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.

[...]

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.

[...]

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.
     

"Country First" is more than just a slogan

John McCain, with VP pick Sarah Palin, visit a hurricane
command center in Jackson, Mississippi, on Sunday.

Gustav prompts 'substantial' changes to RNC agenda

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney will not attend the GOP convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, because of Hurricane Gustav, White House press secretary Dana Perino said Sunday.

In addition, "substantial" changes to the Republican National Convention program will be announced Sunday because of the storm, two Republican officials said.

Sen. John McCain said Sunday it wouldn't be appropriate to hold a political celebration during the storm. He said there would be significant changes, but did not elaborate.

"We must redirect our efforts from the really celebratory event of the nomination of president and vice president of our party to acting as all Americans," said McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.

McCain said it's likely the event would change into a "call to the nation for action."

"I pledge that tomorrow night, and if necessary, throughout our convention ... to act as Americans, not Republicans, because America needs us now no matter whether we are Republican or Democrat,'' he said.

[...]

The McCain campaign arranged a charter flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Jackson, Mississippi, on Sunday afternoon for delegates who wish to return to the Gulf Coast region ahead of Hurricane Gustav.

Louisiana Republican State Party Chair Roger Villere Jr. said some of his states' delegates have already departed, while others plan to leave.

The same plane will fly back to Minnesota if delegates have children or other family members they want to remove from the area.

A senior McCain source said Saturday that officials were considering turning the convention into a massive telethon to raise money for the Red Cross and other agencies to help with hurricane aid. [...]

I think the McCain campaign is handling this wisely. Not only is it not possible to party while a large disaster hits our country, but this affects delegates and convention speakers from the affected states, and other attendees who will be needed to help in the afflicted areas.

Some Democrats may gloat about the difficulties this has created for the Republicans and their convention, but I think how the Republicans and the McCain campaign are are dealing with it speaks volumes more. Let the crass Democrats snicker cynically, while the Republicans roll up their sleeves, deal with reality the way it is, and show the Dem's how it's done.

I've really been impressed with what a class act the McCain campaign has been so far. I have great hopes it will continue thus.