Obama Today Show Interview: Tea Party Built Around 'Core Group' Who Question His Citizenship, Believe He's Socialist (VIDEO)

WASHINGTON (Associated Press) — President Barack Obama says he believes the Tea Party is built around a "core group" of people who question whether he is a U.S. citizen and believe he is a socialist.

But beyond that, Obama tells NBC he recognizes the movement involves "folks who have legitimate concerns" about the national debt and whether the government is taking on too many difficult issues simultaneously.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

In an interview broadcast Tuesday on NBC's "Today" show, Obama said he feels "there's still going to be a group at their core that question my legitimacy." But he said he didn't want to paint Tea Party activists "in broad brushes" and he hopes to win over members who have "mainstream, legitimate concerns."

Comments

[nicothebaker]

03:50 PM on 04/01/2010

Why is President Obama campaigning for a healthcare bill that has already been signed into law? At what point will he stop campaigning and start that "laser-like" focus on jobs that he promised during his SOTU speech. Why the constant pep rallies for a bill that has been signed ?

[deedsresearcher]

04:26 PM on 04/01/2010

Simple reason. He knows. He KNOWS this piece of "merde" is in trouble. There is a very real chance his "crowning glory" will be ruled Unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court. So naturally, he's trying to pull in every last "favor" in order to con his voters into pushing Congress to find a way to keep it on the books.

The man is so desparate that he will stop at nothing to keep his little plan.

May his failure be grand, as his disgusting administration gets flushed down the toilet of history.

[nicothebaker]

04:38 PM on 04/01/2010

Absolutely!!!!! He looks more like a head cheerleader than a President when he is pimpin the bill and attackin all those terrible Insurance companies. How many people do these Insurance companies employ? Is the outlook that bleak that he has to go on television constantly?

[HeraSentMe]

08:22 PM on 04/01/2010

Health care reform will not be struck down by the courts.

[AverageJose007]

10:20 AM on 04/01/2010

Don't worry be sheeple.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaQNACwaLw

[DeeFromTheD]

02:57 AM on 04/01/2010

Bret Baier, this how you conduct an interview with The President of The United States.

[Fight4aBetterLifeOrg]

12:49 PM on 04/01/2010

Amazing to see all that mutual respect isn't it? ;-)

[deedsresearcher]

04:30 PM on 04/01/2010

Sonny, Obama didn't answer Mr. Baier's questions. He hopped and skipped and jumped all over the place, but when he was asked a question where a "yes" or "no" would have been sufficient, his became more and more evasive.

Sorry, but I don't blame Mr. Baier for "interrupting" Obama. The man asked him a question during an interview, and Obama woul[d not give him an honest answer.

One term and out for Obama.

Let's be thankful for that!

[DeeFromTheD]

05:29 PM on 04/01/2010

"Sonny", you sound really old. First of all I'm a "Darling", not a "Sonny". Second, you summed up the "so-called" interview which you said, "I don't blame Mr. Baier for "interrupting" Obama". The key word "interrupting".

[TeraWatt60]

09:13 PM on 03/31/2010

I'd like to dedicate this video to the Tea Baggers and other ignorant knuckle dragger Conservatives...others may have their own "messages" for you...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djg0j_ye28A by Blondie from "Parallel Lines"

[nicothebaker]

06:36 PM on 03/31/2010

This healthcare plan stinks more and more with each light of day, just like the current administration. No concern for jobs or the economy, just irresponsible, unsustainable spending. 2010 should be a cakewalk.

[TeraWatt60]

09:35 PM on 03/31/2010

Where were you 2001-2009 you idiot...were you complaining about ridiculous tax cuts for 1% of the population, while fighting two wars off budget, while people were being tortured(yes tortured) in your name...I and many other are really sick of your two-faced ignorance...

[nicothebaker]

12:08 PM on 04/01/2010

Thanks for the insult!! It seems that there are alot of "idiots" out there. The difference is that here are were the "useful idiots" reside. Todays Gallup/USA for you:http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2010-03-31-poll_N.htm

[deedsresearcher]

04:36 PM on 04/01/2010

Terrorists being tortured? How terrible!!!!

So what do you call it when almost 3000 INNOCENT PEOPLE get buried under the rubble of the World Trade Center? At that point, son, all bets are off, and the kid gloves get thrown out. Terrorists have no rights. Let's make that plain and simple enough even for you to understand.

Frankly, I'm sick and tired of hearing people like you sobbing over terrorists. SCREW THEM! (And to the decent folks on this board, my apologies for using the strong terminology, but sometimes it's necessary to drive home a point to people such as Tera Watt60 and his ilk.)

Never mind using the civil courts. Terrorists declared war on us: haul their sorry rear ends into military courts, where they won't get the kid glove treatment.

