You just know that those racist Republican crackers down in ol' Virginny are eating this up with a spoon. I'll bet if Allen came right out and used the N-word while wrapping himself in the stars and bars he would be elected in a landslide. Today's Republicans are yesterday's Klansmen. The GOP has been a haven for racists and race-baiting ever since Nixon's Southern Strategy went into effect. Why do we still tolerate it?

Definitely racism. Forget the "macaca" bit - Allen's "welcome to America" to a native-born Virginian who was the only brown-skinned person there was some straight up Klan business. Allen is a racist and a bully. No doubt about it. This guy is your typical George Bush Republican: vicious, cruel, bigoted and, apparently, very, very stupid.

I think that the best possible interpretation here is that Sen. Allen was disrespectful to the cameraman, and, the worst possible interpretation is that he was showing his true character.

Once again, I'm reminded of the extremely embarrassing incident many years ago when former Rep. Robert Michel of Illinois, the House Minority Whip at the time, was interviewed and expressed his fondness for minstrel shows! What's even worse is that he didn't seem to realize he'd offended a lot of people until it was pointed out to him! It seems that politicians reach a point in their careers where they cease rational thought and blurt out whatever comes to mind--not a very good idea, guys!

Racism + Bullying = appealing to the worst aspects of their dearly beloved repugnacon rightwing evangelical (mostly) southern base.

I know. I grew up in it. The repubs use it incessantly when they think only their base is watching and claim a big tent when in public.

just like any sick & dysfunctional social organism.