Let me explain.

The images on the box play off of the Aunt Jemima pancake-mix product. The senator is depicted with bulging eyes and thick lips. The packaging also portrays the senator in Arab or Islamic headdress. The back of the box depicts Obama in a Mexican sombrero above a recipe for “Open Border Fiesta Waffles.” The copy implies that Obama will be easy on illegal aliens. People who read the box say that it poked fun at Michelle Obama, Pastor Jeremiah Wright, and John Kerry.

When African-American members of my conference staff and volunteers saw the product, it deeply offended them. They felt that it reflected badly on all participants - especially our organization. Here we were at the event talking about racial reconciliation and the need for evangelicals to vote based on their principles, while another “unofficial group” of people were undermining our message and making money on this distortion to boot.

Conservatives should repudiate people that want to use racism as a weapon in this election. It will backfire on us. As an African American I think that it’s time that the conservative movement shed the image of being racially insensitive. Republicans should be especially zealous to restore their image and their legacy as a reform party - the party of Lincoln.

If the contest stays tough but clean, and evangelicals remain engaged with enthusiasm McCain may have a shot at a positive photo finish. My prayer is simply that the best man wins.