I can’t completely blame the techs at CNN for their gaffe. Michael Steele has signs up declaring him to be a Democrat, tries to pretend he’s never been a Bush supporter, while wearing a jumpsuit that apparently had him from head to toe in Democratic blue.
Of course they’re going to think he’s a Democrat.
But like the Spice Girls sang, Michael Steele is a “wannabe”. He’s a right-wing Republican, who is against stem cell research, against a woman’s right to choose, against affirmative action, and for the Iraq war. That he supports a party that works night and day against blacks and other minorities also shows that he’s a failure as a black man, but he’s too ashamed to fly under their banner no matter what the mindless sheep who pimp his candidacy say (and of course CNN was too chicken to call him on it). You get the feeling Michael Steele would say anything to get elected.
Go ahead a be a sheeple for the democrat party. You honestly think the democrat party will let blacks have a seat at the table once this election is over? We are good enough to vote for them and clap behind them at church on sunday but aren’t allowed to voice our opinion when things need to get done. Get over your hatred of Michael Steele who had the courage to leave the democrat plantation. The two major parties will do nothing to help the average citizen. Kevin Zeese is the future of American politics. Zeese 2006!
‘he’s a failure as a black man’
I’m curious, Oliver — at what point did you become a CBMI (Certified Black Male Inspector)? Specifically for the BMC (Black Male Conservative) model, what specifications make Michael Steele a failure?
Say what you will about his politics, but he has accomplished an impressive amount in his life. To call him a failure is to denigrate him on an unnecessary level. I would say it is below you, but given your vitriolic commentary of the past I believe I’d be lying to both of us.
As for these views of his, I think its absurd and insulting that you would attempt to construe your views as the monolith of minorities and specifically blacks. There are plenty of Black males out there who would die before taking an affirmative action job, and plenty of black women who would have the baby before choosing abortion. Our own opinions of it notwithstanding, you have no authority to claim these as representative of black culture period.
And for the record: Democrats historically held back black americans. Democrats helped filibuster legislation directed at civil rights. If they are Black america’s hope for becoming better, its no wonder we are where we are today.*
-TBC
*I say this because I’m black. And for the record, I’m neither Democrat or Republican, but rather anti-stupidity. Surprise surprise – I found my way here!
First off, those racist Dems were cast out of the party in the ’60s and found a home in the Republican party.
Secondly, I’m not the arbiter of who is black but I know which party helps blacks and which party doesn’t. Republicans, structurally, have a vested interest in screwing over blacks and as their activity this campaign cycle showed us once again they will throw us under the bus if they can get a 1% bump out of it.
As far as Michael Steele, what has he done? He was in financial trouble, and kissed butt with the Maryland GOP to make him their figurehead. They then stuck him on the gubernatorial ticket to make Bob Ehrlich somewhat palatable to a tiny sliver of black voters. Steele’s done nothing on his own that wasn’t propped up by a mostly white Republican party.
“First off, those racist Dems were cast out of the party in the ’60s and found a home in the Republican party.”
Interesting observation – but what about the racist dems who were still around, but claim to be ‘reformed’? Byrd? Anyone? Bueller? Isn’t he opposed to your precious ‘Affirmative Action’ anyway?
“Secondly, I’m not the arbiter of who is black”
I didn’t believe we’d agree on anything – imagine my shock.
“but I know which party helps blacks and which party doesn’t. Republicans, structurally, have a vested interest in screwing over blacks and as their activity this campaign cycle showed us once again they will throw us under the bus if they can get a 1% bump out of it.”
I knew it wouldn’t last.
I love how many democrats nowadays make these claims, then defend their precious leaders as our heroes. Do me a favor: Name three pieces of legislation which 1) systemically screws over black americans as a race, and 2) Isn’t supported by a democrat. My money says you’ll never find one.
Speaking of this, let’s talk about the democratic actions that make them our heroes. What precisely has ben cardin done besides ham it up at black churches while idly muttering about katrina and stem cells that qualifies him to represent black america more than steele? And no – asking John Lewis to do an advertisement doesn’t count.
“As far as Michael Steele, what has he done? (Insert typical Democratic Drivel here)”
I’m SO glad you mentioned that allegation, that Steele’s been handed everything he has. Your champion Ben Cardin really isn’t that much better. Even a wikipedia scholar can find the truth on him. Look it up:
“In 1966, Maurice decided to not run for the District 5 seat so that his 22-year-old law student nephew Ben could run. The Cardin name proved unstoppable and Ben won, becoming a Delegate in 1967.”
