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Puff the Magic Dragon Offended by 'Barack the Magic Negro' Song, President-elect Not So Much

December 29, 2008 11:55 AM

A lot of chatter in the media and political worlds these days about RNC chair candidate Chip Saltsman sending around a "comedy" CD to fellow party officials featuring the song "Barack the Magic Negro." (Alternet has posted the song HERE.)

The outgoing chair of the RNC, Mike Duncan, said he's “shocked and appalled” by the lyrics, adding: "The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party." The song, Duncan said, "clearly does not move us in the right direction."

Moreover, former House Speaker New Gingrich told the New York Times, “This is so inappropriate that it should disqualify any Republican National Committee candidate who would use it."

This all started in March 2007, liberal writer David Ehrenstein penned an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times called "Obama the Magic Negro."

The point of the op-ed was to dissect the fabled "Magic Negro" in postmodern folk culture -- a person "there to assuage white 'guilt' (i.e., the minimal discomfort they feel) over the role of slavery and racial segregation in American history, while replacing stereotypes of a dangerous, highly sexualized black man with a benign figure for whom interracial sexual congress holds no interest. As might be expected, this figure is chiefly cinematic -- embodied by such noted performers as Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman, Scatman Crothers, Michael Clarke Duncan, Will Smith and, most recently, Don Cheadle. And that's not to mention a certain basketball player whose very nickname is 'Magic.'"

Soon afterward, conservative satirist Paul Shanklin wrote a parody which ran on Rush Limbaugh's show featuring an Al Sharpton impersonator singing, among other lyrics:

"Barack the Magic Negro lives in D.C./ The L.A. Times they called him that/ 'cause he's not authentic like me...

"Yeah the guy from the L.A. paper/ said he made guilty whites feel good/ they'll vote for him and not for me/ 'cause he's not from the hood..."

And so on. The song is one of 41 featured on Shanklin's latest CD, entitled, "We Hate the USA." (Other songs include "Wright Place, Wrong Pastor" and "The Stay-Spanglish Banner.")

Responding to the controversy of his sending out the album, Saltsman recently issued a statement saying, "Liberal Democrats and their allies in the media didn't utter a word about David Ehrenstein's irresponsible column in the Los Angeles Times last March. But now, of course, they're shocked and appalled by its parody on 'The Rush Limbaugh Show.' I firmly believe that we must welcome all Americans into our party and that the road to Republican resurgence begins with unity, not division. But I know that our party leaders should stand up against the media's double standards and refuse to pander to their desire for scandal."

Interestingly, on May 2, 2007, in an interview with Paul W. Smith of WJR Radio in Detroit, Obama was asked about the song and he didn't seem too concerned about it.

"I have to do this because Rush is on our radio station," Smith said. "We're going to see him tomorrow. You've heard the parody song 'Barack the "Magic Negro?'"

"You know, I have not heard it but I've heard of it," Obama said. "I confess that I don't listen to Rush on a daily basis. On the other hand, I'm not one of these people who, who takes myself so seriously that I get offended by -- by every -- every comment made about me. You know, the -- you know, what Rush does is entertainment, and although it's probably not something that I listen to much, I don't -- "

"But you said not every day, so you do listen a little then, and why wouldn't you?" Smith interrupted.

"I don't mind, I don't mind, I don't mind folks poking fun at me," Obama said. "That's part of the job."

Others mind, of course, including the co-writer of the original "Puff the Magic Dragon" song, Peter Yarrow, who writes in today's Huffington Post:

"I and my co-writer of 'Puff,' Lenny Lipton, have been eagerly awaiting an end to the mean-spiritedness, outright disrespect and bigotry that was commonplace prior to this last presidential election. What might have been wearily accepted as 'the way it was' in the campaign, is now unacceptable. Obama is not a candidate. He is the President-Elect, and this song insults the office of the Presidency, the people who voted for him, as well as those who did not -- and taking a children's song and twisting it in such vulgar, mean-spirited way, is a slur to our entire country and our common agreement to move beyond racism.

"It is almost unimaginable to me that Chip Saltzman (sic) who sent the CD, would seriously be considered for the top post of the Republican National Committee," Yarrow concludes. "Puff, himself, if asked, would certainly agree."

