Politics

Robert Gibbs Cracks Rick Perry Birther Joke on MSNBC

Former Obama Press Secretary Robert Gibbs surfaced Tuesday morning on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and may have tipped the Democrats’ strategy regarding how they plan to attack newly-announced GOP candidate Rick Perry: label him a flip-flopper and try to paint him as a crazed Tea Partier and, yes, even a birther.

Responding to a question from Mark Halperin regarding Gibbs‘s thoughts on some of Perry’s comments in Iowa, Gibbs questioned Perry’s commitment to America for raising the issue of Texas seceding from the Union in 2009. But that was only the beginning. He then turned to the birther accusation.

“Any day now, Rick Perry will ask to see the president’s birth certificate,” Gibbs said. “But, look, these are the kind of crazy arguments that you have and the kind of crazy things that you’re going to see much, much more of, as each of the three candidates seeks to outdo each other to pledge allegiance to the tea party to pick this nominee:”

The birther accusation isn’t even worth discussing, so what about all the talk of secession? Did Perry really want to pull Texas from the Union?

Not really.

The Austin American-Statesman covered the controversy back in 2009 when the story was big. According to its report, Perry never advocated secession, but only defended Texas’s right to do so (being married to a Texan myself, I can tell you Texas’s right to seceed is frequently a boasting point). In fact, the second paragraph of the story says, “The idea of secession — which Perry did not endorse — surfaced suddenly Wednesday after Perry appeared at an anti-tax “tea party” at Austin City Hall, where some in his U.S. flag-waving audience shouted, ‘Secede!’”

That’s pretty clear. But it goes on:

According to The Associated Press, Perry suggested in response to a reporter’s question that Texans might at some point get so fed up with Democratic-led actions in Washington that they would want to secede.

“There’s a lot of different scenarios,” Perry said. “We’ve got a great union. There’s absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that? But Texas is a very unique place, and we’re a pretty independent lot to boot.”

On Thursday, Perry called potential secession a “side issue of Texas history. … We are very proud of our Texas history; people discuss and debate the issues of can we break ourselves into five states, can we secede, a lot of interesting things that I’m sure Oklahoma and Pennsylvania would love to be able to say about their states, but the fact is, they can‘t because they’re not Texas.”

A Perry spokeswoman said Perry believes Texas could secede if it wanted.

As the Statesman points out, defending a right to do something and advocating for it are two very different things.

The comments by Gibbs were in response to Perry allegedly questioning Obama’s patriotism. Perry said on Monday that Americans want a “president who is passionate about America.” When asked later if President Obama loves America, Perry told a reporter to “go ask him.”

He wasn’t done, though. Later he questioned the president’s fitness to be commander-in-chief:

“I think the military men and women respect the commander in chief regardless of who it is. I think they really like to see a person who’s worn the uniform in that office and, you know, I think that’s just a true statement and I wouldn’t back up off of it an inch,” Perry told a group of reporters trailing him on Monday. “Go ask your veterans if they’d rather see somebody who’s never served as the commander in chief.”

Welcome to campaign season.

Comments (197)

  • Sister_Mary
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:28am

    when you have nothing to stand on … jsut say’in – oh and on MSNBC he says it … the channel of IQ’s around 10 ….

    Report Post » Sister_Mary  
    • lillymckim
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 11:22am

      Before this idiot speaks he should have to say:

      “We inherited a AAA credit rating from Bush and we destroyed it” in less then two years.

      and I helped to get the man elected the man who can’t even run on his own record..
      President “Downgrade”

      Report Post » lillymckim  
    • drattastic
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 11:27am

      Now now ,don’t make stuff up, it’s ugly.Most national Polls say msnbc viewers have an average IQ of around 70.

      Report Post » drattastic  
    • Wayner
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 11:35am

      I’m not watching but is he still answering every question with … “uh,, uh,,uhh,, I mean uh,,, uhh uhh”?

      Report Post »  
    • Swamp B Gummer
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 11:41am

      I miss ole Bibbs, he was pure entertainment, he was the most brilliant dope I ever heard.

