh55)

113 "49 "which really is the only choice the RNC believes in."
Really?? You actually have a "code of beliefs" for the RNC? If that's the case let's just publish a list of "choices" the RNC believes in and we can save a lot of money. We won't need a Chairman or a staff.
Posted by: jason at March 12, 2009 09:36 AM (nRSv7)"

Nice try skewing what I said.  Perhaps you should read what Steele said in his "clarification" :

"But the Republican Party is and will continue to be the party of life. I support our platform and its call for a Human Life Amendment."

Too bad he didn't say that in the first place, instead of interjecting his own beliefs, therefore creating another opening for the Steele vs. RNC platform analysis he's getting now. 

And, yea, we do have "code of beliefs", it's called a party platform.  Ever heard of it?  Obviously not. 

Posted by: annie at March 12, 2009 11:39 AM (fGu28)

114 By the way, remember how President Bush was a stumblin' bumblin' bumpkin yet he had no trouble at all articulating his pro-life position?
And remember how he won in 2000 and 2004?
Weird how that worked out.

Posted by: Darling, just an entertainer at March 12, 2009 10:11 AM (fJdbo)

The speeches he gave when he was taking any action on the embryonic stem-cell research issue were so eloquent they took my breath away. Unfortunately, very few people except C-SPAN listeners heard the short but inspiring speech he gave a couple years ago when he signed the bill authorizing more funding of adult and umbilical-cord stem-cell research. He had some "Snowflake" children (former frozen embryos who were adopted, implanted and brought to term) there in the Oval Office with him, along with some adult spinal-cord injury victims who've been successfully treated with adult stem-cell therapies. SHOULD have been front-page news everywhere.

Posted by: Kathy from Kansas at March 12, 2009 11:42 AM (ERBcY)

115

to add:

i'm not saying that there can't be a debate within the party about this, but to the public we have to present a coherent and unified front

Posted by: shoey at March 12, 2009 11:48 AM (IRh55)

116 SHOULD have been front-page news everywhere.

Yeah, but it doesn't fit the liberal culture of death agenda.

Posted by: Nice Deb at March 12, 2009 11:49 AM (MHx40)

117 Yes, Drew, apparently it is asking too much. Time for Steele to resign.

Posted by: Kirk at March 12, 2009 11:58 AM (CrJzY)

118 if you fire him now, he'll be another brooks/parker/frum clone within 2 weeks.  he'll have columns in all the liberal rags decrying the closemindedness and racism of the Republicans.  would you expect loyalty from him after canning him-I wouldn't.

Posted by: ed at March 12, 2009 12:10 PM (Urhve)

119 The first comment got this issue exactly right; Steele needs to realize that its not about him, and not to play along even if the media wants to make it so.


Posted by: toby928 at March 12, 2009 12:39 PM (PD1tk)

120 Vjay, I hope you're a man because I have a crush on every comment you've ever make here.

Posted by: mare at March 12, 2009 12:48 PM (X1fsj)

121 "made here."

Sheesh

Posted by: mare at March 12, 2009 12:49 PM (X1fsj)

122 Is there a staff at RNC headquarters that maybe could give him some pointers for fuck's sake ?  Before he was elected chair - I too heard him all the time on tv and the radio he was articulate and I thought smart  - Is someone feeding him kool aid?

Posted by: paranoid polly at March 12, 2009 12:50 PM (YLNjm)

123 I think Steele should be spending his time, at least most of it, doing something really productive like restructuring the primary process.

Posted by: mare at March 12, 2009 12:55 PM (X1fsj)

124

@107 Posted by: Kathy from Kansas at March 12, 2009 11:05 AM (ERBcY)

Nice comment, Kathy, I know where you're coming from. I would prefer there were no abortions.  I just don't see it happening.  For one thing, the Boards of Medicine and judges would never strip doctors of their licenses for performing one now - there will always be some clinical reason to justify the abortion, mental heath or otherwise.

Right now, there's only one way to reduce abortions - better public education on the adoption option, and guaranteed support for pregnant women in their choice of life.  Which is going to be welfare in a lot of cases.

Posted by: icus at March 12, 2009 01:42 PM (Ozf6a)

125 Is he a "manchurian candidate" type plant or is he just that stupid?

Posted by: Rob B at March 12, 2009 02:01 PM (q32Ly)

126

when did all these fucking pussies become republicans, why cant steele just have answered "no i hate abortion, its murder, it  treats the most innocent and vulnerable people in our society like property, like my ancestors were treated here some 100 years ago, and that’s something obama doesn't understand because he does not have slave blood, his ancestors may have been selling slaves to the white man for all i know, however his  wife should and would if she did not have such a chip on her shoulder". then michael steele becomes the leader of the  republican party instantly, and can bitch slap frume and all those other punks, especially pelosi and carville because they are both staunch catholics and have the likes of rush, coulter, hanity, etc supporting him for 6 or more hours a day, five days a week. GROW A SET STEELE THEN THROW THEM ON THE NEXT REPORTER THAT ASKS YOU ABOUT YOUR BELIEF IN ABORTION!

Posted by: exparatrooper at March 12, 2009 02:09 PM (uSz/Q)

127 He's just trying to attract all those 'moderates' we've heard so much about attracting lately. 

Posted by: Tami at March 12, 2009 03:42 PM (VuLos)

128 "Is willing to use physical force from the Federal government to impose their will on everyone else is no conservative.."

Absolute truth, imo, in ANY sense.

Look - some (most?) of you believe in pro-life. I do too - but not in EVERY case. How so?

If, God forbid, your wife or daughter is raped and impregnated, your position (if you are intellectually honest) would be that she must carry and deliver that baby, despite any horrendous psychological effects, or a medical possibility that she may die. The trauma a woman goes through being raped isn't enough - you want to taiumatize her more by forcing her to carry her rapists baby for 9 months and then deliver it? And that jibes with concern for women how?

I disagree with that position vociferously. I absolutely disagree with "abortion on demand" for reasons of "convenience." That goes without saying. I absolutely disagree with full term, partial birth abortion. No question. What I do disagree with is you or anyone else - including a bunch of politicians - telling me a woman I love must endure giving birth to a baby by way of rape.

Now ... does that make me less of a "conservative?" If you think so, I guess I can live with that just fine.

Posted by: Bruce at March 12, 2009 05:54 PM (EpnLL)

129

Sorry if someone else already pointed this out, but funny how when conservatives or Republicans are interviewed in many liberal magazines etc. that their every "um" and "er" is left in the text and not "cleaned up".

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