The Obama campaign has bungled its initial response to the
Ludacris firestorm. Via the Brody
File, I see that campaign spokesman Bill Burton has issued the
following statement:
"As Barack Obama has said many, many times in the
past, rap lyrics today too often perpetuate misogyny, materialism,
and degrading images that he doesn't want his daughters or any
children exposed to. This song is not only outrageously offensive
to Senator Clinton, Reverend Jackson, Senator McCain, and President
Bush, it is offensive to all of us who are trying to raise our
children with the values we hold dear. While Ludacris is a talented
individual he should be ashamed of these lyrics."
The need to add the qualifier, "While Ludacris is a talented
individual" is absolutely outrageous. Most Americans won't see
talent in these lyrics --they'll see them for what they are --
blatantly racist and sexist garbage. This is a major bungle by the
Obama campaign.