Steele Gets Funky For The RNC
by John Ridley
Freshly minted Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele gave an interview to the Washington Times in which he detailed his plans for making the GOP relevant again. Says Steele:
We need messengers to really capture that region – young, Hispanic, black, a cross section … We want to convey that the modern-day GOP looks like the conservative party that stands on principles. But we want to apply them to urban-suburban hip-hop settings.
Hip-hop. Really? That’s Chairman Steele’s reductive take on people of color? That unless “principles” are framed in rhyme and break beats we will have no interest in them?
Steele’s view seems oddly contrary to those people of color who are in fact ascending (or have ascended) in politics. Barack Obama’s resonance with the populace was hardly based on any hip-hop cred. The same could be said for Deval Patrick and Harold Ford, Jr. They campaigned on issues, rather than disguising a dearth of ideas with faux “urban-suburban” hipness.
Yet Steele’s entire interview with the Times is laced with an odd argot. His new PR campaign is going to be “off the hook.” Steele “don’t do ‘cutting-edge.’” He does “beyond cutting-edge.” His critics can “stuff it”…ya dig? Rather than a politician with fresh ideas, he sounds more like somebody’s uncle trying to be hip while playing some black-top hoops with 16 year olds.
Chairman Steele would do well to take a page from the play book of George W. Bush. Bush, amazingly, was able to increase his share of the black vote from about 8 percent in 2000 to 11 percent in 2004. Although slight, this uptick was driven by Bush’s flogging of issues of faith. Unfortunately, the primary “issue of faith” was a Constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. While I don’t advocate the demonization of one group to get votes from another, blacks do form a disproportionately large block of voters who regularly attend church. It would be more correct and probably more effective for Steele to recruit potential GOPers from the pews than by going “beyond cutting edge.”
Whatever that may be.
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170 Comments
I can see Mr. Ridley is consistent…consistently delusional and blinded by and malice. Good luck.
I can't speak much to the effects of "hipness" on blacks or any other minority groups in terms of politics, but I do have to draw the line here:
While I don’t advocate the demonization of one group…
Mr. Ridley, how can you possibly expect anyone here to take you seriously when you use terminology like "demonization" to describe the opposition to gay marriage?
I was and am dismayed by Mr. Steele’s selection to the RNC post. It would appear that the movers and shakers in the party have yet to learn anything about ideas and actions to reunite the crumbling edifice which once was the Republican Party. Mr. Steele is “Democrat Light.” They chose profile over substance. Lest anyone begin to question my reasoning; my choice for chairman was J.Kenneth Blackwell – a true conservative.
as a supporter of Michael Steele I do agree with your statement, "he sounds more like somebody’s uncle trying to be hip." I had notice that speak myself in his interviews and while I can appreciate some hipness in a 50 yr old he is over doing it. I do think you are a bit touchy in your statement, " That unless “principles” are framed in rhyme and break beats we will have no interest in them". Michael himself is not of that world but far too many young of color white, black and brown are. We might just need that kind of touch for that group of young folks. I am sure Michael did not mean all of that group of color.
Thanks.
Why is Ridley here again? When will he write something that makes sense?
Mr Ridley, I think you're a fine writer. I make it a point of reading anything of yours I can find, and even assigned one of your Esquire articles during a college course in rhetoric.
But.
Cherry-picking one of Steele's speeches to disparage him for "not running on the issues" is a disappointing mistake on your part. It tells me you haven't bothered to follow the man's career. Just sounds like you're condemning him for being a dork.
So Obama's the one, "ran on the issues"? Sorry. "Hope and change" = only an issue to a voter thinking with their heart. Or lower.
I dont think theres anything wrong in changing how the GOP markets its message. If Steeles experience is like mine when I ve spoken to Blacks about why they vote Democrat he knows that support for Democrats is a mile wide and an inch deep, and more often than not its based completely on style. Theres no real reason why a person of color would vote Democrat since that party has done more to hurt the plight of black people than one could imagine.
Prior to LBJ's War on Poverty their was virtually no metric of social or economic success that wasnt closer or more hopeful than it is today. Authors like Thomas Sowell have detailed how in its zeal to right wrongs in the black community the Democrats singlehandedly create an almost permanent underclass (being brought back by Obamas Stimulus now), made black men extraneous in their own communities, encouraged single motherhood (and all its attendant social problems) and fed and cultivated a pervasive sentiment that Whitey is trying to keep them down and the only Whites who shold be trusted are the ones coming with checks.
So, Mr. Ridley, when you say "uncle" do you really mean to call Mr. Steele an "Uncle Tom"?
Its really no surprise Blacks would automatically flock to Obama, (look at how Catholics viewed the first Catholic President JFK) but in the real world not tainted by 50 years of Democratic "compassion" many of them would have seen through the flowery but empty rhetoric and known Obama promises a return to failed social policy and is hopelessly out of his depth on economic and international issues.
Ive read Mr Ridleys posts here and he strikes me as a complete creation of the Democrat party. He beleives that compassion consists of throwing guilt money at blacks and questioning it feeds into his heartfelt belief that conservatives are racist. He believes Whitey hates him because thats what is in his heart for Whites. You can ask Ridley or anyone for that matter exactly what Obama is doing which is going to solve the problems of this country and they will repeat back the same vile anti Republican tripe all liberals do but completely gloss over how theyre going to fix anything.
I'm still waiting for something Conservative or Hollywood based from Mr. Ridley…____So Mr. Ridley, if you don't like Republicans, and the Obama is so peachy, why are you writing here? Surely there are better blogs where your message would be appreciated and better received?
Yes, by all means, let's follow his career. The multiple electoral defeats, the weird and moderately suspicious business deals. Steele's skin was the right color for the job, it's true. But I'm not sure you want to make too much of the guy's resume.
Wow! Why don't you just pelt him with Oreos while you are at it Harley, I am sure your fellow liberals would approve.
Of course he does. Anyone who is black that isn't a Democrat is considered one, like Herman Cain, Larry Elder and Thomas Sowell. You know, actually wanting people of your same race to work towards being able to rely on themselves instead of the government means you hate your own race.
I guess that means I'm a Tió Tomás.
Actually look at some of the prime buyers of hip-hop in the "suburban" areas. They are white, so I think this post is off base a bit…as well as LtGov Steele's point. I think he really meant the GOP has to appear "more hip" to cater to younger voters and expand the base.
" Steele's skin was the right color for the job…"
You sound like an Oreo-chucker.
"Barack Obama’s resonance with the populace was hardly based on any hip-hop cred."
What a Lie.
Open and vocal supporters of President Hopey: Ludacris, Jay Z, Young Jeezy, John Legend, Mary J Blige, Puff Doody, Kanye West, Mos Def, Common, Russell Simmons.
