Hours before Mitt Romney and Donald Trump are to appear together at a fundraiser, President Barack Obama's campaign is attacking the reality tv star for his outspoken "birther" beliefs.
Obama Deputy Campaign Manager Stephanie Cutter released a statement calling Trump a "charlatan," who is exhibiting a "complete lack of moral leadership":
Mitt Romney’s continued embrace of Donald Trump and refusal to condemn his disgraceful conspiracy theories demonstrates his complete lack of moral leadership. Now he’s even standing by silently as Trump assails John McCain’s courage in standing up to the most extreme and hateful voices in the Republican Party—all in order to raise money for himself. If Mitt Romney lacks the backbone to stand up to a charlatan like Donald Trump because he's so concerned about lining his campaign's pockets, what does that say about the kind of President he would be?
Trump only escalated his birther attacks in an appearance on CNBC this morning and on Twitter today:
.@BarackObama is practically begging @MittRomney to disavow the place of birth movement, he is afraid of it and (cont) http://t.co/eHvjlV0S
.@BarackObama is practically begging @MittRomney to disavow the place of birth movement, he is afraid of it and (cont) http://t.co/eHvjlV0S-- Donald J. Trump
I am very excited about hosting @MittRomney today for a fundraiser. Looking forward to seeing @newtgingrich and many other friends.
I am very excited about hosting @MittRomney today for a fundraiser. Looking forward to seeing @newtgingrich and many other friends.-- Donald J. Trump