INDIANAPOLIS-The nation is watching Indiana. Coffee shops, restaurants, parks and city streets in Indianapolis and around the state are filled with Hoosiers who will finally have their voice heard in a presidential primary. The last time a primary mattered in Indiana was in 1968, when the late Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for President of the United States.

Many around the state are thrilled about the upcoming historic primary. Including Ron and Sharon Zmyslo, a couple from Indianapolis, who told me about the candidates and issues, at the eclectic The Abbey Coffee House in downtown Indianapolis.

According to the owners of the cafe, the name Abbey means a place to retreat. Above the cash register hangs an oversized cutout angel, furniture is a mix of wooden antiques, and the blue ceiling is adorned with hand painted white clouds. The Abbey is, “where everyone can be themselves,” said owner, Moises.             

As the wind howled outside, I sat with the Ron and Sharon who sipped their coffee near the window, just beyond the red front door, and listened as they told me what the election means to them.

“Thrilled,” said Sharon, who described how she felt about having a primary that mattered in Indiana. Ron said he was happy to have a black candidate and a female candidate in the race. “I would never think in my lifetime this would happen,” said Ron.

Both are from South Bend in Northern Indiana, however, in 2000 they moved to Indianapolis. They are Democrats in the traditionally Republican state.

“I know I’m in the minority, but I really don’t care,” said Sharon. Ron said he didn’t talk politics as much. He said Indiana has many of the attitudes and culture of the south, and called it “the southern, of the most northern states.”

Indiana has a history of racial tension. The Ku Klux Klan was the most powerful here in the 1920s. Ron said Indiana is racially divisive, and six months ago he said he would have never thought Barack Obama would win in Indiana.

“I’m amazed at what Barack Obama has been able to do to bring the people together,” said Ron, an undecided voter.

The last known lynching of a black man occurred in Marion in the 1930’s. Obama spoke in Marion at a rally he held in April. “In my experience, your average Indiana Hoosier is not going to support a black candidate,” said Ron.  Sharon, an Obama supporter, called Obama intelligent; she said she has a “gut feeling” about his ability to break the racial barrier.

Ron is a business owner who is completing his graduate degree in historic preservation at a local university. Sharon works at a local pain clinic. Both said they considered healthcare policy, the economy, and family values important. They enjoy coming to The Abbey Coffee House after they work on their residential restoration project in the area.

Sharon said she admires Obama’s demeanor, and that his reaction to Hillary Clinton’s attacks have been handled well. “Obama has handled attacks with dignity and diplomacy in a manner that I want to see a president deal with leaders in other nations.  It is part of his moral fiber and personality,” said Sharon.

Ron said he is impressed with Clinton and her experience.

“Hillary would be more effective getting legislation passed,” said Ron, who wants to hear more policy specific details from Obama. “I want the details,” said Ron, who may vote for McCain in the general election, if he doesn’t get more details from Obama.

“When you talk to Indiana about jobs, you’re going to get their vote,” said Ron. He said many of his friends who are industrial workers in the area are voting for Obama. The workers, he said, believe in the hope for new jobs, and “they’re listening to Barack.”

“White working class Hoosiers support a black candidate, it’s historic. I think he’s gonna win big on Tuesday,” said Ron.

The diversity in Indianapolis is what Ron and Sharon like best about the city.

Ron also said his Republican friends will vote for Obama. But, he said, they are not crossing party lines to be a Democrat. He said they told him, “I’m voting for Barack because of Barack specifically.