Yes, I did see that coming. First, I get it. Black is the new black. But Ken Blackwell from Ohio would have been a better choice if that's what the party wanted. Steele has lost just about every election he tried to win, including a senate race in '06 where did everything possible to pretend that he WASN'T a Republican (an odd resume item for someone holding his current gig). He didn't even get out of the primaries in the election before that. This has nothing to do with Oreos — get your slurs straight, DefCon and learn to apply them accurately — it has to do with a record of, well, something less than success.
As stated above, my point is that he's been a failure. This has nothing to do with being Black on the outside and white on the inside. In fact, as Ridley points out, Steele is determined to bring a little hip-hop into the GOP's shrinking tent. Which should be entertaining.
That kind of thinking makes this post seem like the uneducated freaks at the Huffington Post. The crazy lefties are the ones that can't accept an opposing opinion…let's not sink to their level.
Also saw this coming. Let's say this much about Obama. Defeating Hillary Clinton in the primary and then John McCain in the general stands as one of the most impressive political achievements in the last fifty years. Full stop. This is now, like it or not, part of his 'experience'.
And yes, it means nothing if he doesn't govern with similar success in the next four years.
Well! My! Name is Michael and I'm here to say
That being a Republican is A-OK!
But seriously, folks. Speaking of reductive takes on people of color, where does it say they all have to be Democrats?
It is a fair question, is this not a conservative/Hollywood site? Mr. Ridley has gotten on and bashed republicans, and praised the wonders of Obama. So why is he here? Are you trying to tell me he is a CONSERVATIVE that likes Obama? If so WHY NOT WRITE WHERE THAT THINKING IS MORE APPRECIATED? This post has nothing to do with conservative thought or Hollywood. He is not a poster, he is a featured author. He doesn't present any type of solution, just criticism. So why post here, if I want to hear this type of thinking I can read a newspaper or turn on the tube. It is not value added for the site.
Hit the nail on the head M Colins. The Democrat way of helping the poor is to have them spoon fed from the government. You should check out Larry Elder's letter to Maxine Waters. Now there is somone that actually wants to cure the disease rather than treat (or subsidize) the symptoms. http://www.larryelder.com/showpostings/maxinewate...
The same disease lies in the Latino Communuity, just because Jackie Kennedy did a commercial in Spanish. Ever since then Latinos have loved their democrats, but I have no idea as to why. People are just bred to hate Republicans and love Democrats, but aren't ever given an explanation.
Additionally, I would add that the backhanded insult you've given me is pretty rich considering you're talking about "sinking to their level". I've been polite and asked legitamite questions, I suppose I am not suppose to ask why Mr. Ridley is here; since he is, and has been, out of tune with all of the other featured authors on this site.
Funny, I thought he was quite successful as my Lt. Govenor. So much so I voted for the man when he wanted to be my Senator. So who did he lose to? Ben "Present" Cardin, the party schill, after all of the Black Preachers were out screaming "Your skinfolk ain't your kinfolk." I suppose that's what you call a persuasive political arguement.
Hillary is one of the most polarizing figures in politics. People either love her or hate her. The DNC knew Hopey had more appeal, so that's why they went with him. McCain is viewed as a liberal dinosaur by his own party, so he had little support within the party and the rest of the electorate was fed up with Republicans. Plus Hopey also had every talking head that isn't on Fox News in his corner. All Hopey had to do was walk through the door. Only a Democrat like John Kerry could have lost this last election. If that is one of the most impressive acheivements in the last 50 years, then you are easily amused.
Does anyone wonder if Obama would have won without ACORN? Defeating Hillary was a given; her black voters simply defected to Obama. Given the opportunity to have a black president was just too hip to pass up by the Hollywood crowd and non-thinking liberals. You can bet when the liberals, such as Ridley, start in with their negative attacks on the conservatives, they're, in truth, fearful of the success of that person, in this case, Michael Steele. One thing this campaign and election has shown us is who the real racists are.
This is truly discouraging. I wrote about this, in another context, on my blog recently about hip-hop hip voters and politics of hip.
Yes many voters are voting on the basis of hipness, but you can't be hip artificially, and that isn't the answer anyway. Obama is only hip compared to most other politicians. Republicans can never be hip almost by definition, because the left DEFINES hip and usually it is absolutely devoid of anything conservative, which is of course why it is hip.
Think of Democrats as the insecure "cool" kids in High School and you get the picture. There is no objective standard and as soon as your parents cop your lingo it immediately becomes uncool. The perennial problem of youth. I agree with John Ridley, in my own words, Steele is like the parent thinking he can relate to kids by using their slang. It's repulsive.
After 4 years of casual behavior in the White House Americans will be looking for responsibility not hipness.
Establishment Republicans are clueless and grasping at straws. There is a conservative/libertarian/populist movement brewing and they are ignoring it.
So Harley how many years was Steele your public servant when you lived in Maryland? I mean you must have lived in Maryland when he was Lt. Govenor or a Representative, since you know how well he has done, right?
Yes it is a fair question, but I've found in my own experience that conservatives are more open minded. Just saying that any conservative outlet shouldn't be a closed door to opposing views. If you are confident that you conservative ideas are superior to liberal ones, then tearing apart the rants from Ridley's feeble little mind should be a piece of cake.
And speaking of Obama's resonance with the populace that was hardly based on any hip-hop cred:
Ludacris – Obama Is Here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL-oUX2rCqc
I HATE identity politics and the politics of identity; they executed a dream which was never allowed to come to life.
The Dream failed; most have forgotten MLK because they are all focused on color, race, creed, gender and sex to even imagine content of character.
Go ahead demonize me for seeing past the collective wasteland of empty platitudes.
I. Don't. Care. Anymore.
They are ignoring it. I'm not a Ron Paul fanatic, but I like some of his ideas. Had the GOP at least offered an olive branch to his followers instead of pandering to the moderates, thay might have actually had a chance. Instead of making him the black sheep of the party, they may have had some success in finding some common ground with him.
Let's face it, political affiliation is the new designator of race. To the oreo chuckers like John Ridley, Harley and others Michael Steele is a race traitor, I.E. he is white because he is member of the republican party. If a 50 year old black liberal democrat said something like this, said chuckers would be giving kudos to Mr. Steele for being the cool uncle. When Michael Jackson wanted to be white during the late 80's early 90's all he would have had to do is say he was a conservative. Presto! now he's white. Harley and others need to keep blacks in their place in order to hold on to their precious majority. They can't have blacks looking beyond skin color because that would threaten the power of people like Mr. Ridley and Harley who only see skin color and their ability to shout Racist at the top of their lungs to shout down political opponents.
I'm only saying that none of this is fresh, or original. It has a regurgitated feel to it all. Plus that the mission statement of the site is Conservativisim and/or Hollywood, Mr. Ridley seems out of tune with the other writers on this site. Thus begging the question, why are you writing here? If he was invited to do so by Andrew Breitbart, fine. In which case my question would be; Why are you so high on Obama? Because as you said L4L, his rants will be torn apart, and he will be the strawman for many an argument here. Which doesn't serve his message at all does it?
