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But Can Steele Beat Newt?

By W. James Antle, III on 11.11.08 @ 11:15AM

The same report Stacy highlights says the former House speaker also has designs on the RNC's top job. Both Newt Gingrich and Michael Steele have obvious upsides: telegenic, popular with the base, energy instead of GOP establishment staleness. But Steele lost his 2006 race for Senate in Maryland and Gingrich had to hand up the speaker's gavel after Republican losses in 1998. Can they overcome past defeats to lead a battered party out of the wilderness?

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Captain America| 11.11.08 @ 11:28AM

As much as it pains me to say so, Michael Steele lacks intensity and impact. Just his debating issues on Fox News shows that he can be pushed around fairly easily on fundamental conservative principles. On Hannity & Colmes, Sean has to come to his rescue often.

Marijana Mover| 11.11.08 @ 12:16PM

Newt is a proven leader and continues this by producing original agenda/platform ideas such as the wildly successful, and still relevant "Drill Here" plan.
Michael Steele is a nice guy but has not been able to rally republicans around any issue.

Doug Heim| 11.11.08 @ 12:57PM

I would prefer to see Newt in charge of the RNC but either of these men would be a breath of fresh air compared to the wishy washy "moderate" republicans we've had. Both are solid conservatives and that is the only philosophy that will win control of anything. The moderate crowd at the RNC needs to go and needs to go now.

A Conservative Teacher| 11.11.08 @ 1:05PM

I also would prefer Newt in charge of the RNC. The Republican Party lacks vision, and Newt is the master of creating and pushing a vision for our country. I hate going back to the well again and again, but he did win Congress back in 1994...

Crassus| 11.11.08 @ 2:08PM

Reagan lost in 96. Newt didn't lose an election as Steele did. Steele was a statewide official who has never been on the national scene. Hire the resume. Newt has the best one available.