Michael Steele: GOP Has ‘Not Been The Most Welcoming’ To Immigrants

Making his first television appearance since Arizona governor Jan Brewer passed the state’s controversial immigration law, RNC Chairman Michael Steele went on The Situation Room today to talk about the GOP’s relationship with minorities, which he acknowledged, once again, wasn’t the best.

Steele refused to make a definitive statement in favor or against the law, noting that he agreed with Karl Rove that the law would make the Republicans’ relationship with minorities more troublesome, but also pointed out that “the governor of Arizona acted in the best interests of the people of Arizona.” As for the Republican Party, however:

“our prior actions in this area and certainly our rhetoric in this area has not been the most welcoming and the most supportive of helping those who want to assimilate into our way of life… [who are] coming through the process in a legitimate way”

This is the second time in recent memory that Steele highlights the tension between the GOP and minorities, having previously argued that African-Americans “don’t really have a reason to” vote Republican.

When asked to assess the Obama administration, however, Steele was back in attack mode, complaining that the White House has not achieved anything in the past year (“health care reform that 60% of the people in America don’t want? That’s not a result!”) and has, in particular, ignored the jobs crisis.

Video below:

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