SO – what do we have here? A candidate who basically has been passed his political power as well. And a career politician at that.
“Steele’s done nothing on his own that wasn’t propped up by a mostly white Republican party.”
I find you saying this ironic, because I essentially think that Ben has received the same treatment ever since the beginning of the Senate campaign. Democrat, inform thyself.
Sen. Byrd has supported legislation in favor of the black community, he doesn’t actively fight against it as so many Republican politicians do. It wasn’t Sen. Byrd’s party that raises the spectre of race every single year. It wasn’t Sen. Byrd’s party that wanted New Orleans to go screw itself.
Rep. Cardin has fought for voting rights, education funding, Katrina relief – these things all have or will affect the black community.
Ben Cardin got noticed because of his name, but he got elected to his office on his own. Michael Steele has never won an election on his own, period, and the MD GOP has propped him up for years. We had a primary, not a brokered nomination (would Steele have beaten a legitimate white challenger?). Our party picked Rep. Cardin.
Dem-hater, get educated.
“Sen. Byrd has supported legislation in favor of the black community, he doesn’t actively fight against it as so many Republican politicians do. ”
This is the same Senator Byrd that:
1) Opposes Affirmative Action (since you claimed this to be a black issue, and
2) Supported the confirmation hearings of Alito as well as Roberts.
Also – suddenly he’s on our side because he isn’t actively fighting legislation to help the black community? With friends like him, who needs enemies?
“It wasn’t Sen. Byrd’s party that raises the spectre of race every single year. It wasn’t Sen. Byrd’s party that wanted New Orleans to go screw itself.”
Devil’s in the details – and its funny how you lack them. Find the record on the budgeting for all of that information – from the army corps of engineers funding all the way down to restoration efforts. You will find Democrats that supported the cuts – your so called saviors – that failed to do their job right next to republicans.
“Rep. Cardin has fought for voting rights, education funding, Katrina relief – these things all have or will affect the black community.”
Hmm. Speaking vaguely, ignorantly, and presuming it comes with substance. Wow – you should ask Ben Cardin if you can mug for him on the camera!
All of these policies are fine – and we’re very proud that Ben did what should be expected of him. But you’ve failed to address my request. Name three pieces of legislation which has screwed over black america and was not supported by a single democrat. If you care to not waste your time and say “Yes, I won’t find any,” I can understand.
“Ben Cardin got noticed because of his name, but he got elected to his office on his own.”
Let’s see – endorsements and support from your uncle who was well respected in the district you happen to be running in… I suppose that he was elected by his own accomplishments (and I imagine they were lofty as a 23 year old law student without any other career accomplishment), and without anyone’s help. After all, what would his family – which by that time had judges, prominent attorneys and state legislature members – ever do for him?
“Michael Steele has never won an election on his own, period, and the MD GOP has propped him up for years.”
Sounds a lot like your golden boy Cardin…
And for the Record: Would you tell me which Steele family member did anything to get him elected?
“We had a primary, not a brokered nomination (would Steele have beaten a legitimate white challenger?). Our party picked Rep. Cardin.”
No, your party ‘tapped’ Cardin. I love how the Democrats have the audacity to say that this was a fair election when a number of blacks are disgusted with the way Mfume was treated in the Primary by the likes of Hoyer and Miller. The fact of the case is this: had Mfume received the same support or opportunity which Cardin did, this conversation would not be taking place. But he didn’t – and now you and your lowly democrats are reeling from that mistake.
“Dem-hater, get educated”
Physician, heal thyself. You haven’t read any bills, or have any evidence to support your claims about the Republicans being boogie men. Your appeals to emotion in this contest may make you feel good inside, but adds nothing to the debate. But then again, its what i’ve come to expect from the likes of Left leaning simpletons.
Isn’t it amazing that Byrd has a 100% NAACP support rating and yet the GOP can’t let it go that he used to be like them and got over it?
Hey “cynic”, Byrd is a West Virginia Senator, not a Maryland one. As for Tom Steele, he has spent his time shuck and jiving for white people who use race baiting to get into office and spend their terms screwing over black people. I guess you’re one of those people that thinks people should vote for Steele because he’s black. That’s pretty racist, don’t you think?
