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This article was first published 12 years ago

In PHOTOS: Meet Obama's No 1 fan

Last updated on: April 17, 2012 08:50 IST


Photographs: Joaquin Sarmiento/Reuters

The United States Secret Service scandal, wherein 11 agents became the center of attention after they were sent home for allegations of misconduct involving a prostitute may have upset President Barack Obama's Colombia trip.

He did not manage to erase the US image in Latin America as overassertive Yankees who exploit the region at will. But he still managed to win one a heart or two.

Here's the proof... Obama may have many fans, but without doubt, his biggest fan is from Columbia.

 Silvio Carrasquilla, an Afro-Colombian and former mayor of the northern town of Turbaco, has converted his home into the "White House", just before Obama's was in nearby Cartagena over the weekend to attend a summit.

Carrasquilla cleans a poster of Obama and his family on a wall inside his home in Turbaco, near Cartagena.

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In PHOTOS: Meet Obama's No 1 fan


Photographs: Joaquin Sarmiento/Reuters

Carrasquilla takes a call while surrounded by the Barack Obama memorabilia collection he uses to adorn his home in Turbaco.

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In PHOTOS: Meet Obama's No 1 fan


Photographs: Joaquin Sarmiento/Reuters

During Obama's 2008 campaign for the presidency, Carrasquilla built a Democratic Party election campaign center in the town to offer international support to the then-candidate.

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In PHOTOS: Meet Obama's No 1 fan


Photographs: Joaquin Sarmiento/Reuters
A baby donkey named Demo by Carrasquilla stands dressed as the mascot of the Democratic Party in front of a poster of President Obama, outside Carrasquilla's home in Turbaco. He wanted to gift Obama the donkey.

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In PHOTOS: Meet Obama's No 1 fan


Photographs: Joaquin Sarmiento/Reuters

Carrasquilla decorated his house with US and Colombian flags to welcome President Obama to the VI Summit of the Americas, in Turbaco.

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In PHOTOS: Meet Obama's No 1 fan


Photographs: Joaquin Sarmiento/Reuters

Demo was dressed as the mascot of the Democratic Party ahead of Obama's visit. The donkey has already been vaccinated and Carrasquilla thinks it is also small enough to fit in the Air Force One.

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In PHOTOS: Meet Obama's No 1 fan


Photographs: Joaquin Sarmiento/Reuters
Carrasquilla dresses Demo as the mascot of the US Democratic Party in front of a poster of Obama.

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In PHOTOS: Meet Obama's No 1 fan


Photographs: Joaquin Sarmiento/Reuters

A painter working for Carrasquilla painted the roof of his house to welcome Obama in Turbaco.

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In PHOTOS: Meet Obama's No 1 fan


Photographs: Joaquin Sarmiento/Reuters

In August 2009, the town celebrated Obama's 48th birthday with another donkey, Mariachis, two cakes with the US flag on it and a portrait of Obama to be given as a gift.

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In PHOTOS: Meet Obama's No 1 fan


Photographs: Joaquin Sarmiento/Reuters
Demo stands dressed as the mascot of the Democratic Party behind a poster of Obama.

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