From NBC’s Domenico Montanaro
Double down? This was more like triple down.
The Donald was at it again, offering a full-throated defense of birtherism and birthers this morning on MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown with Chuck Todd and Savannah Guthrie.
Asked if he wants to be taken seriously, why he continues to defend the false conspiracy theory that President Obama was not born in the United States, Donald Trump said, “Well, I do think it’s a serious issue. ... I am embracing the issue. I’m proud of the issue.” He claimed it is “not that much of a conspiracy… it’s really not.”
Trump, who says he's considering a run as a Republican for president in 2012, went further, chastising the media for using the term “birthers,” calling it “derogatory” to lots of “intelligent” people.
He said if it were true that the president weren’t born in the United States it would be the “greatest scam in the history of this country” and that there’s “certainly a chance” he’s not born in the U.S. He claimed Obama “could have come in after birth and could have been registered for purposes of hospitalization” or even “welfare.” “Excuse me,” he said, “I’ve grown up watching some of the great thieves of the world… this is peanuts compared to what these people do.”
He deadpanned later: “We all agree he was born.”
NBC’s Pete Williams reported on the birth announcement that appeared in the Honolulu Advertiser in 1961. Trump dismissed that, claiming the notice was “three days later. … Lots of things could happen.”
He added that “no nurses, no doctors, nobody came forward.” And he said that about 50 percent of Republicans “think he wasn’t born in the country” – and they’re “intelligent” people.
He even went so far as to almost question if Chuck Todd’s children were born in the United States after Todd said that he has “certificates of live birth” from DC. He contended that Todd could go down to the hospital where they were born and get authorization to get a more official “birth certificate” from the Department of Health -- provided they were born in the U.S., “which I assume they were,” Trump said.
Trump was also asked if he’s prepared for the financial scrutiny that would come with running for president. Official candidates for president are required to file financial disclosure forms. Asked, in particular, about his companies that have filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Trump became defensive.
“I never went bankrupt,” Trump said, trying to draw a distinction between personal bankruptcy and putting a company into Chapter 11. “Many of the biggest people in this country, many times have filed Chapter 11s on various companies in order to reduce debts.” He added, “I’ve done an unbelievable job” and used the laws of the country to help his companies.
Asked then if the United States should file for bankruptcy, Trump said no. “I wouldn’t recommend that,” he said, because the United States has more leverage.
On Libya, Trump said he didn’t “know enough” about the rebels to arm them.
On his decision to run for president, he said, “I will make a decision sometime prior to June.
“We’ll all have a lot of fun together.”


Birthers are the lowest common denominator. They are every bit as stupid as the members of the Flat earth Society. What a bunch of stupid silly little clowns they are.
Trump is a clown. He's just trying to bring attention to himself, like the spoiled manchild that he is. Birthers belong in the same group as holocaust deniers and skinheads. Using the birther issue is a convenient way of appealing to the racist element in a way that won't appear to be racist. So it's hypocritical, hateful and morally indefensible. Calling Obama a Muslim is just as evil and stupid, and most Muslims are ordinary human beings, like ourselves, and some are better than most of us Christians. Do we hate all Christians because some of them are so hateful themselves?
I wonder if Trump had his apprentice go down to a Kicky print and make him up a birth certificate before Trump said "you're fired."
Trump is a rich mans joke, he is a waste of sperm. If anyone one thinks he would make a good president, they probably are a card carrying member of the tea baggers, you know those radicals who believe Jesus should run the country and the bible should be our new consitution. Do you think our country needs another Reagan wantabe.
Couldn't have said it better myself Dean. Personally I would luv to see the Donald as the wing nuts candidate. It would be further confirmation that they are too stupid to know they're stupid. 2012 is gonna be some kind of fun no matter who their choice is. Just shake the bag and whichever rock falls out will work.
Just show us the certificate Obama and put it to bed. Trump is right. This would be a scam of major proportions. Compared to Bernie Madoff it is peanuts. Just imagine if we all got scammed by Obama. Tick Tock - where is the certificate of birth??
http://factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html
This is funny. Even funnier. The greatest Socialist and Progressive America ever produced to equalize the wealth of its economic base and he stumps his big toe on his birth certificate. Perhaps , we should ask Farrakhan or Wright . They might know something.
http://factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html
Okay, birthers. Still waiting for you to produce a shred of evidence that Obama was born somewhere else.
So in your theory, you are US born until someone can prove it wrong? Seriously? LOL :)
No, I'm just saying that you birthers are spending lots of time trying to prove a negative because you can't prove a positive.
He can question Obama's birth - while I question his hairdo and the species of the roadkill that is used to cover up Donnie's noggin !!
I am so glad to see states proposing legislation that if you want your name on the state ballot for president, you then must show a birth certificate.
Obama is a baby, just show the darn thing and it's over! PERIOD! I personally believe the inexperienced president is born in the US, but can a LIB/DEM here explain why he just doens't show it to end this?
