Steele Not Showing His Mettle

What is wrong with Michael Steele? The former Maryland Lieutenant Governor and current head of the RNC seems erratic and unfocused. Though he seemed like a rough and tumble guy who was a proud conservative during his unsuccessful run for the Senate, he now appears timid and unsure.

Just some of the odd things he has said since being RNC chairman are:

1. Steele told Sean Hannity of Fox News that the GOP cannot win back a majority in the House in 2010. Besides the fact that everything points to big Republican wins in the next election, the job of head of a political party is to be a cheerleader, not a detractor.

2. In remarks that CNN aired on March 1, Steele said that he, rather than Rush Limbaugh, is “the de facto leader of the Republican Party. Rush Limbaugh is an entertainer. Rush Limbaugh’s whole thing is entertainment. Yes, it is incendiary. Yes, it is ugly.”

3. Responding to a comment by TV One’s Roland Martin that “white Republicans have been scared of black folks,” Steele replied, “You’re absolutely right.” The first African-American RNC chairman, Steele continued, “I’ve been in the room, and they’ve been scared of me. I’m like, I’m on your side.”

4. On Fox, when Hannity expressed surprise at Steele's comment that Republicans wouldn't be able to take back the House, Steele allowed that “I don’t know yet” whether Republicans could win a majority because candidates still are being lined up.

“But then,” Steele said, “the question we need to ask ourselves is, if we do that, are we ready?”

Hannity asked Steele what his answer is.

“I don’t know,” Steele said.

5. When questioned about his odd behavior, “Get a life,” Steele snapped. “If you don’t want me in the job, fire me. But until then, shut up. Get with the program.”

With Republicans in a good position to pick up some seats in and the House and Senate, we need strong and determined leaders who see the goal and work towards it. If Steele is feeling wishy-washy, he needs to go.