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AP
President Obama addresses the press and discusses the release of a longer-form birth certificate that reaffirms he was born in Hawaii.
From NBC's Athena Jones
President Obama spoke to the press this morning after the White House released his birth certificate for a second time.
The papers -- handed out during an off-camera "gaggle" in the briefing room early today -- were described by Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer as "the president's long-form birth certificate" and the correspondence between the president's lawyer and the Hawaii State Department of Health that led to the release of the documents.
The so-called birther issue has dogged Obama since the presidential campaign and Donald Trump, a potential Republican candidate for president, has repeatedly questioned the president's place of birth in recent days.
During the morning briefing, which was also attended by White House Counsel Bob Bauer, Pfeiffer told the press that the campaign requested the birth certificate from the state of Hawaii in 2008 and posted it on the campaign web site once they received it. He said independent fact checkers had inspected the document at his campaign headquarters and "declared that it was proof positive that he was born in Hawaii."
Noting that the networks were breaking in to cover his statement, Obama said he could not get this kind of coverage for "all kinds of other discussions" like national security and went on the blast the press for focusing on an issue he believes is a distraction. Still, today's remarks were notable because they marked the first time the president has addressed the issue of his place of birth in such an extensive, public and high-profile way, despite sometimes making jokes about what his administration has treated as a fake controversy.
The president said he had "watched with bemusement" and been "puzzled" by the degree to which the issue of his place of birth has continued to make headlines, particularly earlier this month when the Republican House put forward its budget and he gave a speech about his own budget priorities.
While saying he would not normally address such an issue, he said he wanted "to make a larger point" in speaking today and to encourage the media and the American people to focus on these and other issues, like the budget debate ahead.
"I'm confident the American people and America's political leaders can come together in a bipartisan way and solve these problems," he said, before going on the warn, "We're not gonna be able to solve our problems if we get distracted by sideshows and carnival barkers."
He said, "We live in a serious time" right now and it's possible to deal with the issues in a way that will make our children and grandchildren proud.
Obama acknowledged this latest release of documents would not please everyone.
"I know that there's gonna be a segment of people for which, no matter what we put out, this issue will not be put to rest, but I'm speaking to the vast majority of the American people as well as to the press," he said. "We do not have time for this kind of silliness. We've got better stuff to do."
Pfeiffer said the birth certificate handed out to the press today was the same document that every Hawaiian receives when they contact the state to request their birth certificate and the same one they take to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get their driver's license and that they take to the federal government to get their passport. "It is a legally recognized document."
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First off, Obama they are not carnival barkers. They are the people, your boss. Not your subject, your boss. Now that we have that clear. Thank you for finally putting the proof out there for all to see. Should of been there in the first place. I'm an old time paper pusher and you messed up again as far as I can see. This is not a raised seal copy. Please just do it right the first time from now on. Stop being a screw off. Either you or your paper pushers are upsetting lots of people with the incompetence routine.
you my friend are the problem here in America. We are mired in stupidity and ignorance. We have become the laughing stock of the world because of these silly issues. I do not blame Obama for deriding the idiot fringe. I think it is a testament to his patience
Carnival Barkers,,,,i thought that was very kind of "President" Obama to use a term so light. After all the names that came out of the Republican/Baggers Party over the last 2 years ,,,or more, about President Obama's birth certificate even after government officials from HI certified them as being authentic and true,,he could have been much more harsh with his choice of words. Carnival Barker,,,sounds about right for the people who have done most of the "Barking" I myself would have used words like,,,,never mind,,I'd get in trouble if i said them,,,goes to show you the class our President has,,bet he never even thought of the ones i did. "wink"
Call these birthers what they are. Racist.
President Obama is always going to be a class act. He won't sink to their level. Every time he speaks he reminds us why we voted an adult into the White House.
No, they are the aluminum foil hat crowd, and even the word "crowd" is being generous, as, except for here, on the internet, they do not seem very numerous.
I would have called them a lot worse.
Birthers.
I'm hopeful this straightens things out for you crazies. Hopeful but not betting on it afterall ...
