A Week in Review: Drama in the Grand Old Party

Who would have thought D.L. Hughley had the political clout to start up a big battle within the Republican party? It all started a week ago Friday, when Michael Steele appeared on CNN's D.L. Hughley Breaks the News. (Image: CNN) During Steele's interview on D.L. Hughley Breaks the News, Hughley made a joke about Rush Limbaugh being the de-facto leader of the GOP. Being the elected chairman of the party, Steele took exception to this and called Rush merely an entertainer.

Steele didn't stop there; he went on to dismiss much of Rush's brand of entertainment as incendiary and ugly. Before, during, and after these comments, Steele was relatively tame considering his recent style. Here's a video of his entire appearance, but the comments in question were made 6 minutes into the video:



Clearly Limbaugh would be none-too-happy about these comments regarding his acceptance speech for his Defender of the Constitution award. In this speech, Rush fired up the Republican base by restarting, what the media has called, the angry white man movement. Here's a highlight:



I wish I could share more highlights, but, for time sake, let's just assess this in the larger context. Rush makes divisive comments, Steele calls him on it; so then what happens? Limbaugh goes on his radio show the Monday after Steele's appearance and questions him on his loyalty to the GOP. That's right, Rush responds to the Chairman of the Republican part attacking him by questioning his loyalty to the party.

I guess he is the de-facto leader. But, if you're not convinced, by Tuesday Steele was apologizing and taking back his words. So it would seem that Rush Limbaugh is indeed the de-facto leader. What is the GOP coming to?

I almost forgot to mention, Steele is back to his old ways already. He describes his relationship with Limbaugh as "all good" before adding that he never meant to question Rush's influence or "leadership" in the party.