The Spy noted recently that the GOP is in desperate need of an image makeover. John McCain’s personal contrasts with Barack Obama are more severe than are the policy differences. To counter the young change-agent image the Democrats will proliferate this Fall, Republicans need to offer its own vision of an American future with GOP leadership.

Sarah Palin and Mark Sanford are good and valid counters to Obama, and surely there are others to whom the torch can be entrusted. The Spy prefers those “others” to be solid Reagan Conservatives to rekindle and maintain the Revolution of 1980. [Interesting reading: Ed Rollins take on how George H.W. Bush and his cronies on Reagan's second term staff euthanized the Revolution.]

Towards that end, I recommend to the RNC [as always, unsolicited] another face to promote during the convention in the Twin Cities. former Maryland Lt. Governor and current Chairman of GOPAC, Michael Steele. A conservative Republican African-American, smart, eloquent, great sense of humor and an overall impressive guy, Steele presented the Republican counterpoint to Barack Obama’s DNC Convention keynote in 2004.

This guy is the real deal and should have been named chairman of the RNC two years ago. He should have a position of prominence during the convention and in the campaign, not just as a black counter to Barack Obama (Steele would win, not just on policies, but he’s 6′4″ and his ears are proportional to his head), but intellectually and charismatically, Steele can deliver the message that the Republicans can and will deliver to every corner of the American landscape and to every citizen.

On August 7, 2006, when running for the U.S. Senate, Steele released answers to a Baltimore Sun candidate survey.

On the war in Iraq: “It is imperative we improve conditions on the ground so we can bring our troops home as quickly as possible and have the Iraqi people take control of their own destiny. At the same time, we should not publicly state a timetable for implementation. I do not support a ‘cut and run strategy.’ Any politician out there talking about timetables and timelines is playing into the hands of our enemies who have an enormous capacity to wait. It would be a disaster for us to cut and run, as it would destroy our credibility in the region for at least a generation. At the same time, it is the Iraqi’s themselves that will ultimately have to make democracy work in their country. We should stay there only long enough to give the Iraqi people the tools they need to secure the very democracy they voted for three times. After that, it’s up to them.”

Energy policy: “To provide immediate relief for Marylanders, I have called on President Bush and Congress to enact an immediate moratorium on the federal gas tax - more than 18 cents per gallon - and an immediate moratorium on the 24 cents per gallon diesel tax. Moreover, Congress should approve legislation to suspend the tariff on ethanol imports. But those actions are designed to deal with our immediate crisis. Congress must roll up its sleeves and work to solve the underlying problem - our dependence on foreign sources of energy. To do that, I’ve called on Congress to double President Bush’s budget request for biomass and bio-refinery research, and create market and tax incentives for E85 fuels, hybrid technologies and alternative energy sources. Tax credits for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles need to be renewed and expanded. Additionally, we must increase fuel efficiency standards for automobiles – not just this year, but over the next several years.”

Affirmative action: “Studies show enormous disparities still exist in education, healthcare, employment and economic opportunities along racial lines in the United States. I believe programs are still necessary to help close these divides. I support giving people opportunities. Programs must be fair to all Marylanders – of every color – and they should focus on economic empowerment.”

The budget deficit: “Congress must also enact pro-growth policies that encourage the economy to expand: like making tax relief permanent and repealing the death tax. As we saw with the most recent deficit figures, a growing economy will in fact reduce the size of the budget deficit. In order to achieve optimal economic growth, Congress must adhere to sane spending guidelines while promoting smart policies devoted to growing businesses and creating jobs.”

Stem cell research: “We have a lot to gain through furthering stem cell research, but medical breakthroughs should be fundamentally about saving, not destroying, human life. Therefore, I support stem cell research that does not destroy the embryo.”

Health care: ” We need to increase access to health insurance through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and high deductible policies, so individuals and families can purchase the insurance that’s best for them and meets their specific needs. . . . I support allowing small businesses to band together and compete for better insurance options. . . . To help increase our nation’s seniors access to affordable care, I have called to extend the sign up period for the Medicare Prescription Drug plan.”

[From his Wikipedia profile]

The Republican Party has more to offer the country and our future than old white guys. Put Ronald Reagan’s vision and policies in Michael Steele’s hands, and watch the meter jump.