1. Richard | 09.21.09

I am very disappointed that representatives of the GOP continue to focus on the color of other politicians skin.

2. Pinky Dresdner | 09.21.09

My goodness!!! Wonders will never end in this country.
How pathetic, disgusting and dishonorable can this GOP myopics go?
It is unbeleivable and shameful that Steel and Shaffer will inject race into WH request to Paterson.

Perhaps Paterson should now be able to see that GOP desperately want him to run so that they can defeat him.

If 70% New Yorkers want Paterson out, so who is Paterson expecting to vote for him in the Primary? Maybe Steel’s GOP lunatics.

3. Targa | 09.21.09

The GOP is defending a black Governor. What’s the matter, are all you Democrats racists?

4. Darrell | 09.21.09

It is interesting that statements can be made on one side (Democrats) that any opposition to Obama is equivilant to racism but statements cannot be made by Republicans. Liberal hypocracy on parade.

5. Joe | 09.21.09

Um…are you high? He clearly said he didn’t think it was due to racism. It could be that he was eluding to any number of other factors. He simply questioned why Obama wouldn’t want to preserve one of two black governors. Funny, had a white president done this the fact that he’s one of only two black governors would have put this on the front page of every paper. Eh, liberals get to have it both ways, though.

6. Stephanie Davis | 09.21.09

Chairman Steele’s question remains unanswered: Why aren’t similarly unpopular American governors facing reelection this year being publicly asked to step aside?

7. Sean | 09.21.09

A black GOP guy injects race over a story involving a black governor and a black President. Is this still white people’s fault for being racists? Just curious…

8. Concerned Citizen | 09.21.09

Is it racism or because he’s legally blind? I think we know what the progressives are about now don’t we? Learn what progressivism is about and where it started and you’ll see why then..

9. RHarrisonScott | 09.21.09

Isn’t it fascinating how liberally minded people like Bob Schiefer react when a Republican plays the race card?

10. Corinta N. C. Kotula | 09.21.09

Mr. Steele, do you not have anything better to do? Rather than underscore
the now tiresome race issue, there are many more problems swirling around
that need your attention.
Perhaps President Obama agrees with the majority of New Yorkers, that
Mr. Paterson is not equal to the task. It would be in the best interest
of this country if the representatives of the two-party system concentrated
TOGETHER, on working to solve the myriad, serious problems that are inflicted on the taxpayers, and are also diminishing the greatness of America.

11. Judy | 09.21.09

Get the fact’s right, New York is Rahm Emmanuel’s headache. How do you like your Godfather’s?

12. James | 09.21.09

The teaser headline is “GOP chief hints racism involved in Obama, Paterson controversy”, however, when the question was placed directly at Steele, the answer was “no, I don’t think that…”

Oh, the power of the spin.

13. hsr0601 | 09.21.09

Low approval rating. And it is time to get serious about future energy.

14. Dubious | 09.21.09

I really, really hope that sounded better in Michael Steele’s head than it did when he said it.

15. Jim | 09.21.09

Richard -
Republicans bringing up race? What party is the president from who decided that much dissent of Obama is about race. I wish everyone would just shut up about it. Both parties are acting like total idiots and hearing them argue with one another just serves to reinforce that fact.

16. Shari | 09.21.09

If Paterson wants to run after seeing his numbers it is his choice. Why is the President getting involved in the governor’s race at all? I think Steele may be correct. Why not talk to other governor’s whose numbers are bad to not run? Just saying be consistent.

17. vicoa2 | 09.21.09

Racism straight up!

18. Ulises Gonzalez | 09.21.09

Answer the question. Why have other Democrats, with similar poll numbers, not been asked to step aside? Why is the POTUS getting involved in State’s business?

Go ahead and shoot the messenger, whilst the questions continue to pile up.

19. Really Confused | 09.21.09

I don’t see any “hint” of racism as indicated in the articles title. Mr. Steele clearly states he did not think Pres. Obama is not asking Paterson because of his race.

20. downhill240 | 09.21.09

The Republican party is disintegrating from with-in. It has turned to its ultra-right members in desperation. This didn’t happen yesterday, it happened in 1999. If they don’t move away from their more fervent members to a more moderate center they may never be able to recover.

Steeles remark is just plain silly or they reflect the Parties lack of respect for the intelligence of its members.

This article answers Mr. Steeles question. “More than 70 percent of New Yorkers don’t want him to run again. Even non-white voters don’t support him.”

The Republican party is confused by the fact that the Democratic party listens to all its followers, in this case 70 percent. New York has 31 Electorale votes, the fourth largest in the nation. Obviously New York represents a large group of Americans. President Obama wants all the people represented so he and his administration listen.

