racist inanities

The existence of this sentiment is depressing:

Local [West Virginian] politicians say it will take more than a well-decorated storefront for Obama, the Illinois senator, to make headway. "He's going to have to visit," says Bob Pasley, who adds that Obama should come prepared to answer "tough questions," including some about his religion.

"Is he Islamic or is he not?" Pasley says of Obama, who is Christian. "I know he's tried to talk about it but he hasn't looked anybody in Wayne in the eye and told them."

Props to the reporter for making it clear that Obama is in fact not a Muslim (not that there's anything wrong with that!), but I'm finding it difficult to choose between incredulity, pity, and amusement when reacting to the fact that this guy thinks Obama is hiding his "islamic" religion yet he's willing to put that aside if only Obama will accompany his denial with a handshake and a look in the eye.