      Report Post »  
    • oregon scott
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 11:47am

      nothing to stand on is this man’s (obama) trade mark. I still fear that if it looks like he is losing, we will not actually have an election. That goes along with the black flash mobs now. just wait until he gets beat, and he will. If there is an election there is no way that this man can win legally, There was a reason for all the faked registrations in the last election.

      Report Post »  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:05pm

      .
      You mean Gibbs said an entire sentence without “Ah, …Um….”
      That’s a first.

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:40pm

      BOBBY?
      GO back underneath that rock and keep counting ALL the democrapdollars that Obummer pulls in with his fancy 35K dinners in NY

      BTW? Where were YOU born?
      ROFLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

      Report Post »  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 1:15pm

      Haven’t seen gibbs for awhile, and I certainly didn’t miss him…regarding the birth certificate thing with obama, hate to say it, but I’m still not satisfied…I believe its still a ruse.

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • Edct
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:37pm

      Since the half black muslim terrorist dictator does not have a legitimate birth certificate he should be immediately removed and impeached….so you can laugh about it but anyone with an IQ knows he is a fraud.

      Report Post »  
    • AvengerK
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:44pm

      Its’ all going to backfire on the left. Ridicule won’t cut it with the voter, not this time. Voters are serious about a very serious problem, the debt and government spending. So when Baghdad Bob tries his usual schtick it’s not going to fly.

      Report Post »  
    • KickinBack
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 3:41pm

      I‘m gonna throw a big ’ol party come election day next year. BBQ and beers and celebrating the termination of the jobs of these aholes.

      Report Post » KickinBack  
    • Marci
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 5:18pm

      Oh, Chief Propagandist Robert Fibbs comes out again—this guy is 100% dolt. As for the birth certificate issue, when the president quits playing and releases the real thing, no one will say a thing. However, I think he does it ON purpose to keep the issue alive. Continuing to call America birthers and racists is not going to fly over this time—-people are not intimidated as easily. Mainly because we know the ONLY people who buy into the nonsense were going to vote for Obama anyway. Idiots. They no longer count in the grand scheme of things.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • v-vet1968
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 8:10pm

      maybe he should engage his brain before opening his mouth, forgot he has no brain?????????

      Report Post »  
  • patriot1958
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:25am

    He IS the joke

    Report Post »  
    • Maji
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:10pm

      Ahhh…. NY have another “sewer breach”??
      That would explain his reapperance.

      Report Post »  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:23am

    Dorks, dorks, dorks; a sad little unwatchable group of idiots on “Morning Blow”

    Report Post »  
  • Tom21773
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:23am

    Hey, if I thought Rick Perry would demand to see the “real” birth certificate, and upon not getting it, would call for the imprisonment for treason of every bo supporter, including bo, I would vote for him.

    Report Post »  
    • Vickie Dhaene
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:46am

      I agree. I believe that my opinion differs from the author of this article. I believe it should be brought up again and policies this imposter has written should be null and void. Gibbs is still a PIG.

      Report Post »  
    • IMPEACHBHO
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:53am

      Perry has stood up to BHO and his thugs more than ANY other Gov. in the U.S. He KNOWS BHO is destroying this country.

      Report Post » IMPEACHBHO  
    • quicker
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:01pm

      Perry is the govanor of Texas the only place Obama hates worst than Israel.He ignored us with wildfires ,gave shuttles to Other places than Texas .And Houston is a major player in the space program.Oh Obama played it up good to the illegals,but didn`t have time to veiw the wild fire damage.Perry is by no means perfect.And a lot of you people play up on some things .But ya`ll forget to mention that when he gets blowback he does`nt ram it down our throats,unlike what we have in office now.As for the Tsa thing ,we have a house leader named Strouse and he holds on to his leader ship row with the help of the democrats as he is most deffantly a RINO.Also keep in mind that the Lt.Govanor in most cases has more power here in Texas than the govanor.

      Report Post » quicker  
    • Aloha Kid
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 2:15pm

      Agree 100% with you and Vicki.
      “The birther accusation isn’t even worth discussing”
      Oh really Johnathan? Who are you to make such a statement when the Supreme Court Judges are “evading” the NBC issue? So you also took the fraudulent BC for face value? Might want to check with the real pro’s on this one, it’s been proven a forgery. After that check what our forefathers required for eligibility to become POTUS and remember Barry’s admission; “My father was a British Subject”. You possess the skills required, use them.