The days (and ways)of Bush hopefully are to remain a thing of the past.

21. Lawyer Mommy | 09.21.09

Does anyone still listen to this man? I think the Christian Science Monitor might need a few new reporters.

LM

http://theblindspotsofgod.wordpress.com/

22. Willy | 09.21.09

I missed the “racism”. Steele (or “Steel” as the not-so-bright people spell it) is asking why other governors with similar poll numbers are not being asked to step aside. When asked whether it was racist, he said “I don’t think that”. So he is asking the question. Answer it, or say you don’t have to answer it.

23. Steve | 09.21.09

The biggest shame is the current administration. What have they accomplished? Nothing.

24. Bill Sorloser | 09.21.09

Don’t you think the president would be more concerned about having his party in power in New York, home of the nation’s largest city (and 31 electoral votes), than other less economically powerful states? Or leaders of his party that are constantly negatively portrayed in the media limelight?

Nah, you’re right, it’s racism.

25. Steve Bland | 09.21.09

No one is saying it might be because he is also blind making him bad at debating in a hotly contested campaign. The race card is most popular with the GOP right now. I don’t forsee the GOP or the Libs attacking the blind anytime soon.

26. Susie Q | 09.21.09

House divided will always fall. I guess that’s the mentality Republicans have………they figure they can inject some “racist rant” within the African American community and cause a riff.

Please these tactics are pathetic, but what’s even more pathetic is that Steele is leading the charge!

27. Robert | 09.21.09

Mr. Orr, you seriously need to either take an English class, pay closer attention to what you watch and listen to, or just stop trying to twist things for a cheap boost in readership. You could probably benefit from all 3. The title of your article, “GOP chief hints racism involved in Obama”, is completely false and misleading. The only one who even remotely suggested that race was at issue was Schiefer, the interviewer (and now you as well). Steele, when asked by Schiefer if that’s what he meant, clearly stated that he meant no such thing. He was simply saying that he was surprised that an African American President wouldn’t support an African American governor of his own party given how few African American governors there are. Only you so-called journalists are twisting that and suggesting that the reason Obama isn’t supporting Paterson is because he’s black. Steele is just saying that he should support him since he is, but you and Schiefer (presumably because it would sound “weird”) are trying to twist that into somehow meaning that Obama is attacking him because he is. There’s a huge difference, and anyone with an inkling of intelligence should see it.

28. David Kaufman | 09.21.09

Perhaps the audacity of this “race” discussion should be viewed in the context of the other “race” issues commented on regarding the presidents healthcare speech to the joint session and the overall “race” issue that says you are a racist if you do not want the current health care plan. Let’s be realistic, both sides are using the race baiting comments, and we can choose to dismiss them as the falsehoods and incitements that they are, or we can choose to rally in favor of them to divide our country. Race is not the issue anymore. It is ideology and control. Peoples’ opinions should not be dismissed because they do not follow the direction of our political leadership or because the individuals are from a specific political group. This is the United States of America, we are free to say what we feel and not be persecuted or slandered because of it. What is wrong people? Are you choosing to crush the opposition because you do not agree? If you are, then you have no place in this democratic republic, because I am still one of the Americans that believe in my Constitution and Declaration of Independence, and that all races, creed, nationalities and “opinions” are free in this country.

29. BeBe | 09.21.09

American Politics! You’ve got to love it.

If anyone protests Obama, they are racist….and that’s a valid arguement.
But, if the shoe is on the other foot….well, those saying such things are low, unbelievable…blah, blah, blah

Seems to me everyone and their dog is in love with the race card, but only certain folks are allowed to play it.

30. Quark | 09.21.09

Richard comment #1 and Pinky #2. Ummm… The GOP? You do know Carter, who got this really rolling, is a Democrat, right? You do understand that the people who are trying to connect Wilson’s 2 words, “You Lie,” to racism are Democrats, right? You haven’t been following the news very closely I gather and haven’t noted the the initial “racism” claims have all started with Democrats or liberal supporters.

I’m not saying that I think Steele should have brought up race, mind you.

I also greatly disagree with the conclusion Jimmy Orr (the article’s author) has made. Steele isn’t “hinting” that Obama opposes Paterson because he is black. Steele is quite clearly saying Obama should NOT oppose Paterson because he is one of only 2 black governors. Completely different. Only a fool could read those words and come to Orr’s conclusion.

31. Ray | 09.21.09

I am disappointed that Democrats start this stuff, and that other people have to respond to Democrats incessantly race baiting.

