The reporter managed to assemble the facts but misunderstood them, and took as fact the accusation that Limbaugh was making "derogatory statements" about Obama. Reading between the lines we see that Limbaugh is accusing the Left of racism and is highlighting criticisms by some black leaders that Obama "isn't black enough". By buying into the "Limbaugh is a racist" trope the reporter blinds herself to the rest of the story, particularly the details of David Ehrenstein's column that called Obama a "Magic Negro". Missing too is any examination of the very real issue of jealousy of Obama's success by Sharpton. Also missing is any link to the actual lyrics of the parody song that is supposed to be so racist.

The story takes on the difficult subject of racial bigotry on the part of a chief unofficial Republican spokesman. Though the story quotes the Obama campaign as downplaying the repeated airing, it raises the posibility that this could be the racist equivalent of fast-boating. Should Limbaugh be held to account? Imus say, if it talks like a bigot, if it walks with other bigots, if it ignores the qualities of the man and focuses on race, if it thinks bigotry is humor, chances are it's a bigot.

Okay journalism, but would have been better if we had heard from Limbaugh, for example, or the conservative equivalent of Media Matters, or indeed anyone who thinks Limbaugh is NOT the next Don Imus.

Discusses Limbaugh's race-baiting clip. Notes other recent racist attacks on Obama in comments at CBSNews.com.