You Can't Fix Stupid.
i saw mr trump on fox news taking credit for having president oboma show his birth certificate. peolpe cant you see that this is all political. for all you birthers and racist who really pushed this issue, you are really going to be hurt when mr oboma is reelected in 2012. you have really made a lot of the electra angry.
he will be relected. no one else stands a chance.
Commonsense,,,the GOP would do well if they had your head,,,,but they don't ! You are so right, I can't wait to vote for him again.
You are dreaming and this is the cause, you spend the day quoting idiocies. You think you can help guide the uneducated. The majority KNOWS we have an ILLEGAL LYING half black Bastard in the white house. Daily we see all the lies being used to lead the media and you inept sheeple down the trail. Liberals hang together, it's easier than getting educated.
The majority does not know that, the minority thinks they know that. Majority means more than half, and you can't know something that hasnt been proven. You can think you know something all you want, but there is so little evidence that just doesnt hold up...
Amy--you are right---I was so excited the night President Obama was elected because I thought---now we can move forward as a country with this barrier crossed. Sadly I was wrong. There is no courage in the Republican party to address this racism and that is sad.
I think the Steelers suck. Does that make me a racist because they have a black head coach? I disagreed with the play calling on offense and defense during the super bowl. Am I a racist?
Being a quasi Vikings fan, I am actually mad at the ownership for not recognizing what they had in Coach Tomlin. But, I guess I am still a racist because I don't like the play calling and disagree with him because it must be because he is black.
There is NO RACISM except in your idiotic liberal party and administration. You've used and abused the term so much in the last 2 years it means NOTHING anymore. You and media think you're really accomplishing something by calling someone racist, what a waste.
Jesus: to the crippled woman, "You are healed" and she immediately stood straight up.
Pharisees: We don't care, you did it on the Sabbath Day!! Crucify Him!
Bottomline: If you have a hard heart, filled with hatred, even Jesus himself could do no right!!!
Luke 13: 10 - 17
Well it's time I throw my two cents in for the day. In my humble opinion the only reason we are in such turmoil is because the old establishment does not want to respect the intelligence of the president because he is "BLACK". they want us to believe that he is incapable of the job, they cant stand the fact that an african american can uphold his morals and do what is better for mankind and for all humanity. they plan to make him fail so they can say "I TOLD YOU" he was unworthy"
It has not been that long iago n our history that the black race was considered inferior, those same people in the higest offices in the land today are among the same people who looked down their noses at anyone not caucasion when they were teens. their privilage is at stake. they want you to believe that this man is failing when all that he has tried to do is put this country on a solid foundation and prepare everyone for a brighter future.
That wont happen because the established so called "masters of the universe" still call the shots behind cloesd doors. You can see it in their faces, here it in their words, and now you will feel it because of their actions, all because they want our president to fail. damn what happens to our country.
It is time for them to go. if we do not take action then we are just as guilty . this is just one mans opinion.
I am with you all the way. You are so right on target. With help from people like you Trump will NOT be the card in 2012. It is time for us all to wake up and realize this country needs to bond together and work toward a future United States and leave all this nonsense behind. We cannot keep on with the status quo and expect to move forward. It is going to take work and perseverence from all of us in the US to make it work.
Commonsense same old idiotic comments. You always know what you get there. Could you enlighten the community do you work for , administration press room, move on .org,what uneducated liberals do you work for? Your messiah is doing a great job, many voters have commented NEVER vote for a black again, ODUMBO has given blacks the worst possible impression ever. They've lost 100 years under ODUMBO/ HOLDER racists administration. Talk about behind closed doors, correct open the white house let's see who the SOROS funded communist leaders are.
Obama says we need to do business at hand about gas prices, the national debt...blah blah blah, and not get distracted by SIDESHOWS and CARNIVAL BARKERS, yet he is going on the OPRAH show, and then CAMPAIGNING somewhere this week, ( i forget where, because I don't care). Seems like the OPRAH show is the biggest waste of his time, but I guess that's how you get a big check from her for your campaign fund.
