NASCAR has for years claimed it gets a bad rap as a conservative hillbilly outfit where the Confederate flag flies a symbol of racial divide.
 
And then those who support NASCAR go out prove those who believe as much right.
 
That was never more evident than during a NASCAR event in Florida on Sunday where First Lady Michelle Obama and the vice president’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden, were booed when they were introduced while supporting military veterans and their families in their quest to find work. The women were being introduced on stage just before the customary “Gentlemen! Start your engines!” to begin the race when the boos came from the crowd.
 
The first lady and Dr. Biden continued on without acknowledging the disrespect but it was hard to overlook.
 
"It's a sad statement on our political discourse if the booing was indeed directed at Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden," said ABC News Senior Political Reporter Rick Klein. "They were appearing on behalf of military families, a cause which transcends party lines."

The pair had received a warmer welcome at a pre-race meeting, where drivers gave them a standing ovation, the Associated Press reported.
 

Contact Terrance Harris at terrancefharris@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @Terranceharris.

(Photo: Chris Trotman/Getty Images for NASCAR)