Chip Saltsman: Should we consider his action racist?

[Raymond Dix Jr.]

This is an account of the actions of Saltsman. What do you think?

RNC Chair Candidate Gives Gift of 'Barack the Magic Negro'
By Tommy Christopher
Dec 27th 2008 7:37AM
Filed Under:eRepublicans, Barack Obama, Obama Administration


Chip Saltsman, a frontrunner for the chairmanship of the RNC and a two watt bulb, is apparently not that interested in the job, if his choice of Christmas gifts is any indication. From The Hill: (h/t Daily Beast)
RNC candidate Chip Saltsman's Christmas greeting to committee members includes a music CD with lyrics from a song called "Barack the Magic Negro," first played on Rush Limbaugh's popular radio show.

Saltsman, a personal friend of conservative satirist Paul Shanklin, sent a 41-track CD along with a note to national committee members.
The CD is chock full of this kind of "humor," and Saltsman defended the gift:
Saltsman said he meant nothing untoward by forwarding what amounts to a joke more at Ehrenstein's expense than at Obama's.

"Paul Shanklin is a long-time friend, and I think that RNC members have the good humor and good sense to recognize that his songs for the Rush Limbaugh show are light-hearted political parodies," Saltsman said.
Oh, I get it! Ha, ha, it's not racism, it's just a joke at a black columnist's expense! Hey, can I make one of those too? "Chip Saltsman, the f---ing racist..." Yeah, that's funny!

I am sick of racist assholes doing racist shit, then hiding behind some ridiculous fig-leaf rationale. "No, I was just saying that he's an expert in the use of nigs, which is what I call numchucks. What?"

Just once, I'd like a guy like Chip Saltsman to have the balls to just say something like, "Yeah, I gave out this CD because I'm a racist. Not that I hate black people, I just miss being able to invoke stereotypes, and kick creative, old-school racist slang, and stick confederate flags on everything."

If you want to hear the song, go find it yourself. Sure, I could throw in a link, but that might lead to sales for "Shanklin, the Magic Racist." (I'm not calling Shanklin a racist, by the way, I'm again making fun of the columnist. What fun!)

When the holiday break is over, I look forward to members of the RNC denouncing this turd.

[Raymond Dix Jr.]

The winner for this week's "I Should Have Not Said a Word Award" is RNC Chair candidate Chip Saltsman. Chip wins because of his moronic perpetuation of the "Barack the Magic Negro" song, first heard on the Rush Limbaugh show. Then, rather than just not say a word, he tried to justify it as an attempt at humor toward a black columnist. No wonder some black folks have problems with the GOP. Saltsman should drop out of the race now. This is not the type of leader needed to advance the GOP with minorities, particularly black people. This gesture, even if meant in jest, demonstrates the type of poor judgment that the GOP attached to Obama for his choice of aquaintences. Saltsman has a duty to the party to step aside now, without efforts to justify his poor judgment. As conservatives, we cannot afford to call others on issues of judgment if we neglect to do so with our own. It is time for us to "sweep around our own front door" on this one. So long Chip.

[Chris Arps]

I have one question for all the members here regarding Mr. Saltsman's "sense of humor" and insensitivity. Are we really surprised by his actions? For me personally, no. What it does do is fuel my burning passion to help build an organization where our marginalization within the party ends, and that boneheaded miscues like this wouldn't even be thought of or tolerated.

[Raymond Dix Jr.]

Chris I think you are right about this. I too am not surprised by Saltsman. I do think we should consider some type of response from black conservatives, maybe a letter writing campaign asking him to drop out. Black liberals do need to see that we are unafraid to stand up to moronic behavior in our party. What do you think?

Chris Arps said:

I have one question for all the members here regarding Mr. Saltsman's "sense of humor" and insensitivity. Are we really surprised by his actions? For me personally, no. What it does do is fuel my burning passion to help build an organization where our marginalization within the party ends, and that boneheaded miscues like this wouldn't even be thought of or tolerated.

[Raymond Dix Jr.]

Consider this response from Ken Blackwell, from article on www.politco.com

Blackwell defends Saltsman

Ken Blackwell, the former Ohio secretary of state who appears to be leading in the race to become the next chairman of the Republican National Committee, is defending a rival who distributed a CD containing a song called "Barack the Magic Negro," and dismissing criticism as a sign of media "hypersensitivity" to race.

The rival, former Huckabee aide Chip Saltsman, came under fire today from the sitting Republican Party chairman, Mike Duncan, who said he was "shocked and appalled" by the move, Mike Allen reported.

"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," said Blackwell, who would be the first black RNC chairman, in a statement forwarded to Politico by an aide. "I don't think any of the concerns that have been expressed in the media about any of the other candidates for RNC chairman should disqualify them. When looked at in the proper context, these concerns are minimal. All of my competitors for this leadership post are fine people."

