Steele Claims that his Republicans are Bigots Comments were misinterpreted

RNC Chairman Michael Steele had to do more damage control after claiming that his statement that Republicans are bigots was misinterpreted. However Steele did not apologize for, or clarify his remarks.

While guest hosting Bill Bennett’s radio show on Friday Steele said, “But remember, it was the base that rejected Mitt because of his switch on pro-life, from pro-choice to pro-life. It was the base that rejected Mitt because it had issues with Mormonism. It was the base that rejected Mitch, Mitt, because they thought he was back and forth and waffling on those very economic issues you’re talking about. So, I mean, I hear what you’re saying, but before we even got to a primary vote, the base had made very clear they had issues with Mitt because if they didn’t, he would have defeated John McCain in those primaries in which he lost.”

According to Steele’s spokesperson, Steele wasn’t calling Republicans bigots, “Chairman Steele regrets the way his comments have been interpreted. Chairman Steele believes Mitt Romney is a respected and influential voice in the Republican Party and looks to his leadership and ideas to help move our party and our nation in the right direction.”

I don’t see how Steele’s remarks could have been misunderstood. Steele said Republicans have trouble with Romney’s Mormonism. Notice that Steele didn’t really apologize. He was trying to smooth things over with Mitt Romney, who is delusional if he really believes that that Republicans don’t care about his religion.

In his apology, Steele never denied the bigotry of the GOP. I think what is most telling here, are the words that Steele didn’t use in his apology, not what he actually said.

Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association