GP: No. I introduced him in Nashville, Tennessee. He came to the convention that I chaired, the National Religious Broadcasters. I was both the chairman and CEO of all the religious broadcasters in America (Black and White). He came to the convention and I introduced him there. Here I was with a group of Black pastors that he met with very briefly but that really wasn’t public.
MC: Was that part of the Black ministers group that met with him at the White House about the notion of Contract with Black America?
GP: strong>No, I wasn’t part of that. I wasn’t part of a formal group. This was just local pastors in Detroit. He came to the Hyatt Regency. That was the length and breadth of that relationship.
MC: So your activeness with the Republican Party has been with both Bush administrations?
GP: No, not both. I wasn’t actively involved with the administration. I don’t think that would be a good characterization.
MC: No, I’m saying with the Republican Party.
GP: No. As a matter of fact, let me help you with that. You asked because you really want to know?
MC: Yes, I want to know. Our readers want to know all about you. Is there a stigma to be associated with the Republican Party (now)?
GP: For an African American, yes. Would you say it is a stigma for Michael Steele to be chair of the Republican Party? I think so. First of all I’m a Democrat for specific reasons. I was never a Republican. So if nothing else, I want you to hear that. A couple of times I was asked. I spoke at the National Republican Convention in New York City.
To be continued in next week’s edition of the Michigan Chronicle.
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