Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) says there was nothing racially derogatory about him calling Barack Obama "uppity." We have to expect that some republicans operatives will be using racially coded language to stir up and influence the minority of voters who could be swayed by race-baiting.

Westmoreland grew up in metro Atlanta. It is likely, that he knows well the connotation associated with calling Obama uppity. The standard republican response to accusations of racial baiting via racially coded words is to 1) deny any racial intent, 2) present dictionary meaning of the words and 3) labeled those offended as overly sensitive.

When Harold Ford was running for Senate, Corker, his republican opponent, put out a brochure the read "Bob Corker and Harold Ford are separated by more than their school colors." The brochure was clearly designed to remind and sway a minority of voters who are swayed by race-baiting. That brochure followed the infamous "Harold, call me" ad the gained national attention. In both cases Corker denied any attempt at race-baiting.

I don't know which serves the race-baiters interest more -- the original statement or the indignation and backlash that typically follow?