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Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell: Words Matter
The tussle between the two leading members of the Republican Party is quickly becoming a battle for the conscience and direction of the party.The contrast in style and focus between the old guard and the new is clear.
Symbolized by the friction between conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, the Grand Ol' Party is caught between its good old boy image and the new agenda, new look, and new focus many in the party want to embrace.
While some see this internal development as a change reflective of the increasing diversity of our nation, others see it as the ultimate RINO (Republican In Name Only) betrayal and have fought to reclaim the party in a quest to restore Republican political power in Washington. ...
Those rejecting the move toward a new brand of Republicanism often find themselves following every note "Rushed" to radios and iPods. Limbaugh's daily tune plays to millions across the country. As the leader of the conservative media choir, Rush's song harmonizes traditional conservative theory with current events in a media-friendly manner that captivates his highly conservative audience.
However, this melody is not music to everyone's ears, as Limbaugh's over-the-top attacks on the media, liberals, and Democrats often are more often than not incendiary. This has chased away the moderate voting bloc that candidates need in to win key elections.
These losses led to the election of Michael Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland and head of GOPAC. The media-savvy Steele won election to the chair of the Republican National Committee not because of his race, but because of his ability to re-engage the voters Republicans have not attracted in the recent past: urban, ethnic, and young voters.
Prominent Black Republicans
Condoleezza Rice
United States Secretary of State
Joseph Barrak, AFP/Getty Images
Colin Powell
Former United States Secretary of State (2001-2005)
Ron Edmonds, AP
Clarence Thomas
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
Randy Snyder, AP
Alan Keyes
Political activist.
Kelley McCall, AP
J.C. Watts
Republican politician and entrepreneur.
Steve Jaffe, AFP / Getty Images
Armstrong Williams
Television, radio host, columnist and political pundit.
Graham Williams Group, AP
Alveda King
The author is a niece of the civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr.
Johnny Nunez, WireImage.com
Don King
Boxing promoter.
Frank Franklin II, AP
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Civil rights icon.
AP
T.D. Jakes
Famous American preacher.
Johnny Nunez, WireImage.com
Steele's background, political story, and even personal lingo reflect more of the changing guard of America – the move towards diverse inclusion, more urban influence over the country at the highest levels, and the articulation of a message that makes sense with more Americans on election days. In many ways, it is his job to reverse the trends set in motion during ERL – the Era of Rush Limbaugh.
In essence, he needs to sing the same song as Limbaugh – conservatism – but with a very different musical arrangement.
The resulting conflict is a clash in sound as both sides battle for the attention of the Republican base and direction of the conservative movement.
It is doubtful that the two clashing sides in the GOP will be able to make sweet music together, especially since one was elected due to the existence of the other - despite the popular and misguided myth that Steele is a direct result of Obama's November win. The old guard of the Party will refuse to relinquish power without a fight, feeling that America must embrace old school philosophies in order to make America greater and stronger. The new school of the Republican Party understands that America has changed permanently and that the GOP – not America - must adapt in order to stay relevant and strong. As we saw starting this past weekend, the bully pulpit of the Republican may currently be big enough for two men, but barely. During this culture war, it won't be big enough too much longer. The winner will end up showing Republicans how to change their tune moving forward.
____________________
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 seen every Monday. His website is lennymcallister.com
Comments: (80)
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By: Jessie on 3/06/2009 7:42AM
When Obama's 4 years are done and the economy has tanked and unemployment reaches 11% with interest rates around 15%, people will be begging for "CHANGE"! You can idolize Obama till the cows come home. When you're out of work and interest rates and prices are sky high you won't be thinking about healthcare. So far Obama's plans are losers, just paybacks to campaign cronies. Obama will lose his Senate, then we will see some responsibility taken. It's pretty simple. Change change hope hope spend spend spend tax tax tax till the economy is crap. Poor people don't hire anyone! But rich people sure do layoff workers when taxed and when expenses rise. So in two years when many of you have no job, maybe Obama will blame Rush but it won't feed you. Maybe he'll blame Steele, but it won't make your car payment. Maybe he'll blame Palin. But it won't pay your electric bill that jacked up because of his carbon tax. Goodbye Democrat Senate! That should be gone by 2010. Time is ticking Obama. Name me one company that will bring jobs back to the US with Obama raising corporate taxes and expenses. Not one! BTW What do you think will happen to unemployment numbers when Reservists and Guard return from war? Think about it!!!!
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By: Jessie on 3/06/2009 7:47AM
BTW. Watch for GM to layoff more workers like they did after their first bailout and watch as they file bankrupcy after OBAMA and other politicians said GM wouldn't if they got their bailouts. Watch as GM trashes it's union pensions. Sure Obama will gripe but stand to the sidelines as those workers are screwed. Watch again as Obama calls for another stimulus in the next 4 months. Remember I told you so.
