Mark Whitlock and Bob DeMoss of Franklin Tennessee headed  to the “Value Voters Summit” put on by the Family Research Council in Washington, set up a booth and sold waffle mix for 10 bucks. They said their Obama Waffle mix was just political parody.

”It’s the ultimate political souvenir,” DeMoss told a customer.

Asked if he considered the pictures of Obama on the box to be 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, his position changes.”

Oh.

Thinking Aunt Jemima isn’t enough ‘parody’ Whitlock and DeMoss put Obama in Muslim garb on the boxtop with “Point box toward Mecca for tastier waffles.”

Oh.
On the back of the box:

Obama is depicted in stereotypical Mexican dress, including a sombrero, above a recipe for ”Open Border Fiesta Waffles” that says it can serve ”4 or more illegal aliens.” The recipe includes a tip: ”While waiting for these zesty treats to invade your home, why not learn a foreign language?”

The language on the back of the box included a comic picture of Michelle Obama saying, “For the first time in my adult life I’m proud of an American waffle.”

The Family Research Council (headed by Tony Perkins who would swear on a stack of bibles he didn’t know a direct mailing list he bought back when he was managing a political race was from former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke. Or that he was speaking to a racist group when he addressed the Council of Concerned Citizens twice) says:

Values Voter Summit organizers cut off sales of Obama Waffles boxes on Saturday, saying they had not realized the boxes displayed ”offensive material.” The summit and the exhibit hall where the boxes were sold had been open since Thursday afternoon.

About 21 hundred people attend the ‘Value Voter’ Summit.
Since Thursday, hundreds of attendees walked past this booth.
No one spoke up.

Oh.

There are conservative Republicans and publications speaking up now that this has hit the news. US voters are the ones who are going to have to address this expression of family values. DeMoss and Whitlock say they sold 400 boxes.

Oh.

I don’t care how big the Washington Hilton is, I don’t believe for a heartbeat Family Research Council staff, or other sponsor staff were not aware of this product.   People present say there were a couple dozen booths.  I think sponsors and these two sellers are quite happy to spit in the face of Americans and that Americans aren’t impressed. World Magazine:

DeMoss and Whitlock were philosophical about the uproar. “We didn’t complain,” said DeMoss. “Blessed are the peacemakers. We’re not looking for trouble. But I do think it’s ironic that at an event that celebrates proclaiming the truth we were shut down for telling the simple truth that Barack Obama waffles on the issues.”

He added, “I understand that it’s not for everyone. But we don’t have a racist bone in our bodies. This is humor, not hate.”

Oh.

They are blaming atheist ‘protesters’ for bringing this to the attention of an AP reporter. 
See Christianity Today’s political blog  which has more pictures and facts - few commenters think this is funny.  Rod Dreher of Cruncy Con isn’t impressed.

Over 200 news outlets have picked this up around the world.  India, Israel, Canada, China, UK…
DeMoss has co-authored books with Tim LaHaye (Left Behind), Mark Whitlock worked for Focus on the Family and a few other groups before going out on his own.

DeMoss and Whitlock are bragging about the attention at Obama Waffles.com.

The FRC statement

Update: How the Value Voter Summit topics mirrored the Waffle box. On missing the real story.