quote:

Originally posted by Lebezniatnikov As for the origin of the phrase, you're way off. Ehrenstein's op-ed in the LATimes was entitled "Obama the 'Magic Negro'" and was a critical expose about how Obama could potentially overcome the Bradley Effect by virtue of his "white" characteristics. As Ehrenstein wrote: This is entirely on Saltsman, who if he isn't racist is just an idiot. If this is how you want to begin rebuilding your Republican Party - with CD's that include blatant racism, be my guest. Eight years of Obama sounds like a great present for the Holidays. Um, he wrote the PARODY. From the author of the original Puff the Magic Dragon song:

Yeah I know Shanklin wrote a PARODY... when I said "song" I was referring to the song that is the parody.

I'm not defending the action... it was definitely stupid and in poor taste, and I would not have done it, but it was certainly not racist because Saltsman is not racist and did not have racist intentions. You can call it "blatant racism" if you like, but until you can prove that motive, don't throw around the word so casually with such faux outrage.

You're right on the op-ed though... I thought it already had the "Puff the Magic Dragon" theme attatched to it before Shanklin wrote the song. Either way, that phrase was still coined by the LA Times writer.