-- jpt

December 29, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (241)

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Paul Wall

Limbaugh believes, as do I, that people should enter into this country LEGALLY. That does not mean that I or Rush hates Hispanics.

The truth, my friend, is on my side. Bill O'Reilly is another great example of someone who has had their conversations recorded for 20 years via talk radio. Please cite some examples of Bill or Rush being racist/bigots. If they exist, which they don't, should be very easy to find!


The reason you and other people hate conservatives like Bill and Rush is because that is what you have been taught to do. The left wing media is hell bent on turning this country into socialist EU. Anyone who calls for lowers taxes, more citizen responsibility, more powerful military and smaller gov't is labeled public enemy # 1.

May I remind you that it was the republican party who ended slavery and the dems who fought for its survival. The dems who have had a KKK member elected to the senate (byrd) and george wallace, the great segregationist, almost as their presidential canidate. The democrats have been the foe of minorities all the way up until the 60's. They became their "friends" when they realized that crippling people by killing work incentives makes those people dependent on the gov't, and thus, dependent on the democrats!!!

Posted by: Dave | Dec 30, 2008 5:58:13 PM

-And I thought Limbaugh was just a rich Republican loudmouth that loves to hear himself talk and doesn't like to pay taxes.

Posted by: Skip | Dec 30, 2008 5:42:34 PM

There are literally millions in this country who are Republicans, proud, callous, selfish, repulsive bigots in their own right, but only one stands above the rest to earn the moniker “The Pig”. There should never be any guilt or embarrassment associated with calling Rush Limbaugh a pig, for that is just what he is. Please understand that we call him a porker not because of his pinkish pallor, beady little close together eyes and turned up snout (though these factors do help in defining just which bovine to compare him with) but solely on the grounds of the nature of his rhetoric with his daily dose of Negro bashing, Gay bashing, Women bashing, Indian bashing, Liberal bashing, Environmentalist bashing, or the raw unbridled hatred he expresses three hours a day toward the liberal, whether it be Obama, or his cabinet members, or prominent politicians, or the Clintons, for after all, that hatred is what conservatives do best. Neither is there much problem in him not permitting the airing of any opposition to anything he says because totalitarian fascism is also indicative of the conservative mindset. But Rush goes beyond the standard fare of hate directed at the enemies of conservatives - the loathsome do-gooders and bum-enablers and the dreaded out-groups - by delving into a realm of sleaze and unfairness seldom witnessed outside the pages of the American Spectator. The RNC should not be "shocked" at the "Magic Negro" song. That revulsion is manufactured and for public consumption. The real core of Republican "values" are just what are expressed in this 'song'. They can hide behind the excuse of humor, but that doesn't wash. It is typical Republican bigotry and therefore not surprising.

Posted by: JL | Dec 30, 2008 5:07:04 PM

what happened, Dave? did the truth lose you? i was just reading some of Limbaugh's quotes. most are much worse than the one's here. so it's self-evident that he is a racist and a bigot.

Posted by: Paul Wall | Dec 30, 2008 4:22:03 PM

Listen folks...

I don't know why some of you insist on trying to explain to repubs that this tape was racist and totally out of line. If they haven't learned anything from this past election, watching those ridiculous mccain/palin rallies, and continue to make excuses for this type of cd, I say let them.

Posted by: Joe6Pack | Dec 30, 2008 3:54:28 PM

Dave---"Barack the Magic Dragon" is racist. just the quotes in this article are racist comments he's made in the past. if i had 20 years to spend to listen to all his tapes for exact quotes, i'd never finish the task. maybe "mainstream media" (i know Limbaugh and O'Reilly love that little quote gesture they make with their fingers) is called "mainstream" because it is more fact-based. when i watch cnn or abc facts are presented often with opposing viewpoints. Limbaugh and O'Reilly just tell you your opnion.

but Limbaugh's "Barack the Magic Negro" is racist "my friend."

it's contemtible what Limbaugh did in the primaries. he makes fun of "Chicago gutter politics" but he's an angel?

you know Dave you don't have to say the "N" word to be a racist. it's what's in the heart and soul. read what cj posted at 1:26 pm. there is a deep-seeded hatred for blacks in this country. it is unamerican, hateful and evil. that you think Limbaugh is innocuous, go ahead. he is: (1) bigot,( 2)homophobe, (3)xenophobe, (4) anti-Muslim, (4) a misogynist.