I’m looking for information about how to counter the Republican initiative to have their poll watchers in Maryland intimidate voters, much as they did in Ohio two years ago. I just read that their recently released manual for poll watchers encourages them to directly challenge “anyone who is voting illegitimately” (i.e., anyone who looks like they might vote for a Democrat– guess who that might be?) I’d like to help fight this attempt at voter suppression. Any ideas how?
Gayle, one thing you can do is be a Democratic poll watcher yourself. Also know that any voter can call their local Democratic headquarters (at least where I live) and they will dispatch a lawyer to the polls if you are denied your right to vote. Make sure when you enter the polling place you have their phone number. If you are asked to use a provisional ballot, REFUSE until you talk to an attorney. Insist on voting on the machine. Provisional ballots have very limited grounds for being admitted, and Repugs know that. They will “compromise” by letting you vote provisional, knowing you will be rejected.
Courtrooms will be open Tuesday. If your vote is challenged you can go to court and get a court order allowing you to vote. There will be courts open only to deal with voting matters. Republicans win only because real Americans give up their right to vote. Don’t stand for it.
“Isn’t it amazing that Byrd has a 100% NAACP support rating and yet the GOP can’t let it go that he used to be like them and got over it?”
As of 2005, Byrd had an 85% rating from the NAACP. I suggest you get your facts straight before you attempt to use that as evidence.
As for you Factcheck, what can I say? So much idiocy, so little time…
“Hey “cynic”, Byrd is a West Virginia Senator, not a Maryland one.”
But he has the ability to impact Maryland policies… Besides that, he was mentioned to raise the point that your precious democrats aren’t necessarily our freedom fighters all the time, as many left leaning peons would have us believe.
“As for Tom Steele, he has spent his time shuck and jiving for white people who use race baiting to get into office and spend their terms screwing over black people.”
Incredible – I offer a humble challenge for you to PROVIDE EVIDENCE, and every one of you have failed monumentally. Style over substance – sounds like an idiotic debater in pure form. Say what you want – but you have failed as well to address the cynic’s challenge.
“I guess you’re one of those people that thinks people should vote for Steele because he’s black.”
Spend less time putting words into my mouth, and more time putting intelligence and coherence into your arguments. Steele’s received a lot of attention in this race because he’s interested in community development, specifically in the economic sector. He’s been meeting with communities, both in and out of Prince George’s County and expressed an interest in giving them a voice – something which many of your democrats have failed to do for years.
WAKE UP. Cardin’s a no style, no substance candidate. He’s done nothing as a representative for these black communities but stroll into black churches and talk about how the Bush agenda has screwed us over. What precisely does that do for people who need help the most? Say what you will about Steele, but the few efforts he’s done over the past few months with communities in need is far greater than your golden boy cardin’s efforts over his entire career. Steele and Cardin may be part of the machine, but at least Steele has visited the communities that needed help (he’s even been honored by black institutions for this). The only time Cardin does it is in even numbered years.
“That’s pretty racist, don’t you think?”
You’re pretty foolish for making garbage arguments, don’t you think? Oh wait, you don’t think.
interested in community development,
been meeting with communities,
expressed an interest in giving them a voice
Damn, frame is right. These cons only care about “wanting” to do something or being “interested”
in doing something, not doing it. All of this “interest and wanting” converts into exactly no progress for Tom Steele. Gee, maybe I can run for Senate as a Republican, I am “interested” in “meeting” people.
Can we get some smarter cons please? Although I’m beginning to think that’s an oxymoron.
As opposed to all the rallying and organization efforts your hero Ben Cardin has done? Oh wait – he’s all talk and no action.
At least with Steele, he’s expressed interest and made some efforts in his time as Lt. Gov. Cardin did not until there was a chance for him to lose his Precious Senate seat that he was all but promised by the Maryland.
“Can we get some smarter cons please? ”
Hilarious – because I express an opposition to Cardin and Support for Steele in this case I’m a conservative?
As shocking as it may sound, not all political types see things in black and white (no pun intended). Some of us are democratic and support republicans, and vice versa. Some are libertarians or greens. Its called looking at the issues and making an intelligible decision. But, given the idiocy i’ve repeatedly seen on your collective responses (and the recent deletion of one poster), Its obvious you do neither of these.
I humbly end this debate, and implore you to use your minds to look at something beyond dailykos and huffingtonpost.
