Controversy is stirring among some of the nation’s highest ranking Republican officials over a Christmas gift given out by one of its own.

Some say it is a funny gift, while others say it is offensive. Former Tennessee GOP Chairman and candidate for RNC Chairman, Chip Saltsman, sent members of the Republican National Committee a holiday CD featuring a racially charged song about president-elect Barack Obama.

“Barack the magic negro lives in D.C.,” the song starts out singing.

Saltsman says the song entitled “Barack the Magic Negro” from the “We Hate the USA” CD is meant to be funny, not offensive.

“He make guilty whites feel good,” the song continues to sing.

Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan, from Inez, says he doesn’t find the humor in the song. Duncan released this statement saying he is “shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate as it clearly does not move us in the right direction.”

Some people we spoke to agree with Duncan, saying the lyrics are inappropriate.

“I don’t think it’s funny at all. I think it’s sad,” Jeremiah Ford of Leslie County said.

“For him to do this, it’s not amusing. It’s just not amusing,” Penny Ford of Leslie County said.

“I think for a representative of Tennessee to send something like that out is just asking for trouble,” Jeremiah Ford said.

Others say they enjoy the political satire.

“Lighten up. Have a sense of humor,” Bobby Morgan of Leslie County said.

Saltsman declined an interview, but wrote a blog on his website saying the negative reaction by party members is just quote “a desire for scandal.” Saltsman managed the presidential campaign for former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and held several positions under former Tennessee Senator Bill First.

Is not Tennessee the place that Rep. Harold Ford was beaten by a Repub with a racially charged attack?  Repub are doing a fine job of finishing the party off.  They have no leadership, no direction and they want new members–fat chance, but if they are gonna find members, the South is the perfect place to look for racists.