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By: GoodnTru on 3/07/2009 1:46PM
Can't wait until all the dirt comes out on Mr. Limbaugh on Secret4Power.com
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By: HERNOT VERSAINT on 3/07/2009 4:00PM
ALL ABOUT Mr. LIMBAUGH, REMINDS ME 70'S POLITICAL PIRIOD, WHERE A KIND OF HIM WOULD NEVER, NEVER TRY TO HOLD HIS EMPTY HEAD TO ANY OF THOSE WHO WERE IN OFFICE, OF COURSE NO; THEREFORE, MY QUESTION IS: BEFORE THE MICROPHONE, WHAT DID HE STUDY TILL ASKING A DEBATE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.A??? SOME THING SHOULD BE DONE TO STOP HIS KIND OF COMEDY IN A SUCH SERIOUS TIME THAT THE NATION IS FACING; THAT'S WHY THE 21st CENTURY REQUIRES A SERIOUS RE-EDUCATION FOR THIS KIND OF SICK MINDED-DREAMERS. P.S. TRY TO READ "FORWARD of MY WAY" by VERSAINT, at POETRY.COM
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By: Jim on 3/08/2009 7:49PM
It has been said that the Old Guard will not relinquish power without a fight. If Rush feels he has much to offer the party why was not he selected to the position Steele now holds. The information age has caused people to look for a new ideology and thoughts and thus a new agenda. If not for the old philosophies and chaos in the Republican Party, President Obama would not have been elected,. Rush does not provide a strategy to cross cultural lines,only inflammatory and divisive rhetoric. Rush has no official responsibility to any constituent. He only wants to try to and sway votes away from Mr. Obama on Capitol Hill. In order to redeem the party with voters both Steele and Rush must present a united front. The front must do the following. Seek Diversification, stay away from inflammatory rhetoric, articulate a relevant ideology and finally get over the fact they lost the election to President Obama.
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By: Jim on 3/08/2009 9:18PM
It has been said that the Old Guard will not relinquish power without a fight. If Rush feels he has much to offer the party why was not he selected to the position Steele now holds. The information age has caused people to look for a new ideology and thoughts and thus a new agenda. If not for the old philosophies and chaos in the Republican Party, President Obama would not have been elected, Rush does not provide a strategy to cross cultural lines. Rush has no official responsibility to any constituent. He only wants to try to and sway votes away from Mr. Obama on Capitol Hill. In order to redeem the party with voters both Steele and Rush must present a united front. The front must do the following. Seek Diversification, stay away from inflammatory rhetoric, articulate a relevant ideology and finally get over the fact you lost the election to a black man
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By: dee on 3/09/2009 12:22AM
To Sick of it: While the history of the Democratic party is certainly despicable to say the least the present image of the Republican party is just as insidious. The Republican party did not stand up to the dixiecrats that left the democratic party and joined them. Both parties have their share of bigots. Both parties are flawed. Democrats have done things that have crippled blacks in the past while Republicans have used the personal responsibility mantra to do very little to address the issues confronting minorities. (No the government can not do it all but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be effective.) If Republicans were serious about diversity they could start with electing a black to congress. If Conservatives wanted a die hard conservative Alan Keyes is their man, he's wound tightly but he is far more conservative than McCain has ever been. The Republican Party has a world view problem not a lingo problem and I speak as an AA who has voted Republican.
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By: Richard on 3/09/2009 1:31AM
Unfortunately, we forget that the right and the left wing is part of a white bird. The powers that be are determined to stay in power by any disguise available. Rush "Bimbo" only represents his own ego and those that remain with blinders on. He is part of the America that cannot tolerate anything that does not look him or his family. Mr Steele's name ought to change since he is not capable to stand and fight for his views or should I say the new "Republican Views". It might be that the party is gearing up to have "Bend Steel and Bimbo" as the new team for 2012. At this time and age we cannot under estimate the "sly" ways that a system attempts to remain and stay in place and in power.
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By: clyde on 3/09/2009 11:59AM
Mr. Michael Steel
I felt compelled to informed you, that you did a good job on CNN on Sunday evening. I am of the opinion that your responses to concerns were appropriate and to the point. Keep up the good work and stand your ground. I am a registered democrat and man of color. I don't think you should be a republican based on their history and addressing issues in the black community. I also believe in fair play. You have undertaken a tall task and I empathize with you. I also know you can't do your job if you have to deal with unnecessary distracters and be insulted by ignorant individuals. Keep in mind at all times that Mr. Limbaugh is Bull Conner on the radio. When you put a truism/ a fact on the table let it stay there. When you take it off the table you lose creditability. Don't apologize to anybody for being right.
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By: mrrobert1954 on 3/12/2009 2:40PM
people how meny branch of government are there?some will say three.what if i tell you there are four branck of government.and this fouth one have all the power.but do nothing but cry about nothing.who is this fourth brank of government?you
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