Oral history interview with Michael S. Steele, 2022
Abstract
Michael Steele recounts his experience as chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) from 2009 to 2011. Steele, the first African American RNC chair, outlines his goals for the Republican party during that time, his hope to move the party away from the vestiges of racism and misogyny, and the party's Southern strategy. He discusses his commitment to traditional republicanism and the principle s associated with Ronald Reagan, as well as his support for the Tea Party movement. Steele explains his refusal to join in on smear campaigns against Obama, stating that his opposition to the president was political and not personal. Reflecting on losing reelection for the RNC chair despite the successful 2010 election cycle for Republicans, Steele talks about feeling betrayed by his party, Reince Priebus, and Rush Limbaugh. Also discussed are Steele's experience growing up with a single mother, his close relationship with the Bush family, John McCain, the founding of the Republican Leadership Council, and Steele's work on a bipartisan commission with Tim Kaine
Presidents--United States; Political campaigns--History--21st century.--United States; Tea Party movement--United States; Politics, Practical--United States; Conservatism--United States; United States Politics and government; Steele, Michael S; Obama, Barack; Republican National Committee (U.S.); GOPAC; Republican Party (U.S. : 1854- )
Format
oral histories
Genre
Interviews
Date
2022
Physical Description
43 pages
Note (Biographical)
Michael Steele is an American lawyer and Republican party politician. Steele served as the lieutenant governor of Maryland from 2003 to 2007, and as chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) from 2009 to 2011. Steele was the first African Ameri can elected to statewide office in Maryland, and the first African American to chair the RNC. He has also held several leadership roles in the Republican party, including founder of the Republican Leadership Council; chair of the Maryland Republican party; and head of GOPAC, a Republican leadership training organization
Note
Interviewed by Nicole R. Hemmer on May 24, 2022. This interview is part of the Columbia University: Obama Presidency Oral History
Note (Provenance)
Michael S. Steele, Gift, transferred from Columbia Center for Oral History Research 2023