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United States President Barack Obama - Source: Reuters
Members of a community organisation closely linked to US president Barack Obama have been secretly filmed advising a fake pimp and his prostitute on how to evade authorities.
The video is seen as a serious setback for Obama, who has previously worked for Acorn, America's largest community organisation representing minorities and the poor.
Acorn was also a major supporter of Obama's campaign to become president, even though it is a non-profit non-partisan government organisation that receives over $70 million in taxpayer money.
Conservative activist James O'Keefe, along with a bogus prostitute, filmed Acorn workers advising on tax advantages for underage prostitutes.
In the video, an Acorn worker is heard telling O'Keefe that "under sixteen, yeah, so you'll be eligible for a child tax credit".
The worker also tells O'Keefe on how not to get caught by police.
"Be careful. Train them to keep their mouths shut. Always keep your eyes in the back of your head."
Acorn may have supported Obama, but the White House is not happy.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs says the conduct seen in the videos is totally unacceptable.
The story has really caught momentum at FoxNews headquarters, a network many say has an anti-Obama slant.
Soon enough though the fake pimp and his video produced real political fallout, with US lawmakers and even Acorn's liberal allies, voting to cut the organisation's funding.
Republican Minority Leader John Boehner says protecting taxpayer dollars often requires tough choices and the decision to cut Acorn's funding was not one of them.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi says an investigation is needed.
"A few people have embarrassed Acorn, and I think they're having their own investigation. But we need to have our own scrutiny."
As Obama starts a media blitz to push his government-run healthcare plans, the Acorn scandal has cast doubt on the government's ability to run anything.
