With Ben Carson and Donald Trump in the hot seat over issues related to Islam, Hillary Clinton’s role in spreading rumors that Barack Obama may be a Muslim is receiving renewed scrutiny this week.
Today on “Morning Joe,” the panel reminded the audience that it was the former Secretary of State who stoked rumors about the President’s religious affiliation when she appeared on 60 Minutes years ago and refused to say Obama was a Christian (nor rule out he was a Muslim) without adding a caveat.
“As far as I know,” he’s not a Muslim, Clinton said with a hint of mystery during the 2008 campaign.
>>>Here is how the discussion went down this morning:
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: When it all started with her and her campaign passing things around in the Democratic primary. Rich! Now listen.
MIKA: “He says he is.” [Mika quoting Hillary from 60 Minutes interview in 2008 in which she was asked if Obama Christian.]
JOE: 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: We’re just telling the truth. Sorry.
JOE: 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: That there the ones that spread it in 2008?
FORD: That spread what in 2008?
JOE: 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 —
FORD: I don’t recall that but if you’re telling me that was the case, I just don’t recall it.
JOE: John Heilemann?
JOHN HEILEMANN: It was the case.
JOE: It was the case. Thank you John Heilemann.
