RNC Takes Communications Cues From Tea Partiers

Just before Thanksgiving, Michael Steele fired the Republican National Committee's communications director, Trevor Francis. Steele reportedly was upset he wasn't getting credit for winning gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia.

After hiring GOP attack aficionado Alex Castellanos, it seemed as if the RNC would do just fine without Mr. Francis.  Now, however, it seems that's far from the case.

In fact, the RNC is taking its communications cues directly from the tea partiers.

As noted by Dave Weigel at the Washington Independent:

One of the big themes of yesterday's "Code Red" rally on Capitol Hill was "Listen to me." That slogan appeared on buttons sported by members of conservative radio host Laura Ingraham's entourage, and it was pushed hard by Jenny Beth Martin of Tea Party Patriots. Almost on cue, the Republican National Committee is running a web video featuring "concerned citizens" complaining that Congress is not "listening" to them.

Watch Jenny Beth Martin lead a "listen to me chant" at yesterday's protest:

And here is the RNC's video:

Coincidence? No way.