Politics

The Root announces new contributing editor: Michael Steele

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The African-American focused news site, The Root, formally announced today that it has brought on former Republican National Committee (RNC) chairman Michael Steele as a new contributing editor.

“We are extremely pleased that Michael Steele has become a regular contributor to The Root,” Joel Dreyfuss, The Root’s managing editor said in a statement. “In fulfilling our mission of providing a variety of black perspectives, his experience as a former state executive and as former chairman of the Republican Party and his reputation for candid comments will be a welcome addition to our rich pool of talented voices.”

Steele was the first African American chairman of the Republican National Committee. His affiliation with The Root will be his first media deal since his post at the RNC.

“At The Root I’ve found a place where I’ll be able to express my opinion,” said Steele. “In the past my candor hasn’t been appreciated, but now [at The Root] I’m expected to say what I want without pulling any punches. I look forward to hearing the readers take and public reaction to my commentary.”

The chairman came under fire a number of times during his tenure as chairman for invoking race to criticize members of his own party.

Steele’s first column for The Root appeared last week. According to sources the publication held off from an official press release announcement until today so as to not conflict with the media attention given to the death of Osama Bin Laden.

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