Politics

Michael Steele inks deal with MSNBC

Alex Pappas Political Reporter
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Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele will start taking a paycheck from MSNBC, the news organization many in his party love to hate.

Phil Griffin, president of MSNBC, made the announcement Monday. Steele has been a frequent guest on MSNBC since he lost re-election to the top party job in January.

MSNBC, which has been transparent in trying to appeal to a liberal audience with its “Lean Forward” marketing campaign, said Steele will “regularly appear on the full lineup of MSNBC programming.”

“It’s an honor to contribute and engage in the dialogue on MSNBC,” Steele said in a statement. “I look forward to engaging a diverse audience to share insights and analysis about the people, issues, and events shaping America’s future. I’m sure our discussions will be both informative and a bit spirited!”

Steele ran for re-election in January to lead the Republican Party’s national organization, but lost to one challenger, Reince Priebus, after concerns about fundraising and his stewardship of the committee’s money.

He was often criticized for not spending enough time dialing for dollars from big donors and spending too much time going on TV and promoting himself by writing a book.