John Heilemann confirms that during the 2008 presidential race, it was Hillary Clinton who started the rumor that Barack Obama might not be a Christian.
The Right Wing has taken this point and used it to defend (deflect criticism of) Donald Trump for his failing to criticize his supporter who claimed at a recent New Hampshire rally that President Obama is a Muslim and that we have a big problem in this country... Muslims.
As ye sow, so shall ye reap.
Link
Joe Scarborough: I have to say one other thing, too. It was rich this weekend--I guess we have to get our digs in on Hillary Clinton here. I thought we were going to get through a segment out without talking about her. For Hillary Clinton to come out and criticize anybody for spreading the rumors about Barack Obama when it all started.
Mika Brzezinski: On 60 Minutes.
Joe Scarborough: When it all started with her and her campaign passing things around in the Democratic primary. Rich! Now listen.
Mika Brzezinski: "He says he is." [Mika quoting Hillary from 60 Minutes interview in 2008 in which she was asked if Obama Christian.]
Joe Scarborough: The Republicans are wrong for doing what they're doing. It started, this started with Hillary Clinton and it was spread by the Clinton team.
Mika Brzezinski: We're just telling the truth. Sorry.
Joe Scarborough: Back in 2008.
MIKA: Harold, please: don't, don't.
HAROLD FORD, JR.: But Mika, you can't tell me to stop when you, when the two of you are making comments. If there's a basis, an actual evidentiary basis for your comments then I would agree with it.
Joe Scarborough: That there the ones that spread it in 2008?
Harold Ford: That spread what in 2008?
Joe Scarborough: That Barack Obama may not be, that Barack Obama may not be Christian.
Steve Rattner: We should ask Heilemann this question, because he's the official --
Harold Ford: I don't recall that but if you're telling me that was the case, I just don't recall it.
Joe Scarborough: John Heilemann?
John Heilemann: It was the case.
Joe Scarborough: It was the case. Thank you John Heilemann.
Mika Brzezinski: And didn't she go on 60 Minutes and no actually not say no, he says he is? What was that, Harold?
HEILEMANN: I'm offering my, I'm affirming, I'm affirming, I'm affirming the Scarborough/Brzezinski...
Too, also:
Obama campaign manager David Plouffe accused Clinton's campaign of "the most shameful, offensive fear-mongering we've seen from either party in this election."
Clinton campaign manager Maggie Williams said the Obama campaign's reaction was inflaming passions and distracting voters.
"Enough," Williams said in a statement. "If Barack Obama's campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed. Hillary Clinton has worn the traditional clothing of countries she has visited and had those photos published widely.
"This is nothing more than an obvious and transparent attempt to distract from the serious issues confronting our country today and to attempt to create the very divisions they claim to decry."