AKRON, OH: Rows of shiny, all-American automobiles glimmered in the sun. I marvelled as their owners diligently polished all these lovingly-preserved Chevys, Fords and Plymouths.
They'd picked a glorious October morning for this classic car fair. But I couldn't help thinking there was something poignant about celebrating America's industrial past here, right in the heart of the rust belt.
Now, I'm no petrolhead. It took me three attempts to pass my driving test. I couldn't tell you the difference between a crankshaft and a fender. But even I could appreciate that these were beautiful vehicles - all gleaming chrome and rolling contours.
Sitting in front of a 1920s Ford Roadster, however, was 72-year-old retired engineer Ed Bogovich. He'd come through from Pennsylvania - another blue-collar swing state - to attend the show.
Ed had backed Hillary, too. But there was no way he would support Obama; no way he would support any black man for the presidency.
"I don't want him to be my leader," Ed barked. "I am a staunch Democrat, but I will not vote for a negro.
"If his grandfather is a Muslim, wouldn't be one too?"
It was shocking to listen to all this. But it was no use correcting Ed that Senator Obama was, in fact, a Christian.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/talkingamerica/2008/10/akron_oh_rows_of_shiny...
