MAN OF STEELE ATTACKS OBAMA - AT 7:48 P.M. ET:  The timing isn't the greatest because of the hostage rescue off Somalia, but new Republican National Chairman Michael Steele is making a strong attack on President Obama, specifically over the president's global groveling.  The Washington Times reports:

Republican National Chairman Michael S. Steele has launched a direct attack on President Obama in a new mass mailing, accusing the president of being part of the "blame America first" crowd, The Washington Times has learned.

Criticized by some in the party for not taking on the Democratic president hard enough or often enough, Mr. Steele took the gloves off in a fund-raising letter sent out Monday to 12 million party supporters. Recipients included RNC donors as well as the mailing lists of two conservative organizations, Human Events and GOPUSA, according to RNC communications director Trevor Francis.

Mr. Steele wrote that Mr. Obama's comments criticizing the United States on his recent European tour showed "an absence of wisdom."

COMMENT:  A good beginning.  What the GOP needs, in addition, is a clear, attractive program, like 1994's contract with America.  The next congressional election is a bit more than 18 months away.

April 13, 2009