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December 30, 2008 11:36 AM

Could "Magic Negro" Controversy Help Saltsman?

(AP)
Chip Saltsman's decision to send a CD to Republican National Committee members that included the parody song "Barack The Magic Negro" has, undoubtedly, thrown a wrench into the race for the RNC chairmanship.

Saltsman, who is seeking the job, has defended himself with suggestions that the media are trying to stir up a false controversy by focusing on the flap. But that argument hasn't convinced some top Republicans, who have been critical of Saltsman for, in the words of Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer, "promot[ing] divisiveness."

Saltsman ran Mike Huckabee's (surprisingly long-lasting) presidential campaign, and now Huckabee himself has weighed in on the issue with a largely supportive statement.

"Chip should have been more careful in his selection of Christmas gifts, but no one who knows him would ever suggest that he in any way would purposely disparage other people," Huckabee said. "Chip knows how sensitive such issues are. It shouldn’t be the main factor in the RNC race."

Were Saltsman's to take the reins at the RNC, it would likely benefit Huckabee, who is reportedly mulling another run for president.

Meanwhile, Politico is suggesting that the flap might actually help Saltsman in his bid for the RNC's top job, since it has prompted some members to rally around the embattled former Tennessee GOP leader.

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Tags:
chip saltsman ,
magic negro
Topics:
Republicans

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