Michael Steele's Comment About White Republicans: Bookerista Perspectives

On Sunday's episode of Washington Watch on TVOne, Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele visited Roland Martin and they spoke about how the GOP can engage black Republicans. The moderate-conservative Republican politico to Mr. Martin's comment that "One of the criticisms I've always had is Republicans -- white Republicans -- have been scared of black folks". He responded, "You're absolutely right. I mean I've been in the room and they've been scared of me," Mr. Steele said. "I'm like, 'I'm on your side' and so I can imagine going out there and talking to someone like you, you know, [say] 'I'll listen.' And they're like, 'Well.'" Bookeristas weigh in about the comments:

Clifton B.: "Michael Steele: White Republicans Are Afraid Of Me"

The conservative blogger in New Jersey writes: "Oh, boy! Memo To Michael: If you are trying to get brothers and sisters to join the Republican Party, you have to stop agreeing with the stereotypes black liberals have of Republicans! As a black conservative who has probably met as many white Republicans and conservatives as Michael Steele has, I have not met any who cower in fear of me, especially when they know we share the same political beliefs. On the other hand, I have encountered TONS of white liberals who DEMAND to know why I am a conservative. Talk about racist, what are black people only allowed to have one political view? I suspect what white Republicans are truly afraid of concerning Michael Steele, is that they are afraid he will stick his foot in his mouth once again."

He continues: "Side note: In the article from [T]he Hill, they also report that Michael Steele said he would 'come after' any centrist Republican who supported health care reform. Funny that seems rather contradictory to his laissez faire attitude he took over Dede Scozzafava. It is this pandering to different crowds that make Michael Steele so damn ineffective. Say what you mean and mean what you say my brother, too many people are watching."

Mr. Grey Ghost: "Michael Steele: 'White Republicans Have Been Scared Of Me'"

The conservative Democratic blogger in New York writes: "Even if Michael Steele truly feels this way, I don't get how it benefits the party he's supposed to be chairing to say it out loud, much less to an Obama stan like Roland Martin. The GOP is already sensitive to politically-based charges of racism from the Left (most of which turn out to be untrue), they're in the congressional minority and there's still plenty of infighting going on between conservatives and moderates [sic] Republicans. Steele's job as RNC chair is to help unite the party, speak on its agenda and get funding, not engage in racial red herrings. Sometimes I guess he forgets that it was 'white Republicans' who elected him RNC chair in the first place."