Sarah Palin and Michael Steele: Desperate Moves by the Republican Party

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woefully apparent that it's outdated approach to politics was no longer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.