News & Politics - Republicans elect first black national party chairman

Stacie18 · 01-30-2009, 03:04 PM

Michael Steele becomes first black RNC chairman - Yahoo! News

Quote:

WASHINGTON – Michael Steele was elected Republican National Committee chairman on Friday, defeating the incumbent party chief and three other challengers over six rounds of voting to become the first black to lead the GOP. The former Maryland lieutenant governor takes over a beleaguered GOP as Republicans seek to rebound from back-to-back defeats in national elections that gave Democrats control of Congress and the White House.

"As a little boy growing up in this town, this is awesome," said Steele, the most moderate candidate in the field and considered an outsider because he's not a committee member.

In a brief acceptance speech, the new GOP chairman struck a tone of inclusiveness.

"We're going to say to friend and foe alike: We want you to be a part of us, we want you to with be with us, and for those who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked over," Steele said.

He won 91 votes out of a possible 168 in the sixth round. A simple majority of 85 was needed, but it took six rounds for Steele to win.

All I can say is, about time. Welcome to the 21st century Republicans.

Bella Grint · 01-30-2009, 03:14 PM

6 rounds and he is the most moderate but this is interesting. I doubt the Republicans will let the Democrats bring up the race card in any way which is interesting because of the past election..

**sunnykerr** · 01-31-2009, 10:56 AM

The race card, at this point in time, has no business being raised by anyone, of any creed, of any party.

I'm not saying it's suddenly a non-issue. It just feels like we should all agree to move past it.

I don't know anything about Michael Steele. I'll wait and see what he turns out to be like.

Bella Grint · 01-31-2009, 11:33 AM

Hmm yeah I agree about the race card but that doesn't guarantee the two parties at some point in time will bicker over it when it comes to Michael Steele

**sunnykerr** · 01-31-2009, 12:07 PM

Oh, obviously. I mean, if the gender thing keeps being brought up when Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton run for office, then the race thing is certainly not gone forever.

I'm just saying, it's an argument people will use, but I just wish the nation would call BS when it is used.

vc318 · 02-01-2009, 10:50 AM

Congrats to him. Maybe he can help flush the negative undertone that his party currently has.

Bella Grint · 02-01-2009, 11:16 AM

I hope one day it's BS.

Ditto, VC.

bychance · 02-02-2009, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunnykerr (View Post)

The race card, at this point in time, has no business being raised by anyone, of any creed, of any party.

I'm not saying it's suddenly a non-issue. It just feels like we should all agree to move past it.

I don't know anything about Michael Steele. I'll wait and see what he turns out to be like.

There's no such thing as a race card

The term 'race card' was made up by people who A) Think racism doesn't exist anymore, and wants 'the blacks' to 'get over it' and/or B) So uncomfortable talking about race so much so they'll refer to it as a 'race card' if someone ever brings up race, as if its irrelevant.

Having a black/biracial president doesn't mean we've 'moved on'.

When sites like this still exist, we haven't moved on.

**sunnykerr** · 02-03-2009, 07:15 AM

Obviously, I see your point and take my lumps.

But I don't think I meant the "race card" in the manner that you mean. Because racism obviously is still VERY much a reality. I meant that I don't want to hear anyone say that a man who has been elected to the chairmanship of his party has gotten there because of his race. I don't want to hear that the only reason this president is the president is because of his race.

Racism is still alive, but I for one am sick of it. I am tired of the "race card" inasmuch as people make it a factor in things like this. I'm not saying it doesn't happen. I'm saying I think it's ludicrous. I'm saying I find it hateful that it happens.


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