Steele's Overlooked Radio Rant: Compares Obama to Nixon, Declares 'Ultimate Political Armageddon'

Two weeks ago, amidst concern that Michael Steele's media exposure was creating serious political damage, the RNC chairman decided to guest-host William Bennett's national conservative radio program.

In a virtually unnoticed two-hour tour-de-force, the Maryland Republican sat in for the conservative talker on March 6, right as the controversy over his statements on Rush Limbaugh reached its height. And Steele didn't disappoint, lambasting Republicans for inserting earmarks in the omnibus, comparing Barack Obama to Richard Nixon, describing the current political climate "Armageddon between conservatism and liberalism" and Rahm Emanuel as a "master manipulator," saying the globe was cooling rather than warming, and touting the importance of education only to misstate a prominent historical figure's name.

"I love this battle because what I see right now is leading to the ultimate political Armageddon between conservatism and liberalism," Steele declared at one point. "And the idea that free enterprise, free markets, free people are going to battle an oppressive, repressive, domineering government. I love that. That's what we are lining up for you folks. So you better get ready, strap it on, because it's coming. And you better pick your sides, you better choose now."

Listen to the full audio:

In the wide-ranging and free-flowing program, Steele began with an exhale, saying: "I survived my first month as the new RNC chairman. I survived a pretty interesting week, where there was a whole lot of noise." From there, however, he jumped right back in to a host of controversial topics. He scoffed at his fellow Republicans, saying that the state parties should consider supporting challengers against Senators who voted for the stimulus, and offering his own reprimands as well.