If Arnold Schwartzengar (sp) was going to run for president, (which he can't) wouldn't people demand to see his birth certificate? Of course they would. McCain showed his birth certificate, but some say it is racist for Obama to have to show it....JESUS Christ!!!! lol
Anything for Obama to take the attention off of other issues he is failing at, I suppose....
It has been shown repeatedly. Authenticated by the State of Hawaii. Not only is there a birth certificate, but a birth announcement printed in the local paper at the time of his birth. So unless he has a time machine and went back in time and had the paper print the announcement you are simply beating a dead horse.
You would also have to believe that the State of Hawaii is also being untruthful about this as well. Are you claiming that the state of Hawaii is being untruthful?
And for all of you idiots who obviously did not pay attention in civics class, even IF he was actually born outside of the U.S., he would still be a natural born citizen anyway. The fact that his mother was a citizen is all that is needed. According to the constitution at least.
That is why military brats born abroad are still U.S. citizens. If pregnant citizen who gives birth while on a trip abroad, the child is still a natural born U.S. citizen even if they are physically born in Canada, Mexico or anywhere else. You could even be born on the moon. So long as either your mother or father is a citizen, you will be as well.
Sounds to me like you don't care for our constitution much.
STL1985.....
Why didn't you answer my question? It is an easy question, even for you? Why doesn't Obama show his birth certificate to end this? It would be over! So I will again ask you why?
Don't start talking about other issues..... Just answer the question....
I am not sure how to make this any easier for you to understand,
HE HAS.
Now answer a question for me, what would he have to do to satisfy you? The document has been shown and authenticated already. What else could possibly be done?
He fulfilled his legal obligation to provide proof of citizenship and birth.
Until you provide me with your long form, "James", I'm going to assume you're just another unamerican destraction.
Exactly, it is literally impossible to get your "long form" certificate of live birth in Missouri. You simply can not get it. But the printed version that they give you is all that is ever needed.
It is like someone showing you their state issued drivers license and you demanding to see the physical piece of paper that the actual written exam you took was printed on. With your hand writing on it as well as fingerprints.
You couldn't do it because it is a stupid request.
So basically, according to the birthers, 99% of the birth certificates that people use everyday are invalid?
By that logic there must only be a tiny handful of actual U.S. citizens then.
How about if all Social Security and Medicare benefits are suspended until the beneficiary can produce their original "long form" birth certificate.
It would solve the whole Funding of Social Security problem and the Nation would be out of debt in no time. Because almost no one could come up with it.
Surely no "birther" would have a problem with this.
Man, I just balanced the budget and got us on track to pay off the debt in no time.
Maybe Fox News would be willing to give me some airtime to propose this idea. Heck, I'll even give them credit for coming up with it.
LOL... You two libs are too funny! :)
I believe he is a US born citizen, I am not a 'birther' as you like to call it. Obama showed a copy of his birth certificate.....fine whatever......
But you two obviously can't answer a simple question...... Why won't Obama just to end this whole crap issue, just show his original birth certificate and this is DONE....?
So I don't want the lame answer STL stated...HE HAS......FINE
why wont he show his original and be done? I am sure a liberal will come back with some whacked out answer and some big story I dont care about, but I am hoping one liberal here can answer that? I know you are not Obama and cant make this decision, but give me your best reason why he wont...
Again, in simple English,
He has.
Anyone's refusal to accept that is their choice. People refuse to accept simple facts all of the time. But every state in the Union accepted it, congress accepted it, the senate accepted it, the supreme court accepts it and the military (they have followed all of his orders thus far) have accepted it. In the end that is all that matters. He was sworn in. And if he wins again in 2012, he'll be sworn in again.
But what do you think of my social security payments being frozen until a "long form" certificate is shown idea?
STL... You clearly are a liberal whose brain hasn't fully devoloped! :)
Why do you believe Obama won't show his original birth certificate (he's only shown a copy) to everyone and this whole issue can be laid to rest?
If you come back with HE HAS, then you truly are an idiot! I don't understand why you can't answer that!
LOL
My brain isn't fully developed?
You are the one who is on a fools quest. And clearly no form of logic or fact will change your mind. That is the sign of an underdeveloped intellect. You apparently believe yourself to be smarter than the state of Hawaii and the entire Federal Government.
What part of, in most states at least, you simply can not get your "original" birth certificate. There is no guarantee that the state even has it.
I gave you examples how in my state this would be an impossible task for anyone to accomplish. Jesus himself couldn't get a hold of his "original" birth certificate, if he were born in Missouri. Apparently the same holds true in Hawaii.
The state issues you a sealed or stamped, (depending on the state), copy of your birth certificate when you request one. And this official, state issued form of identification is universally accepted by every employer, government agency, school district, the military, judge, insurance company and private institution in the country. So all of these people and agencies can accept that with no problem, but Donald Trump questions it's validity? Really?
The repeated demand for for something that is impossible to obtain is nonsensical. That is why I proposed demanding the "original, long form" birth certificate be shown by social security recipients. Why not? Since it is so easy to obtain, right? Sounds stupid doesn't it? Well demanding old folks to come up with the impossible is just as stupid as demanding that your president do the same.
