Today's revelation that RNC Chairman Michael Steele chose to launch an attack on President Obama by claiming that the war in Afghanistan is "not something the United States had actively prosecuted or wanted to engage in," and that it is doomed to failure has infuriated Republicans:
Republicans are furious with RNC Chairman Michael Steele, who was caught on camera saying that the war in Afghanistan is a doomed effort launched by President Obama. In fact, many, both privately and publicly, are saying this is the last straw: Steele should resign.
"Needless to say, the war in Afghanistan was not 'a war of Obama's choosing,'" reads an open letter to Steele from Weekly Standard editor and influential GOP voice Bill Kristol. [...]
In an interview this afternoon, a livid, top GOP operative put it more bluntly. "This is the height of stupidity and epitomizes the problem that is Michael Steele."
According to the TPM report, other Republicans are expected to "come forward shortly with condemnations, and even demands for resignation." We shall see.
Meanwhile, RNC spokesman Doug Heye had this response to the story:
... nowhere did Steele say or suggest that (a) we shouldn't be there, (b) we can't win or (c) he didn't support the surge."
Well, sure. Except where he said the war was "not something the United States had actively prosecuted or wanted to engage ... because everyone who has tried, over a thousand years of history, has failed."