To the democrat liberals on this blog. I bring to your attention a comment by Rep. Cardin that I believe demonstrates why there is growing resentment among blacks about their treatment by the Maryland democrat party. Today (Nov 3rd) Rep. Cardin held a rally in Prince Georges county with political leaders to illustrate his support. However, as the rally ended, and I qoute from the washington times ” But the rally turned sour later. State Sen. Nathaniel Exum, Prince George’s Democrat, berated Mr. Cardin for excluding him and other local delegates from speaking or being mentioned.
“You do the same [stuff] over and over again, just ignore us,” Mr. Exum yelled at Mr. Cardin after the rally, which was held in Mr. Exum’s district.
Mr. Cardin shrugged off the incident.
“I think he’s upset that we didn’t go over the names, but I’m not too concerned about it,” Mr. Cardin said. “He’s supporting us.” ”
This attitude folks, and I repeat the qoute “I think he’s upset that we didn’t go over the names, but I’m not too concerned about it,” Mr. Cardin said.” is what has frustrated so many local citizens in the community. It is a condescending attitude that speaks volumes about the value of blacks in MD. I remind you, senator Exum, who is black, expressed frustration a few weeks ago about a meeting that was had between ten black state senators with o’malley in which all they got were lip service and largely ignored. This, fellow bloggers, is one reason why Steele is garnering support. I ask of you all that you take a deep look within your party, and ask yourselves how do you address the black community, and the issues that concern them? I would pose the opinion that bringing in “stars” such as Obama, from out of state, is rather insulting and superficial, as local residents have real concerns about the state of the education system and the crime that occurs on the streets. I would suggest that if you want to solidify support in the community explaining what you would do about that would be far more valuable than bringing in Obama for a cheesy campaign stop to show that Cardin has credibility in the black community.
“Republicans win only because real Americans give up their right to vote.” I find this to be an odd statement. Are you saying that Americans who disagree with you are not real Americans or you aren’t a real American if you don’t fight anyone who stops you from voting Democrat?
Oliver,
The black population has voted 90% Democrat sense the 1930s. What is the result? Which party had the first black senator? First black congressmen? First black member of the U S Supreme Court? The first (and second) black Secretary of State? I think Factcheck has it right; it isn’t what you say it is what you do. How long has the black community been supporting the Democratic caucus? How many black senators have their been in that period? Blacks make up 15% of the country and support the Democratic Party (90%). I want to know why they haven’t had 15% of the high profile public offices? If the Dixie-crats (Yes that is what they were called when they were writing the Jim Crow laws), are so good for the black community why is this community still suffering after so long? Why was the Republican Party known as the party of Lincoln?
Just as a note, the first black Senator was the Republican Hiram Revels, in 1870. The first black Democratic Senator was Carol Braun in 1993. So it only took the Democratic party 123 years from the end of the civil war and 30 years after the Civil rights movement to elect a single black person to the Senate. Up until the 30s the Democrats didn’t have a single black member of congress, while the Republicans had 22. Following the great depression the black population shifted from Democrat to Republican. Sense then, only 2 black candidates elected sense the 30s have been elected from majority white districts, both Republican. The Democrats have put 94 black members of congress sense the shift of the voting population in the 30s. However this is funny if you consider Democrats have been in control of congress for a majority of the past 70 years (To be exact 56 years). So why is it only 94 members of the congress and 2 members of the senate were put up during that period? Why is it that most blacks, prior to the 1990’s were elected in northern cities, with distinct black populations and not from the Democrat controlled south? Why was it the first black congressperson elected from the south was elected in 1973? Why was it necessary for a bipartisan effort (in the 1990’s) from congress to create gerrymandered areas, which would support black Democratic Congress people, even in areas populated almost entirely by Democrats?
I have some additional questions but will try and find a better thread to post them.
How many elected black Republicans are in Federal office now?
Wow. This one really brought the low-grade, ‘nine paragraphs of bullshit to dilute the original fact’ kind of troll, didn’t it?
Steele’s hiding in gobs of blue. And hasn’t been talking much about his party affiliation. He’s been doing it so much that CNN, in their usual competence, labeled him a dem.
Oliver points this out, so the trolls all come a’swarming in, replete with tales of Senator Byrd and whatnot, as if nothing the GOP has done since the 60’s is of any consequence.
They cite evidence from the 1800s that the modern GOP is a colorblind big tent.
They’re so quick to bring up Byrd, but more than ready to forget about Thurmond.
