SHELBYVILLE, Ind. - Barack Obama can talk about his childhood years in Kansas and upbringing by his white Midwestern grandparents, but if voters at one small-town Indiana cafe are any indication, he has a long way to go to convince them he represents heartland America.
“Obama has great ideas but his background scares me,” said Chris Leighton, 60, a secretary having lunch at the Chaperral Cafe in Shelbyville, in southeast Indiana. “Everyone talks about him being a Muslim and having ties to terrorism, but how do people really find out?” 
The incorrect belief that the Illinois senator is a Muslim was shared by half a dozen others in the restaurant — a sign that dirty campaign tactics and Internet innuendo has taken root among some voters in Indiana, the next state to vote.
Construction worker Ron Debaun, 61, said he hadn’t yet decided whether he would support Obama or Hillary Clinton in Indiana’s May 6 primary, noting they both “have good ideas.” But he’s leaning toward Clinton.
What doesn’t he like about Obama?
“His Muslim ties,” said Debaun.
Why does he think Obama is a Muslim?
“Let’s just say that he admits it himself,” he said.
Retired locksmith Leslie Hedman, 61, said he doesn’t like any of the three candidates — Clinton, Obama, or Republican John McCain – because none are committed Christians.
“Obama is a Muslim,” he said. Where did he hear that?
“He said he was but then he said he’s not,” said Hedman.
Ironically enough, many of the lunchtime crowd said they were also turned off by Obama’s ties to Rev. Jeremiah Wright – the former pastor of Obama’s Christian church in Chicago, Trinity United Church of Christ.
“I definitely don’t like Obama because of the mess with him and his pastor. I don’t think he’s been honest about it,” said Candace Demmin, 37, as she had lunch with her mom.
“How can you go to a church for 20 years and not heard your minister say something off-color? Either he’s heard it and is lying about it, or he’s lying about going to church as much as he does,” said Demmin. “In which case he’s not the Christian he says he is.”
Obama strongly denounced his former pastor on Tuesday and called his racially charged comments “appalling.”
And if Obama’s Muslim ties and Christian pastor aren’t bad enough, his atheism is the last straw.
“A person who doesn’t believe in anything? I don’t want anything to do with him,” said cafe owner and Clinton supporter Shirley Bailey, 70. “He says he won’t take an oath on the Bible, he won’t salute the American flag. That doesn’t sit well with me.”
Obama was sworn in at the U.S. Senate with his hand on a Bible. He stopped wearing an American flag lapel pin — standard issue for U.S. politicians — saying that a pin on the chest matters less than what’s in the heart.
Click here for more Reuters 2008 campaign coverage.
Photo credit: Reuters/Andrea Hopkins (Shirley Bailey, owner of the Chaperral Cafe in Shelbyville, Indiana, said she can’t support Barack Obama in Indiana’s May 6 primary because of his religious views. Many of her customers agreed.)
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This is bad reporting….period. It’s blatantly done to make Obama and Hoosiers look bad. There is a huge difference between southern and northern Indiana, and let’s keep in mind that the KKK had a huge stronghold in southern Indiana at one time. The media and reporters of today are a disgrace to the entire world. There is no such thing as good reporting anymore. They just try to create as much division in the world as possible, and they know that none of us can do anything to stop it………until now. THAT’S what this election is REALLY about. OBAMA 08
And he WILL win Indiana AND the Presidency!
- Posted by Danny in IndianaI can honestly say that the media has succeeded in distracting Americans from the “REAL” issues at hand. We’ve become so wrapped up in issues like “Obama being Muslim” (which he is not, if people do their research before passing comment) and “Rev. Wright speeches.” We really need to focus on the down spiraling of the economy, these outrageous gas prices, the effects of the job loss (GM, Delta/Northwest merger) in the U.S., Healthcare, Education….I could go on for days. THESE ARE ISSUES WE NEED TO FOCUS ON AND WHAT SOLUTIONS THESE CANDIDATES BRING TO THE TABLE ON SOLVING ALL THIS MESS. Who cares about what Rev. Wright is saying or has said, he’s not the one running for president. I’m an Obama supporter 100 Grand. However, we can’t go wrong with either candidate (Obama or Clinton), I highly doubt they can worsen the issues currently going on. At least they are making an attempt address these issues and have solid solutions…can’t say the same for Bush…(oops did I say that!)
