Limbaugh Defends 'Magic Negro' Song

Obama dismisses controversy over derogatory ditty
By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff
Posted May 10, 2007 9:35 AM CDT
Limbaugh Defends 'Magic Negro' Song
Rush Limbaugh Gives A Speech In Michigan   (Getty Images)

A song on Rush Limbaugh's radio show that derides Barack Obama is sparking controversy—but not with Obama. In perhaps the most devastating response a blowhard shock jock can provoke, the senator says he hasn't heard the song. Limbaugh has been playing "Barack the Magic Negro" (sung to the tune of "Puff the Magic Dragon") since March.

Limbaugh justifies the title by pointing to the use of the term "Magic Negro" in the Los Angeles Times by David Ehrenstein, who is black. Obama told a Detroit radio station he has heard of the song but hasn't heard it, adding, “I don't mind folks poking fun at me. That's part of the job." (More Rush Limbaugh stories.)

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