The Republican Party is struggling to find support from non-white voters, and some of its leaders have called for a new sensitivity to race and racism, allegations of which have surfaced before in the insider-dominated contest to chair the GOP. Saltsman has defended the song as a "light-hearted" parody.

Another candidate for the job, Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis, condemned Saltsman's remarks, which he said in an email are "not my idea of appropriate humor."

"In my opinion, this isn't funny and its in bad taste," he said. "Just as important, anything that paints the GOP as being motivated in our criticism of President-elect Obama by anything other than a difference in philosophy does a disservice to our party."

UPDATE: One of the RNC's three black members writes an open letter to Saltsman:

Racist actions and deeds have no place in the party. The lack of sensitivity in understanding the historical election we just had and the challenges this nation faces as we must bind our wounds as well as bring our people together requires that we set aside our biases and search out those constitutional principles inherent in our nation's foundings and our parties operation which must undergrid us as we move forward.



By Ben Smith 03:56 PM

Ken Blackwell is wrong on this. This has nothing to do with perceived hypersensitivity. It is simply a statement on the judgment of a person, Saltsman, trying to lead the GOP. As an African American conservative, if we do not call for Saltsman to step aside, even if he loses the race for chairman, we do great harm to the effort to reach minorities with the conservative message. It is time for the GOP to put up or shut up. Saltsman should haved the sense to step aside and Blackwell should encourage him to do so. It is about judgment.

I would support Blackwell as Chair, but not calling for Saltsman to step aside because of a lack of judgment on a issue critical to the GOP going forward, gives me some pause concering Mr. Blackwell.

[Raymond Dix Jr.]

Here is copy of note I sent to Ken Blackwell on Facebook:

Mr. Blackwell,

I must convey my personal disappointment in your response to Chip Saltsman and his decision to forward the parody, "Barack the Magic Negro" to RNC members. While I understand the context and base of your comments in politico.com, I must respectfully disagree.

For those of us who are African American Conservatives, we desire to have a voice such as yours not because of your ethnicity, but because of your qualifications. Your ethnic designation is a plus because of the potential to inspire pride among us.

It seems to me, that your comments concerning Mr. Saltsman fail to consider one critical issue: Mr. Saltsman judgment. Do you really think that his judgment in this matter is not worthy of scrutiny? Mr. Saltsman demonstrates a gap in his judgment that would do nothing but further impede the GOP effort to reach minorities. He might be a "fine person" but he demonstrates a glaring lack of judgment for someone who desires to lead the GOP effort going forward. Calling him on this is not wrong, it is in fact necessary.

Further evidence of my concern with Mr. Saltsman's judgment stems from the fact that he has not, to my knowledge, seen fit to at least admit poor judgment in this matter. To defend his actions as a "joke" that RNC members get and to blame the media for not attacking the LA Times reporter who first wrote the backdrop story, is the type of response black people have come to expect from the GOP. For many, Mr. Blackwell, perception defines reality.

I trust you will reconsider your remarks and courageously consider asking Mr. Saltsman to step aside. It is not his racial beliefs that concern me, it is his extremely poor judgment on such a matter that is of issue.

I am available for further discussion on this matter if you so decide.

God Bless,

Pastor Raymond C. Dix Jr.
219-805-2199
Merrillville, IN

Raymond Dix Jr. said:

Consider this response from Ken Blackwell, from article on www.politco.com

Blackwell defends Saltsman

Ken Blackwell, the former Ohio secretary of state who appears to be leading in the race to become the next chairman of the Republican National Committee, is defending a rival who distributed a CD containing a song called "Barack the Magic Negro," and dismissing criticism as a sign of media "hypersensitivity" to race.

The rival, former Huckabee aide Chip Saltsman, came under fire today from the sitting Republican Party chairman, Mike Duncan, who said he was "shocked and appalled" by the move, Mike Allen reported.

"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," said Blackwell, who would be the first black RNC chairman, in a statement forwarded to Politico by an aide. "I don't think any of the concerns that have been expressed in the media about any of the other candidates for RNC chairman should disqualify them. When looked at in the proper context, these concerns are minimal. All of my competitors for this leadership post are fine people."

The Republican Party is struggling to find support from non-white voters, and some of its leaders have called for a new sensitivity to race and racism, allegations of which have surfaced before in the insider-dominated contest to chair the GOP. Saltsman has defended the song as a "light-hearted" parody.

Another candidate for the job, Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis, condemned Saltsman's remarks, which he said in an email are "not my idea of appropriate humor."

"In my opinion, this isn't funny and its in bad taste," he said. "Just as important, anything that paints the GOP as being motivated in our criticism of President-elect Obama by anything other than a difference in philosophy does a disservice to our party."

