"I don't mind folks poking fun at me."

That's how Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama responded when asked by Paul W. Smith, host of WJR Radio in Detroit, how he felt about the now infamous audio parody aired on "The Rush Limbaugh Show" depicting him as "the Magic Negro." The phrase originated with Los Angeles Times opinion writer David Ehrenstein, who is black, according to Political Punch, an ABC News blog site. (See also: Obama Speaks Out on 'Barack, the Magic Negro' Parody)

Obama explained to Smith that he's not someone who takes himself seriously. "What Rush does is entertainment, and although it's probably not something that I listen to much, I don't mind," he adds. "That's part of the job." Listen to audio of the interview on WJR.com.

The radio station also interviewed Limbaugh, who appeared satisfied with Obama's response.

"This is a classy way to deal with it," said Limbaugh. "This is the way he should have dealt with it if anyone asked. It's the first time he's probably been asked about it, but this is the way for these guys to deal with it. Blow it off. Laugh it off. No big deal."

Premiere Radio Networks' Chief of Staff and Producer Kit Carson said Limbaugh had nothing to do with posting the video of the parody on Youtube.com. Carson said it is unfortunate that the video has been associated with the network and Limbaugh.

What did our DiversityInc readers have to say? Where several of our readers agreed with Obama's reaction, others were surprised to hear Limbaugh describe Obama as "classy."

I think Obama's response is another indicator that he is a classy guy, which is what we knew all along. Regarding the request for protection, I think it is a smart move.  It may prove too late to request protection after something has happened. As much as we would like to believe this country as a whole is ready for a black president, the truth is we all know there are individuals that are not ready. Erring on the side of caution in this case is very appropriate.

—Brenda McCoy

For once, I will agree with Rush Limbaugh: Barack is a class act. He handled this potentially contentious incident with perspective, thereby diminishing its negativity. And, as for the Secret Service protection, it's better to be safe than sorry. He did the right thing. There are crazy people out there!

—Melly Peterson

This is the problem with having anyone black in the mix. No matter what the issue at hand is, it simply reverts back to race. Obama is a candidate for the highest office in the free world. The fact that he can distinguish between a true threat of attack and a potential threat to his character should be a desirable quality for an American president because not everyone can do as such!

—"Concerned" (did not provide name)

This is the first "recognized" time in history that an African American has been taken this seriously in the presidential campaign. His asking for protection, in my opinion, is a smart move. In the reality that we live in, Barack is using his head and not his ego. We all know that racism has not yet "left the building," and as long as it is here, we have to recognize the repercussions that it brings. I applaud Barack's response to Rush Limbaugh, not because I applaud Rush's actions, but because Barack's answer is done with so much class. In other words, Rush is no more important than any other person whose ignorance is taken to another level. Barack knows who he is and he is secure with that.

—Michele (did not provide last name)

How dare Mr. Limbaugh and others try to tell Americans, black, white and otherwise, who a genuine black person is supposed to be! Mr. Limbaugh needs to be put off the airways. To use the public airways for such trash is appalling. Whereas public figures are fodder for parody, the electoral process is not. Besides, pitting two black public figures against one another is tasteless and crass. If there was a real controversy between Obama and Rev. Sharpton, these two articulate men are more than capable of expressing their own views without the assistance of Mr. Limbaugh and others. Sen. Obama's low-keyed [sic] response is characteristic of an astute politician who keeps his attention focused on public issues. However, the public needs to be outraged because if our leaders are not safe from verbal and other forms of attack, then [neither are we]. America is already a racially charged nation. Why add to the mix during an election year?

—Sherman R. Tribble

Obama said what he said because he's going through enough issues/problems and threats to add any more flame to what has already taken place. Plus, this is another ploy to distract Obama to change his dialogue in speaking on the real domestic issues. Apparently, he must be saying what is truthful about the Republican Party.

—Michael Johnson

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