This week on The Confab: The Burris scandal and why Deputy Editor Terence Samuel got it wrong on Rolo; plus our take on the 2009 Oscar nominees. Does Robert Downey Jr. deserve an award for wearing blackface? Can Slumdog Millionaire get a gold statue for being the ultimate underdog? Join The Root's Managing Editor Lynette Clemetson as she talks with Terence Samuel and Washington reporter Dayo Olopade.

* Podcast production by Abdullah Rufus.

* Podcast theme music by Timothy Morrison.