Ability to Debate on Sunday Shows Should Not Be a Priority Prerequisite to be RNC Chairman

Today, Republican media consultant Alex Castellanos endorsed Michael Steele for RNC chairman, and emphasized his ability to communicate:

"Steele is not just good at media appearances, he's great at them. He's a talented, passionate, and persuasive advocate of Republican principles. President-elect Obama will soon install Gov. Tim Kaine as chairman of the DNC — shouldn't the Republican party obtain a chairman who is ready on day one to square off against Kaine on CNN or Meet the Press?"

I respect Alex Castellanos, but ... No! No! No!

I've not only become agnostic on the RNC chairman's race; I've become apathetic. As I've pointed out in my immediate past post, the future of the party will be determined by leaders (or the lack thereof) in different states, in different campaign areas, both within and outside the status quo party structures.

Sure, Castellanos also mentions Steele's work as the Maryland state party chair and as GOPAC chair. But there's also the case against Steele that Rob Bluey wrote about a couple weeks ago at RedState that brings concern about his judgment when it comes to grassroots building.

Most importantly, there's a critical observation to make about Castellanos statement: should appearing and doing well on cable and news network shows be a primary prerequisite to being a qualified chairman? My perspective: it would be a nice bonus to have someone articulate to appear on MSM shows, but it should be nowhere near the top when it comes to priorities for the next RNC chairman:

• First, cable news and Sunday morning shows are a dying medium, and we should focus on a more diverse array of traditional and new spaces to spread our message.
• Second, why should the RNC waste it's time debating with Kaine? I want to see more debates between Ryan and Rangel on the budget and tax issues, between Sanford and Granholm on a bailout for state governments, etc.
• Third, we should be developing spokespeople at the state and local level to speak with local media. We should engage more with the Myrtle Beach Sun News and the local NBC affiliate than be worried about the New York Times or CNN.
• Fourth, I would want an RNC chairman that would be on the phone and on the computer all the time, (a) raising money and (b) communicating best and worst practices between state and local party officials, assisting in their efforts.
• Fifth, we should stay away from the intellectual laziness that is bred from celebrity politics. I have nothing against Michael Steele personally, but part of his appeal is his celebrity status in comparison to the other candidates. The fame of our chairman won't guarantee success at the operational, communications, fundraising, or policy levels when it comes to a party. In fact, it guarantees nothing.

There are some who are talking about what the right prerequisites and roles are for the next RNC chairman at RebuildTheParty.com's new forum. But let's not get sucked into the appeal of liking a candidate just because he sounds nice. The American people already did that on November 4, 2008.