If I were to tell you that Dr. Lott heard Obama say this, that would be hearsay. If Dr. Lott, who was there and personally heard Obama say it, tells you he heard Obama say it, that is not hearsay.
It's a common misunderstanding.
Just because there is no video of the incident does not make it hearsay.
I seem to recall somewhere that hearsay is an out of court statement (not under oath) which is offered for the truth of the matter asserted. Or something like that.
For Lott to say he heard Hussein say that people should not own guns IS hearsay. That's what hersay is: person X claiming that person Y said "123".
No court here of course, but if you come to me and say that you heard Bob say that yes, he does indeed owe Sam the $50 dollars...that is hearsay.
It would also be a clear declaration against interest...which the alleged Hussein comment is not.
A declaration against interest is defined as "a statement made by someone unavailable as a witness that is against that person's own interests (as pecuniary or property interests) or may subject that person to liability"
Again, that's just my read on it.