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.
By Lenny McAllisterThe 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.
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.
“Steele vs. Limbaugh – The Battle for Republicans’ Souls” on AOL; (that link could be found at: http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2009/03/04/steele-vs-limbaugh-the-battle-for-republicans-souls/ )
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.
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.
“Steele vs. Limbaugh – The Battle for Republicans’ Souls” on AOL; (that link could be found at: http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2009/03/04/steele-vs-limbaugh-the-battle-for-republicans-souls/ )
3 comments:
Sorry Lenny, Steele is NOT the guy to win over minorities. He already kissed the ring of Daddy Rush. And you don't think Steele is a direct result of Obama's win? Oh come on Lenny, you're smarter than that.
Kendra
Limbaugh is a leading member?? Really? WOW!
Looks like Steele had to find out the hard way. I bet since Rush told him how far he can go and whose really in charge it wouldn't happen again.
Post a Comment