RNC Chairman Michael Steele addresses the 100th convention of the NAACP in New York on July 13, 2009 (Associated Press)
Michael Steele again demonstrated his reformist proclivities in an address to the annual NAACP convention in New York City Tuesday. Receiving a somewhat chilly reception, Steele sought to break from tradition and present a message geared to appeal to a constituency that is often seen as beyond the GOP's grasp.
"The GOP and NAACP have very often missed real opportunities to communicate and engage each other," said Steele, the first Black American to hold the post of RNC chairman. "As the African American middle class emerges and grows, the Republican Party wants to be a partner who works with you to put in place the tools necessary to sustain that growth and to bring out of poverty those so often left behind."
In the address, Steele mentioned his "Freedom Tour," his self-named strategy to engage with minority voters nationwide. Steele's reformist policies are widely discussed and debated among GOP leaders and media pundits, but it is still to early to determine whether Steele's efforts have made any positive affect on GOP electoral prospects.
The general response of the crowd to Steele's address was receptive, but not overly enthusiastic. NAACP President Benjamin Jealous said "I'm glad that he departed from the usual script." Other participants said that they welcomed Steele's message of economic opportunity and growth.
There are numerous critics of Steele's outreach program, and of outreach programs in general. Some argue that outreach will yield so little benefit that efforts should be concentrated in more fruitful areas. Others say that the GOP brand--family values, less government, lower taxes--is a natural draw for minority groups and that efforts should be focused on improving GOP performance on these issues.
The occasion marked the 100th annual NAACP convention.
== Outlinks ==
Steele Reaches Out to Skeptical NAACP
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/07/14/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5159873.shtml
NAACP convention speakers
http://www.naacp.org/events/convention/100th/speakers/index.htm
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