The interview was a disaster in every way. CNN did an EXCELLENT job of pushing back on his talking points. Specifically:

The need to delay. The CNN anchor rightfully pointed out that continued delay would cost us more, especially if we end up doing nothing. When Steele questioned what the cost was (showing his ignorance), the CNN contributer noted that the cost of health care is about 1/6th of our GDP.

His Press Club interview. The anchors took him to task of his quote that he "doesn't do policy." Steele reitered that his main role is to bash Obama.

Government takeover. The anchors then pushed Steele to respond to the claims of a government takeover. Specifically, they pointed out that the Obama plans do not call for the government to takeover anything. Steele pathetically complained about amendments being passed in the dark of night. Then came the big smackdown. Steele claimed that the goverment would tell an 85-year-old that she could have a hip-replacement. The anchor demanded that Steele point to where in the legislation this was. He couldn't, then clamed that it would happen as a result of "implementation." He then referred to the health-care flow-chart of doom (cue scary music).

The interview was then capped by the CNN anchors asking Steele who his insurer was. He COULDN'T ANSWER. To repeat: The head of the RNC could NOT name his health care insurer. The DNC response was quick and biting:

The slip-up was immediately seized upon by the Democratic National Committee, which charged that Steele's hesitation was further evidence that he and the RNC are out of touch and only interested in political warfare when it comes to health care. "It must be nice to have the luxury of not even knowing the name of your own health care provider, but Michael Steele's comments today, and the Republican strategy of working to kill reform for their own political purposes, is simply insulting to the millions of American families and businesses struggling with soaring health care costs," read a statement from DNC Press Secretary Hari Sevugan.

If there is any justice, this, combined with DeMint, would be used in an ad. It was an embarrasment in every way. Kudos to CNN for holding his feet to the fire.

Update: Per requests in the diary, Steele apparently had a tough time on Morning Joe as well, really getting into with Scarborough. Video: