Is "Coolie" Bredesens "Macaca"

Jennifer Peebles points out the the definition of the term "coolie" that our governor used to describe the Chinese that helped build our rail road system.

I have always thought that Phil would be a tempting V.P candidate for the Democrat side if Fred did no get the nomination. He has Money, title, could pull a southern state that is usually strong Republican and a superficial glace at his history (all that most V.P candidates get) would show things that look impressive.

But now after this "coolie" slur I have my doubts. A racial slur has derailed another presidential campaign George Allen looked on a sure path to re election and a run for the white house then he used the term "Macaca" when describing a volunteer for a political rival. He did not even win back his seat.

Honestly, I had never heard of the term "Macaca" much less knew it was a slur before it hit the news over that incident. But "Coolie"? Yes, I, and I am sure many others, have heard that one and know it to be negative.

Will the media pick up on it and report it in any where near the level they did the "Macaca" incident? We will see. But the damage is already done. It is out there and could be a big strike against someone looking to pick up a slot on the big ticket.

What started as a trip to strengthen political ties to a country with vast political influence in America (does any one remember Al Gore and the dirty money he got from China) May have just have crashed the Bredesen V.P. bus.


Update: Terry Frank has more on Phil wanting the press to edit out or not report on his slurs in the future and give him a take back on this one.