UPDATE: One of the RNC's three black members writes an open letter to Saltsman:

Racist actions and deeds have no place in the party. The lack of sensitivity in understanding the historical election we just had and the challenges this nation faces as we must bind our wounds as well as bring our people together requires that we set aside our biases and search out those constitutional principles inherent in our nation's foundings and our parties operation which must undergrid us as we move forward.



By Ben Smith 03:56 PM

Ken Blackwell is wrong on this. This has nothing to do with perceived hypersensitivity. It is simply a statement on the judgment of a person, Saltsman, trying to lead the GOP. As an African American conservative, if we do not call for Saltsman to step aside, even if he loses the race for chairman, we do great harm to the effort to reach minorities with the conservative message. It is time for the GOP to put up or shut up. Saltsman should haved the sense to step aside and Blackwell should encourage him to do so. It is about judgment.

I would support Blackwell as Chair, but not calling for Saltsman to step aside because of a lack of judgment on a issue critical to the GOP going forward, gives me some pause concering Mr. Blackwell.

[Hassan Nurullah]

Chip took a song that was created with the sole purpose of igniting controversy, and thought it wise to distribute it as a gift, without considering the repercussions of his actions. This action should eliminate him from contention. Just because democrats say stupid things and get away with racist behavior, it doesn't follow that we should ape them even in parody, to prove a point where we have the moral high ground. It simply does not work, and it is equally stupid.

What is more important, pointing out democratic hypocrisy with a crass song? Or winning the war by being better people?

[Chris Arps]

This was forwarded to me for publication by my good friend and mentor Dr. Ada Fisher.

It is time we all grew up and exhibited some sophistication in how we act as it relates to this Republican party we supposedly love and support. Racist actions and deeds have no place in the party. The lack of sensitivity in understanding the historical election we just had and the challenges this nation faces as we must bind our wounds as well as bring our people together requires that we set aside our biases and search out those constitutional principles inherent in our nation's foundings and our parties operation which must undergird us as we move forward.

This is the party of Lincoln and it was founded on the backs of the oppression of blacks. If we are to be the leading party we had better understand that and act responsibly in addressing the needs of all of the citizens as we strive for more inclusiveness.

Ada M. Fisher, MD
NC Republican National Committee Woman

[Raymond Dix Jr.]

Kim, if I am not mistaken, Steele has not yet commented. I will research and try to find out. It is my suggestion that Ken hear from some "rank and file" black conservatives like those of us on this site. What do you think?

Kimberly Cash Tate said:

Raymond, I agree with your sentiments and applaud your efforts in writing to Ken Blackwell. This type of behavior by Chip Saltsman comes square within the purview of why blacks at large shun the Republican Party--insensitivity (to put it mildly). There are only a handful of black conservatives to whom the press will look for comment, so it's unfortunate that Blackwell excused the behavior. Has Michael Steele commented?

[Raymond Dix Jr.]

Yes, I have seen it. NY Times says Newt Gingrich is calling for Saltsman to step aside. I think Newt is an important ally in this. What do you think? (I posted the article on my facebook page.)

Kimberly Cash Tate said:

You all have probably seen this, but RNC Chair Mike Duncan said he was "shocked and appalled" by Saltsman's actions. It's on the USA Today page. http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-12-27-rnc-obama-parody_N...

[Eric J]

"should we consider his actions racist?"

if you have to ask ...

... "stupidity", yes - "racist", no.

yo Chipster, the campaign is over.

yes, yours.

[Ed Gray]

Saltman is not his weight in salt. He is apparently his weight in other matter . If Republicans can ever mount a credible campaign for black voters they must be mindful of sensibilties . This satire becomes racist in its end result . I am for Steele to be chairman of the RNC.
Perhaps if Steele wins , he can get Saltman to explain this poor attempt at satire to Steele's former brother in law Mike Tyson .

[Raymond Dix Jr.]

Ed I know you are right that Republicans have been and in many ways out of touch when it comes to reaching black voters. One must wonder if it will ever be more than lip service. As Chris Arps and I have shared many times, the republican Party cannot hope to connect with the black electorate of 2009 with a message about Abraham Lincoln. New Age politics is about what people can feel and relate to now. This is a instant gratification generation that is now voting. This is no longer the America of deep thought and reflection. We live in a post intellectual America,

Ed Gray said:

Saltman is not his weight in salt. He is apparently his weight in other matter . If Republicans can ever mount a credible campaign for black voters they must be mindful of sensibilties . This satire becomes racist in its end result . I am for Steele to be chairman of the RNC.
Perhaps if Steele wins , he can get Saltman to explain this poor attempt at satire to Steele's former brother in law Mike Tyson .