Monday, September 19, 2016

Fact Check: Trump's Claim Hillary Campaign Started Obama Birther Story

In putting the Obama "Birther" story behind him, Donald Trump said this: "Hillary Clinton and her campaign of 2008 started the birther controversy. I finished it."

Almost immediately members of the press and supporters of Mrs. Clinton came to her defense by saying that her campaign had nothing to do with the birther story.  And, for sure, there is no direct evidence that it had.

However, there seems to be a strong connection to Hillary through someone called Sydney Blumenthal; a long time, close friend of both Hillary and Bill Clinton's, who was also known to play the roll of hatchet-man for them.  This was especially true during the 2008 primary race between Clinton and Obama.  So much so, that Obama banned Hillary from bringing Blumenthal on board when she was appointed Secretary of State.

Just recently, following Trump's comment, McClatchy papers decided to set the record straight on who started the birther movement.  And, guess what?  The pitch that Obama was not born in the U.S.A., was started by a volunteer to the Clinton campaign in Iowa and who was subsequently fired, and by none-other than close friend of the Clinton's, Sydney Blumenthal.  What a coincidence on the latter.

I'm quite sure that neither Hillary nor Sydney would admit working together on this, but there sure seems to be a bit of "smoke" there.  Something that always seems to follow Hillary Clinton around.

References:

No, Hillary Clinton did not start the 'birther' movement: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/09/16/no-hillary-clinton-did-not-start-birther-movement/90500762/

2 Clinton supporters in ’08 reportedly shared Obama ‘birther’ story: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article102354777.html

Why Blumenthal Was Banned: http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/418670/why-blumenthal-was-banned-rich-lowry

NYT: Banned from State Dep’t, Clinton Foundation crony advised Hillary on Libya anyway — while pursuing business there: http://hotair.com/archives/2015/05/18/nyt-banned-from-state-dept-clinton-foundation-crony-advised-hillary-on-libya-while-trying-to-drum-up-business-there/

Who Is Sidney Blumenthal? - WSJ: https://www.google.com/search?q=Who+Is+Sidney+Blumenthal%3F+-+WSJ&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

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