      Report Post »  
    • kabenninger
      Posted on August 19, 2011 at 7:28pm

      I really like Rick Perry – he‘s the first I’ve heard actually denounce the “climate warming” crap that’s been going on – so I believe he’ll take down EPA. As far as his wanting to succeed from the union – well, who in the hell doesn’t want to – I know I wish I had a governor here in Montana that would stick up for us – hell, I wish I had two senators, baucus and tester, who would do the same – good for Perry – he’s got my vote. wish I had a million bucks to give to his campaign!

      Report Post »  
  • inexiletill2012
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:21am

    I hope that America is opening her eyes to the reality that shows like this are nothing more than a mouthpiece for the DNC.

    Report Post » inexiletill2012  
  • avgconservative
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:20am

    Being from Oklahoma, and hating Longhorn football, I love Texas. Texas and Oklahoma have a long relationship, and if they ever decided to leave, I’m sure Oklahoma would go right along as the next state in the New United States. There’s not much difference between OK and TX when it comes to politics except our capital is full of conservatives, not San FranFreako’s.

    Report Post » avgconservative  
    • TOUGHTEXASMAMA
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 4:04pm

      Yeah, Austin is a constant source of embarrassment to most of us. I try to look on the bright side…at least they’re all gathered in one place so it is easy to avoid them.

      Report Post »  
    • eddyjames1952
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 2:20am

      That‘s not San Franfreako it’s San Fagsicko

      Report Post » eddyjames1952  
  • ares338
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:19am

    I am proud to be a birther. I don’t think the Islamist in the Oval Office is even human much less an American. I mean really; A Community Organizer as credentials for being President? If that traitor is elected again, we as Americans deserve our ignominious fate. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention his other main qualification for election. His skin tone. Liberals would have elected Idi Amen just to have a black president rather than vote for a deserving person who just happens to be black!

    Report Post » ares338  
  • drago
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:17am

    Funny how the left always attacks those they are most afraid of.Gibbs, crawl back in your hole with the other rats, no one cares what you have to say……idiot……

    Report Post »  
  • bill oswald
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:13am

    Gibbs is the biggest Boozo that came out of the Obama administration.

    Report Post »  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:44am

      Yeah, next to Obozo himself who happens to be the king of all azz clowns…..

      Report Post » biohazard23  
  • jcizarter
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:06am

    “Any day now, Rick Perry will ask to see the president’s birth certificate,” Gibbs said. ( This is a non issue because it is not real ) he should have said, “Any day now, Rick Perry will ask the Obamalypse to come out of the closet.”
    Gibbs brings up things that have not happened. Does he have a problem or two, LOL.

    Report Post » jcizarter  
  • powhatan
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:03am

    who gives a flying fig what the former press “secretary” says…

    Report Post » powhatan  
  • Stempy
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:59am

    Gibb’s five minutes of fame are overdue by four.

    Report Post » Stempy  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:57am

    Yet ANOTHER loser on BSLSD.

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • Locked
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:55am

    “Perry said on Monday that Americans want a “president who is passionate about America.” When asked later if President Obama loves America, Perry told a reporter to “go ask him.””

    Wow. It seems like Perry’s kind of a jerk. We’re back attempting to out pro-America’ing the other guy? Jeez man, argue issues, not some pithy ******* contest on patriotism. There’s plenty to bash Obama on, and he picks patriotism? Oy vey.

    Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:03am

      And name calling is really a good way to criticize someone.

      Report Post »  
    • ILUVAMERICA
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:11am

      Perry is another useful Idiot!
      He talks/ threatens to secede?????????
      He wants to break America UP????????????????????????????
      OMG!!!!! This guy is a NUT JOB!!!!!
      Ron Paul SERVED in the Armed Forces
      Ron Paul 2012!!!!!!

