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Richard Cochrane is trained in chemistry and metallurgy but is far more interested and practiced as a political and fund raising consultant, writer and amateur historian. He grew up in a Navy family and with his two younger brothers carried on its 500+ year tradition of naval service to Great Britain and the USA then enjoyed a career with one of the largest advertising and public relations agencies working with numerous Fortune 500 companies and many of America's premier educational institutions. He maintains friendships and acquaintanceships around the world. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

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Republican top dog wannabe gives "Barack the Magic Negro" CD

December 28th, 2008 • Richard Cochrane
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Tennessee GOP leader Chip Saltsman who headed Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's 2008 presidential campaign, is seeking the RNC chairmanship so he sent committee members a Christmas CD.  Fair enough since they are those who will elect the new Republican top dog. But, the CD went over like the proverbisla lead balloon because is features a parody song entitled “Barack the Magic Negro”

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

Shanklin's parody is sung to the music of "Puff, the Magic Dragon." Among other Shanklin tunes on the 41-track CD that Saltsman sent with a Christmas message: "I Can Talk Like a Coal Miner's Daughter," "Love Client #9" and "Down on the Farm with Al Gore."

A spokesman for president-elect Obama declined to comment on the matter.

"The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party," current RNC Chairman “Mike” Duncan said in a statement. "I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate as it clearly does not move us in the right direction."

In a statement that followed Duncan's, Saltsman said: "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," he said.

Salisman is at best politically tone deaf and many RNC electors are biting the lips to keep from screaming.

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  1. Comment by Jeanne & David, Democrates from Utah on 4 January 2009:

    After reading the original story in the LA Times about where the term "Magic Negro" came up, anyone with half a brain, could come with the realization it was written by a bitter man looking to make a name for himslf attacking the then canidate Obama. For Chip Salzman to send this type of cd as a gift is again a sign of a biiter man unable to accept to will of the Ameican people, All the American people. Until the Republican's can come to grips with how out of date they are with their policies this will continue to happen, especially when you throw someone like Russ Limbaugh into the mix. Obama was elected because he was the best man for the job, Not because he was the "Magic Negro".

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