Hey! We're all cowards when it comes to discussions of race. I know this for a fact because the courageous new Attorney General Eric Holder told me it is so.
Steele's heart is in the right place, even as his statements often come off as stand-up comedy.
Dang! You beat me to it.
(shuffles feet while standing) "Hi, I'm Phil and I'm a coward."
(group, all white of course) "HI, PHIL!"
RAAAAAACIST coward!
Good points. If Michael Jackson wanted to be white… that is funny!
I think Mr. Ridley is right. Republicans will have a great success recrutting GoPers from black church, of let's say, Rev. Jeremiah Wrigth.
TO Latino4Liberty, we have something in common, my father was South American. I was born there as well and came to the US at an early age. My dads hero was Ronald Reagan. I personally was very liberal after college put it only took a few years afterwards to see the false promises and faulty assumptions of liberalism.
At my day job there are a couple of Mexican-American kids who really work hard and are trying to move up in the company. Instead of having a chip on their shoulders , complaining about "the man" they just get it done.
Of course the other Mexican-Americans give them crap for trying to be white.
It's sad.
They don't have to go anywhere near Ron Paul (which they won't) to acknowledge some libertarian populist ideas. Paul does however point to the flaw in today's Republicans especially the establishment ones. They are bought and paid for by the corporate Statists. That is, they can't be populist because the corporate interests are for cheap labor (open borders, H1 visas) and these corporate entities will thrive in our new fascist/socialist state anyway. They (the corporations) don't have any allegiance either.
The moderates are inadvertently helping our country to drift leftward. They keep allowing the left to define them giving ground. Then the left moves further left and demonizes them again, shifting the whole debate leftward. For example. It used to be that the left wanted civil unions for gays and Republicans were against that – this was only 10 years ago. Now if you aren't flat out for gay marriage you are a homophobe and a bigot. Were the Democrats who were advocating civil unions 10 years ago bigots? The whole debate keeps shifting and moderate R's are happy to go along as long as they can hold on to their personal power
I think John has made some valuable points here. Especially the one about the uncle trying to appear hip. While we might not want to hear it, we need to listen to it, because it is what the other side thinks about us.
Chairman Steele didn't win every election he ran in? So what? That's politics, win some lose some. He was however very good at the jobs he did hold. And he'll do a good job as chairman. So he sprinkles his rhetoric with a few hip-hop phrases, big deal. Is that any different from PBO fist bumping w/ the FL? If I had a vote it would have been for Ken Blackwell, and not because of his melanin level. I lived in Lebanon, OH for a long time and saw Blackwell's work as mayor of Cincy, and Ohio Sec. of State. He's an excellent executive and will hopefully be back on the scene soon. Senator from Ohio, I hope. Chairman Steele is going to do a great job at RNC. The RNC has nowhere to go but up, and to use a military term, Chairman Steele will be the tip of the spear.
The truth is the Democrats can only get people to the polls in great numbers in Presidential election years. The Georgia Senate run-off is a perfect example. The Republican won because not enough Democrats bothered to come back to the polls even in a very important race for control of the Senate. It is the same in off-election years too. That is why Democrats are afraid of a run-off in Minnesota. Yes, I know Minnesota does not allow for run-off elections. But apparently it does allow for endless re-counts.
Was that really necessary? Do we want to act like a bunch of Al Sharptons over here? I thought we were above that kind of stuff.
I think he meant an Uncle. We all remember that Uncle from when we were kids, the one who used terms like "Groovy" and talked about having the "Munchies" because he thought it just meant "Hungry." (Unfortunately, now I think I AM that uncle.)
OOOOooh snap! Good on ya Latino4Liberty!
Steele was Lt. Governor, yes. But as part of a ticket, with Bob Erlich at the top, running for, and winning, the governor's office. He has never won statewide office on his own. So yes, I know how he's done. Thanks.
"the weird and moderately suspicious business deals."
You're kdding, right? "Rezko/Ayers/Blago/Chicago"…Steele's got nothin' on Barry for that.
I'd suggest anyone who thinks I'll waste time debating much of anything with someone who refers to the Prez as "Hopey" is moderately deluded. So there's that.
Can someone please explain to me how emphasizing difference makes people more tolerant? What happened to judging a person by their character?
Okay. On the plus side, Steele's a great public speaker, and he'll rally the troops as well as anyone. That's certainly part of the job. His previous campaigns don't suggest he's much of a strategic thinker, but running as Repub in Maryland ain't easy — which, I suppose, is why he left his party affiliation off his campaign ads in 2006 — so there's that. As I've already said once, Blackwell might have been a better choice. But we''ll see. And let's also remember this started with Wankette's complaint about 'following his career.' I'll stick with my original point. His career thus far has been fairly unremarkable.
The "other side" isn't changing and for the most part, neither am I.
If the GOP can't get the Hip-Hop or inner city vote, it is doing fine, just fine in my book.
I agree that Steele's attempt was pretty sorry, but for years the GOP has been criticized for not even trying.
touche!
Funny, I was liberal UNTIL I went to college. Taking classes on things like economics and finance made me see how backwards the liberal approach to economic policy is.
It is sad, and I used to be the same way. I remember as a kid I asked my mom why she "talked White" because she used proper English. Man was I dumb!
I also used to have that same chip on my shoulder in high school because I was the only Mexican at a Catholic military academy. In college I figured out that the only boundaries I had were the ones I put up myself.
It's much more than the hip hop inner city vote. It's the MTV vote as well. And the artist vote. It's what Big Hollywood is out to do, trying to make conservatism cool; or at least find a sight line, from where it appears that way.
well, you rap better than Joaquin Phoenix, but that's not saying much.
That's what Ridley was saying. That now we're trying too hard. And it's obvious.
If Ridley knew anything about public relations and marketing, he'd see past his Mike Steele scorn and see this is a brilliant idea. The GOP needs something novel to jumpstart it once again. This is us attempting to reach out to people, educate them about the true pitfalls of big government, and to make our tent bigger. It's not about black and white anymore. Hip-hoppers or country-boys. It's one nation under God, Ridley, got that? Stop your racially-divisive tactics.
What's funny is that there are just as many on the Left that are against gay marriage. And you are correct about the whole debate moving to the left. I couldn't care less if two gay people want to get married, but can we please stop having the in-your-face-pride parades? I think that's a fair comprimise?
Valid point. Perhaps just trying to break the stereotype of being the party of uppity rich white males is where he should start rather than focus on one segment of the community. I've notced Fox News is trying to be a little racier lately. Their anchors really let loose when they appear on Red Eye, and did anyone see Gilbert Godfried on Hannity? I thought I was watching FX for a minute.
That may be but again, Steele can't or shouldn't be what he isn't. Me either. I have seen MTV and I am not buying. And, I am not really interested in being cool but being effective, self-responsible, and free.
Having said that, I appreciate your points and they are valid in spite of my attitude!
Now there is a novel idea. Lets give that one a whirl.
