[msnimje]

It definitely is a phrase that for a couple generations had a racist connotation. The fact that you don't know that maybe reflects your age or an insular childhood. It was used as a racist comment though, no doubt about it. There are many words and phrases that have such dual meanings.

Only an idiot would not know that the phrase "tar Baby" was (and is) used in some contexts by some people as racist. But the fact that some people use it in that way in some contexts does not mean that ALL USES of it are racist.

It is plainly evident that neither Mitt Romney nor Tony Snow meant this phrase in anything other than its classical sense.

[drb9]

You're so gay. (First of Webster's definitions, not the sixth.)

[Tax-chick]

Only an idiot would not know that the phrase "Tar Baby" was (and is) used in some contexts by some people as racist.

So everyone who doesn't spend time with people who use racist language, and therefore never hears "tar baby" used in a racist context, is an idiot?

Puh-leeze.