CNN just aired a long segment on the trial of alleged bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. Their go-to “Terrorism Analyst” for the discussion? Larry Johnson.

Johnson, of course, is infamous for repeatedly offering the racially-charged claim beginning in May 2008 that according to his “sources,” a video tape exists of “Michelle Obama railing against 'whitey' at Jeremiah Wright's church.” No tape was ever produced. In attempting to explain earlier this year why the tape was “never revealed and used,” Johnson claimed: “One theory is that the hardline conservatives in possession of the tape did not want John McCain to win, a plausible theory given the hard right's reluctance in general to aid McCain's campaign.”

Is this really the most credible person CNN could dig up to discuss the Abdulmutallab trial?

On the other hand, unlike Fox News go-to terrorism analyst Michael Scheuer, I don't think Johnson has cited a major al Qaeda attack on America as “the only chance we have as a county right now.” So he's got that going for him.