Conservative confab exhibits racial stereotype of Sen. Obama

September 15, 6:26 AMAtlanta Politics ExaminerEric Ture Muhammad

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A box of Obama Waffles is seen in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 13 [Agencies]

ATLANTA-A conservative political forum in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, drawing more than 2,000 participants from over 44 states, including Republican stalwarts Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, came under fire when attendees were discovered purchasing racially offensive depictions of Democratic presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama.

According to published reports, Mark Whitlock and Bob DeMoss, both from Franklin, Tenn. offered 'Obama Waffles' at $10 per box from a rented booth at the Values Voter Summit sponsored by the socially conservative policy groups American Values, Focus on the Family Action and the Family Research Council (FRC).

The cartons depicted Mr. Obama on its front "with popping eyes and big, thick lips," reminiscent of the pancake-mix giant Aunt Jemima--an image found racially offensive and widely criticized by Blacks--staring at a plate of waffles and smiling. On the box top, he is dressed in Arab-like headdress and on the back of the carton he is depicted in Mexican garb with a sombrero above a recipe for "Open Border Fiesta Waffles." It goes on to claim a serving size of  "4 or more illegal aliens."

In an elaborate display of two pyramids of waffle mix boxes standing several feet high flanking each of the men adorned in white chef aprons, sales were brisk by noon-time Saturday.

The product also takes aim at Obama's wife, Michelle, 2004 Democratic nominee John Kerry and the Obamas' former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

"We strongly condemn the tone and content of materials that were exhibited by one of the vendors at this weekend's Values Voter Summit. The materials represent an attempt at parody that crosses the line into coarseness and bias," commented FRC Executive Director David Nammo, from his Washington, D.C. office. "The exhibitor contacted our reviewer just days before the Summit by email and described material that sounded like it was devoted to political flip-flops on policy issues," he said.

When asked about the carton depictions, whether he considered them racial stereotypes, Whitlock said: "We had some people mention that to us, but you think of Newman's Own or Emeril's -- there are tons and tons of personality-branded food products on the market. So we've taken that model and, using political satire, have highlighted his policies," and position changes, he said.

When the materials were brought to the attention of FRC officials, Nammo said the exhibit was dismantled by the vendor "at our insistence," he said. The men also sell the product via the web at www.ObamaWaffles.com.

The Obama campaign has declined comment.