You don't care? Of course you do, other wise you wouldn't have mentioned it. The Oprah show may be a waste of time, but I'll bet you'll be watching. Also, I would rather get a big contribution check from her than the Koch brothers.
Vicki, randomly capitalizing words doesn't make your point any better, just makes you look like you are off balance and can't control yourself.
Madison From NY,
A parent can not renounce a child's citizenship. Only the child can do that.
Now that the birth certificate issue is dead, you need somthing else to focus your hatred on. Good luck with that
Mr Trump - I know carnival barkers. I have worked with carnival barkers. You, sir, are no carnival barker.
The continuous racial drivel that comes from the mouths of the GOP, BAGGERS and BIRTHERS, is laughable, tell me one other President whose had to bring forth their birth certificate! Waiting? UH HUH, that's what I thought, no wonder you fools follow The Donald, you all live in a "reality TV show world" and have the IQ of a pea! This won't end it, now there will be some other conspiracy concocted like they built that Hawaiian Hospital back in the day so they could help in the cover up of a birth announcement for a future BLACK President OMG!! While we have soldiers dying, the middle east burning, our economy barley hanging on, this is what the GOP offers UP! Typical! Reminds me of Bush flying over NO during Katrina and thinking to himself, wow look at all those black people drowning, should I do something?
"you all live in a "reality TV show world" and have the IQ of a pea! ..... Reminds me of Bush flying over NO during Katrina and thinking to himself, wow look at all those black people drowning, should I do something?"
Pot meet kettle.
If the economy, jobs, currency, energy, oil supply, wars, foreign affairs, obamacare, waivers, union favoritism, enforcement of the laws of this country, on and on THEN maybe the BC would not be a issue! However, Obama has been so incompetent on all of the above, we want him out. And anything that causes the progressive lefties grief is fun and entertaining! :-))))).
Reason for Obama to go:
Obamacare
Energy policy
Big Sis
Attor. General
Sec. of Health
EPA
SEc. of Energy
judges
Bernacke
Fanny and Freddie
Sec. of Treasury
Getting rid of Obama is just the tip of the iceberg, getting him out will get Soros, and company out, plus all of the sycophants that serve him and are anti America jobs and economy. Things would get much better, much faster without Obama.
No matter who is in the white house, this country will only get on track when everyone starts to believe in the golden rule.
Obama 2012.
The crazies are still gonna say it's forged, cuz they are incapable of rational thinking. The USA has higher % of radical right crazies than any other nation in the Western World. Gail Collins in New York Times said 5%, I'd say it's at least 10% here. Maybe 5% in normal countries, but this isn't a normal country...
If I remember right, McCain was born on a US Military base...his father was in the army during his time of birth, hence the reason he was born in Panama. instant us citizen. duh
 Said he had better stuff to do..... So he is golfing in the middle of the week now?
No, that would be Boehner.
Ridiculous, that would mean he had a set of balls.
This was Obamas fault period if he would have released this like years ago none of this would have been an issue 8( he made it an issue....
Obama will go down as the worst president ever & he can only blame himself for his stupid actions.
Fortunately, independents will hold republicans accountable.
This truly demonstrates the Republicans with their Tea Party collaborators are irresponsible tricksters. They shirk responsibility to obsess over self-interest and special interests. Middle America has been abandoned by the Republicans. The Tea Party are simply uninformed, naive people that are discontent and have been manipulated by the Republicans.
These people defend low taxes for the wealthy; a gutting of the safety nets for middle America; defense of the very businesses that irresponsibly destroyed American manufacturing and financial systems; and a Republican Party that was kicked out of office three years ago because of corruption, incompetence, deceit and fiscal irresponsibility.
Without such carnival issues as the birth certificate, the Republican Party is a void of original thought and courageous leadership.
None of this would have been such a big deal if Obama had released this when asked during the 2008 campaign. Obama has no one to blame but himself for this debacle. It makes him look like an idiot and gives some credit to Donald Trump because it looks like Obama gave in to his demands. It's like a junior high boys contest.