Good stuff
thanks.
Liked you points too. Ultimately, what is cooler than being free?
We already have the better product, we just need to work on our pitch.
Well Ridley its called expanding the base. Apparently an African American RNC Chair really bugs you? GOOD! Apparently Mr. Steele thinks for himself? AWESOME! Because apparently some others are UNABLE TO! Maybe Mr. Steele can change that? GOOD! Ridley you need to see what is happening to your party and to the people who support it. Do you think its awesome being in lock step goose stepping with the rest of them? Come on man. Step back and take a good HARD LOOK!
And no Obamawan would not have won without ACORN. Fraud is fraud and he won by fraud.
And Oprah, don't forget about her. And because he has Jay Z on his iPod and has a good jumpshot…all qualifications of a good leader, right? Who need experience when NY Times op-ed writers want to sleep with you?
Yeah, defeating a primary opponent hated by the base of her party (who ran an incompetent campaign) and a general election opponent hated by the base of his party (who ran an incompetent campaign) with 24/7 media propaganda… yeah, impressive. Or not.
Well, I'm not nearly as good as Obama:
http://jimtreacher.com/archives/001769.html
Obviously you don't since you never answered my question about how long you lived in Maryland, but you're welcome anyway.
As long as we're talking about the the demonization of one group to get votes from another: Mr. Ridley, do you have any opinions about Obama's habit during the campaign of making Malcolm X references in front of black audiences, but not in front of white audiences?
Do you think I am race baiting? If that is what Mr. Ridley meant, then he can explain that to me, Tim. BTW, my uncle was pretty cool.
Or, really Ridley's just very afraid Steele's going to succeed.
No offense. But I don't need to live in Maryland to assess Steele's career path. You may disagree with my opinion. But living in Maryland doesn't make you an expert on anything other than blue crab.
Steele is making moves in the right direction. He's reaching out to tech-savvy Republicans and looking at ways to mobilize in new ways. There's nothing wrong with seeking to expand your base by finding both younger and more diverse conservatives. They exist and right now we all need to come together. Just because Mr. Steele is awkward at articulating this doesn't mean that his efforts will fail.
Ridley=Token.
Does Huff post have a resident obama hater?
Honeslty why is this guy posting here?
How in hell can the GOP market anything, if every time they try, they are smacked down by the brothers. The black conservative is totally villified. It's like – "how dare they join that band of racist, after all we've done for them. We've taken care of their every need, we subjected them to the cruelty of abject & sustained poverty, and how dare anyone leave our generous nest?" Condi – Pathetic. Steele – A loser. Clarence Thomas – a sex fiend, etc., etc. Just on this thread , we've seen allegations about Micheal Steele – as a loser, corruptive, and his inabilty to win. Well getting elected for anything in MD when you have an 'R under your name is almost mystical. The DNC bombarded him with the nasties and he still almost won. That is no rout.
Maybe it's just that picture, but while I'm looking at Michael Steele I'm thinking of a middle-aged Carlton Banks from "Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire". I'm a small-government conservative, but when the Republican Party goes hip-hop, I'm voting Libertarian.
Okay, deal. You are not allowed to formulate an opinion on any politician who is not from Maryland. In truth, this may benefit the site as a whole. I look forward to your opinions on Marvin Mandel. Thanks in advance.
Mr. Ridley speaks for black people, not Steele, that's common knowledge, at least in the white community, when I talk to my fellow whites we always talk about how John Ridley speaks for the black community.
Maybe not intentionally.
But Ridley didn't say: "an uncle that worked as an Amtrak porter" or "an uncle that drove a rich woman's limousine around."
He said, " [an] uncle trying to be hip while playing some black-top hoops with 16 year olds."
I know what he meant, and it is devoid of any racial connotation (other than the fact that few white kids play black-top hoops. Most of us, grew up playing H-o-r-s-e in the driveway).
He means a dorky old guy, that thinks he relates to the kids better than he really does.
Ridley is a racist coward, and ignorant of the world around him. My 10 YR old "White" son demands
Hip Hop music in the car. If it wasn't for Guitar Hero I would never hear decent music. Well I do hear
music stolen and warped by liberal producers with no originality. In any case. I say to you turn on a
show on BBC America. Close your eyes and tell me the black from the white, the Indian from the Arab.
They all sound English!! I dare Rahm Emanuel to get rid of the race question on the next census, He
won't do it. Because the Democrat party survives on dividing us by race creed and color.GBB
Agreed. In the end, the real issue with socialism is that it is the anathema to freedom. I call it legal plunder. What's yours is mine.
Funny, I don't recall making any sort of deal with you, but since you are so keen to make deals, why don't you go live in Baltimore for a year or two and then get back to me on YOUR impressions of Maryland.
Excellent posts here. Mr. Ridley, did you notice you received thoughtful discourse here? I wonder if a heavy Palin supporter would get that at HuffPo or Kos? Bev from NYC, you hit the nail on the head. I am a Ga. resident. If Obama isn't the "hip-hop" Pres., then why was it he had his friends in that community performing at rallies during our run-off, for an old white man? Isn't that identity politics? And yet, somehow, it didn't work. I assure you, if it required two trips to the voting booth, once for Presidential voting, and once for Congress, Republicans would have won way more seats. You see, I have been a poll official for years, my mom, 30 yrs. I was asked by at least 100 people, "Can I vote for Obama as President, and Sarah Palin as V. President?" So what does that tell you? Also, most people told me later, they didn't know they could vote for Republicans, and Democrats at the same time. No, we don't have a very intelligent voting public. Spend some time working in politics, it will depress the hell out of you.
Bingo!
Let's show the Left who is really in favor of "Tolerance" and "Diversity."
Meanwhile, the strongest foe, is the one who studies his opponents' thinking.
I understand DefCon's point of view, but I'm with L4L on this. I don't like Ridley's stuff, I think the man is a fool and what he writes is written somewhat offensively. That said, I think it's worth having some provocative stuff on this site to give us things to think about and discuss. I wouldn't want this place to be an echo chamber like HufPo or the MSM.
In fact, I wish the liberals who visit this site would actually engage in debate, rather than just dropping a few nasty personal insults and then running away.
I have been critical of a few of John Ridley's remarks. But this one is important. Just like we would have been better prepared for the attacks on Sarah Palin if we had known they were going to paint her with the stupid brush, this post gives some marvelous insight on how the Left looks at the new Chairman.
And remember: we are the ones who mean it, when we talk about Freedom of Speech. Censorship is uniquely Leftist.
Another thing, if it isn't all about the Hip-Hop community, then how come Will.i.am had several songs out right away, praising Obama? The one where everyone just chants "Obama, Obama, Obama" sounds like a cult thing, and who can forget the lovely inclusive display by Jay Z and Young Jeezy on inaugural night? Right, Mr. Ridley? Remember, "My Mother F'ing President is Black!" I wonder when Obama will come out and denounce Chris Brown's actions. Surely it is a teachable moment since no decent black person would call women skanks and sluts and hos, talk about screwing them and tossing them away like Kleenex, and then actually beating one in the face? Right? I would have had more respect for Ridley had he posted on teaching young people responsibility and morals, and discussing how what Brown did was unacceptable. Or will it get brushed under the table?
