Michael Steele, the head of the Republican National Committee is in the midst of the third week of his six-week GOP cross country bus tour, entitled "Fire Pelosi". He appropriately is in California, where Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi resides. During a phone interview Monday in Los Angeles, Steele says he is getting the "thumbs up" instead of "another finger" in that state. Pelosi lives up the road a ways heading north in San Francisco. Steele's rock star styled tour bus is headed in that direction.
The Republican leader contends those he meets along the way are most concerned about jobs. The issue following closely behind in the number two spot are concerns over challenges to freedoms.
The Steele bus tour ends later this month in New York and New Jersey in a lead up to the November 2, 2010 General Elections.
Steele, during the phone call clearly sounded tired after putting in 18 hour days during the first half of his road trip. His mood is a different story. He says he is "excited" in anticipation of the GOP election outcomes.
On the other side of the aisle, African American elder statesman, former Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder says if the Democrats want victories in November, the White House needs to "connect" to the people.