RNC Raises Money For Hannity

[babylonsister]

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_03/023087.php

RNC RAISES MONEY FOR HANNITY.... Former Bush speechwriter David Frum, recently fired from AEI for telling Republicans what they didn't want to hear, noted the other day, "Republicans originally thought that Fox {News} worked for us, and now we are discovering we work for Fox."

I thought of this quote when I saw the latest email sent to Republicans this morning by the Republican National Committee. This is the body of the message in its entirety. (thanks to reader C.R.)

Dear XXXX,

I wanted to let you know that I just finished reading Sean Hannity's new book, Conservative Victory: Defeating Obama's Radical Agenda. As they so often do, Sean's words left me energized for November and even more committed to making the gains necessary to bring the Obama agenda to a halt.

In the book, Sean does more than just tell us why we need to defeat the Obama Agenda. He also gives us a blueprint for getting it done. I cannot recommend it enough -- and I'm confident that, like me, you will be ready for the upcoming elections with a renewed commitment.

Sincerely,

Michael Steele
Chairman, Republican National Committee

Just to be clear, this wasn't a personal endorsement from Steele. The email was sent to Republican donors, through the RNC, as part of an official RNC message. The email notes that it was "paid for by the Republican National Committee."

Isn't this a little odd? The RNC is using its list to urge Republicans to buy a book from an independent media personality?

I've seen appeals that tell donors if they pony up a few bucks, they can get a book as a premium, but that's not what this is. Indeed, Steele's message doesn't even ask for a donation for the party. Rather, the RNC simply wants Republicans to go buy a Fox News host's book.

When it comes to the network and the party, it appears one is an adjunct of the other, though the roles are less than clear.

—Steve Benen

[SpiralHawk]

1. Republicons = corporate puppets

arrayed against the interests of the human beings who are citizens of the United States of America...

[bridgit]

2. How could it be otherwise

[Turbineguy]

3. They don't have the kind of money they used to have

to bulk buy this sort of tripe.

[Catshrink]

4. They must obey their corporate masters.

Ailes: Jump!
Steele: How high?

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. I'm not a republican donor but I got this email

:shrug:

[geckosfeet]

6. Who is shilling for who here? In any case, if they want inShannity to lay

out their strategy for '10, I will support the decision.

[Canuckistanian]

7. Legal defence fund?

Maybe there's something going on with Hannity's "Freedom Concerts" that we haven't heard yet.

[bridgit]

8. That is a likely pivot point

[11 Bravo]

9. I would say I hope they're smart enough to wait to buy it for $2 from the remainder bin, but ...

then I would have to use "smart" and "Republican" in the same sentence, and my laptop might explode.

[veganlush]

10. I wish Hannity would throw his hat in the ring

..and run for some office..it would be his waterloo

[Roland99]

11. They support someone who is defrauding our soldiers!!