Is McCain a "natural born" citizen?

by Ich bin Ala-awkbarph Sat Jul 05, 2008 6:45 pm

Presumptive Republican nominee's birth location revives debate over the constitutional requirement that limits the presidency to 'natural born' citizens.

By Eunice Moscoso
WASHINGTON BUREAU

Saturday, July 05, 2008 12:00:00 AM

WASHINGTON — Is Sen. John McCain a natural born citizen? Or is he ineligible to be president?

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee was born Aug. 29, 1936 — not within the 50 United States, but in the Panama Canal Zone, where his father, a Navy officer, was stationed.

His birth location has revived a long-standing debate over the constitutional requirement that limits the presidency to "natural born" citizens.

The problem is that the framers never defined the term.

At least two lawsuits filed in federal court claim that McCain's birthplace disqualifies him from becoming president. The issue has been simmering in the blogosphere for months, including discussions on prestigious legal forums. A Google search for "John McCain" and "natural born citizen" yields 57,000 hits.

McCain's campaign advisers say they are not worried. The campaign commissioned prominent scholars from the political left and right to research the question and say they are confident that the senator from Arizona qualifies for the nation's highest office.

His Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, agrees. So does the U.S. Senate, which passed a nonbinding resolution declaring that McCain is a natural born citizen, constitutionally eligible to run for president...[excerpted]

(Excerpt) Read more at statesman.com ..

I say, "Disqualify BOTH of them!"

by **SheikBen** Sun Jul 06, 2008 9:36 am

We have a process for defeating Obama and McCain. We can vote for someone else. I am trying to put Alan Keyes on the ballot in Illinois (I can hear Stephanie shrieking:). Bob Barr is running. You can write in whoever you want (despite what the folks at election site tell you). I imagine the Constitution party will be running, as will Ralph Nader. If you don't like your choices (and I don't!), why disqualify them when you can vote against them!

by **Stephanie** Sun Jul 06, 2008 11:24 am

You've left me speechless. All I can say is, Alan Keyes???? lol

by **SheikBen** Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:46 pm

The more choices we have, the better. I am under no illusions as to him winning, but I'd like conservatives of all stripes (libertarians, social conservatives, economic conservatives) to be able to say to the GOP that we have other options and we are willing to support them.

by **SheikBen** Sun Jul 06, 2008 1:48 pm

BTW, Steph, I've left you speechless?!?! Wow!

Go Sheik, it's your birthday, go sheik, it's your birthday...............(I'm at least 15 years too old to be making that joke).

by **Stephanie** Sun Jul 06, 2008 11:04 pm

Michael,

I really don't know very much about Ambassador Keyes. I saw him in what was probably the only GOP debate he was invited to. His dismissal by the media and the neo-cons would make him attractive to me if the man could stay on point. It seemed to me he wasn't interested in answering any questions. He wanted to make his speeches and I thought he came across as a bit of a loon. Of course I've heard more than one person claim they think Dr. Paul is a nut.

by **SheikBen** Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:30 am

I have a soft spot in my heart for both Paul and Keyes. Anyone who thinks for themselves "a little too much" for the media is OK by me! I will admit that Keyes does say things from time to time that just make me shake my head.

by shermangeneral Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:33 am

Well Mike how do you feel about Barr.

Neither Keyes nor Ron Paul seem to be in a position to get any traction promoting more Conservative issues.

I read some pundits who said Barr has the potential to stir things up, especially in a few southern states.

by **SheikBen** Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:25 am

I don't really care for Barr, although I would prefer him to McCain and Obama. I think the Libertarians could have done a lot better. I don't see Barr getting much traction except in Georgia.

by shermangeneral Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:32 am

http://www.politicalbase.com/profile/Mark%20Nickolas/blog/&blogId=2123

Well Steph would be a better source for this, since I think she is plugged in to the Ron Paul Network.

But I have heard rumblings that Ron Paul will at least tacitly support Barr.

And if you click the link above, you will see he has (or at least had) some pretty solid support in some key states.

According to that it is a lot more than just Georgia.

by **Stephanie** Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:58 pm

I hear rumors that Ron Paul will support Bob Barr, primarily from Bob Barr supporters. I'm sure Barr would welcome Ron Paul's support and/or endorsement.

I will be stunned if he receives it. I can't see Ron Paul endorsing this particular individual because of his stance a handful of key issues. I would actually be a bit disappointed if Dr. Paul said anything beyond, "Barr is the least lousy candidate" or words to that effect.

by SFCraig Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:14 pm

Keyes couldn't beat Gary Bauer...ha!

by **SheikBen** Tue Jul 08, 2008 2:49 am

I'm under no illusions, SFCraig. I just like having more than two or three options when I vote for President.

I get the sense you would be happy with just one.

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