NBC’s Guthrie Lobs Softball to Axelrod on ‘Whether Racism Animated’ Obama Critics

NBC's Guthrie Lobs Softball to Axelrod On 'Whether Racism Animated' Obama Critics (NewsBusters)

In an interview with former Obama White House aide David Axelrod on Monday's NBC Today, co-host Savannah Guthrie tossed a softball on "whether racism animated some of the President's critics." She read an inflammatory quote from Axelrod's new book: "Some folks simply refused to accept the legitimacy of the first black president and are seriously discomforted by the growing diversity of our country." Without challenging the assertion, Guthrie wondered: "Is that you view and does the President share that view in your mind?"

Axelrod – whom Guthrie failed to identify as an NBC News political analyst – stood by his remarks: "Well, it's clearly my view or I wouldn't have written it, and I'm sure he feels that way to. Is that the main reason for the opposition to him? No. But has any other president experienced someone shouting 'You lie!' in the U.S. Congress or persistent questions about his citizenship? No. And I think that reflects some attitudes that are deeply ingrained in some people in this country."