Obama should not engaged in racial stereotyping and said that his white grandmother was a “typical white person.”

In his book, “The Audacity of Hope,” Obama said that at his first service hearing Rev. Wright that he heard Wright talk about how “white folks greed runs a world in need.” Talk about anti-white, yet Obama continued to sit under Wright’s “ministry” for 20 years after that, and even said that Wright was a mentor of his. Obama also said that that sermon from Wright brought tears to his eyes. Yeah I bet it did.

One need only go to Google News to find an overabundance of columns and news articles from the MSM where Democrats say that opposition to Obama’s policies is based in racism (even though dissent to Bush’s policies was said by the MSM and Democrats to be “the highest form of patriotism”) that the Tea Party people are racists, that the Obama Joker posters were somehow racist, that the word “socialism” on the Obama Joker posters is somehow now a racist word, that the 9/12 marchers were racists, too, and on and on it goes.

Democrats have perfected the art of race-baiting. They need to stop this. Democrats are dividing America along racial lines.

32. Fritz | 09.21.09

To Miss Pinky: For the record, Michael Steele and Bob Schiefer appeared yesterday on Face the Nation. What show were you watching? Steel? Shaffer?

33. Mick | 09.21.09

I think you miss the point; if Patterson is doing so badly and a potential drag on other democrats, why isn’t the President asking others doing poorly not to run as well. That would be reasonable, would it not? And don’t miss the point it was Schiefer who brought up race, not Mr. Steele so please do not try to say this is a GOP tactic.

34. JR Flanders | 09.21.09

Let’s take it easy on Steele - he may actually be too dumb to understand that Corzine will probably lose to another Democrat, while Paterson is likely to lose to a Republican and take a few house seats with him. He’s not smart.

35. Mike | 09.21.09

You have got to be kidding. The GOP is NOT the party that talks about race. MSNBC, which is now apparently the Left-Wing Democrats Headquarters, injects race into everything 24/7. It is the left-wingers who have cried wolf so many times on race that it has diluted the term and cause of those who are working against and fighting true racism all over the world. Shame on you, liberal democrats for hurting the cause of those for whom you claim to fight. Shame on you for causing minorities to be beholden to big government as their savior all the while destroying their lives and families. I’m sick of the race card. I’m tired of being called a racist because I disagree with policy. You left-wingers are so loony it would be hilarious if it weren’t so tragic for the country.

36. Michael | 09.21.09

The GOP really picked a clown to run their circus of incompetents.

37. Um Duh | 09.21.09

How can anyone take this story and turn it around on the GOP? Obama and his Administration (aka, extreme liberal Dems) are the ones trying to stick their finger into New York State politics. And, while I don’t think this is really racially motivated (it’s obviously a party-control ploy), one could imagine that perhaps Paterson isn’t “as black” as the other Dem candidate, or that the other Dem candidate - also being black - is better than getting in a white GOP candidate like Guilliani… Seriously, it isn’t that far outside of the realm of possibility. Still, this is a party-control issue and is STILL even with race removed entirely, pretty messed up. Stay out of state politics Obama - it’s NOT your business!

38. Arturo Sancho Sotomayor | 09.21.09

President Barack Hussein Obama, and New York Governor David Paterson, share common ghosts of illegal drug dealers past.

Perhaps Governor Paterson will face questions about his illegal drug use, which than resurrects a need to probe the extent of President Obama’s involvement with marijuana?

All roads lead back to Health Care, which should include a discussion on medicinal marijuana, within the context of thte Democratic Party political platform.

President Obama is always reluctant on allowing his shadowy marijuana past to come into the light of day, which is what Governor Paterson’s campaign will do.

39. Rob | 09.21.09

How pathetic. The GOP got their butts kicked because Americans are sick of their politics of fear and vitriol. The GOP are constantly trying to manipulate the minds of the electorate and that is immoral. The unconscious and uneducated among us too easily fall for GOP nonsense,propaganda, and manipulation. Steele wants to know how Obama “got involved” in the NY Governors race when in actuality all Obama did was to suggest that Patterson not run. Well..maybe Mr. Steele can tell us how Bush and Co. got involved in the illegal firing of US Attorneys, an illegal and immoral war, and a 1 trillion dollar deficit.

40. Confused | 09.21.09

I’m confused by some of the comments (as well as the title of the article). From the text of this article and the quotes, Steele didn’t bring up race, the interviewer did.

I didn’t see the actual interview so perhaps it is in there but the quotes here clearly show the race was first brought up by the interviewer. Moreover, Steele said he didn’t think that race was the issue just was curious why low numbers mattered in one case and not others.

