Why does Michael Steele compare himself to Julius Caesar?

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   Former RNC Chairman Michael Steele recently compared himself to Julius Caesar.  Not a regular guy named Julius Caesar, but THE Julius Caesar; the guy who ruled the Roman Empire and dated Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt.  Yeah … THAT Julius Caesar.  Comparing himself to historic figures is nothing new to Michael Steele.  While Chairman of the RNC, Steele was once asked if he were personally jealous of President Barack Obama, America’s first African-American president.  He replied, “No.  I’m the Chairman of the RNC.  What’s your point?”  It takes a very high degree of self esteem to compare being the Chairman of the RNC to being elected President of the United States.  Holding himself in high regard is certainly not problematic for Michael Steele. 
   His recent self-comparison to Julius Caesar was motivated by his ouster last week as Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), a position he had held since January 30, 2009.  What specifically triggered the comparison to Caesar was the fact the newly elected Chairman of the RNC, Reince Priebus, was someone Steele considered a close ally.  Apparently, Steele felt that Priebus should have gotten his blessing to seek the office of Chairman.  (Apparently, this is his point of reference because Julius Caesar was assassinated by those within his inner circle.  See Caesar's assassination) Of course, Steele had every intention of retaining the job based on his campaign to remain Chairman.  When it became apparent to the uber confident Steele that he would not be retained as Chairman after the 6th round of voting for the position, he withdrew his nomination on the floor.  He did receive a standing ovation from RNC delegates upon his announcement of withdrawing his candidacy. 
   It had been no secret in the last year that well placed Republican leaders wanted to oust Steele from the chairmanship especially in light of  "Bondage-gate"; a high priced trip to the Beverly Hills Hotel that included an excursion to a famous West Los Angeles gentleman’s club, Voyeur West Hollywood where … ahem, some unconventional methods of entertainment are used.  In some circles, Steele’s days were numbered after this escapade.  (Perhaps Michael Steele can start a party and event planning service for well heeled Republicans now that he has free time on his hands.  Just a thought.)
   Steele does have a case to make, though.  He WAS in charge of the party when Republicans won an overwhelming number of seats in the House of Representatives in the November 2010 mid-term elections that put them in charge of the House and led to John Boehner becoming Speaker of the House.  One does have to wonder where IS the loyalty from the Republican Party.  How do you fire the guy who wins by a blow out?  To use a sports metaphor, that's like firing the coach AFTER his team wins the Super Bowl. 
   For a guy with enough hutzpah to compare himself to Julius Caesar and Barack Obama, can Michael Steele REALLY play the role of victim?  Is that possible?  Hmm ...

Peace.

Craig Riggins

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Comments

  1. edieJanuary 20, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    I remember when Mr. Steele first came on the scene, he talked passionately about adding more blacks to his party. He did a good job at that. In walks Congressman Allen B. West of Florda, in my opinion Mr. West is turning out to be to Mr. Steele and the Republican Party, what Sarah Palin is to John McCain, a total embarrassement. Quite frankly, I am sick of the ego-drama of politcs. I want to see things happen. I want to see government work.

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