By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist

The national GOP loses again with a new controversy over the "Barack the Magic Negro" song. It's a racist piece of tripe.

The song feeds into the worst stereotypes about blacks -- especially the Rev. Al Sharpton of New York -- and their supposed need for all kinds of handouts.

Here are the song and lyrics for those who want to make up their own minds.

This issue is getting national attention because Chip Saltsman recently sent Republican National Committee members a CD that included the song by comedian Paul Shanklin.

Saltsman is seeking the chairmanship of the RNC. He said the song was part of the "light-hearted political parodies" he sent to the members.

But what was Saltsman thinking? That this CD would appeal to the anti-black portion of the RNC?

Congratulations to current RNC Chairman Robert Duncan for decrying Saltsman's indiscretion.

"The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party," Duncan said. "I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate, as it clearly does not move us in the right direction."

Saltsman and others have pointed out that the song was played on Rush Limbaugh's radio program -- as if that excuses the decision to promote such a racist attack on Obama and other black politicians.