Man, I love conservatives!
He's had a better career than Obama.
Gottfried was killing!!! The funniest part was the deer in the headlights look Hannity was wearing.
My favorite moment of the segment was when he turned to Kirsten Powers and said, "She's pretty hot." Amen, Gilbert. That's the only woman alive who could get me to vote Democrat.
Think, I'll play the liberal/democrat card and call Ridley a racist for making such comments against an African-American even if he is a Republican.
Tim, I think Bev's point (and I think it is an interesting observation) is that when it comes to criticizing blacks, almost anything a Republican says gets interpreted as some sort of code word. Yet, Ridley uses one of those code words himself without any criticism. Now, Ridley may have meant it to have a double meaning or he may not, but either way he's getting a free pass… he's getting the benefit of the doubt, which is something liberals do not give Republicans.
"he's getting the benefit of the doubt, which is something liberals do not give Republicans."
Perhaps. But I don't want to sink to their level. I believe we should try and rise above that kind of tactic. I don't want to see this glorious forum degenerate into a Hate Site like the Huffington Post.
Well, sure, Andrew. Except for that whole Getting Elected as President of the United States thing. Which oughtta count for something.
(And appropriate joke aside, Obama's senate win would have given him an edge anyway. If you really want to keep score.)
Still waiting for the Marvin Mandel opinion. Unless of course you don't know who he is. No fair googling!
Blacks go to church do they?
What are they learning in church, pray tell?
I think that it’s probably not wise to take advice from someone as narrow minded as John Ridley. He’s our token well, “liberal on BH. Everyone be nice it’s tough to be a victim it occupies his life 24/7.
Tell it like it is Lola!
"someone as narrow minded as John Ridley"
He's here, isn't he? That indicates to me he is a little more open-minded than most on his side of the aisle.
And what good does it do, to reinforce the Leftist stereotype, that Republicans are ignorant, mean-spirited bigots?
I think it does our cause better, to try and explain our positions, than to tell tell him, he is unwelcome here.
If, by "Hip Hop" he is referring to the likes of "JJ and the Asthmatic"
( JayZee and "little Jeezy – or something to that effect – tip to Dennis Miller…).
I do not WANT my party to accomodate them. I do not wish to encourage a culture club which promotes sexism, racism, ignorance, illiteracy, rape, violence, disrespect, war lord drug dealing, etc. I call that genre "gangster/thug rap, however at some point during recent years, it has become "hip hop" along with music from Will Smith, Queen Latifah, (sorry, I'm old school I don't know of any current non-gangsta artists, don't keep track of them) so I'm not sure the scope of the "hip hop" crowd . I have a few close black friends who struggle, every DAY to keep their teenagers away from the ghetto-hood crowd. If the kids reject it, they are not considered "black". These parents, like me, hate that "hip hop" is considered "THE" black culture, and ghetto rap is considered hip hop. I fought that enough with my own white daughter, their battle is much tougher.
OK, maybe he didn't do it as well as he should have, but he's right. Obama, Patrick and Ford obviously have no reason to prove that they don't hate black people. So they can feel free to appeal to the public in whatever form they are comfortable with. But we conservatives had better wake up to the fact that a huge number of African-Americans are utterly convinced we either hate or disdain them. I don't think hip-hop is the way to appeal to anyone with an IQ higher than room temperature, but we had better figure out some way to reach African-Americans without being patronizing. Gay marriage is one of those uniting issues which doesn't talk down to a large potential voting group. And it's not cynical or patronizing to let any constituency know that we may have serious grounds for agreement. People can come down on either side of the gay marriage issue, and it has nothing to do with race. So why wouldn't conservatives discuss gay marriage with the African-American community? We just have to stop sounding like white lecturers telling black people what they should think.
Any business deal that made sense would seem weird and moderately suspicious to socialist who don't even understand what a market is much less how they work.
Well, Harley, that's a valid point. What were some of the things the liberals were calling Bush?
I personally do not denigrate the Office of the President by name-calling the occupant, regardless of his political leaning. For that matter, I'm not crazy about the diminutive form "Prez", either.
Instead of Steele worrying about how a political party "looks," how about the politicians in the Republican party grow some cajones and stick to their principles. That would resonate with voters, regardless of color, more than anything.
http://the100mostannoyingthings.blogspot.com/
With the caveat that Ripley's offering belong over on HuffPo, and not on a conservative blogsite with a Hollywood focus (neither of which touchstones Ripley seems to haveany familiarity with), let's face facts:
He's (probably inadvertently) stumbled over a verifiable point.
Steele sounds like a lunatard in his first outting with the press.
We've gone from an RNC that spent years shooting off all its toes, to a new RNC chairman who's apparently willing to saw off his own head on live TV.
Harley your nostrils are flaring…..
A resume of inexperience, suspicious business deals and other associations, skin color being right for the job…HMMMMM…Harley, that sounds like someone else I know.
I understand, I'm not trying to censor, just curious where Mr. Ridley is coming from and where he expects to go with this… I doubt with the arguments he's made so far anyone has really been swayed by his point of view. I don't want an echo chamber either, but none of his writing has been that revealing really, and am I to expect Mr. Ridley's point of view to be a "token" liberal point of view on this site? Or is he coming from somewhere else with a different intent? Apologies all around if I am coming off too harsh, but I really want to know why he's here with the views he has, knowing that the vast majority of the readers will disagree with him and the views he is espousing.
I don't see my post here asking Mr. Ridley what he thought about JayZ and Little Jeezy, or Wheezy, as DM called him. Did you think it advanced race relations when they had their performance on Inauguration Nite, and sang, " My Mother F'ing President is Black?" Most of us here have seen the video clips of what all they said that nite, and if that isn't dividing, what is?
BTW, isn't it interesting how people like JayZ have now denouced Chris Brown for hitting Rhianna, but doesn't that music, which has lyrics that are degrading to women, make it a breeding ground for abuse?
Breitbart, why do you keep deleting people's posts, even when they contain no expletives? I keep seeing someone comment on this, nearly every thread. Please explain why.
Sorry Harley, if I am to play by your rules I can't comment on him, as I no longer live in Maryland (Thank God). I'd be happy to discuss Gordon Brown/New Labour as currently he/they have more of an effect on my life currently. But maybe since you're ignoring my challenge I should just ignore yours as well? If you really want to discuss Maryland's Democratic Governors perhaps I could interest you in the Democrat that is more relevant to the State now, like Martin O'Malley, or perhaps Parris Glendening?
Both of whom have been Governor of Maryland within the past decade, and more topical in regards to its decline than a Governor that has been out of office for thirty years.
