CHICAGO8212;Visiting Chicago might not reveal the complete life story of Barack Obama, but viewing a few scenes of his past does reveal some insight into the Democratic presidential candidate.
MacArthur’s Restaurant in west Chicago tells what type of atmosphere in which Obama feels most comfortable. The warm welcomes, friendly smiles and powerful aroma of fried chicken, macaroni with cheese and collard greens make up a menu of food you could swear was cooked by your own mother.
MacArthur’s Restaurant is mentioned in Obama’s book The Audacity of Hope as one of the senator’s favorite Chicago restaurants. Customers arrived on Sunday afternoon for an after-church lunch and gab. Nearly all knew that Obama frequents the restaurant. They love his politics and share his hope for a brighter future.
Tina Hoy, who works the cash-only register, said she saw Obama two months ago. People from all over the neighborhood flock when they hear of Obama’s arrival, she said with a smile.
“Everyone’s trying to talk to him and he walks around shaking hands, he’s a really nice guy about it,” she said.
Others were more outspoken in their support.
Shirley Jefferson, a regular at MacArthur’s, said, “He’s for real. He explained what change is. Change for more jobs, a strengthened economy and a better life. But McCain, if he wins, just bury me right now.”
Jefferson was interrupted before she could continue by her friend Earnestine Nuttall, who said, “What she means is we wish McCain the best, but we want Obama.”
About an hour’s drive to Chicago’s southeast is another Obama landmark, the Trinity United Church of Christ.
Media attention to the church, which the Obama family attended since the 1980s, and its former pastor Jeremiah Wright, put Trinity in the public view last spring. Media outlets and the Republican Party targeted Wright for inflammatory rhetoric said during church services and denounced Obama’s affiliation with him.
In May, Obama severed the relationship with Wright and removed his membership from the church, saying, “Our relations with Trinity have been strained by the divisive statements of Reverend Wright, which sharply conflict with our own views.”
Within the church, an overload of curious visitors had begun to take its toll. While members were courteous, the church secretary was quick to remind non-members that they were “in a church, not a museum.”
Another church frequented by Obama is located on the South Side of Chicago. The dilapidated red brick church has sat abandoned for about a month. The church rectory once served as Obama’s office while he worked as a community organizer. Today it has been transformed into housing for mental health patients.
Carl Pullum supervises the home and said he knew about its connection to Obama. He said Obama’s service as a community organizer is the main reason those in the area support him.
“I have a kinship with him because he also came down to where the people are,” he said. “My heart is in this election. Obama is who I really want to win.”
After graduating from Harvard Law School in the early 1990s, Obama spent nearly three years working with communities on Chicago’s South Side.
According to Pullum, the area had been going through hard times as factory plants and steel mills closed.
“Obama tried to help people by pushing them into programs to find jobs in the area,” he said.
Obama often speaks of his time in Chicago’s South Side, using it to connect with voters. Last Friday, at a small rally in Lancaster, Pa., Obama defended his experiences as an organizer against recent attacks by Republicans. He said it showed why he was running for president.
“I would argue that doing work in the community, to try to create jobs, to bring people together…that’s relevant only in understanding where I’m coming from, who I believe in, who I’m fighting for and why I’m in this race,” he said.
Pullum said critics of Obama do not understand charity.
“That’s in the Bible, charity starts at home,” he said. “Barack Obama showed charity by coming here.”
From the small church, a short drive brings Chicago’s massive skyline and the high-class Rose Park community where the Obama family currently resides into view.
Barricades blocked the street where more than a dozen police cars lined the adjoining streets, not to mention the undercover security roaming the neighborhood, recognizable only by clear wire protruding from their ears.
Tension was high among the security guards because Obama and his vice-presidential candidate, Joe Biden, were expected to arrive any minute.
A group of reporters and photographers huddled together across the street waiting to get a 30-second view of the presidential candidate’s motorcade.
When the duo arrived, they came in a nondescript car accompanied by more cars with guards holding AK-47s.
One resident, Kathryn Gray, has grown weary of the security for the presidential candidate.
“I’ve dealt with security before, but this is really out of hand,” she said.
Gray lives within sight of the Obama house. She said all of the security has caused large inconveniences for her and others in the area. After the Democratic Convention, Gray and others were no longer allowed to park their cars in the street or walk past the Obama house.
“I have two kids, and it is hard to make them walk two blocks to our car,” she said. “But I think it is exciting. We are fine with it if it means it will protect him and his family.”
“We hope he wins,” she said. “I think almost all of Chicago loves him and wants him to win.”
Editor’s Note8212;Jed Layton and Tom Nelson are reporting from Chicago through the Hinckley Institute of Politics and Shantou University Political Journalism Program.
Ma Jing / Hinckley Institute of PoliticsWhile dining at MacArthur?s Restaurant, one of Barack Obamas favorites places to eat in Chicago, Felicia Biller spoke very highly of this elections democratic candidate.