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'Birthers' Dog Obama From GOP Fringe

'Birthers' are 'filthy conservative imposters'

By Drew Nelles,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 1, 2009 6:37 PM CST

(Newser) – The belief that Barack Obama is not American—and therefore is ineligible to be president—is thriving on the conservative fringes, Politico reports. Officials have denied the claim, citing Obama’s Hawaii birth certificate, but 300,000 people have signed a petition demanding more evidence. So-called “Birthers” are also showing up at political functions, often embarrassing the president’s mainstream critics.

“It makes us look sick, troubled, and not suitable for civilized company," said one conservative talk show host. Birthers exist in two camps: One believes that native-born children of immigrants, like Obama, are not citizens—a contradiction of US law—and the other that Obama was born overseas. Some Democrats say that such notions could prove politically useful: "At some level, they're not that bad to have around," said a former Bill Clinton aide.

During the presidential campaign, the New Yorker satirized the false rumours that Barack Obama was secretly Muslim.
During the presidential campaign, the New Yorker satirized the false rumours that Barack Obama was secretly Muslim.   (AP Photo/New Yorker)
Barack Obama's Kenyan grandmother is pictured. The fact that Obama's father is foreign born has led some conspiracy theorists to falsely believe the president is ineligible for office.
Barack Obama's Kenyan grandmother is pictured. The fact that Obama's father is foreign born has led some conspiracy theorists to falsely believe the president is ineligible for office.   (AP Photo/Riccardo Gangale)
President Barack Obama speaks about his fiscal 2010 federal budget.
President Barack Obama speaks about his fiscal 2010 federal budget.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Then-Senator Barack Obama is dressed as a Somali Elder during a visit to Kenya. This photo proved popular with conspiracy theorists, who claimed it proved Obama's Muslim faith.
Then-Senator Barack Obama is dressed as a Somali Elder during a visit to Kenya. This photo proved popular with conspiracy theorists, who claimed it proved Obama's Muslim faith.   (AP Photo)
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Orly Taitz, a California lawyer leading the "Birther" charge.   (DrOrlyTV)

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It makes us look weird. It makes us look crazy. It makes us look demented. It makes us look sick, troubled, and not suitable for civilized company. - conservative talk show
host Michael Medved

At some level, they're not that bad to have around because it reminds people that under the mainstream conservative press there's this bubbling up of really irrational hatred for the guy. - former Clinton White House press secretary Jake Siewert

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 48 comments
woodyTX
Mar 3, 2009 6:40 AM CST
If you throw shit for long enough hoping it'll stick, you end up smelling pretty bad.....idle minds with nothing more important do to.
sache
Mar 2, 2009 10:38 PM CST
If it were not this it would be some other nutty issue. These "birthers" will always come up with one more thing.
riffran
Mar 2, 2009 9:25 PM CST
birthers???? new term I geuss......anyhow...the left fringe cooks tried to disclaim McStain on his birth citizenship, now the rightwing "nutjobs" are trying on Obammy.......SSDD......

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