New RNC Ad To Feature Disembodied Voice Of Ronald Reagan, Michael Steele

Story by Emily Wilson 

| Published Apr 27, 2010

In response to the recent controversy surrounding chairman Michael Steele, the Republican National Committee has launched a controversial new advertising campaign. The advertisements will attempt to regain public support which has been dwindling since news broke that RNC members, including Steele, have been using RNC funds for private vacations and tucking thousands of singles of committee money into strippers' g-strings.

The commercial, which White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs called “creepy,” features a black and white shot of Steele staring stoically into the camera as the voice of former President Ronald Reagan plays, appearing to offer Steele advice from beyond the grave. The clip is a small part of a speech Reagan gave in 1982 to the House of Commons in which the former president spoke about Republicans rededicating themselves to the values on which the party was founded.

“Obviously the Republicans get a little nostalgic when it comes to Reagan, he’s sort of a father figure they like to refer to when things get messy, but this ad is exploitative and tasteless even for these guys,” said Gibbs. “I doubt Reagan would appreciate being quoted out of context to defend Steele’s actions. The guy had much more refined taste in erotica, not to mention a sense of discretion."

However, political analysts like Brenda Webber are praising the ad. “In most circumstances Steele’s conduct would be unforgivable, however, he’s generated so much good press in the past that Republicans would be foolish not to try to find a way to salvage his image,” said Webber. “The RNC would be remiss to get rid of what is their greatest opportunity to feign diversity just because he misappropriated funds for a couple of lap dances."