Lake Charles, Louisiana (CNN) – During a question and answer session in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Wednesday, a man stood up and said that, among other things, President Obama "is a Muslim."
"I believe that Obama is not stupid," the man began. "I also believe that, number one, Obama is a Muslim."
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The man went on to say he also believes that Obama is a "student of Saul Alinsky," a man known for community organizing and whom Gingrich often calls out for his "radicalism."
The man did not pose a question but wanted a response from the presidential hopeful.
The former Speaker of the House answered the man, but he did not tell the man that Obama is not a Muslim.
"I believe this is a president who prefers power to prosperity and who follows policies that centralize power in the government," Gingrich began. "And if the price of that is that we're poorer and that we have fewer jobs and that we have less energy that's fine with him. It's a price he'll pay."
He added that he "agrees" regarding Alinsky.
"[Obama] is driven by a radicalism to remake America, and he doesn't frankly care what level of pain it causes the rest of us."
CNN later asked Gingrich about the question and the fact that he did not refute the man's premise.
"I believe President Obama is a Christian," Gingrich said. "He says he's a Christian, he went to a Christian church for over 20 years, and I believe him."
Gingrich spokesman R.C. Hammond added that Gingrich "has said several times in the past that he believes President Obama is a Christian."
"We also believe he is an American. We also believe he is a very nice guy."
Pressed by another reporter on the fact that he chose not to say that in front of the audience, Hammond insisted his candidate "has said it in front of audiences multiple times."
This is not the first time a presidential candidate has opted not to correct someone who has incorrectly identified Obama as a Muslim.
Back in January, Rick Santorum was posed a similar statement by a voter in Florida.
Asked why he chose not to correct the woman, Santorum told reporters it was "not his responsibility" as a candidate to correct everyone who make a mistake.
Also see:
Romney can't escape birth control questions in Illinois
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"We also believe he [Pres. Obama] is an American." Huh... "believe" not know? These folks are slimy semanticians to say the least. I don't believe this; I know it.
Gingrich did not show any class by failing to correct the man. The man must get his facts from Fox or one of those shock jock political entertainers like Limbaugh.
I think it is time for someone like Robert DeNiro to take Newt out to the back alley and explain to him how to be a real man,and a real American that respects his country or else send him to the Moon.
But, but, De Niro! White First Ladies! Blah blah blah Soros blah blah
All three major religion began in two country by similar people now who is who. Bless.
great job GOP.
i fail to understand that Obama being a muslim, why did he kill Osama?
It's amazing that Republicans address Romney as Governor Romney even though he isn't, and they address the President as "Obama". They can't even show enough respect for the office refer to him as President Obama. At least Senator Cain had the guts to correct a person calling President Obama a muslim during his run for the GOP. The currant group of GOP Presidential hopefuls are just that, hopefuls. They will never attain the office of President.
So then, Gingrich & Santorum are no different than Pontious Pilate
Just another reason why Gingrich, or any other GOPer, will lose to President Obama in the general election.
Can't wait until the first time a real Muslim wins the Presidency, all those right-winger heads that will explode in unison.
Oh well. We all know Newt is just an also ran now and any attention he can get is welcomed. This primary should end soon.
All he had to say is "I'm pretty sure a Muslim would not call for a beer summit", that way he would have avoided calling a supporter an idiot. I guess some people can't put 2 and 2 together and get 4.
Gingrich has become irrelevant and should step aside and let Romney continue to make a fool of himself- all by himself.
I truly love these candidates that cloak themselves in Christianity, as if proclaiming that status gives them a right to not only tolerate lies abd misconceptions, but to also promote those lies. Perhaps a sin omission is just as grievous. This pathetic man must surely realize that he is merely a joke at this point. Too bad he does not have a smidgeon of President Obama's class amd dignity.
Pressed by another reporter on the fact that he chose not to say that in front of the audience, Hammond insisted his candidate "has said it in front of audiences multiple times."
Links? Dates? Video proof? Places where the Newt said these statements?
Typical hatewing insanity from the radical right monster the GOBP created.
The man has a right to his opinion and it was not a question, he was stating his belief – agenda CNN???
There goes Gingrich gringriching again!
Gingrich: To orally spew Santorum causing people to Romney
Evil is running rampant in the teabag/gop party. Good luck with that losers.
Obama /biden 2012
another reason not to vote for newt, the obomination is not a christian and if newt is so ignorant that he does not know that murdering babies and sodomy in which the muslim obomination believes in then newt should not call himself a conservative. a conservative is clear cut! not one of them except newt would agree that the obomination is a christian and if they did/do they don't need to call themselves conservatives who believe in God because no where does it say God condones sodomy and murdering babies! conservatives have morals and values, quite the opposite from the obomination!!!
Greed and ignorance will run this country down.
If Newt Gingrich dressed up like Santa Clause , would you let your child sit on his lap ?
Theres a guy in Lake Charles who would !
Hmmm, the last time I checked Obama WAS 66% Muslim. Which is both a racial and religious term. So whats the beef???
I wonder if it embarasses Republican candidates that less educated people tend to be the ones to vote for them.
Good for Gingrich. It is not his place to correct what many believe. If Obama is so concerned about it maybe he should do less bowing to Arab sheiks and more standing up for America.