That is a very revealing statement for a number of reasons:
(1) It is most likely false, but hard to safely disprove during a civil war.
(2) It is an elitist statement. If the civil war was led by bakers, plumbers and farmers would it be less legitimate?
(3) The leaders "appear to be credible"? So we have gone to war based on appearances alone? Most of us would prefer solid evidence before we risk American lives.
Al Queda membership practically required and advanced degree in medicine, engineering or law. Obama really stepped in it with this elitist comment that demonstrates either his ignorance or his closet support of jihadists.