Poll: Is Race a Laughing Matter?

The latest political hullaballoo comes after presidential contender Newt Gingrich blasted actor Robert De Niro for joking to an audience of Obama supporters Monday that the country is not ready for a “white first lady," according to media reports this week.

"Callista Gingrich. Karen Santorum. Ann Romney. Now do you really think our country is ready for a white first lady?" De Niro joked with the crowd. "Too soon, right?"

CNN reports that Gingrich put out scathing criticisms of De Niro’s "inexcusable," “utterly and terrible” comments.

“I think the country is ready for a new first lady and he doesn't have to describe it in racial terms," Gingrich reportedly said of the actor's remarks.

Calling on the president to apologize for De Niro’s “shortsightedness,” CNN reported Gingrich said the Commander and Chief may well not “understand” what the Hollywood veteran’s comments “might do to our children and our grandchildren."