Michael Steele tip toes around calling out Rush Limbaugh

On MSNBC's Hardball today show host Chris Matthews along with former RNC Chairman Michael Steele and liberal journalist David Corn debated the impact of conservative media on the election.

"Michael, I want you to listen to this," Matthews said to Steele. "Suppose that -- well, you are African American -- Um, here we go..."

"Yeah," Steele responded while laughing.

Matthews continued, "Here we go. Would you like the first president who comes from that background to be called a racist by Glenn Beck? A racist. Because of what? No reason. If you're a woman and an executive in a corporate world. If you're a woman, would you like to be called a Feminazi by Rush Limbaugh, an even bigger name? ... Your party gets blamed for this racket."

Steele agreed that conservative media had a negative impact on the election as well as the Republican Party. But he was careful to avoid naming any names. The last time that happened, he ended up offering an embarrassing public apology to Rush Limbaugh.