Those that look at the current political significance of President Obama and fail to understand why people give the former Illinois senator the social and historical clout that he garners need only to look to the minority party in Washington.

Within this election cycle, has seen a historical occurrence that few – if any – thought would ever come about.

And no, I'm not talking about the Black family living in the White House.

I'm referring to the Black man heading the Republican Party.

Yes, the Grand Old Party has a brand, new leader, and they have President Barack Obama to thank for it.

Many will view the election of former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele as merely a symbolic gesture for the Republican Party to match the presence of an Obama Administration. Those that make this an one-to-one electoral match based on BOPE (the Barack Obama Presidential Experience) not only color the Republicans as a lot full of racist trend-followers, but they also promote a view that Obama also won on the strength of skin color alone.

Both are extremely near-sighted. It also downplays the historical significance of Steele's election to the post, even as proponents of this view will continue to call the GOP the party of the old, White, and rich.

Many have commented on how Obama's campaign success was predicated on the collective desire for change within the country, a loss of confidence in the Republican Party, a failure of the Republican Party to engage a wider section of voters, and the high levels of discipline and efficiency that his campaign maintained. Obama's ability to engage voters on the campaign trial through different types of media (i.e., the internet, television, etc.) afforded him the political clout to buy momentum throughout the election cycle as well as forgiveness when he hit bumps in the road (e.g., the "guns and religion" comment before the Pennsylvania primary.) Further, his ability to articulate both the need to restore confidence in government as well as his political and legislative plans for 's future gave him the upper hand against Senator John McCain. This advantage grew into coattails for the Democrats as Republicans throughout the country suffered losses last November 4.

Thus, the need for Michael Steele.

Those that call Steele's election a token gesture by the GOP undermine a common image of the Republicans as well as fail to understand Steele's appeal in the aftermath of Obama's November victory.

If the GOP were nothing more than a party full of racists looking to promote a token, they certainly would not yield its power (by creating a new "face of the party" or otherwise) to a man that many felt was "not conservative enough" to lead the party. Further, if the party only cared about winning – even to the point of putting a Black face in the mix merely to achieve a short-term goal – why didn't the GOP force McCain's hand in August to select Condi Rice or Colin Powell (or even Michael Steele) to serve as the vice presidential nominee?

Sometimes, the winds of change come solely because of the dawn of a new season, regardless of whether it is welcomed or encouraged.

The Republican Party will be pleasantly surprised by Steele's appeal as he now leads the GOP, just as the Democrats grew fond of a certain long-shot, short-tenured senator as he ran against a former First Lady and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee just 12 months ago.

Steele's regular media presence, ability to articulate and defend position points, and affability that transcends delineations within the GOP should give the party an opportunity to consolidate its resources and temper the intra-group fighting along ideological lines. His strong name ID and popularity among young Republican groups should enable the GOP to increase its base with younger voters. His leadership as the head of GOPAC will come in handy as Steele looks to grow the Republican war chest for the 2010 and 2012 elections along with other needed projects such as expansion efforts for outreach and technology.

Michael Steele will not be Barack Obama nor does he need to be. However, if he can leverage his skill set successfully as the new leader of the Republican Party, Obamicans will not be the only ones saying "Yes, We Can" over the course of the next 2-4 years.

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Lenny McAllister is a Republican political commentator and guest co-host for Fox News - Charlotte's morning show "Fox News Rising," where his commentary can be heard every Monday. His website is lennymcallister.com