Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, who has come under fire for his comments late last week seemingly opposing the war in Afghanistan, is actually attracting praise from one Republican: Rep. Ron Paul, the renegade GOPer from Texas who has long opposed interventionist foreign policy.
“I would like to congratulate Michael Steele for his leadership on one of the most important issues of today. He is absolutely right: Afghanistan is now Obama’s war,” Paul said in a statement over the weekend. “During the 2008 campaign, Obama was out in front in insisting that more troops be sent to Afghanistan. Obama called for expanding the war even as he pretended to be a peace candidate.”
Paul continued: “Michael Steele should not resign. Smart policies make smart politics. He is guiding the party in the right direction and we are on the verge of victory this fall. Chairman Steele should not back off. He is giving the country, especially young people, hope as he speaks truth about this war. I have to ask myself, what is the agenda of the harsh critics demanding this resignation? Why do they support Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama’s war?”
Of course, Steele probably doesn’t need or want Paul’s help right now. After Steele made his comments and then came under fierce criticism for them, he quickly backed away and affirmed his support for the war in Afghanistan. He has also faced calls for his resignation from Bill Kristol, Liz Cheney, and Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK). Probably the last thing he needs right now to quiet down the neocon wing of the GOP is praise from Ron Paul.
