Politics / Michael Steele Steele: I Scare White Republicans RNC chair says he sees it in meetings By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff Posted Nov 10, 2009 12:32 PM CST Copied Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell and National Republican Party chairman Michael Steele share a laugh during a rally at a diner in Richmond, Va., Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) Rack up another gaffe for Michael Steele. The Republican National Committee chair has been trying to improve his party’s relationship with minority voters, but he may have been a little too honest in a recent interview with NewsOne's Roland Martin. Martin suggested that white Republicans were "scared" of African Americans, to which Steele responded, "You're absolutely right. I mean I've been in the room and they've been scared of me. I'm like, "I'm on your side.'" (More Michael Steele stories.) Report an error