I love (and love) his show. True classic television. Given his support for Obama, however, it is worth noting that his show was not exactly “path-breaking” on the race issue. When other shows during that period were starting to feature at least some black characters, such as the Twilight Zone, Star Trek, and I Spy, it remained lily white. Did Andy try to exert his influence to make it otherwise?
Could it be possible that Mayberry wasn't integrated? This was the late '50s and '60s. I bet the thought didn't even occur to them.