41. Awaken Yoshikawa | 09.21.09

Let’s get real here. Steele was talking out of both sides of his neck. He inferred many times that it was a race issue but like most who play this game, when directly asked he said, no that’s not what I mean. Like someone who sexually harasses someone one at work and tried to turn it around to no I was harassing her, I was just giving a compliment.

He and others are hoping that people are just ignorant enough to not see this. But the reality is the only people he really fools are the people who already hate Obama and the fact that he beat them in the last election. They are hoping for a return to power and money this coming election but non-stop assault on the president. I don’t think it’s going to work. Americans are not as stupid as many people think

42. rich volo | 09.21.09

Obama say don’t run. So don’t run. Obama be the El Supremo.

43. NinaNintius | 09.21.09

Maybe the President asked the man not to run because the President felt he was doing a bad job and maybe the President doesn’t believe that just because the guy is one of only 2 black governors that he should be kept in office when he is not doing a good job.

Maybe just maybe race should not have anything to do with it - color does not equate qualification.

Of course I think we have far too many politicians of all colors and our so called representation is a huge joke but at least it is nice to know that the President doesn’t care what color you are - if you suck - you suck.

44. Jonny | 09.21.09

Ha ha ha! Steele is implying Obama is anti-black? Good for laughs. It would have been such great comedy if Jay Leno said this!

45. James | 09.21.09

Please listen to this carefully everyone. While everyone bickers over a few bad apples, our beloved United States becomes more and more divided. This country WILL NOT be around much longer if we continue to act like children and focus on the few bad apples. As the Bible says: “The little foxes are spoiling the vine”. We need unity as a country, not division. As the Bible says: “A house divided will not stand”. Step back, forgive the people that have offended you and move on. As the Bible says: “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.”

“Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you.”

46. Ken | 09.21.09

The only precedent that comes to mind is Jesse White as the Maytag repairman. But where Jesse had all that time on his hands because the washer was so problem-free and repair-free, Mr. Steele has all the time in the world to ponder weighty subjects like the possible intervention of the President into state politics because the Republican party is too fragmented to compose an agenda (much less actually propose viable plans and policies).

What next, Mr. Steele, how many Democratic angels can dance on the head of a pin? If a tree falling in a forest in a Democratic state makes noise if there are no Republicans to listen?

47. Karl Heintz | 09.21.09

Americans… a funny breed.

You go all over the world bombing those that will not take your institutions and ideals.

Now you see why nobody wants to be like you?

48. JimC | 09.21.09

Michael Steele laments the lack of black governors and Obama’s apparent rejection of one of them. When asked if he thought this was a racial thing he plainly states, “I don’t think that”. Yet the title of this article is “GOP chief hints racism involved in Obama, Paterson controversy”.

Steele didn’t hint at racism, he in fact categorically denies that is what he thinks. I find that when people presume to know what others think, despite what they have said, then the opinion is usually no longer about the other person, it’s about their own thoughts.

When Steele says, “Look, if you’re saying it’s the numbers then why isn’t there a call for those other Democrat governors who have low numbers as well”, he is merely wondering, as he stated, what it was about. Surely a person can wonder without it having anything to do with race, can‘t they?

Can we get back to “reporting” the news rather than wandering around in other peoples heads? I find that I’m usually lost when I go there - it’s territory I am not qualified to be in. How can this writer be so arrogant as to presume to know what’s in the head of someone else? Especially when that person states otherwise.

According to Steele’s own words, “I don’t think that”. The “hint” appears to be in the writers mind, and no where else.

49. atp2007 | 09.21.09

Is there a contest betwen Republican leaders to see who can be more asinine in their comments or are they just all as stupid as they seem? Are they are the right wing cable and AM loonies trying to see who can say the most ludicrous things and still have people believe them. In fact, i know they have been smoking weed, Glenn Beck told me so.

50. Friday | 09.22.09

Good grief people, you are hilarious! Steele says Obama telling Paterson to step down might be driven by race, and you call Steele a racist for saying it? This could not be any more funny. You all know that Steele is black right? And that calling Steele a racist for calling Obama a racist is just as ridiculous as Steele calling Obama a racist for calling on Paterson to step down, right?

51. John | 09.23.09

GOP now means “GRASPING’ old party. It can mean nothing else when one views the attacking avalanche of negativity, “birthism” and screams of “liar” emanating from Fox media and such Republican “intellectuals” as Joe Wilson, Glenn Beck, **** Cheny, Rush Limbaugh, and, of course, Sarah Palin. Imagine if Dwight D. Eisenhower were here today?!