Obama parody stirs up GOP rivals

WASHINGTON — Republicans who are vying to lead the national party offered a mix of reactions Saturday to the decision by one candidate for the job to mail a holiday music CD including the song "Barack the Magic Negro."

The ditty by conservative comedian Paul Shanklin refers to a March 2007 opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times by David Ehrenstein headlined "Obama the Magic Negro." In the piece, Ehrenstein argued that voting for Barack Obama helped white voters alleviate guilt over past racial wrongs. The parody is sung to the tune of "Puff, the Magic Dragon."

Chip Saltsman, who managed Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign, defended his actions, telling the Hill newspaper that the song and others on the CD, which was mailed to party members, were nothing more than lighthearted parodies.

But some rivals in the contest to chair the Republican National Committee (RNC) said it carried an inaccurate message about what the GOP stands for.

"In my opinion, this isn't funny and it's in bad taste," said Michigan GOP chairman Saul Anuzis.

Current RNC Chairman Robert Duncan, who is running for re-election, said of CD, "The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party. I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate."

Not all of Saltsman's rivals criticized him. Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, who would become the first black RNC chairman, defended Saltsman and attacked the media.

"Unfortunately, there is hypersensitivity in the press regarding matters of race. This is in large measure due to President-elect Obama being the first African American elected president," Blackwell said.

Among other Shanklin tunes on the 41-track CD that Saltsman sent: "I Can Talk Like a Coal Miner's Daughter," "Love Client 9" and "Down on the Farm with Al Gore."

Saltsman on Saturday criticized the media for reporting on his holiday gift.

"Liberal Democrats and their allies in the media didn't utter a word about David Ehrenstein's irresponsible column ... last March."

Information from The Associated Press is included in this report.