The phrase "bitter clingers" was born after President Obama described small-town conservatives as "[clinging] to guns or religion" as a way to "explain their frustration."

On Tuesday, Republican Paul Ryan addressed the comments head-on, saying that, as a Catholic and a hunter, he is "happy" to be described in such a way.

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"I remember this other time, where [Obama] was caught on video saying 'people like to cling to their guns and their religion," Ryan began to a large crowd, adding:  "Hey-- I am a Catholic deer-hunter.  I am happy to be clinging to my guns and my religion."

Watch the clip, below:

Ryan, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's running mate, was visiting a family-owned steel processing plant near Pittsburgh when he made the comments.

According to NBC Connecticut, he also said Obama has used Medicare "like a piggy bank" to fund Obamacare, adding that the president is relying on "distortions" because "that's all he has to offer."

(H/T: Weasel Zippers)