Steele Continues to Back Away from Afghanistan Remarks; Finds New BFF in Didier

In a speech before some 100 Washington state Republicans last Saturday evening at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele retreated, without apologizing, from his recent comments that the war in Afghanistan is “unwinnable:”

I think at this moment it is important for me to also address that, I know some folks feel the comments that I made recently about the war in Afghanistan, that I may feel that way too.

I respect all of you so much and particularly the men and women in uniform who come from this state, who serve in this state. I want to tell you personally from me to you and to all of them that I am 1000% for victory for our men and women in service, that we cannot leave them on the battlefield alone, that we cannot undermine an opportunity to win.

"Support Our Constitution" vs. "Eat the Rich"

Some 30 Republican sign-wavers, mostly from the Dick Muri for Congress campaign, faced off against some 20 Democrat protesters Saturday afternoon at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center.  The Republicans, with the advantage in numbers, occupied three of the four corners at the intersection of 15th and Commerce.

The Democrats were on hand to protest the appearance of Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele at a "Republican Resurgence" rally being held at the convention center Saturday evening. The Republicans were there to show that Washington doesn't "belong to the Democrats" as claimed in a e-mail sent by the Chair of the Pierce County Democrats.

The Republican message was clear: "Support our Constitution."

As was the Democratic message:  "Feed the poor.  Eat the rich."

Steele Coming to Tacoma; Dems Promise Protest

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, who has faced scathing criticism in recent days for his comments on the war in Afghanistan, is coming to the Tacoma Trade and Convention Center tomorrow evening for a "Republican Resurgence" rally.

And Tacoma Democrats are promising to protest.  In an e-mail, the party chair stated:

We believe choosing Tacoma for the site of this event was a major miscalculation on the part of the RNC as we as Democrats intend to show out in force. We're going to show the Chairman that Tacoma AND the State of Washington belongs to the Democrats!

No doubt, given Steele's recent notoriety, there will be a large media presence tomorrow.  The campaign of Republican Dick Muri, who is running for Congress in the 9th Congressional District, is organizing a large counter-protest. 

In addition, the three Republican U.S. Senate candidates, Dino Rossi, Clint Didier, and Paul Akers, will be addressing the crowd as well.  All in all, it promises to be a lively evening, and I will be on hand covering it live.