Obama Knocks Down Enemies List Conspiracy Theory

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Last updated on August 10th, 2014 at 05:08 pm

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At his town hall meeting in New Hampshire today, President Barack Obama addressed the right wing myth that the White House healthcare website is creating an enemies list. Obama said, “Can I just say this is another example of how the media just ends up completely distorting what’s taking place.” By the media he means, Fox News.

Here is the video courtesy of Think Progress:

Obama said, “Can I just say this is another example of how the media just ends up completely distorting what’s taking place. What we’ve said is that if somebody has – if you get an email from somebody that says for example ObamaCare is creating a death panel, forward us the email and we will answer the question that is being raised in the email. Suddenly, on some of these news outlets, this is being portrayed as Obama collecting an enemies list. Now, come on guys, here I am trying to be responsive to questions that are being raised out there – and I just want to be clear that all we’re trying to do is answer questions.”

This myth, like most conspiracy theories, started with a chain email. Those on the right warped the website’s intent to be data collection. Now we all know how much Republicans like to spy on their fellow Americans, so maybe they thought Obama behaved the same way as George W. Bush, and had no qualms about spying on his fellow Americans.

It is embarrassing that the president had to waste time during his town hall addressing right wing conspiracy theories. The White House is not looking for data, but they are looking to get to the grassroots and knock down these rumors and myths before they get out into the mainstream. The White House is trying to clear up misinformation, not create an enemies list.

Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association