Stop the "Kumbaya... Bipartisan Crap!" - Michael Steele’s Advice for Democratic Lawmakers

The former RNC chair has a blunt message for Democrats.

You’re not alone if you’ve felt a sense of déjà vu since Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office. The GOP is back in power and is already making it clear that bipartisanship is off the table.

But don’t take my word for it—just ask Michael Steele, the former RNC chair and co-host of MSNBC’s The Break, who had some very strong opinions during a recent interview with Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE).

On January 25, 2025, Steele and his co-host Symone Sanders Townsend sat down with McBride to discuss the Democrats’ strategy in the face of a Republican-controlled House, Senate, and White House.

What followed was a candid conversation about the GOP’s extreme agenda—and why Democrats need to stop trying to work with Republicans who don’t want their help.

The GOP’s Playbook: Extreme Partisanship and Chaos

Symone Sanders Townsend kicked off the interview by noting McBride’s new role as the Democratic Whip of Policy for the House Democratic Caucus.

Townsend asked McBride about her priorities, particularly lowering costs for families and how Democrats plan to navigate a Republican agenda that seems diametrically opposed to their goals.

Townsend pointed out the chaos caused by Trump’s recent executive orders, which have dismantled long-standing policies on civil rights, affirmative action, and protections for transgender individuals.

"Just what is the Democrats' posture here?" Townsend asked. "I'm sure you've had a lot of inquiries this week, given just all the crazy from these executive orders specifically and the chaos that has ensued."

McBride responded with a measured but firm tone: "As you noted, we will certainly find common ground where we can. That is the responsibility of elected officials. But we will stand our ground when we must."

She went on to describe the GOP’s actions as a glimpse into what the next four years under Trump will likely look like.

"Look, Donald Trump kept pretending like he had never heard of Project 2025," McBride said, "but the vast majority of actions that we've seen in just the last couple of days come straight out of the Republican playbook."

She called out the GOP’s hypocrisy, noting that while they campaigned on lowering costs for families, their actions tell a different story.

"They lied throughout their campaign. They said they were going to focus on lowering costs facing families. They're not."

A Return to the Gilded Age?

McBride didn’t stop there. She warned that the GOP’s agenda isn’t just about pushing extreme policies—it’s about rolling back the clock on progress.

"The President said on Monday in the rotunda that we are going to be entering a golden age in America," McBride noted. "But the reality is that they're taking us back to the Gilded Age."

She elaborated, "They're taking us back to the 1880s, the 1890s on economic policy, lining the pockets of the robber barons. But they're also taking us back to the 1880s and 1890s on issues of basic rights and freedom in this country."

McBride’s warning is a stark reminder of what’s at stake. The GOP’s agenda isn’t just about tax cuts for the wealthy or stricter immigration policies—it’s about dismantling decades of progress on civil rights, healthcare, and economic equality.

Michael Steele’s Blunt Advice

When it was his turn to speak, Michael Steele didn’t hold back. "Congresswoman, I know we're getting ready to let you go, but I just want to say this," Steele began. "Y'all need to chill on this. All this kumbaya partisan bipartisan crap."

He continued, reading from an NBC report: "Because at the end of the day, here's your headline: 'Republicans shoot down Democratic requests to ditch party-line immigration push and write a bipartisan bill. Instead, Senate Republicans are making it clear they will pursue a border package without Democratic input.'"

Steele’s message was clear: Republicans don’t want to work with Democrats, and Democrats shouldn’t waste their time trying.

"They don't want to work with you. They're not going to work with you," he declared. "They have the House, the Senate, and the White House. Let them choke on that."

He doubled down with some advice that could easily be the title of a self-help book for Democrats:

"You know, do not help them out because they don't want your help. They're telling you they don't want your help. So y'all need to just come to the table real and understand that the person sitting on the other side don't want you at the table. Get up, take your coffee, and go into another room."

Conclusion: Let Them Own the Mess

Michael Steele’s blunt advice is a wake-up call for Democrats. The GOP has made it clear that they’re not interested in bipartisanship. Instead, they’re pushing an extreme partisan agenda that threatens to roll back decades of progress.

As McBride put it, "They have made clear that they are more interested in driving forward an extreme partisan agenda rather than pursuing collaborative, common-sense solutions."

So, what’s the takeaway? Stop trying to work with Republicans who don’t want your help. Let them own their mess—and let them choke on it.

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Stay strong. Working together, we can survive.

samuel