Or Lott.
Or ‘Macaca’ Allen.
As if any of it holds any bearing on the fact that Steele, a black republican, is trying to hide that fact to get himself elected.
Because he knows blacks won’t vote for a Republican. Not after Katrina.
But more to the point, Steele knows republicans won’t vote for a black man.
Because they’re the party that happily, enthuseastically voted for Thurmond, and kept voting for him nearly into his second century. And continue to vote for Lott. And will vote for Allen.
But somehow, the Dems are the real racists.
Honest men would be ashamed to promote such an idiot point.
If any Republicans give any of you grief Gayle, contact that Democratic Party at 1-888-678-VOTE (8683) on election day. We’ve got lawyers on standby to bring down a world of hurt on these dirt bags. Right now if you want to help out you can call this same number and we’ll find volunteer opportunities in your area to help with GOTV. We need people willing to stand up for America and if any of you are ready give the Democratic party a call.
You know I hoped that with a title “like Kryptonite to stupid” I could get some cool discourse, but… Maybe this will get you guys out of your shells.
Jody, I will take a minute and distill what you just said. “Mike Steele is Black and he is in public office, but he doesn’t have a D by his name, so blacks won’t vote for him”. Do you recognize that by implications you are saying blacks don’t have the cognitive ability to read the news and vote on issues they as individuals agree with? Or are you implying that New Orleans is the entire focus of the black population’s worldview and therefore the only issue they will be focusing on? I for one don’t agree with either of these mindsets. But I should be ashamed?
Factcheck, “How many elected black Republicans are in Federal office now?” Do you want to count elected offices or appointed ones? Elected ones=0, appointed I have no idea.
I think I asked a few questions above, which I noticed no one responded to. Instead I get called, ” low-grade, nine paragraphs of bullshit to dilute the original fact’ kind of troll”. Interesting… Here is my question rephrased so maybe Jody can have the balls to answer. There are 435 members of congress elected every 2 years and yet there have only been 85 black members of congress sense 1930. Lets do the math… 1930 to 2006 that is 76 years. One election every 2 years means there have been… 38 elections. So there have been 435 seats in 35 elections cycles… that would be 16530 congressional seats. The black population makes up 15% of the US population. Do I need to spell it out? 15% of 16530 is slightly more then 85. A little over half the population is Democrat and 90% of the black population votes Democrat. So I think it should be fair to say that around 30% of the Democratic congressmen should be Black, right? But, wow that isn’t the case. I wonder why? So Jody, Fact check, what does the Democratic Party specifically offer the Black community again? (Beyond Two Senators and 85 congressmen in 85 years). Specifically?
What is required to be a Certified Black man? Can I get a list for the archives? Is it Pro-choice, Pro-affirmative action, pro-embryonic stem cell research? What do you need to get on the test to be certified? Can you be a 37% certified? Or do you need an 85% to pass? Can a white guy be allowed to take this test? If so what does he need? And I for one think Asians should definitely need to get a better score then Latinos. That seems fair right? So, that begs the question is/does Eminem get a “real” card or is he still a Wannabe?
My point was just because they have a D next to their name doesn’t make them a “black” friendly candidate. Just because the NAACP says they are OK, doesn’t mean they have the best interests of the black constituents at heart. Back to the main point, what I have seen here is just picking apart a man because he doesn’t fit into your racist mold. Yeah, I called the commentary here racist, and I do mean that Grand Dragon of the KKK, cross burning in the front yard type. Yeah, I think your commentary is designed to make Blacks “know their place and fall in line”. Did you loose your bull-whip and a cotton field?
As to the fact that Whites will not vote in black people, this statement is kind of broad, so are we to accept it as gospel without proof? But here are some facts to consider, with 9 out of 10 black people as members of the DNC, how can GOP whites get the opportunity to vote blacks in? But here is an example of that happening; the only 2 black Republican congress people elected sense the 90’s were in majority white districts. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Americans_in_the_United_States_Congress) I do however see where you are coming from, white populations will not vote in people like Cynthia McKinney, so they are racist. But if we decide to start using “Facts”, I don’t think they are on your side.
One other question, for anyone to answer, can anyone name 3 pieces of significant legislation Cardin passed in his 20 years in Congress?
I’ll give you guys a few days to mull it over.
Democratic Racial sensitivity, at its best.
http://www.reason.com/blog/show/111511.html