- Posted by MaleneWHAT A SAD SPECTACLE. For weeks now, Obama supporters, political pundits, talk show hosts, and even “The View” panel members have been defending Rev. Wright; defending the statements of Rev. Wright; saying that they were taken out of context; even saying that they were true; all in order to defend their candidate, Barack Obama. And now, with one fell swoop, Obama himself has taken the rug out from underneath all of these supporters and de-legitimized their arguments by saying that he himself, is “outraged” by the statements of Rev. Wright, and that he no longer wishes to have any relationship with him. Interestingly, the things said by Rev. Wright in his recent public appearances and interviews were pretty much what we all know he has said before. The only thing materially different was when Rev. Wright twice stated that Obama says what he has to say, because he is a politician. So, what is the lesson of this sad spectacle? Three things. Firstly, it is that Rev. Wright can say anything he wants about “white people” and America, no matter how disgusting or untrue, but if he dares “diss” Obama personally, then Obama is finally “OUTRAGED.” Secondly, it has shown the extent to which some Obama supporters and apologists will go to justify and rationalize any action on the part of Obama or one of his advisers, even to the extent of sanctioning racist and anti-American hate speech, in order to defend Obama and promote his campaign. Finally, it has shown once again that Obama will do anything, and jettison anyone, in his quest for power and the Presidency. The “denunciation” of Wright by Obama is self-serving damage control, and nothing more. The actions by some of his supporters in trying to defend the indefensible, represent a shameful combination of political expediency, lack of objectivity, and hypocrisy.
- Posted by Fred JonesMaybe Andrea Hopkins (poster or the article) should head down to Jasper, Texas or rural Louisiana to see how they will vote. Come on! Why not pick an enlightened place for informed opinions? Or maybe it was what you wanted?
- Posted by DonThis is typical of the paranoid political discourse of many Americans both left and right, including many with college education. Many see a conspiracy under every rock. Look at the wild conspiracy theories about Bill Clinton’s supposed corruption thrown out by Falwell and company. Go around a college campus and find how many believe wild conspiracy theories about 911, or think that evangelicals are “American fascists” about to overthrow the constitution. Many believe the worst about their political opponents because it is what they want to hear.
- Posted by Tired EvangelicalWell. We all have noticed that Sen. B.O. is clean, sincere
& honest. He already made himself clear about Rev.J.W.´s
attacks. In America, people are free to express their opinions, so does Rev.Wright, too. Sen.Obama is not in a
position to have Rev.Wright keep quiet! This is part of
the American Democracy of free speech. Therefore, Sen.
Obama should not be held accountable to what is being said,
reported or argumented by 2nd.or 3rd.parties. Voters should judge Sen.Obama by his Deeds, his Speaches, his Policies & Issues, rather than by what was said/reported
on his Campain´s behalf. Only Sen.Clinton who is enjoying such developments is benefiting nowadays!
It´s too bad, that some Voters are turning against Mr.Obama, instead og supporting him in such a situation.
such developments
- Posted by Jean Michel NehmeTo this day, I still do not understand what people fear about Obama’s ties to Wright. Obama’s 40+ years of history (personal and professional) would indicate that he doesn’t share Wright’s political views but people weigh Wright’s influence more heavily than Obama’s actual words and deeds. Even if Obama did agree with Wright on certain issues, how do people fell this would effect his policy decisions? What are these folks afraid of? It’s despicable that rural whites have such control in the political process. This article and others would indicate that they are very mis-informed voters and they are not equipped to make intelligent decisions about the next POTUS. People blame Bush for doing a poor job for America, I think we need to blame these people who value the “good ole boy” network over anyone who looks different or has a different background.
