Virginia Republican Chairman Jeff Frederick says it was stupid to suggest Barack Obama is a terrorist, but he defends the comment as true and won't apologize.

During the campaign, Frederick told a small group of Republican volunteers that "both Barack Obama and Osama bin Laden have friends that have bombed the Pentagon."

The remark was a reference to Obama's ties years ago to 1960s-era radical William Ayers. It was published in Time magazine and provoked condemnation from Democrats and Republicans.

Before a panel of Associated Press newspaper editors Tuesday, Frederick was asked about it. He said it was "a stupid joke" but also added that "what I said was true."

Frederick also said his party has to broaden its appeal and can't continue as "an old white guy party."