Cornel West, one of my all-time favorite Fox News guests, visited Hannity last night (1/11/12) to defend having said Herman Cain should get off the “symbolic crack pipe.” Of course, there’s almost nothing too bad that can be said about a liberal or even mainstream African Americans on Hannity but when it’s a conservative African American being criticized – well, that’s a whole different story.  But Hannity seems to like West and suddenly, Hannity was a vision of racial sensitivity – even if it was mostly, if not entirely for African American, conservatives. Still, you’ve got to love how West gives Hannity the straight poop yet manages to remain affable and even affectionate.

“I think you owe Herman an apology,” Hannity told West. “Why can’t somebody be African American and conservative and why are they constantly beaten up, demonized, called Uncle Toms, and sellouts, horrific names?”

It’s touching how Hannity cares about the feelings of black folks now, isn’t it?

West did not apologize. In fact, he got Hannity to admit “of course” racism is still alive in America. And he didn’t seem to mean racism against white people. “You know me, racism’s repugnant," Hannity said with a straight face. "We all agree. I’m a Christian… We’re brothers in Christ, right?”

That’s a heartwarming statement coming from Hannity. And I might even believe it if he had previously shown a drop of repugnance when his pal announced on his show that most blacks in Tennessee are racists who use racism “in order to intimidate white America.” Not only was Hannity not repulsed, he refused to allow his other guest to challenge that hideous remark. I also might believe Hannity if he weren’t so eager to suck up to just about any white person accused of bigotry. Or if he didn’t deliberately race bait against President Obama. And that’s not counting the former coziness with a white supremacist.

Hannity went on to say about Cain, “Here’s a guy that grew up, his Dad worked three jobs, his mother was a maid, his father drove a car, his father was also a janitor. He worked hard… worked his way up to be a contender for the President of the United States of America. Doesn’t he deserve more respect than those names that I read off to you that he was called? …Disagree with him but don’t call him names!”

OK, Hannity. We’ll remind you of your new credo the next time you’re discussing President Obama. Something tells me it won't be long until you need a reminder.

West promised he’ll come back on the show before another six years and I pray he fulfills that promise.