Since a few online comments have questioned my reporting that some have charged Newt Gingrich with using racial code words, I wanted to offer this addition to my column.

On Sunday, U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., speaking on CNN, criticized Newt Gingrich's use of the term "food stamp president."

Here's an excerpt from the report by POLITICO:

"Clyburn told Candy Crowley in an earlier interview that he does not believe Gingrich is personally racist, but his words about a 'food stamp president' make a clear impact on voters in the South.

"'Now, all of that carries certain connotations that people know here very well,' Clyburn said. 'And I think Newt practiced that perfectly.'"

In addition, last week, 40 Catholic leaders, many of them associated with liberal and Democratic groups, sent a letter to Gingrich and Rick Santorum - both of them Catholics - asking that they watch their language and "stop perpetuating ugly racial stereotypes on the campaign trail."

Here's part of a report from Religion News Service:

"The signers of the open letter, which was released Friday (Jan. 20), cited Gingrich's repeated criticisms of Barack Obama as a 'food stamp president' who encourages government dependency for the poor, especially for African-Americans."

So I didn't make up the charge. Whatever you think of its merits, "some" - as I reported - are bringing it up.

For the record, here's how Gingrich responded, also on CNN, to Clyburn's comments:

"Well I think it's unfortunate that liberal leaders, whatever their ethnic backgrounds, can't have an honest debate about policies that fail," the Republican presidential contender said on CNN's 'State of the Union.'

"The fact is we have a real national debate under way," he added.