      Report Post » ILUVAMERICA  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:14am

      Look – if you are for Perry, someone has got to keep him from sticking his foot in his mouth which he seems to do frequently. Questioning the President’s patriotism is only going to make this Presidential campaign get dirtier and dirtier- which is not good for the candidates and not good for our country. Oh, wait – Karl Rove is advising Perry – wow there is going to be mud all over the place. http://wp.me/pYLB7-1ou

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:15am

      Oh don’t get me wrong, Gibbs is a loon. But Obama is criticized on his lack of class, and then Perry comes out with immature clips like this? Come on, he’s one of the best contenders right now, but I‘d like to see someone win because they’re actually presidential, not because “Hey, it’s better than Obama.”

      Report Post »  
    • JLGunner
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:30am

      His responce was on point. Why would you ask a man about another man’s convictions? Perry will make a good President. About him and wanting to secede from the Union, I can‘t say I didn’t feel the same when obamacare was announced. In fact, if barack does get reelected, I’m not so sure I would stay in this country. I’ll go work on some fishing boat in the carribean somewhere. I like Perry, I’m just worried about his stand on imigration.

      Report Post » JLGunner  
    • yazoo
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:57am

      The MSM often ask Conservative candidates these leading questions. They also could have asked Gov. Perry: if he thought Obama loved his wife, loved to eat a wiener on occasion, loved himself more than anyone else, loved attention, loved the pomp of being President more than the welfare of America, loved being the boss man, loved the sight of people pretending to faint when he spoke, loved his teleprompter, loved to see rich white people see their wealth destroyed. Whatever the question, the correct answer would be “go ask him”.

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 17, 2011 at 12:43pm

      He could have answered “He77 no, he’s trying to destroy America.” It was more of ask him, next question, please? He was answering a question, unlike Oblahblah who lies when he opens his mouth.

      Report Post »  
  • NuffSaid
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:55am

    The right to secede is not guaranteed by the Constitution. States voluntarily gave up that right when they ratified the Constitution. But what happens if the Constitution itself is abrogated by a Socialist tyrant and his gang? If there is no Constitution, what is there to secede from? The 911 Memorial in NYC? The incestuous generations of Washington DC?

    If one guy takes off his gloves, we all take off our gloves.

    Let the Obamnation fend for itself. Descent folks will secure the Constitution for themselves .Let the animals devour each other.

    Report Post »  
    • Locked
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:59am

      “Descent folks”

      Mole men?

      Report Post »  
    • sWampy
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:06am

      No, states lost that right when Lincoln murdered millions of Southerners in the war of northern aggression, took away all states rights, and assured the people of the citizens would eventually loose all our freedoms granted by the constitution.

      Report Post »  
    • DLG123
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:06am

      You should read the Texas Constitution which gives US the right to leave pretty much whenever we want. Texas was NOT around to “ratify” the Constitution. We gave up being the Republic of Texas to join the United States but retained the right to become our own nation again. Texas on it own would be fine. Plenty of Energy, a robust economy, a huge port… The only thing I would do if I were Texas was build three walls: First on the southern border, then on the northern border the the last one a GIANT wall that surrounds Austin… To keep all the hippies in the SanFran of the south in one location!

      Have a good day all
      DLG

      Report Post » DLG123  
    • thefnshow
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:18am

      texas was a country before it was a state therefore technically it is the only state that can seceed

      Report Post » thefnshow  
    • storm8259
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:20am

      Actually Texas has the right to break into 5 seperate states, not sucede. If they do sucede, good rifdance and say good bye to all the military bases, before you build that wall.

      Report Post » storm8259  
    • LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:45am

      @ thefnshow………..Texas is not the only State that was it’s own Country as you claim.
      I’ve been looking up States rights and found this …

      Vermont seceded from the British Empire in 1777 and stood free for 14 years, until 1791. Its constitution — which preceded the U.S. Constitution by more than a decade — was the first to prohibit slavery in the New World and to guarantee universal manhood suffrage. Vermont issued its own currency, ran its own postal service, developed its own foreign relations, grew its own food, made its own roads and paid for its own militia. No other state, not even Texas, governed itself more thoroughly or longer before giving up its nationhood and joining the Union.

      at this time I believe Texas was still part of the Spanish empire …………………….

