OK, zmix,
If she is going to ask these questions about Sen. Obama. Tell her that I want her to please do the following.
"We don't know him"
Explain what this means. And explain what it is she believes she knows about McCain. She might be shocked to find that she actually knows more about Obama in the end. There are some pretty scary questions about what we may not know about McCains' activity over the years. We can account, almost literally, for every DAY of Obamas' life.
"He's Muslim"
Please have her find any serious evidence of this. When and where did he commit to this religion? Where does he "worship"? Is his wife also a Muslim?.. If there IS such evidence, is there something "wrong" with Muslims to begin with?
"The Ayers thing"
Ask her to find out how many republicans were on the same board with Obama and Ayers. Ask her who requested the presence of each of these men on this board and then ask her to find out how many of THEM are supporting and/or know Sen. McCain. Also, look into how many serious criminals McCain has hung out with. How completely reckless was John McCain throughout his life? It's amazing and troubling.
"Reverend Wright"
If she is worried about a whacked out Christian guy where Obama used to go to church, why is she concerned that he's a Muslim? Which is it? Is Obama a Christian or a Muslim?.. Also, have her take a look at the mentally ill preachers that Mr. McCain seems to except as supporters of his bid for the White House.
Then, have her read what some of the most serious people in the country have to say about Mr. Obama. Some of these people really are seen as being among the very smartest public officials in the country, from BOTH the conservative and Liberal "think Tanks" around the country.
If she is not willing to do a couple days of reading about who this cat is, where he came from, what he believes, and what drove him to run for office, then she has to admit she is part of the problem. This might be a wonderful woman, and she is clearly a friend to your lovely wife so I wont beat her up anymore, and I'm sorry if I've been harsh on one of your friends. But we are IN THIS MESS because otherwise good people like her refuse to pay attention!
There really is a responsibility we have as Americans to know something about the issues and vote. I know we have the right to stay home, or vote based on nothing if that's what we decide to do. But I think this speaks to the least in us. Not the most. Ask her to get serious for the sake of our kids.
Ivan...........................