- Posted by BryanIf this means people are more likely to vote based on random e-mails than candidates’ positions on issues.. Words espace me.
- Posted by JPI encourage all American citizens to get themselves a college education. The social classes are at their best. What is so embarrassing to America is its uninformed citizens who would rather go off of hearsay than to research the contrasts between presidential candidates. The American dream isn’t a house anymore, its EDUCATION. Trevor from Brooklyn!
- Posted by Trevor from Brooklyn NYOnce again, misinformation praying on ingonrance and fear will make it business as usual in D.C.
- Posted by MikeWill we ever stop fearing change for the good, and actually send someone to D.C. who will help us? Main stream media has not helped at all, except for the “fear” factor.
So sad.
These underground republican and Hilary attacks are fruitless and someone needs to tell them they are wrong!
- Posted by LarryI follow this so closely out of interest. I am so saddened to see dirty companioning affecting Sen. Obama chance in this election. The fact that he is black does not make him less important. I do not believe he is a Muslim. If I do he would certainly impact my view on him. It is so sad to see a few Americans think the way they do simply because he is not white. I watch some nasty programs on Fox and feel some people are paid to be very much against him because of his race. They are prepared to put nasty stories for him to loose. America needs to fight what other nations are doing to its economy and I sincerely believe Obama has the brain to sort this out more than any of the other two competitors.
- Posted by michaelI live in Indianapolis and am all too familiar with the mindset of rural Indiana. Barely a day goes by where I do not hear someone quoting from the bible or praising Jesus. When Mr. Obama made his comments about small town Americans and their tendencey to cling to guns and religion, he was describing rurual Indiana to a tee.
Combine the fear of non-Christian religions with ongoing undertones of racism, and rural Indiana is not a place where Mr. Obama will garner much support. It is ironic to me that in the Democratic primary, Indiana must choose between Hilliary Clinton, whom most on the right view as being more distasteful than Hitler, and a young, black senator with a Muslim sounding name. If there was a white man on the Democratic presidential primary ballot, that person would easily win 90% of the vote in this state.
It’s sad, but true. Once you leave Indianapolis or the nortwestern part of the state which borders Chicago, these sort of hyper-religious, narrow minded views are more the rule than the exception.
- Posted by Michael ColemanA good deal of what is said about the candidates by the press, and in the media, have absolutely nothing to do with how one would do as President, and voters need to distinguish what is important with what is not, and what is truth. That can be difficult. But one other point to make, and it’s more important than any other…..Let’s remember that the President has limited power, really, to influence some of the issues that are debated. That is a plus of our system of rule, that power is balanced out. When you look at the party system, it becomes harder and harder to distinguish a Republican from a Democrat. Vote the person that stands more for traditional American values, and places importance on national security, bringing jobs back to America, and improving the educational system in our country. Don’t be swayed by hype and spin. Compare the views and values of these candidates, and vote for the person who can best represent our country, on an international scale.
- Posted by PirateVoiceIntellectual laziness at its worst. It is completely fine not to support Obama if you disagree with his ideas and plans for America but saying you don’t like him because he has ties to Muslims and won’t salute the flag is ignorant and lazy. I grew up in small town America and went to school in Indiana and I have to say I ashamed to read this. What is happening to our country?
- Posted by StephenI have always wished I was an American. We have looked at America as a dreamland where freedom and equality exist. Where reasoning overides sentiments and where quality is the order of the day. A country where what brings people together is stronger than what puts them apart. Obama’s candidacy for president of the USA is a litmus test for Americans. The echos we are getting from this presidential campaign is pushing America out of its position as the leader of the world in the 21st century. Might be we were only dreaming. The dollar is crying, America needs to stand up or loss its position to the Asia (China and Japan)
- Posted by SamIt’s interesting for me to note that the National Press Club appearance was anamolous: the audience was not the working press and the questions were not from reporters! The NPC is an institution and the performances there are somewhat ritualized. So this was like watching a karaoke performance in the senate chambers. Something was amiss. Had this been filmed in a church basement during a potlatch dinner of parishioners, I don’t think the impact would have been quite so dramatic. I found nothing in what Rev. Wright said objectionable; even his remarks about the U.S. government and AIDS were framed conditionally: He thought them capable (but not culpable). It seems that Senator Obama is being targeted.
