This is inexcusable and despicable, regardless of whatever claim that they're trying to make (and the supposed fact that they claim it is a pro-Obama piece).
Quote:
N.Y. Newspaper Editor Explains Decision to Call Obama the 'N-Word'
The editor and publisher of a New York newspaper that called President Obama the n-word in a headline says the intent was to "shock" readers.
In its July 2014 issue, the West Village newspaper ran a column by author and journalist James Lincoln Collier with the headline "The N—r in the White House" (without the word dashed out). The opinion piece is actually pro-Obama: Collier argues that "an irreducible measure of racism" still exists in America and that "far-right voters hate Obama because he is black."
Especially for a newspaper. Even if you're criticizing his detractors, no ground is going to be gained by using this word. It will just fuel more racism and ugliness.
Opinions can be made much more professionally and respectfully.
Ugh