At the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Saturday night, President Barack Obama appeared cheerful. “Mahalo,” he greeted the applauding crowd, mocking some of his Republican opponents who have continued to challenge the legitimacy of his Hawaiian birth. He then showed his “official birth video,” or a scene from “The Lion King,” and reminded the Fox News attendees that the video was not, in fact, real. In short, while the dinner may not have been a shining moment for President Obama, it was a well-deserved jab at those who have continued to profit off of conservative America’s racist tendencies.
Attendee and public persona Donald Trump, who has been at the center of attention for his provocative statements regarding everything from the president’s birth status to his grades at Harvard University, was often the subject of Obama’s jokes. Surrounded by Congressmen and the Washington elite, Trump was essentially put to shame. The scene exemplified the president’s backbone and willingness to play a little bit dirty, two things Democrats have been worried about in light of growing Republican antagonism. But it’s distressing that the most powerful man in the United States has to answer to Trump and other bigots who, if nothing else, just want media attention.
Never in American history has a president been asked to reveal the details of his birth and never in American history have people such as Trump, who have no political credibility whatsoever, been able to muster two responses from a president. Sadly, this points to the public’s affection for whoever can shout the loudest. While it’s humorous of Obama to address bogus allegations by citing Disney movies, it’s annoying that he had to stoop to this level in an effort to refocus sidetracked politicians and Americans.
There is a select group of people, mostly Republican and conservative, who have raised questions about Obama’s credibility as a U.S.-born citizen. It’s no coincidence that these are the same people who attack, without rhyme or reason, organizations such as Planned Parenthood. If politicians think they have a shot at amassing support today, they are sure to do so if they appeal to people who are unwavering religious or even inclined toward racism. The fact that Trump and other Republicans called for, and are continuing to call for further evidence of, the president’s birth certificate is not based in legitimate concern but rather another way of rallying the right. If it weren’t just another example of political ambushing, it might have worked.
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