Honestly, I'm asking more because I am starting to feel sorry for the guy, I know what it is like to be on the receiving end of political "whack-a-mole". As much as I am appreciative of the intelligence gathering, I'm not seeing a big boost for Mr. Ridley's ego coming from here, nor am I seeing the unique perspective he is trying to bring to this site. I'm not trying to censor him but in a more collegial fashion socratically ask him what he expects to gain here.
Tim, I would normally agree because rational debate cannot exist when the discussion degenerates to name calling.
However, right now, the issue of race is different. The left has made the debate poisonous by disengenuously throwing out the term "racist" at every perceived slight. I think the only way to fix this problem is to hold them to the same ridiculous standard they use against us. Either they will get sick of having to watch every word they use (and still find themselves being accused of racism) or the word will lose its meaning (as we all become desensitized) and rational debate can begin again. I think to let them continue to act like bullies and to only fire back with rational arguments will only allow them to maintain the current debate the way it is — 100% stacked against us.
So on all other issues, I agree, but not on this issue. If Ridley can call out Republicans for using code words (intentionally or not), then he needs to be called out for using those same codewords (intentionally or not).
But the name of the site is Big Hollywood, not Big Washington DC or Big Inside the Beltway. If I'm going to have to read lefty authors on this site, shouldn't it at least be someone who understands that this site is about showbiz and politics, not the University of Chicago Law School meets politics?
Sorry, I have no idea what that means. If this is your idea of flirtation, you need to come up with something more concrete. Don't be shy. Be bold!
First, if this means you're in England, I envy you. Second, you should take the time to look up Mandel. I wrote a script about him for Barry Levinson several years back, and while the movie never got made, it was a pleasure to dig into the guy's story — he was a larger than life guy in every possible way, and one of the more interesting tales I've ever come across. There's even a great love story in it…
So there's that.
If the President of the United States is entitled to a learning curve, I'm pretty sure the Chairman of the GOP should get a free pass or two.____But seriously, does anyone truly believe that Obama ran on ISSUES?
It amazes me that liberals are so informed and articulate about everything and everyone conservative but they live in a bubble of blind, blabbering euphoria when it comes to Democrats and Obama specifically. Look what happened when we got to see his "pecs". Let's not judge Michael Streele by the libs ideal candidate for the RNC but stand behind him, encourage him, and accept his "flaws" if one could call referring to "hip hop" a flaw. We let the libs annihilate Sarah Palin and agreed with their cruel assessments at times because we wanted or thought we needed her to be perfect. Meanwhile the whole Democrat party from Hiz Honor on down is a study in psychosis and criminal behavior. Maybe we are more sensitive because we happen to be more "conscious".
Part of the reason Obama was able to pull off the hoax of the century is because his minions ignored anything relevant and just swooned over him no matter what he said or did. We saw all the flaws but did anyone listen to us? No! We are already to stick pins in Michael Steele because some Libtard doesn't think he is perfect enough. Come on guys, lets give the man a break. This is a tough job.
I stand corrected.
No Mr, Ridley, Barack Obama got to where he is by LYING and OBFUSCATING and lots of peeps who DON'T know the issues voted for him for "CHANGE". Well, we are getting it now…just not how the dopes thought BUT if they had paid attention, they would have seen the REAL Chicago sleezeball shine through.
Maybe you'd be happy if Chairman Steele adopted the patois of Rev. Jeremiah Wright. "Ridin' dirty" and the "Chickens coming home to rooooost". That you prolly think is cool. And correct for a Black man.
ANY American will do better if they adopt and live seriously by conservative values. ESPECIALLY the minorities that are taken advantage of by the DEMOCRAT party. It's honourable and smart when a minority is STRONG enough to see through how DOWN the Democrats keep 'em and have the courage (and character) to be a Conservative. Those who are still Dems (or Libs) these days are either not thinking or seeing what is the truth or they wanna be in the upper Party. Both are assinine and the latter is selfish.
Interesting tactic.
Unfortunately, it never seems to stick when we call them racist. They're allowed to use terms against Republicans, that would force public apologies and resignations if we ever used them.
And regardless whether "civility" or "fire with fire" is the winning strategy out there; I'm advocating for civility inside of Big Hollywood.
The mission of this blog is inclusion.
Yeah Ridley is right….but if thats the case how come he posts typical leftist propaganda? Sorry Tim not buying it. We do not need to prove anything to anyone. What part of that do people not get. The only people who feel that way have very misplaced guilt. WHY? Thats what the subtext of Tim's post is. Guilt. Anyone who falls for Ridley's theory here is falling for PC garbage with a huge dash of I can make YOU feel guilty. Now please someone tell me Steele is a token? OK? PLEASE! Lets all go down that road.
If you really want an interesting peek at the other side of the looking-glass, check out what
people on the other side of the aisle have to say about the same article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-ridley/michael...
The public square has been hijacked by raving leftist loons. This con has been pushed on the American people since the 60’s, with the likes of Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Saul Alinsky, “Rules for Radicals, win by any means necessary, or another great read Hoffman’s, “Steal this Book/Movie.” Any how, the point is you can’t deal with these kind of people with, “Markus of Queensbury rules, you jump into the ring for a fair fight and they’ll put a pipe against your head. The good news is there are only a few true believers, and their Achilles Heel is their collective or hive mind think.
Cont: We as conservative have to enter the square and take them on, yes reasoned debate if it’s possible, but more likely than not they will start with hysterical pejoratives, you know racist, homophob, xenophob, jingoist, the full litany, this is the technique of a radical, and as Andrew said render the invective useless, and then the real discussion can begin. I own a business and work 60 to 80hrs. 6 to 7 days a week, and the blogs are new to me, but I’m going to make time to stay in the town square, for me right that’s the internet in my office. I love this country, it’s freedoms, it’s people, it’s gods gift to the world, and I want my kids and grandchildren to experience this wonderful place as I have for 5 decades. God bless the USA!
Steele's style is just fine, ignore this nitpicky article. Steele is a genuine American and is absolutely correct to reach out to a more diverse audience. Conservatism is cool. Crazy left wing totalitarianism? Not cool. Keep up the good work Michael Steele, you have my full fledged support!
Hear, Hear!
No offense, but I did not ask you this question. I directly asked Mr. Ridley. Though I appreciate what you are saying, I have many high achieving black friends who are constantly being ridiculed for being "too white". If you think I am race baiting then a) you do not know me, and b) you obviously do not know what racism is. I grew up in the '60's and saw it first hand.
We have just come off three days of AG Holder calling us all cowards and racists for not discussing racial issues and Al Sharpton leading a protest about some stupid cartoon taken completely out of context! If Mr. Ridley wants an apology, he can ask for one, but I asked a reasonable question. for which I would like an answer.
Well said! Michael Steele is a fine man, and we certainly do not need to take advice on conservatism from the, “hive.”