His birth certificate was accepted by everyone that matters. Even the legitimate Republicans think that this entire issue is silly and counter productive.
Call me liberal all you like. But fact is you are demonstrating the typical right wing behavior of repeating the same lie over and over hoping makes it true. Despite all facts and all evidence proving you wrong. The same right wing habit of being unable to actually think critically and logically. And simply ignoring any facts that run counter to whatever position you have at the time.
You may not like the president. You may disagree with everything he does. But an intelligent person would attack him on the issues or on his policies. Not simply make up silly and childish accusations.
 Is it Election Day, November 2012 yet?
Come on Obamba, don't destroy all those Socialist dreams just because of a simple controversial birth certificate.
44 presidents 43 BC ...whats wrong with this picture??
My God! Trump has all this money and can't afford a better hair do! Gesssh! It looks like a bird flew in for a landing on the top of his head. Oh, excuse me. I got carried away there for a moment. As for the "birther' bs, it's the only platform the Republicans have. The issues of debate should be on what they can do to better the economy, jobs, healthcare reform, fraud and abuse, etc,etc. Well, we all know they can't debate on those issues of course. The GOP is in the House yall, what have they accomplished? They know the answer to that, so, they move to birther crap again. It's their way of getting the American people to focus more on Obama than them. The good is............it ain't working.
 ...
It is obvious that the Obama sheeple are still walking around with the wool pulled over their eyes. In their defense I will give them credit for loyalty but also say that most of the sheeple are uneducated and don't understand the ramifications of being followers and not independent thinkers. I refuse to believe that a group of people as a whole can be so stupid. It must be something in the kool-aid they have been drinking.
Their only defense has been making fun of Mr. Trumps hairdo or still putting all the blame on President Bush. Come on people, remove the dunce hats and start thinking. This is no longer President Bush's administration so Obama needs to step up and accept the blame and shame he has forced on our country. If he is unable to lead our country in the right direction, then he should step down and let a real leader take over. You can't make a silk purse out os a sow's ear and you can't make a leader out of a community organizer, Fact.
You win the irony award today. Congratulations.
rangewolf.... You got that right.... Libs don't know how to behave unless they call someone a name.
Awesome generalization, Patty.
Donald Trump can't produce his own birth certificate:
Donald -- you don't even believe this BS yourself. You're a con artist, a dirt ball but you're not stupid and following the birthers is stupid.
Wow, is this how msnbc actually works? I haven't watched that station, but I can guarantee you I won't be watching in the future. No wonder you lefties are so uninformed.
Trump put those two in their place...... Go Trump!
When Obama was born there was a long form, with hospital named, doctor's name and signature, footprint and other details, AND you could get the generic short form, that he's posted. You should also be able to get a signed birth certificate from the hospital your kids were born in. The one Obama posted could be obtained by anyone who walked in requesting it. I have both my short form, and long form, which is the REAL one. In fact it's a matter of national security and a Constitutional requirement that our POTUS must prove his eligibility, and identification. To date, Obama has not.
Bull Sh!t.
If this was true, TomP54, then why hasn't Congress begun impeachment proceedings? It's clear the Republicans in power right now have no loss-of-love for the President and it seems logical that they would jump at this opportunity.
I'll ask again: why haven't the people you, and your ilk, voted into power taking steps to remove the allegedly illegal POTUS?
You, Chuck, and Savannah have about the same common sense, credibility and debating skills...
ZERO
LOL!
Now you're just pouting. It's cute.
Who exactly is responsible for the varification of a presidentee's birth certificate and credentials???
In this case, it was the DNC and the speaker Nancy Pelosi that was responsible.
oh well then, we can all rest easy if Pelosi verified it.
Birther fool.
Thermen... Have you ever spoken without calling someone names?
Anyone who is a birther is a racist or just plain dumb. President Obama was born in the United States, and that is a fact. His birth Certificate has been provided.
So, face the facts and quit acting like idiots. You do know that the birthers are laughed at by the whole world and you people are known as pure idiots.
All you libs seem to be able to do is call names, insult, and play the race card. Typical fascist behavior.
Tom,
It's a fact. Anyone who is a birther is a racist or just plain dumb. You need to get an education.
he's only doing this to get sarah "a moose in every pot and a bun in every oven" palin off the front page so the republicans can get down to the serious business of nomination hillary for president. lieberman uber alles!
http://politiqsbyjonq.wordpress.com/
The man is NOT a total idiot.
Sometimes, he just acts like one.
The birther thing isn't all the republicans have. Abortion and shifting wealth from the middle class to the top 2%. Also, cut education and defund the EPA. Union breaking and guns. Make being gay illegal. Muslims and Mexicans.
and just for the record McCain was born on military base in panama which considers US soil ..for some of you morons who dont even know theyr own country laws
hows that hope and change working out for ya? u douchbags!!!
I think I can figure out the typos but still don't understand what you are talking about. McCain lost and says he won't run again.
and don't forget about Michelle Bachmann. she's from neptune, isn't she?
It working great. How is that Tea Bagger stuff working for you bag boy.
Both Palin and Bachmann are from Uranus.