I tried very hard to NOT comment... but, Lifeguard Mom, You obviously need to "catch up". Folk in the "know", knew the BC was legit over two years ago. Where in the hell have you been.
This, in no way, makes the President looks like he gave in to "the donald". The President did what was called for in this instance. He proved that donald is a complete a$$hole. He (donald) wants to take credit... for what? It's just a ploy to cover up his utter stupidity! You go donald....
Thank you Mr. President.... You are da bomb! And we love and support you!
Have a great day!
The media is as much to blame as those silly birthers for giving this non-issue so much press coverage. Do they still realize we have sons and daughters fighting overseas? This country is a mess and I seriously doubt we will ever recover...... I have absolutely no faith in either party and our leaders on both sides of the aisle and in all branches of government are completely and utterly ineffective!
Carnival Barkers beware. You are not allowed to question anything about this President or you will be singled out and ridiculed. You cannot and will not question Obama's spending habits, you will not question Health Care reform, the Stimulus Package or the wars in Afghanistan and Libya. You are not allowed to ask questions of this President unless it includes a compliment on his performance. If you do question this President, you are either a racist, a bigot or just a plain idiot. You have been warned! Oh, and all of the above goes for questioning liberal progressives too, just don't do it, sit back, relax and become uninvolved, they'll handle everything.
Such nonsense!
For all of those wondering why it too so long to produce the b.c. ask yourselves some questions like do you want to the world to see how you pick your nose or how you have to wear depends, or how you have a mole on your butt the size of Texas, or how you can't have sex or reproduce because you or a gelding, eunich she/he (vice versa).At no time prior in history has anyone ever had to produce any documentation to prove anything except when a person of a darker skintone took the office. Is it me or does this have the hue of racism. Can he have a little privacy or do you really need to know if he prefers briefs or boxers?
Of course the Pres is going to blame everybody else for blowing this way out of proportion when in fact he is the only person who has made a 3 ring circus out of this matter. This only proves what kind of person he really is. Had he displayed this 'birth certificate' when he was originally asked, it would have been completely forgaotten by now. But NOOOOOOO...!!!!!! Because of Obama making such a big deal out of this, and waiting so long to bring forth the this birth document that the conspiracy people will never ever let this die. I believe that he fits right in with Richard Nixon. He is out to drastically change this country, for whatever reason is lurking in the back of his mind. My only real problem is that he didn't grow up in America. As a child he grew up in Kenya. His values are not the same as someone who has grown up in this country. The choices that he makes are based on memories of experiences from Kenya.
I am happy that the President realizes that there are serious issues facing the nation and will perhaps take some time out from campaigning to address those issues.
It is a little ironic for the community organizert to call someone a carnival barker (though in this case it is hard to argue with the charecterization of Trump).
Hopefully, Trump will go away and Obama can return to governing a nation in fiscal crisis and get the debt limit, the 2012 budget and unemployment under control
Chris Matthews did not "fuel" the birther nonsense. He tried and tried to confront his birther guests with the truth, which they would not accept. He demonstrated the birthers' inability to consider the proven fact of the matter. A recent example his recent interview with Buchanan, who while not an avowed birther, is an apologist for them.
The First Amendment protects the right of any person to make a complete fool of himself. Trump's alleged "campaign" is a case in point, and Buchanan's pathetic defense of them follows closely. Thanks, Chris. Keep up the good work.
Why would Matthews have "bithers" on at all? If he ignored them and didn't give them a place to argue, the issue would not have been at the forefront.
apparently barry got enough play out of this issue, and the racist mantra. seeing an increase in trump popularity may likely be the reason he now released. one can only hope there is not another shoe waiting to drop that he used this card up now, rather than waiting until closer to the primary.
always pay attention the magicians hand that is not moving.
Birthers are still saying that Obama is not a citizen, despite the evidence. That's because the evidence doesn't address the real reason they are saying he's not a citizen.
Whenever birthers say "Obama's not a citizen" we need to understand that they really mean something else.
"Obama's not a citizen" really means "We don't like blacks in positions of authority over whites because it upsets the natural order".
No amount of birth evidence is going to address that.