{cont.} ... were beginning to see that their "natural" economic interests actually lay with the Republican Party, and the implication was clear that he (Atwater) was looking forward to making inroads into the black voter base on precisely these grounds.  Odd thing for an inveterate racist to say.

Anyway, it appears to me that a very elaborate, political "Just So" story has been built up around a few small phrases taken entirely out of context, while the real substance of the interview has been largely ignored.  (And if you find these phrases highly offensive and inexcusable, well, take a look a few Richard Pryor album covers from the same period of time, or watch the movie "Blazing Saddles" {produced by that famous Republican racist, Mel Brooks.  Oh, wait!})  :-/

Lastly, D6's Wikipedia link to the RR speech with the supposed dog-whistles also provides some valuable historical context  - I recommend it.

If you've gotten this far in my long-winded reply, thanks for your patience.  ;-)