President Barack Obama (L) greets New York Gov. David Paterson before speaking at Hudson Valley Community College on September 21, 2009 in Troy, New York (Getty).

Former state leaders are criticizing President Obama for interfering in New York's gubernatorial politics. Over the weekend, Governor Paterson had to respond to published reports that President Obama had 'lost confidence' in Paterson's ability to win the next election. Former Governor George Pataki says the president is overstepping his bounds.

'To weaken and undermine the governor beyond the weakness that already exists at a time when he will be the governor for the next 15 months, to me just doesn't serve the interest of the state, doesn't serve the interest of the country.'

And former State Comptroller Carl McCall agrees. He says especially during the fiscal crisis Paterson needs everyone's support.

'We've all got to get behind David Paterson because of the job that he has to do. At some point when we get these big issues behind us, we should come together and decide who is the best person to lead the Democratic party.'

The governor and the president were upstate together at an event in Troy, New York today. Obama referred to Paterson as a 'wonderful man' in his speech.The White House reportedly fears that Paterson's dismal approval numbers could drag down the whole Democratic ticket next year, when newly-appointed Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and several newly-Democratic House seats, are on the ballot.