(Continued from above) IMO, Micheal Steele is no loser. In fact, he's got all the qualities that people have heralded on Obama, who seems suspicious. You can't know anything about him – it's just "trust me." So Steele may not hit a few out of the park – it's only been a couple of weeks. But he's trying to do something to get the monolithic, squeeky wheel that is the GOP out of the desert. And that, my friends, is a very, very hard thing to do.
I'd think if you're an informed citizen of the State of Maryland it might make you an expert on your public servants. But then again I guess you (Harley) can just read the Baltimore Sun and get all of the pertinent facts right? No need to ever visit the state, or for that matter be taxed by it. You know all about Maryland and its politicians from your comfortable home outside of Maryland. And FYI there are plenty of Marylanders who don't know jack about Blue Crab, due to the fact that they don't live anywhere near the Chesapeake, but I suppose you knew that since you seem to be such an expert on Maryland and its politicians.
MY REACTION TO MR RIDLEYPart One
__John, can you really say as a purveyor of the "Hip Hop" culture that you don't understand what Michael Steele is saying? Steele is reacting to the fact that Liberals like you, who have so segmented society by such arbitrary measures as skin color and sexual preference have created a situation in which the Republican party can no longer act as they have, which is to rely on the power of their ideas without regard to arbitrary aesthetics, chromosomal variation and sexual proclivities, but must now make sure that their powerful arguments are understood, DESPITE these "differences." It amazes me how people such as yourself, who are undoubtedly intelligent and talented, can pick and choose what you want to see and how you are going to apply your principles. In the past, you have written about the plight of poor blacks and how they have accepted the "deal" from the government (read "democrats") after having won the civil rights fight (thanks to Republicans),and have squandered their opportunities and allowed themselves to be debased and chained as metaphorical slaves once again. This slavery of course, and here I speak of welfare programs and the policies of a non colorblind government, has kept blacks in poverty and destroyed the family. You understand this, yet you still can not bring yourself to open your eyes to the complicity and machinations of the Democrat party in bringing this about, and most certainly not in your own role. You cannot and will not open your eyes to the fact that it is the continual promotion of these policies by the Democrat party which not only keep the metaphorical chains on Blacks, but keep that Party in power. Victimhood, destructive entitlement programs, cynical and supercilious race quotas, and mock outrage and projection on Republicans and conservatives DOES
MY REACTION TO MR RIDLEYPart II
Despite what you believe, as is evidenced in your archives, Republicans are truly the party of Martin Luther King Jr. who wanted a world of judgments based on character. Race does not factor in to the Republican party. But to people like you John, the Republican party is "dying" because they DON'T make a big deal about race and YOU DO. You reserve the right to laud Obama for being a "black" President and chastise those who disagree with them as "racists", yet cynically call out Republicans for supposedly "playing to race" when they elect a GOP leader who is also black. Liberals and Democrats have successfully created a society where the MOST IMPORTANT THING is identifying the proper victim group and then placing priority on sensitivity over intelligence, or virtue. In fact, virtue for the liberal IS displaying the appropriate amount of guilt in deference to these victim groups. You decry Steele for using the very language and deference to regional, cultural and ethnic variations that you advocate and abet yourself! Afterall, it was people like you who based your vote almost solely on skin color and a perceived solidarity with the rank and file special grievance groups. This was apparent from your unending attacks on Sarah Palin, where you displayed a curious lack of interest in exploring the similarities between the problems you had with Palin and those of Obama. You also displayed the same disingenuousness when you compared the words of Rev. Wright to those of Falwell and Pat Robertson.
"Nothing to do with conservative thought?" He's writing about the chairman of the RNC and a specific interview Mr. Steele gave about how he intends to reach out to minorities. You can disagree with Ridley, but it's not like he's talking about what flowers grow best in Holland.
MY REACTION TO MR RIDLEYPart III
You have been a promoter of the "hip hop" culture your entire career. Your own production "platinum" was ALL about "hip hopifying" television drama, as one reviewer called it "''Snoop Dogg Meets 'The Sopranos,' '' but … closer to ''Dynasty'' with a hip-hop beat." You pine for the iconography of a "black santa" in the Obama Whitehouse Christmas celebration, yet you are self righteously sensitive to a black Republican using the word "hip hop." Liberals like you constantly encourage ostentatious displays of race and seem to find metaphorical discrimination wherever you look, yet in the case of this BLACK REPUBLICAN you claim outrage?!
Ask yourself this, Mr Ridley, are you offended by the idea of the Republican message being expressed according to the sympathies for race for which you yourself are so sensitive, or is it really the fact that you just can't stand a Black Republican co opting the language of a "real" "african american?"
I don't want to see this glorious forum degenerate into a Hate Site like the Huffington Post.
Sorry Tim, but I don't agree with the premise. Ridley has written several columns blindly attacking Conservatives, and not on ideological grounds. He comes here to smear and pick fights, so saying he's not welcome does nothing to make this site like the HuffPo. The biggest problem with Mr. Ridley's columns is that they are devoid of intelligent ideas, which would be the entire point of having a Liberal posting here. There are arguments to be made for some Liberal programs and against some Conservative ones, but Mr. Ridley chooses not to engage in intellectual thought.
Personally, I think that's exactly what shouldn't be on this site, from the Left or Right. You can have your opinions, but just to mindlessly smear people with stereotypes in every column does nothing to add to the debate. I'll trade Mr. Ridley for several Liberal columnists, if they'll just come here with ideas instead of venom.
Perhaps Steele is just taking a page from Hillary's play-book, you know, the one that says 'to reach Blacks, adopt a Southern accent'.
"I don't feel no ways tired, … "
"We just have to stop sounding like white lecturers telling black people what they should think."
Which is ironically what liberals have been doing with the black voting base for 30 years. Black conservatives are always admonished for thinking for themselves when liberals call them sell-outs or brainwashed.
I'm finding myself agreeing with you, which means you're making a hell of a lot more sense than John Ridley. Maybe you should present the liberal essays on this site instead.
MY REACTION TO MR RIDLEYPart IV
We were promised that the Age of The One would be the beginning of the Post Racial age, by I have always seen through that lie. For the legacy of racism lives on in the policies of Democrat Government, it lives in the minds of the Liberal who considers minor differences of no consequence to be most consequential. It will live on as long as we tell ourselves that we are NOT racist, when we apologize for racist words and deeds that we commit without a shred of earnest intent, as long as we celebrate how different we are instead of how much we have in common. Isn't it a far more powerful symbol of "progress" when a Black President of the United States can celebrate Christmas at the White House with his family in anticipation of Santa Claus along with the rest of the Nation and not "white Santa Claus" or "Black Santa Claus?" I will do one better: wouldn't it be better if it was just "President Obama" and not "Black President Obama?" Which would Dr King prefer? (some day I am getting a bracelet that says "WWDMLKD!". Strap yourself in then Mr Ridley because Mr Steele will not apologize for what he says or does. At least that is what I hear, and that it what I am hoping we can all become. You should ask yourself as you sharpen your knives over the next four years, would you say the same things about Steele that you will say if he was a Democrat, or if he was White? To which the very next question you should ask yourself is: 'which of these traits strike me FIRST?'
