Obama also took aim at Republicans for pleading ignorance on climate. Obama mocks climate skeptics at LCV dinner

President Barack Obama lit into GOP climate change skeptics in a speech Wednesday night, delighting a crowd of 800 to 900 environmentalists in Washington’s Ronald Reagan Building.

He said Republicans in Congress are out of touch with the American public, who “don’t just say, ‘No, I don’t believe anything scientists say.’ Except — where? — in Congress. Folks will tell you climate change is a hoax or a fad or a plot — a liberal plot.”


Obama also took aim at Republicans for pleading ignorance on climate by saying they aren’t scientists.

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“I’m not a doctor either, but if a bunch of doctors tell me that tobacco can cause lung cancer, then I’ll say, ‘OK.’ It’s not that hard,” said Obama, who drew loud applause at the League of Conservation Voters’ annual Capital Dinner.

The president was speaking on the first anniversary of his major climate speech at Georgetown University. He acknowledged that there’s more work to be done on climate change, but he said he’s working to “build momentum” for future efforts.

“When you take those first steps, even if they’re hard, even if they’re halting sometimes, you start building momentum and you start mobilizing larger and larger communities,” he said, adding, “Every step makes a difference.”

And he said young people largely support acting on climate change — citing his own daughters as an example.

“You talk to Malia, you talk to Sasha, you talk to your kids or your grandkids — this is something they get,” he said. “They don’t need a lot of persuading.”