Did MSNBC‘s O’Donnell Call RNC Chairman Steele a Black Minstrel Dancer?

Lachlan Markay of NewsBusters points out an odd statement from MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell on yesterday's "Last Word":

As the first congressional election during his party chairmanship approaches, Michael Steele is dancing as fast as he can trying to charm independent voters and Tea Partiers while never losing sight of his real master and paycheck provider, the Republican National Committee.

Did O'Donnell just effectively call RNC chairman Michael Steele a black minstrel dancer?

"I ... am not a fan of 'reading racial tea leaves just for political gain,' but O'Donnell's statement ... leaves very little room for interpretation," says Markay:

Markay then uses the "R" word:

So a black man is dancing to appeal to voters while still miniding his Republican masters? I'll have to check with Rev. Sharpton, but that sure sounds racist.