Finally, I must add that even though I was harsh on you in this post, and I am sure that you didn't even read it. I appreciate and respect you for posting here. I hope you will keep an open mind!
It's funny you should say that (about directing the question to Ridley). He seems to be the one author on this site who has never (to my knowledge) made a follow up comment in the comments section. Sounds to me like he fires these articles off and never checks up on them or reads the response.
Doesn't sound like someone to interested in debate does it?
I think this one was my favorite:
You down wit' G.O.P.?!
Yeah, you know me!
Who down wit' G.O.P.?
Erry-body!
Well said. I guess what the difference is that as a conservative, I think that liberals have been far more successful at communicating with the African-American public, and once having established rapport, sell them on the bread and circuses concept of government. We need to improve our rapport so the we can convince them that there's no such thing as a free lunch. I'm much more prone to listen to someone who speaks my language and shares things in common with me than to someone who clearly lives an entirely different kind of life who will tell me that I ought to be more like him. It's at the grassroots and street level that we have to find common ground. I've been a lecturer on constitutional law at several West Coast law schools. My point was that the way I addressed the students on the subject would be offputting and probably pretentious to my neighbors who don't use the same jargon that lawyers do. If I wanted to make a point about the constitutionality of prayer in the public schools to my neighbors, I would use language that we all speak in common rather than legalese. Not dumbed-down phrases, just a common language.
PS: I also think that Brisco County Jr was one of the best shows on TV in the last twenty-five years.
Has Ridley ever commented on that 'Democratic voice for Blacks', Maxine Waters, and her praising of Hip-hop and politics?
http://www.daveyd.com/newsdetroitmayorhiphop.html
Am I seeing hypocrisy here?
Ouch!
funny
And who can forget that 'bros before hos' campaign slogan worn on t-shirts by Obama supporters.
It appears THEY thought Obama had Hip-hop cred.
How about Obama talking down about small town Americans to San Franciscans to earn their vote?
Sometimes people just like to stir up the pot a little. I've been know to cause little storms of havoc over on the Left blogs, and I always enjoy it immensely. I'm guessing he's doing the same thing.
I have questioned the logic of a few of Ridley's previous posts being on the site, but I really think this one offers a valuable perspective.
We were all really excited about the choice of Steele as the chairman, because we so want to prove to America that the Republicans are not the racists we are always accused of being. In the midst all the cheering, and back patting we neglected to notice how the Left reacted to our choice.
We need to know that. Because I think part of the resistance Ridley is getting here for this opinion, is that deep down, we know he's right.
Yes, I'm in the UK, but don't envy me, things are bad for people over here since they (stupidly) bought up all of our toxic debt, and jobs are disappearing as well. The grass is still greener in the USA.
As far as Mandel goes, I don't purport to know much about him, as I was just a kid (in another state at that) when he was Governor, but I'll ask some of my older native Maryland friends about him, and what their impressions were. Between the antics of Glendenning and Schaefer (who seems like ancient history these days in MD politics); Mandel might just be happy practicing law in Annapolis. I can't blame him though its a beautiful place to work or live, provided you have some sort of assigned/restricted parking space.
"We need to improve our rapport so that we can convince them that there's no such thing as a free lunch"
It's a losing battle to win this rapport through political messages. I concluded this when watching the 2000 Democratic primary debate between Al Gore and Bill Bradley at the Apollo theater. The positive reinforcement they were receiving for their shameless pandering was embarrassing. I felt like yelling, "Don't those people know these are politicians?"
The political battle for the hearts and minds of the black population has been won. Steele's cool hip-hop approach is awkward and futile.
The bridge between conservative, individualist philosophies and black America is going to be built over generations. It will grow from within the black population as more blacks become entrepreneurs, salesman, business executives, and military personnel. But the bridge certainly won't originate from Republicans. Or any politician. I like to tell my liberal friends that professional sports has done more to heal race relations in this country than anything that Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, or any politician could ever do.
Please let's bombard Mr. Ridley with every ridiculous quote that Democrats have made about race.
This column is typical of Liberalism. For months we've heard nothing but criticism that the GOP was the old, white party. No fresh faces, no people of color, no connection with the younger generation. Now we hear that "our black guy" isn't hip enough to act like he can connect with the younger generation. However, they are perfectly fine with Obama's coolness level. After all, he did lots of drugs in college. That automatically shows how cool he is.
Oh, I forgot….he campaigned on the issues. Hope and Change, right? That is SOOOOOO intellectual. [rolleyes]
The Internet would crash.
I, a pale-by-birth, tanned-by-the-grace-of-God woman agree with Mr. Ridley on most of this (save for the facile toss of "demonization of one group" nonsense.)
Steele was born and raised in the D.C. culture and is a proven panderer. He brings nothing really new to the fight. The GOP screwed the pooch on this one, fawning over a man's skin color as vilely as the Left did with Obama.
I've been decrying this move by the GOP since Steele launched his unresponsive web-site and so-called "blog" cheering section. "Ooo! He said, Internet! Squee!" Gah.
John Ridley, you are an "agent provocateur" and an imbecile to boot…
You know who I really respect…republican blacks ..because it is rare..I just dont get how anyone can be on the left side… dont you want to get somewhere in life?? Provide for your family as opposed to expecting someone else to provide for yours… This goes for the lowlife whites too but being that ridley is a "A person of color" I wanted to point out what I think.
You like that Attorney General????
I mean Ridley… Is that his name??
Also, I came from Russia. I did not let the fact that i did not speak russian or being an immigrant stop me from becoming something in this great country. For some reason people who are born here act like it is everyone elses fault but their own that they have nothing to their name…I was dirt poor but i managed to pull my act together and make 6 figures. I am so sick of liberals like yourself who cry and whine about how unfair life is and pick apart someone who is doing something for the better…good luck in your short career.
How about Obama downplaying his support for gay rights in front of Black voters, who mostly think homosexuality is sinful and unhealthy?
Oh, BTW Mr. Ridley…though you're not reading this (SHOW ME IF YOU ARE) that Steele also talked about hockey moms and suburban housewives and other groups in his comments. If he had said, "I don't care what color you are…black, white or purple" would you then write piece about how he was an idiot for courting the purple vote which doesn't exist. You as a talented writer (well screenwriter) should know why it's not good to take people out of context.
LOL. Yeah, that happened once when I tried to post the quotes of Democrats who urged for the Iraq war before it was politically unpopular.
Guess Ridley doesn't read the comments. It's funny, I'm a conservative and I'm proud that we finally have a black president. (Though I disagree with him on most everything) So it's sad that Ridley comes here to represent his race and is the worst poster on this site.
Hi miley..i love your song,start all over..what was your age when that video clip recorded?
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