Nov 12, 2011

Obama makes 'birther' joke at Hawaii summit

By David Jackson, USA TODAY Updated 2h 21m ago

President Obama is so excited to be hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in his home state of Hawaii, he even made a joke today about those who questioned whether he is an American citizen.

"As many of you know, this is my birthplace," Obama told an APEC CEO Business Summit in Honolulu.

"I know that was contested for a while," the president added to laughter and applause. "But I can actually show you the hospital if you want to go down there."

The White House quelled most of the conspiracy theories in April when it released copies of Obama's birth certificate.

Obama, who favored Hawaiian shirts during his youth, also joked about his business attire.

"In all my years of living in Hawaii, and visiting Hawaii, this is the first time that I've ever worn a suit," Obama said. "So it feels a little odd."

Obama is using the APEC summit in large part to promote U.S. economic opportunities with other Pacific nations, telling the CEOs "this is where the action is going to be."

Said Obama:

The United States is a Pacific power and we are here to stay.

And one of the messages that Secretary (Hillary) Clinton, Secretary (Leon) Panetta have been delivering, but I am personally here to deliver over the next week, is that there's no region in the world that we consider more vital than the Asia Pacific region, and we want, on a whole range of issues, to be working with our partner countries around the Pacific Rim in order to enhance job growth, economic growth, prosperity and security for all of us.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities ... i-summit/1