Michael Steele’s RNC Blog, “What Up?,” Is Having A Tough Time Finding Non-White Republicans

Floating Michael Steele knows where you live. He has the Googles.

Recently, Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee, discovered something called the internet. He would like to use this tool as a means of reaching out to Republicans all across this country, including those who happen to be something other than white. What better way to attract such a complex and diverse group of often marginalized and misunderstood voters than by using outdated urban vernacular as a blog title? Indeed, we flock to it like hizzouse flies to honey. So, yes. His blog, part of the RNC’s newly launched new website at GOP.com, is called “What Up?” Tubular! 

In his inaugural post, Steele explains just how valuable these interconnected webtubes are:

The Internet has been around a while, now. But, I still find it an amazing platform for innovation, not just in technology, but in life. Beyond admiring the way it powers so many inventions and businesses, it has become a personal thing for me. I love the fact that, wherever I might be, I can use technology to see my family and chat with them, and Social Media to tap into what my friends are doing.

Social Media truly is a wonderful aspect on this life platform, the Internet ©. Oh, by the way? Michael Steele has a question for you:

Why are you are Republican? Think about that for a minute.

Yes. Do that. 

Think Progress (which, you know, we wouldn’t have bet money on being fans of the RNC’s site in the first place) pointed out another mistake on the website:

The RNC tries to portray the party as diverse on its GOP ‘Heroes’ page (even though there is currently only one non-Hispanic minority serving as a Republican in the House and the Senate and only two percent of blacks identify as Republican), with people of color making up almost half the list. However, one of the people listed as a “great Republican” is baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who actually identified himself as an independent. In fact, Robinson spoke out about the “hatred” he saw at the 1964 GOP convention, where Barry Goldwater won the nomination. He called it “one of the most unforgettable and frightening experiences of my life.”

Well. Unforgettable could go either way, right? So it’s almost like he enjoyed the convention somewhat. Like maybe 2% of it.

Think Progress also pointed out that the Republican party’s new media consultant Mindy Finn made sure to let us know that the faces appearing on the site are all Republicans:

All this is to say: There are perhaps better ways of attracting current or new Republicans who aren’t white than through the use of outdated, faux-hip jargon and posting defensive Tweets. The site does feature a way of making sure your voice - or, perhaps more importantly for the purpose of marketing and PR - your face a part of the conversation. GOP members are invited to submit a a brief statement on why they are Republican and a photo of themselves for inclusion in the “Republican Faces” project. 

It’s a site that has to grow a bit and find a clear focus and voice (one that isn’t borrowed afterschool specials circa 1989, maybe) before we can see a lot of diverse people wanting to add their faces to it. 

Let me ask you [GOP.com]