Former New York mayor and 2008 presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani thinks President Obama has been influenced by communism and socialism, the New York Daily News reports.

Giuliani was trying to explain why he previously said the president does not love America.

"Look, this man was brought up basically in a white family, so whatever he learned or didn't learn, I attribute this more to the influence of communism and socialism [than to his race]," Giuliani said.

"I don't (see) this president as being particularly a product of African-American society or something like that. He isn't," the former mayor said. "Logically, think about his background. ... The ideas that are troubling me and are leading to this come from communists with whom he associated when he was 9 years old [through family connections.]"

Giuliani was referring to the time when Obama was introduced to Frank Marshall Davis, a member of the Communist Party, by his grandfather when he was living in Indonesia with his mother and stepfather.

Giuliani said Obama has a relationship with "quasi-communist" community organizer Saul Alinsky and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

The former mayor is backing up his controversial comments that caused a national reaction of shock. He stands by his comments, according to CNN.

"I know this is a horrible thing to say, but I do not believe that this president loves America," Giuliani said Wednesday.

"He doesn't love you. He doesn't love me. He wasn't brought up the way you were brought up and I was brought up: To love this country."

Giuliani is not apologizing for what he said. He has just elaborated when people ask him about the comments he made.

"I'm glad they're making a big deal out of it, (because it's) an issue of life and death, which is a lack of leadership by our president." Giuliani said about the media's reaction to his comments.

Some Republicans are a little upset over the comments and worried they might cause damage to the party.

"I think it hurts the GOP brand once again," a Republican strategist said. "It's these types of comments that make the independent voter just think that we're crazy!"

But, some GOP insiders are defending Giuliani. They say he is saying what many fear to say, even though they believe it.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest says he feels "sorry" for Giuliani.

"It's sad to see when somebody who has attained a certain level of public stature, and even admiration, tarnishes that legacy so thoroughly," Earnest said.

What do you think about Giuliani's comments? Were they too much? Leave us a comment below and let us know.

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