      Report Post »  
    • Drakkhanlord
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 12:15pm

      Going to enjoy viewing all the Wind chimes and Yard decorations in DC …

      Everyone of these Traitorous and Seditious mofo’s will swing for their Crimes …

      Report Post » Drakkhanlord  
  • SREGN
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:55am

    But someone affiliated with Obama and the national socialist DEMOCRAT workers party wouldn’t lie, would they?

    Report Post »  
  • MONICNE
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:54am

    Michelle needs to submit to Governor Perry, who is her male superior, and who does indeed have a track record of DOING things instead of simply CHEERLEADING for the correct true-Christian outcome.

    After he becomes President, Governor Perry could assign Representative Bachmann to be his Christian Advocacy Czar Adviser (CACA). That way she could be officially critical and punishing to false Christians and blasphemers like the huge Gay Marriage Abortion Lobby (GMAL).

    In short; know your place, woman, SUBMIT, and stand behind a strong manly man.

    TEA

    Report Post » MONICNE  
    • Oil_Robb
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:06am

      Dont forget Obama like to lead from behind, proof of that is repealing dont ask dont tell, the reason for that is that she isnt really Michelle it Rua Paul the tranny from Chicago

      Report Post »  
    • rangerp
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 3:23pm

      @MONICNE
      Where in the world do you get this stuff? How would Michelle have to submit to Gov Perry because he is male? Nothing Biblical there.

      You take little bits of truth, and add a bunch of warped lies and stupidity. Why do no not hang out with the morons on huffpo, it is more your speed. Understanding small gov is beyond your comprehension level, as you are one of those that think big gov is the answer. Understanding that Socialism does not work, and punnishing hard working people, and rewarding the lazy does not work.

      Study gays and lesbians. Go to the CDC, and see what they are doing for this nation. They are the front runners in suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, molesting children, spreading AIDS, and sexual assaults.

      I bet you are a 50 something fat old hairy dude that is queer and sits in a basement of his moms house wearing nothing but stained old underware, because you are too sorry to work, and have to leach off others like a tick.

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • rangerp
      Posted on August 16, 2011 at 3:25pm

      @ MONICNE
      -Where in the world do you get this stuff? How would Michelle have to submit to Gov Perry because he is male? Nothing Biblical there.

      You take little bits of truth, and add a bunch of warped lies and stupidity. Why do no not hang out with the morons on huffpo, it is more your speed. Understanding small gov is beyond your comprehension level, as you are one of those that think big gov is the answer. Understanding that Socialism does not work, and punnishing hard working people, and rewarding the lazy does not work.

      Study gays and lesbians. Go to the CDC, and see what they are doing for this nation. They are the front runners in suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, molesting children, spreading AIDS, and sexual assaults.

      I bet you are a 50 something fat old hairy dude that is queer and sits in a basement of his moms house wearing nothing but stained old underware, because you are too sorry to work, and have to leach off others like a tick.

      Report Post » rangerp  
  • Dr. Insane O
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:51am

    HA HA

    Baldor made a funny

    Report Post »  
  • pecosval
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:49am

    The libs are working overtime to find SOMETHING with Perry. MSNBC is already shaking in their tennis shoes over him. Try and hurt him…..he has thick skin

    Report Post »  
  • Oil_Robb
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:49am

    Just when I thought we’d seen the Last of MR. POTATOE HEAD there he is still lieing for that foreign born markist muslim.

    Report Post »  
  • DrFrost
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:48am

    Yep. They’ll throw every conceivable peice of !$^@!%^ they can make up and see if anything sticks.

    Report Post »  
  • Alvin691
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:45am

    Hillarious, as his Perry’s opponants are birthers. Alex Jones has been attacking Perry for years. Gibbs is taking his talking points from the wrong leftist blog.

    Report Post »  
  • hersey10
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:44am

    Get a load of this guy !!! Fibbs is a joke .

    Report Post » hersey10  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:43am

    they HAVE to make him into the CRAZY birther since he is SO popular

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
  • Dustyluv
    Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:42am

    What a complete fool,,..TEXAS SECEED!! I’m ready to leave this big government Federal BS behind!

    Report Post »  

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