I want Michael Steele for our new RNC Leader

Michael Steele in the WSJ: Listen. Adapt. Be Positive.

Republicans once said that the opportunities this nation has to offer rest not in government but rather in the hands of individuals. Over the past decade or so, however, we Republicans lost our way. The disparity between our rhetoric and our action grew until our credibility snapped. It wasn't the fault of our ideals. It was the failure of our leadership.

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Most Americans today see a Republican Party that defines itself by what it is against rather than what it is for. We can tell you why public schools aren't working, but not articulate a compelling vision for how we'll better educate children. We're well equipped to rail against tax increases; but can't begin to explain how we'll help the poor. We exclude far better than we welcome.

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We must articulate a positive vision for America's future that speaks to Americans' hopes, concerns and needs. It's time to stop defining ourselves by what we are not, and tell voters what we believe, how we'll lead, and where we'll go; how we Republicans will make America better; how we'll make their families more prosperous, their children better educated, their parents more secure, and all of us healthier, safer and stronger.

Our challenge lies not in beating Democrats, but in uniting around a message that solidifies our ranks and attracts new people to our cause. We have to listen to what Americans are telling us about their hopes, desires and needs, and then translate that message into proposals for meaningful action squarely grounded on the values we Republicans have always stood for. [...]

(bold emphasis mine) Read the whole thing. "Attracting new people" does not mean kicking people out of our party, as various sub-groups within the party are now advocating. Republicans need to focus more on the things we all agree on, and less on things that divide us. If we don't, we will simply be the party of disagreeableness that nobody wants to listen to or vote for.

Michael Steele understands. He's made of the right stuff to lead the RNC:

Steele Makes It Official: To Run for RNC Chief

I hope his advice is heard. We've been too focused on negativity. Let's agree on the things we can agree on, be positive about that, and get on with it.