It's Official: MSNBC Hires Michael Steele for Political Analyst Gig

Remember Michael Steele? Not too long ago he was the (embattled) chairman of the Republican National Committee. Following some pretty embarrassing headlines and a failed attempt at a second chairmanship, things are looking up for Steele.  According to Mediaite:

Former Republican National Committee head Michael Steele has found himself a new role: MSNBC legal analyst, following a series of negotiations with the channel.

By many accounts, Steele's accomplishments while at the RNC were a mixed bag. While the former chairman left the committee $20 million in debt, he also contributed to historic wins in the 2010 Congressional midterm elections. Despite these wins, Steele ended up losing (dropping out of) his re-election race due to unpopularity and his inability to secure the necessary votes.

In commentary about his newfound role, Steele says:

It’s an honor to contribute and engage in the dialogue on MSNBC. I look forward to engaging a diverse audience to share insights and analysis about the people, issues, and events shaping America’s future. I’m sure our discussions will be both informative and a bit spirited!

One wonders how Steele will position himself at MSNBC.  Recently, he defended presidential-hopeful Newt Gingrich's criticisms of Rep. Paul Ryan's budget plan (an opinion that was less than popular among conservatives).  TIME's "Tuned In" blog had this to say:

Of course, it's not like MSNBC has no other Republicans in its pundit ranks, the chief example being Morning Joe's Joe Scarborough. But it will be interesting to see if Steele presents himself as a GOP analyst/loyalist, a la Fox's Karl Rove, or moves from his partisan past a la the TV version of Scarborough.

Only time will tell whether Steele will be a staunch defender of conservative values or a more watered down version of his former self.  Either way, his new position is certainly a positive development in what has become a professional roller-coaster of sorts.