Limbaugh is no friend to black people, hispanics, gays, women. he loves to say "America" and his vision is one of white privilige, ethnic division and gross intolerance of anyone different. his american flag is a swastika pure and simple.

Posted by: Paul Wall | Dec 30, 2008 3:29:51 PM

I agree with you on rev racist but not on Limbaugh.
I think you have been listening to far-left loons about limbaugh,
_______________________________________

So when Limbaugh told a black caller to take the "bone out of his nose" and call back is not racist?

When he played the theme song to THE JEFFERSONS when Carol Moseley Braun, the first black woman elected to the Senate was not racist?

When Limbaugh challenged Spike Lee who said all black school kids should get off from school to see Malcolm X that it was not a "complete education experience unless they loot the theater and blow it up on their way out" That is not racist?

All Limbaugh's comments about QB McNabb that got him fired from his sports job?. That is not racist?

Limbaugh "dreaming of riots" in Denver for the DNC convention because that "would be the "best thing that could happen to this country". That is not racist?

It doesn't take a "far left-loon" to know the man is racist. Just a person living in the real world.....

Posted by: Paige | Dec 30, 2008 3:20:31 PM

I'm elated that the fiscal year of the idiot has arrived. They continue to regurgitate stupidity like it's a fad or a contagious disease. Think about it! Just a couple of weeks ago, the idiots put out a video linking Barack Obama to Blagovich as if he were still campaigning for the office of President???? This "joke" was not political satire people, this was blatant hypocrisy and racism. They are in terrible pain about their loss and have resulted to 2nd grade name-calling. I don't know whether to feel sorry for them or hope they just go away.

Posted by: Coherent1 | Dec 30, 2008 3:13:09 PM

Limbaugh is taped day in and day out, he has been for 20 years or so. Please cite some examples of Rush's supposed hate speech. If they exist, they should be VERY easy to find.
____________________________________________

They are easy to find and Limbaugh is jet fuel to a man, like Wright, who grew up in a segregated country. Did you listen to Wright's entire sermons are go with the Hannity and Rush sound bites?

See my post at 11:43 to get you started on just a small fraction of the Limbaugh hate speak.


Posted by: Paige | Dec 30, 2008 3:11:50 PM

I understand the cd also had "Al Gore down on the farm"...Comedy is comedy as anyone who watches SNL can attest to Comedians get their material wherever they can to get a laugh.,.The real problem is the chair showed a lack of "good taste" in sending the cd's out.. So place the blame for everything on him. It is just a boost for him in the republican party...Still the republicans vs the democrats attitude.

Posted by: AnnD52 | Dec 30, 2008 3:09:24 PM

Paul Wall

I agree with you on rev racist but not on Limbaugh.
I think you have been listening to far-left loons about limbaugh, he is not a racist bigot. Because he is against the liberal's new form of slavery through wealth redistribution, the left calls him every name in the book.

As for his encouragement to vote for hillary, you can look at that one of two ways. The first is he did it to combat the media's hand-pick of mccain to be the republican canidate. The MSM elevated him throughout the primaries, only to drop him on his head once it got down to him vs. the socialist.
The second reason he did it was because hillary was by FAR the lesser of two evils, so if she won, big deal!

I have never questioned hillary's patriotism nor i have I ever thought she would have brought chelsea to hear "America created the AIDS virus" like barry brought his kids to hear.

Mccain and hillary were basically the same canidate, many conservatives really wouldn't have cared who won between the two.

Posted by: Dave | Dec 30, 2008 2:45:45 PM

i don't want to live in Wright's America or Limbaugh's America. they are one in the same.

i don't respect Wright at all.
i don't respect Limbaugh at all.

"Barack the Magic Negro" is racism.
Wright's remarks are racist.
Limbaugh is a racist.

Wright is no liberal and his supporters aren't liberals.

i do think both men have the right to free speech. they abuse it equally.