[ancientgame]

10:29 PM on 03/31/2010

nicothebaker,

just keep telling yourself that person with pants on their head.
and remember to keep taking your orders from the (g)op...they'll love you for it, until they don't.
just saying...

[EconPadawan]

06:21 PM on 03/31/2010

If ObamaCare is a government takeover of health care how come we did not get single payer? Can a tea bagger answer me that?

[gcorleone]

06:43 PM on 03/31/2010

Dems voted with Reps against it.

Bipartisan opposition.

That usually means it's not a good bill.

Let's celebrate. yawn.

[TeraWatt60]

09:40 PM on 03/31/2010

and if a Rethug had voted for it (John SHadegg of AZ and Bob Bennett -UT) both said on CNN they were threatened with being "primaried" by drones like you... now why don't you go have a drink with Rhona Storms at the Mons Venus ....or do you prefer Katherine Harris

[TeraWatt60]

09:43 PM on 03/31/2010

Rhona always seemed like she would be comfortable in leather and stiletto heels whipping little boys like you who didn't behave like they are told to...

[gcorleone]

05:55 PM on 03/31/2010

Please, please people, realize what is the instigator of all of our problems:
Please gain perspective.

Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending
By STEVEN A. HOLMES
Published: September 30, 1999
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29— In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/30/business/fannie-mae-eases-credit-to-aid-mortgage-lending.html?sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all

10 years later:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration says it is removing the $400 billion financial cap it will provide to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to keep the mortgage giants from failing.

Treasury Department officials said the cap will be replaced with a flexible formula to ensure the companies will have all the government support needed to stand behind the billions of dollars in mortgage-backed securities they sell to investors.

Since the financial crisis hit last year, the Fannie and Freddie have received $111 billion in government infusions. While most analysts believe that the companies are unlikely to use the full $400 billion, the administration decided to remove the cap to eliminate any uncertainty about the government's commitments

http://www.wtsp.com/money/costing/story.aspx?storyid=120895&catid=34

Please people. Acknowledge what government does.

[TeraWatt60]

09:55 PM on 03/31/2010

Enron, Bear Stearns, Goldman Sachs, AIG , Wellpoint Health, BCBS you need to acknowledge that corporations are worse and are unaccountable

[TeraWatt60]

09:59 PM on 03/31/2010

you dipstick health care from "private" sector is an inherent conflict of interest (they lose their all mighty profit by paying claims ) if you think aetna, Cigna and Humana are altruistic organizations Tea Baggers you are more delusional than you appear with your crayon signs and racist rantings

[Patriotallday]

04:26 PM on 03/31/2010

-----The reason Obama is still going around trying to "sell" his government run health plan even after he signed it into law,,,is because the majority of Americans are vastly opposed to it. The Tea Party Movement will first work to de-fund Obamacare, and then work to have this mess of a bill repealed. ---------Just in the last week Verizon, Boeing, ATT & T, Caterpillar, John Deere and other companies have publicly stated Obamacare will cost their companies hundreds of millions of dollars in added operating costs which will force them to close plants and lay off workers. --- AT&T announced it would bear $1 billion in higher costs, Deere & Co., $150 million; Caterpillar, $100 million; AK Steel, $31 million; 3M, $90 million; and Valero Energy, up to $20 million. Similar announcements are expected in the coming days and weeks. According to CNN, “Health care law brings big cost for big companies. It hasn’t even been a week since President Obama signed sweeping health care legislation, but several companies already have warned shareholders they expect to take a hit.---Not only is Obamacare unconstitutional,,,it is a job killer.

[truteller]

05:23 PM on 03/31/2010

OHHHHH BIRDS!!! BIRDS!!!!

[postman66]

05:31 PM on 03/31/2010

Nonsense

Don't Panic: Health-Care Hit Is Minimal
The health-reform law is forcing companies to take large earnings charges related to retiree drug benefits. But the charges mean little in terms of company valuations, say analysts.

http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/14486293/c_14487253?f=home_todayinfinance

[gcorleone]

06:11 PM on 03/31/2010

Yeah we know, what's a couple hundred million.
Yawn. right?

[CanUFeel2012]

03:07 PM on 03/31/2010

The Fact is T-Bags had so many opportunities to stand up for our country when the republicans were ruining it,...

They did nothing, They didn't speak up,They didn't cry dictator, they didn't want a revolution,

They did nothing,...

6 months into Pres. Obamas term, They have a movement, They have a cause, They have a sense of responsibility for our country,...

Who knew all they needed was a Black Man becoming president to rile them up.....

[PathofTotality]

03:10 PM on 03/31/2010

WOW, your being generous with 6 months. I would have said 6 days.

[CanUFeel2012]

04:31 PM on 03/31/2010

6 hours,...

[Jonah712]

03:42 PM on 03/31/2010

Since Obama brought up his eligibility, maybe we should take a good look at his records…….

