This morning I had the opportunity to attend a very special presentation at the headquarters of our Republican National Committee. Chairman Steele was personally on-hand to present the first-ever "Grassroots Logic Award" to 10,000 Pennies video guru Matthias Shapiro (@politicalmath).

In presenting the award, Chairman Steele said:

10,000 pennies demonstrates an effective use of new media. Breaks complicated issues down into simple, easy-to-understand format. And it has the ability to create a new environment for communication.

He continued:

From my perspective, as Chairman of a “Party that is broken,” this is one way to say you’re “full of you-know-what.”

Upon receiving the award, Matthias said:

Most people say “thanks for breaking this down, and making it simple.” It’s less an issue of making it simple and more an example of making it “real.” People get sizes, lengths, and scales. None of the numbers I’m using are controversial – they are out there. Important thing for me is to communicate these things visually and that’s what I’m trying to do.

Before the award presentation, I had a chance to speak with RNC New Media guru Todd Herman (@ToddEHerman) and Matthias for a short interview:

It's important that Chairman Steele brought Matthias to the RNC to demonstrate his commitment to the grassroots of our party. He has a long way to go -- and he knows that -- but he continues to make smart moves and it's important that our community recognize that.