Obama praises Abedin as 'patriot'

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- President Obama praised Huma Abedin, top aide to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, rejecting claims Abedin is connected to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Rather, the president said, Abedin is "an American patriot" who is "an example of what we need in this country -- more public servants with her sense of decency, her grace and her generosity of spirit."

The president made his remarks at the White House iftar dinner Friday night marking the end of fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The Washington Post said some House Republicans, including Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, have accused Abedin of being part of a conspiracy to infiltrate the top levels of government by the Muslim Brotherhood.

Bachmann is one of five House members who have asked inspectors general of several federal departments, including Homeland Security, to investigate the federal government's involvement with the Muslim Brotherhood.

Bachmann has been repudiated by several top Republican lawmakers, including Arizona Sen. John McCain, who said Abedin "represents what is best about America."