Does Anyone Think Joel McNally is Trying to Sound "Black"?

[SRW1000]

I admit it, I listen to talk radio.  One of the stations I'll tune into is WMCS - The Talk of the Town.  Their Morning Magazine show is co-hosted by Joel McNally.  For anyone not familiar with Mr. McNally, he's the pasty-white, former Milwaukee Journal writer, who can often be seen locally on "InterCHANGE".

Anyway, at points during the show, his speech patterns seem to fall into those common among African-Americans.  It's not constant, but it's usually evident when he tries to sound "folksy" or wants to relate to listeners.  Examples are drawing out vowel sounds, dropping the "g" off of "ing" words (workin', playin', etc).

At first, I though I was being overly critical, so I had my wife listen.  She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

So, are we crazy?  Does anyone else here listen to WMCS - The Talk of the Town?  If we're not nuts, why is this tolerated?  Do they think that the audience doesn't know he's a white guy?  Don't they think it's a bit patronizing?

Just curious,

Scott