Sarah Palin and Michael Steele: Two Desperate Attempts by the Republican Party

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When John McCain chose Sarah Palin as his running mate in the 2008 presidential election he had one thing in mind…to woo disgruntled Hillary Clinton supporters. When the Republican Party selected Michael Steele as chairman of the party, they had one thing in mind…to sway African American and minority voters to their party.

Palin’s selection was a shameless, blatant attempt to persuade independents and especially women to vote for John McCain. Similarly, the selection of Steele was an obvious maneuver to swing minority voters away from the Democratic Party.

Voters weren’t fooled by the McCain tactic and they probably won’t be moved by the Republican Party’s posturing either.

In the past four presidential elections the Democratic candidates have received the lion’s share of the minority vote. Nearly 90% of African American women voted democratically, while almost 80% of African American males voted for the Democratic candidate*.

The election of Barack Obama clearly signaled that politics had changed in America and with the selection of Michael Steele it appeared the Republican Party was trying to cash in on that change also.

During the presidential campaign of 2008, the difference in the make up of the two parties could be seen in the faces of the crowds.

At the Democratic rallies a smattering of various ethnic groups was visible. By contrast the Republican gatherings had only a few ethnicities represented. The distinction between the two leading political organizations couldn’t be clearer and the outcome of the election pointed it out even more.

Winning by a margin of 2 to 1, it was evident that the broad spectrum of voters who supported Barack Obama were responsible for his victory.

By all accounts, the Republican party needed to change it’s appeal. It was woefully apparent that it’s outdated approach to politics was no longer effective but more is needed than a cosmetic makeover.

The Republican Party needs to take a good look at making substantive changes to it’s policies and ideals if they have any real hopes of competing with the Democratic Party.

Putting a new face on an old body is like…..putting lipstick on a pig. 

 *NationalJournal.com