The latest in the Chip The Magic Saltsman saga ...
I mentioned on Saturday that several prominent Republicans had publicly criticized Saltsman for his dubious taste in gift CDs. Now, via TPM, I see that Politico has a story describing a rallying-around of sorts by other Republicans. The media are being blamed for "hypersensitivity" on matters of race, the people who spoke out are being chastised for trying to gain advantage in their own pursuit of the chairmanship, various Republicans are parroting the "just a joke" line, Rush Limbaugh has waddled in and is promoting the song on his website, and so on. Some of the people quoted in the Politico piece are saying this could actually help Saltsman in his bid to become the next head of the RNC.
There's probably some truth to the charges of political opportunism, but for the rest: no. If it wasn't out and out racism, it was at least an unfunny slur with heavy racial overtones. Really, there's just no smarts in trying to defend Saltsman for this stunt. Did the GOP not learn anything from George Allen's "macaca" moment? It's as though they're saying, "We don't think we're a marginal enough party. How can we move farther out on the fringe?"
4 comments:
a rallying-around of sorts by other Republicans
They've already had some practice, having defended the song when Limbaugh first played it several months ago. In fact, some of the Republicans are even gloating about it, with "arguments" such as "where have you been? This song is old!!!1!"
Some [...] are saying this could actually help Saltsman in his bid
Back when George Allen had his Macaca moment, I was certain it would make him more popular within the party and improve his chances of getting elected. As it turns out, it didn't help his chances of getting elected -- he lost several points in the polls soon after -- but it may have made him more popular within the Republican Party. (BTW, if you watch C-SPAN, you know that the George Allen Rehabilitation Project is well under way; I suppose he's hoping to be ready for a re-launch in time for the 2012 race.)
If it wasn't out and out racism, it was at least an unfunny slur with heavy racial overtones.
I realize there is some controversy about whether the title itself is racist: I think it is; though it may have had benign origins at the LA Times, when it's picked up and used to racially mock several people, it's racist (IMO).
But even if we were to grant that the title of the song is not racist, the content of the song itself is, particular the crudely stereotypical black dialect affected by whomever it is doing the singing.
It's as though they're saying, "We don't think we're a marginal enough party. How can we move farther out on the fringe?"
Sadly, this is one of the few bright spots on our national horizon -- the attempted suicide of the Republican Party. I say "attempted" because it's not at all clear to me that they will, in fact, succeed. I still can't get over the fact that there were still sixty million people willing to vote Republican in November.
I disagree. I think that certain elements of the GOP are purposely positioning themselves as leaders of a 'Christian Cracka' party, for an extended stay as an influential minority party. That is still a profitable position to be in, especially when it's evident that the Dems are going to be the majority party for quite some time.
This is neither simple bad taste nor accidental. Spend a little time here in the Tennessee Valley and you might agree with me.
OT: I still believe we should refrain from linking to Politico. It only helps them get more hits. The site is a rag.
Mr. B: That's a legitimate point, and not at all off-topic. I do consider not linking to objectionable sites from time to time for the reason you give, not to mention others.
In this case, the courtesy of convenience to anyone who's reading my post outweighs my distaste for Politico. I'd also say that this particular story was well enough reported, compared to a lot of other swill they publish. Finally, while principles matter, so do practicalities, and my linking -- or not -- to Politico makes spitting in the ocean of overwhelming significance by comparison.
Still, a valid point.
Don:
I see what you're saying, but I don't agree. Few politicians like being in a long-term minority position, as evidenced by the number of Republicans retiring from Congress lately. I suppose an up-and-comer might perceive that his best strategy is to appeal to the base, but to me, this speaks more of naivety, or excessive concentration on short-term gains. Unless the GOP leadership is even more whacked than even I think they are, I can't see them thinking the way to come back is by spending any more time locking down the cracker vote. I mean, they have got that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, for the foreseeable future.
Twin:
Thanks for your thoughts. Nothing for me to do but agree. And share your concern that so many people still seem not to have figured out what too many GOP politicians stand for.
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