What is Obama hiding?
Why Can Obama Keep College Papers Hidden
http://www.scribd.com/doc/17682329/Why-Can-Obama-Keep-College-Papers-Hidden

The Obama Files
http://www.theobamafile.com/index_next_eligibility.html

84 posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 2:27:06 PM by Jonah Vark (Any 5th grader knows that the Constitution declares the separation of powers. President Obama, get)

[TeraWatt60]

03:51 PM on 03/31/2010

The aliens called they want their implant back...

[Daniel Carr]

04:24 PM on 03/31/2010

Alcoa called and they want their tinfoil back.

[CanUFeel2012]

02:16 PM on 03/31/2010

8 LONG WASTED years of Bush, Lies, Tor ture and the ruining of our country ,... NO TEA-BAGS,....

Black Man becomes president and ALL H 3LL breaks loose,....

[FDRstar]

02:12 PM on 03/31/2010

The good about the Tea Party is after a while everyone just go home and sleep it off, while those that dont party Get 'R" Done. {lol}

[FDRstar]

01:49 PM on 03/31/2010

I'm glad to have a PRESIDENT that won't sink to the level of the so called Tea Party. I refuse to believe that they are acting a fool, because of what PRESIDENT Obama do or don't do, and most adults know that they behave just as bad at home too, sorry for the children of that household. All they seem to do is disturb the peace with their " Alice In Wonderland" ways. Only an idiot can believe half of what they say as fact, and as for the rest, we wish they go somewhere and sit down quieitly.

[Bronxdude]

01:27 PM on 03/31/2010

Structural change invariably generates anxiety and fear, which was the case in 1964 when President Johnson pushed the Civil Rights Act through Congress. Dixiecrats were comfortable with the status quo and wrongly believed that granting Black Americans equal protection under the Constitution would somehow destabilize America, both economically and politically. With regard to insurance reform, the same type of baseless fear is rearing its ugly head in 2009. For Fox “News” and their republican cheerleaders, fear mongering proliferated through vicious lies is the preferred weapon of choice, and the disgusting success of their disinformation campaign is quite apparent: 45% of republicans believe that Hawaii is a foreign country, 53% believe Obama is the antichrist, 84% believe Obama is a “Manchurian Candidate” planted by China, 57% equate Obama with Hitler, and 92% believe that Medicare is not socialized healthcare. It’s no surprise that the epicenter of reform opposition originates in the hinterlands of sparsely populated, undeveloped, uneducated, culturally isolated, and unsophisticated Southern states. Georgia and Alabama rank at the bottom on every public health indicator monitored by CDC and DHHS, yet Southern republicans oppose reform. Life expectancy in Alabama is equal to Haiti. Not surprisingly, however, republicans from Southern states rank at the top when it comes to soliciting pork barrel projects and accepting payoffs from parasitic insurers like UnitedDeathcare.

[its miller time]

12:52 PM on 03/31/2010

Commented Mar 31, 2010 at 00:02:07 in Politics Repost

“It can't be denied that there is a large number of people who have lost a lot and don't know
where to turn. They feel guilty if they have a family, their family unit is suffering emotionally,
and there is no relief in sight for them. They feel lost and alone and don't know where to turn.

They feel let down by the Government, because they have yet to personally feel any of the
relief Washington, Bank and Corporations are feeling. They know it isn't logical to blame
one man, the President, but that is where everyone else's anger is directed so they start
doing it as well because someone is to blame for all of this.

Then they attend a speech or a peaceful protest only to get caught up in the mob mentality
of it and before they know it they are doing and saying things they never thought they would do.
These people have to distinguish themselves by separating themselves from the others
who have more than frustration and anger to express. If they don't they will loose more of them
selves into this movement that is nothing more than a group of angry, hateful, anti government,
radicals who are also racists. A group growing in numbers, who are here to stay and it is a
group that is simmering and are on the verge of an awful explosionRepost

[gcorleone]

12:33 PM on 03/31/2010

This morning I went to sign my Dogs up for welfare. At first the lady said, "Dogs are not eligible to draw welfare". So I explained to her that my Dogs are mixed in color, unemployed, lazy, can't speak English and have no frigging clue who their Daddys are. They expect me to feed them, provide them with housing and medical care, and feel guilty because they are dogs.

So she looked in her policy book to see what it takes to qualify. My Dogs get their first checks Friday.

Damn this is a great country

[Garybot]

01:52 PM on 03/31/2010

Can they get on health care too? We spend more on our dog's health care than our own.

Hmmmm - maybe Medicaid....

[sweetlove4motherearth]

04:14 PM on 03/31/2010

you really need to seek professional help. i rarely feel bad for people with such problems, but you are a special case. please, even if you don't have any family or friends, someone will love you one day and you will be accepted. you don't have to be afraid anymore.