Posted by: Paul Wall | Dec 30, 2008 2:27:38 PM

Dave---i am so sorry i don't have the time to find exact quotations for you. i have heard, myself, with my own ears, Limbaugh make homophobic, racist, xenophobic comments. please don't think that because i can't give you an example that people will assume Limbaugh is a first rate journalist. he is divisive and hateful person of bad character (his drug abuse and his encouraging his listeners to vote in the democratic primaries to alter an election outcome). Rev. Wright is twice the American Limbaugh will ever be. his own neologism that you use "feminazi" (several times in the same post!) is an example. it is a term to denigrate, belittle someone you don't disagree with. Limbaugh get belly laughs whenever he spews this stuff forth. laughing out of genuine humor, no laughing to belittle people, like bullies. pick on the weak and make fun of them. he is a bully.

since you obviously listen to his show often maybe you would be so kind to quote uplifting messages he his made about blacks, jews, homosexuals, women, hispanics,... (you get where i'm going).

Posted by: Paul Wall | Dec 30, 2008 2:17:56 PM

The republicans are just giving democratics the ammunition to attack lol. I love it ... this is a great contry isn't it ? muhahaha

Posted by: angie | Dec 30, 2008 2:16:55 PM

Paul

Limbaugh is taped day in and day out, he has been for 20 years or so. Please cite some examples of Rush's supposed hate speech. If they exist, they should be VERY easy to find.

Rev Racist Wright, however, was taped once a week and his following comments were sold in the church lobby as propaganda.

"Goddang America"

"America is the worst terrorist nation in the world"

"America is run by greedy rich white folk" (although the good rev now lives in a 10,000 sq foot mansion that is surrounded by greedy rich white folk"

"America created the AIDS virus"

"America's chickens are coming home to roost."

He also used the "n word" often in his sermons, but that's okay because he is black, right?


As i said earlier, liberals couldn't care less about his comments because they are directed against whites and America.

Posted by: Dave | Dec 30, 2008 2:04:41 PM

Dave---are Limbaugh's comments any more appropriate for our society than Rev. Wright's? Limbaugh is Wright on steroids.

Posted by: Paul Wall | Dec 30, 2008 1:51:09 PM

The term "Magic Negro" is a racist insult. As would be: the Magic Jew, the Magic Whitey, or the Magic Redneck. There are so many other things you can say about a person WITHOUT saying anything about their race.

Society is so quick to call issues like these "Black Sensitivity", time and time again, when if it were said about their race, there would be an immediate uproar. There is no term "White Sensitivity." Any offense is immediately seen as racism, so why is it different for Blacks? Because (though not true of every non-Black person) there is basically a deep seeded hatred that Blacks even exist. And yet, we're fine for sports and the military (but even that was years of challenges).

With the world looking to us for leadership, what does that say about our country? Racism is a stain that needs to be washed away, not continually accepted as a joke.

Posted by: cj | Dec 30, 2008 1:26:11 PM

My first reaction when I read this story was why did 22 hours elapse before anyone in the Republican Party commented on the parody? At the very least it was done in extremely poor taste for someone who is seeking a leadership role in an organization. Coupled with that is the support that this person has received and is apparently still receiving from other leaders within the GOP. It is ludicrous to think that Republicans will ever think of working people first, or consider minorities to be of any worth, or to understand that smart women can have families, jobs, positions, and opinions that matter. I did hold out hope though, that even they were smart enough to walk away from outright bigotry. For all of those GOP leaders and want-to-be leaders, thanks--you just made my job and every other volunteer's job easier when we head out to ask others to reelect our Obama/Biden team in 2012.

Posted by: cma448 | Dec 30, 2008 12:43:24 PM

bushed the usa---i agree with you completely. i am a liberal (who sides with conservatives on some issues) but do see dangers in a one party country. i hope we can can have a governement like the UK and France where there are multiple parties who seek to make coalitions. really the US should have a green party. i think the main obstacle is money, unfortunately. two parties are better than one. and three parties is better than two.

Posted by: Paul Wall | Dec 30, 2008 12:39:01 PM

As an anti-Republican I say: Please, GOP, please come to Saltman's defense! Please make the justification of this classless song a rallying cry for the new GOP. Put it in your platform.

The GOP is a headless chicken running around in circles. Hilarious.

Posted by: BBpd | Dec 30, 2008 12:37:07 PM

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