Staff Reports
The former chairman of the Republican National Committee, Michael Steele, once thought to be the epitome of Republican ideals, has leapt into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. Despite having previously championed Mitt Romney as the party’s savior in 2012, Steele seems to have traded his red loyalty for a precarious pink allegiance just as Harris gears up for her presidential run.
Years after Romney’s disastrous campaign against Barack Obama, the RNC undertook a desperate “autopsy” to dissect the reasons behind their electoral failings. Part of this tragicomic report laid blame on the party’s inability to connect with younger and minority voters, all while mostly ignoring the disastrous policies and messaging that fuelled the Democratic chariot. It was a tough pill for Steele, who during his tenure managed to ride the Tea Party wave in 2010 but was promptly ousted the following year for failing to lead the party toward relevance.
Hey @realDonaldTrump. You ready for this? pic.twitter.com/GHBy697yRI
— Michael Steele (@MichaelSteele) July 23, 2024
In the aftermath, Steele’s transformation from RNC figurehead to a frequent critic of his party has been nothing short of spectacular. Today, he’s more likely to be seen on mainstream media panels, bemoaning the realignment of GOP values post-Trump. With Harris now firmly on the campaign trail, Steele took a leap into irony by endorsing her mere days after she stepped in for President Biden, clearly hoping to score points in the liberal echo chamber he now inhabits.
Steele’s attempt at humor on social media, featuring a caricature of Harris dressed as Captain America, flopped spectacularly. His post, which seemed more suited for a preparatory drama club than former party leadership, has garnered a tidal wave of disdain from conservatives. While Steele may have envisioned a clever jab at Trump, he instead showcased that he’s become just another pawn for the left’s narrative, echoing sentiments already paraded by far-left influencers. The backlash was immediate, with conservative voices quick to point out the visible lack of dignity in his newfound performative role.
Critics have noted that Steele’s journey took a nosedive from RNC chairman to staunch anti-Trump figure, culminating in his current status as a Netflix special gone wrong. Incidentally, he attempted to weave conspiracy theories after Trump’s recent encounter with violence, raising eyebrows and further showcasing his political evolution—or devolution, as some might say. Observers couldn’t help but notice that Steele’s antics serve as a cautionary tale about what can happen when party leaders turn their backs on the very principles that made them relevant in the first place. Should Steele continue down this merry path of leftist indulgence, it’s safe to say the GOP isn’t losing any sleep over his departure from their ranks.