- Posted by rhetoricBarack Obama is a good, decent man and will make a wonderful President of the United States. Remember he was very young when he met Wright and the pastor is a charasmatic man. White people attend his church. They are all their to hear the Word of God. They, and Barack Obama believe in the love of Jesus Christ for his children. Let it go, for God’s sake. Wright has seen a way to put himself in the spotlight at his parishiner’s expense. Senator Barack Obama is a Christian, a leader among men and he wants to bring people together in the pursuit of peace. I pray he’ll be given that chance, and that ignorance and irrational fear won’t rob us all of the opportunity to send this very special human being to the White House.
- Posted by JoanGod be with you, Senator Obama!
When did Obama live in Kansas? IIRC, Obama’s grandparents moved from Kansas to Washington state when his mother was a child. From there, they moved to Hawaii. It was while they were living in Hawaii that Obama’s parents met and they still lived in Hawaii when Obama lived with them while he was in high school. Obama went to college in California, and then moved to Chicago before attending Harvard and then moving back to Chicago.
So when did Obama live in Kansas?
Maybe the author of this article should have spent a little more time getting her facts right and a little less trying to make the people of Indiana look like hicks. It is hard to take an article seriously when the very first sentence wrong.
- Posted by MaggiePeople DO research the candidates and find info such as below, but I’m sure you Obama supporters will say it’s bogus or an outrageous lie. People form their own ideas when they read things, but you sheep who follow Obama absolutely refuse to accept anything that hints at negativity towards your idol:
http://frontpagemagazine.com
Obama asserted in December, “I’ve always been a Christian,” and he has adamantly denied ever having been a Muslim. “The only connection I’ve had to Islam is that my grandfather on my father’s side came from that country [Kenya]. But I’ve never practiced Islam.” In February, he claimed: “I have never been a Muslim. … other than my name and the fact that I lived in a populous Muslim country for 4 years when I was a child [Indonesia, 1967-71] I have very little connection to the Islamic religion.”
Obama’s Kenyan birth father: In Islam, religion passes from the father to the child. Barack Hussein Obama, Sr. (1936–1982) was a Muslim who named his boy Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. Only Muslim children are named “Hussein”.
Obama’s Indonesian family: His stepfather, Lolo Soetoro, was also a Muslim. In fact, as Obama’s half-sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng explained to Jodi Kantor of the New York Times: “My whole family was Muslim, and most of the people I knew were Muslim.” An Indonesian publication, the Banjarmasin Post reports a former classmate, Rony Amir, recalling that “All the relatives of Barry’s father were very devout Muslims.”
The Catholic school: Nedra Pickler of the Associated Press reports that “documents showed he enrolled as a Muslim” while at a Catholic school during first through third grades. Kim Barker of the Chicago Tribune confirms that Obama was “listed as a Muslim on the registration form for the Catholic school.” A blogger who goes by “An American Expat in Southeast Asia” found that “Barack Hussein Obama was registered under the name ‘Barry Soetoro’ serial number 203 and entered the Franciscan Asisi Primary School on 1 January 1968 and sat in class 1B. … Barry’s religion was listed as Islam.”
The public school: Paul Watson of the Los Angeles Times learned from Indonesians familiar with Obama when he lived in Jakarta that he “was registered by his family as a Muslim at both schools he attended.” Haroon Siddiqui of the Toronto Star visited the Jakarta public school Obama attended and found that “Three of his teachers have said he was enrolled as a Muslim.”
Although Siddiqui cautions that “With the school records missing, eaten by bugs, one has to rely on people’s shifting memories,” he cites only one retired teacher, Tine Hahiyari, retracting her earlier certainty about Obama’s being registered as a Muslim.
- Posted by Brendy