Jesse Watters reignites birtherism conspiracy just hours before Obama's DNC speech

Jesse Watters referred to Barack Obama as 'the godfather' of the Democratic Party and suggested he would interfere in the election
UPDATED AUG 21, 2024
Fox News host Jesse Watters reignited the birtherism conspiracy by questioning the authenticity of Barack Obama’s birth certificate just hours before his DNC speech (Foxnews/Getty image)
Fox News host Jesse Watters reignited the birtherism conspiracy by questioning the authenticity of Barack Obama’s birth certificate just hours before his DNC speech (Foxnews/Getty image)

WASHINGTON, DC: The enduring conspiracy theory about Barack Obama's birth certificate has resurfaced yet again. On Tuesday night, Fox News host Jesse Watters stirred controversy by questioning its authenticity during a live broadcast of 'The Five.'

This happened just hours before Obama’s anticipated speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Jesse Watters revisits birtherism hours before Obama’s DNC speech

According to the Daily Beast, Jesse Watters set the tone by referring to Barack Obama as “still the godfather of this machine,” implying his ongoing influence within the Democratic Party.

He continued, “He gave us Joe Biden as VP. He gave us Hillary as secretary of state. Then he couped Joe, put all his boys with Kamala’s team, and had his wingman Holder vet Walz,” referencing Eric Holder, Obama’s former attorney general.

Barack Obama (Getty Images)
Jesse Watters referred to Barack Obama as the 'godfather' of the Democratic Party (Getty Images)

Watters then claimed, “He’s definitely going to interfere in this election,” echoing the language used by Donald Trump to describe routine intra-party maneuvers as nefarious plots.

Jesse Watters suggests new investigation into Barack Obama’s birth certificate

In a questionable attempt at humor or otherwise, Jesse Watters suggested that Barack Obama’s birth certificate remained shrouded in mystery.

“That’s why we’ll be sending Johnny to Hawaii to get the truth about the birth certificate,” Watters told his audience. “This time we will dig deep and find out what really happened.”

Birtherism is the unfounded theory that Obama was not born in the United States, making him ineligible to legally serve as president.

Some falsely claimed that he was born in Kenya, his father's birthplace, rather than in Hawaii. Despite numerous investigations confirming Obama's status as a natural-born US citizen, the myth continues to persist.

U.S. President Barack Obama makes a statement at the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House August 28, 2014 in Washington, DC. President Obama spoke on various topics including possible action against ISIL and immigration reform. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
President Obama Makes Statement In The Briefing Room Of White House
Jesse Watters suggested that Barack Obama’s birth certificate remained shrouded in mystery (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Donald Trump previously fueled this conspiracy, asserting that he had sent investigators to Hawaii. Trump later propagated similar unfounded claims regarding Kamala Harris when she was selected as Biden’s running mate in 2020.

Greg Gutfeld adds humor to birtherism debate

Following Jesse Watters’ remarks, his co-host Greg Gutfeld interjected with a jest. “Good point. You should tell Johnny that he needs to get a passport,” he said, prompting a moment of awkward silence from the panel.

Gutfeld continued, “To go to Kenya—I agree,” to which Watters laughed. Gutfeld then clarified, “No, I meant to Hawaii, just to see him do it. Ask him what the exchange rate is for the Hawaiian dollar.”

MORE STORIES

Will Scharf, White House staff secretary, was heard comparing the world political scenario to Sandra Bullock’s 2015 film 'Our Brand Is Crisis'
8 minutes ago
Trump nominated Kimberly Guilfoyle in December, but she was only confirmed after Senate Republicans altered rules to fast-track the process
52 minutes ago
Donald Trump criticized ABC and Jimmy Kimmel, saying the network unfairly targets him and Kimmel lacked ratings and talent
1 hour ago
Ilhan Omar faced sharp backlash after dismissing tributes to the late Charlie Kirk as dishonest and calling him a 'hateful man'
2 hours ago
JD Vance said, 'We supported each other in that moment as you do with your friends, but man, that was a bad, bad day'
3 hours ago
Obama denounces Charlie Kirk’s shooting as 'horrific', defends Michelle’s intelligence and urges grace
4 hours ago
The decision came amid growing concerns about political violence, especially at open-air and political events
4 hours ago
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has remained silent on Jimmy Kimmel’s removal by ABC
5 hours ago
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel on September 17 after remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death, sparking claims of politics behind the move
5 hours ago
Hours before Jimmy Kimmel was suspended over remarks on Charlie Kirk’s killing, ABC, Disney and affiliates held emergency meetings to limit fallout
7 hours ago