RNC: Dems Don't Have to Change Name to Socialists

Score one for Michael Steele. The RNC toned down a potentially embarrassing resolution today that would have urged Democrats to change their name to the Democrat Socialist Party, the Hill reports. Instead, the reworded resolution calls on Democrats to "stop pushing our country towards socialism and government control." Steele fought against the original language, arguing that it would open the GOP to ridicule.

It "will accomplish little than to give the media and our opponents the opportunity to mischaracterize Republicans," the RNC chief wrote in an April 8 memo. Despite the change, the finished version still includes two paragraphs accusing Democrats of embracing "socialist ideals" and passing "socialist programs." But at least they can keep their name.
(More RNC stories.)