Natural born and citizen at birth are not the same thing. If the circumstances of someone like McCain’s birth is “natural born”, then Congress wouldn’t have given it citizen status by statute in 1795. They initially tried to call that status natural born, in 1790, but Congress only has the power to naturalize ( you can’t be naturalized and natural born ) so it was unconstitutional and was repealed.

It gives credence to the thought that something needs to be done because thousands of military brats born overseas, including myself, aren’t currently citizens. We already are, we don’t need a bill to tell us this.

(Edited for the filter) you, Obama.

I searched the document you linked to and didn’t even find the phrase “natural born”.

Buddahpundit on February 29, 2008 at 6:41 PM

The document, which is federal law, states:

The following shall be nationals and citizens of the United States at birth:

If you are a citizen at the moment of your birth, how could you possibly be anything but a natural born citizen? If you need not be naturalized to become a citizen, then you must be a natural born citizen. What definition of “natural born” do you suppose could mean anything but that you are automatically a citizen at the moment of your birth? You know, like subsection (a) of 1401:

(a) a person born in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof;

but the Court isn’t about to snatch citizenship from the children of military families

Yes, the court won’t do that because it’s not the issue. The issue is not ill obtained citizenship. The issue is the meaning of ‘natural born’ to see who can and cannot become president.

Buddahpundit on February 29, 2008 at 10:11 PM

You really are an idiot. I spell out for you the reason for what I posted and you still refuse to get it. I simply showed you the wording you said wasnt there, nothing more, nothing less.

Senator Obama, why are you supporting the opposition (to democracy) leader in Kenya? Does this ideology run in the family?”

THE CHOSEN ONE on February 29, 2008 at 6:50 PM

Oh, you mean do their job!

Califemme on February 29, 2008 at 6:58 PM

The Kenya crisis is over. Odinga is probably about to assume the soon-to-be created office of Prime Minister.

Be Reasonable on February 29, 2008 at 9:31 PM

Now you are telling me that Title 8 includes repealed statutes. I don’t know, man. I’d ask you to be reasonable but I don’t do irony.

My sister was at the game in Raliegh I think in 90′ when ECU beat State in Carter Finley and the riot broke out. She said that a ton of Pirate fans ripped down one of the goalposts and marched it out of the stadium. Wish I could have seen that.

Most football players didn’t run with those crazy ass TKE’s so I’ll guess KA?

No it’s not. Some of you really need to reconsider your willingness to lie for McCain. Throwing red herrings around, attempting to make your case by quoting repealed statutes, using bare assertion to trump the Constitution, messenger shooting and mob mentality are not useful ways for conservatives to argue constitutional matters. McCain ain’t worth it.

Buddahpundit on February 29, 2008 at 8:24 PM

Excuse you Budda, but I take exception to you calling me a liar! You are the one who said:

I searched the document you linked to and didn’t even find the phrase “natural born”.

Buddahpundit on February 29, 2008 at 6:41 PM

Even though it was repealed, the phrase “natural born” IS on that page. I was simply copy and pasting the ‘phrase’ for you, NOT trying to make a case for anyone! So get off your high horse and go peddle it some where else!

Having Congress pass the law will not prevent the contest. All the more reason for McCain to oppose the proposed bill and take the high road to the Supreme Court in expedited fashion.

Dusty on February 29, 2008 at 6:27 PM

There isn’t going to be a legal contest, at least not pre-election. To bring suit, you must have standing. And to have standing, you must demonstrate that you either have, or will, suffer a “concrete and particularized” harm. The injury must actual or imminent, and not hypothetical. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 is the very earliest that anyone could file suit to challenge McCain’s constitutional qualifications to hold the presidency.

For more, see this post by law professor Ann Althouse.

And for a full explanation of why this whole business is legal nonsense, see this post by law professor Jim Lindgren.

This matter will never reach the Supreme Court, whose appellate jurisdiction is discretionary, i.e., the Court doesn’t have to hear your case.

If some goof files suit after the election, the district court will dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. The court of appeals will affirm, and the Supreme Court will deny certiorari, there being no important question of law at stake.

I’m no fan of John McCain’s, and won’t be voting for him. But there is no doubt that he’s constitutionally qualified to be president.

*rolls eyes but is not suprised*

No it’s not. Some of you really need to reconsider your willingness to lie for McCain. Throwing red herrings around, attempting to make your case by quoting repealed statutes, using bare assertion to trump the Constitution, messenger shooting and mob mentality are not useful ways for conservatives to argue constitutional matters. McCain ain’t worth it.

New Delhi or Rockafellas?

Also, did you make the Peach Bowl when Blake, Fisher, and Robert Jones laid the smackdown on the wolfpack?

Idiocy is also indignant.

They are raising lots of stuff from the QAR, there’s a museum in Beaufort, keep meaning to get down there to see the stuff.

William Teach on February 29, 2008 at 7:14 PM”

Dies as Okracoke Island in the Outer Banks.

THE CHOSEN ONE on February 29, 2008 at 7:13 PM”
Ummm yes the Gang of 14 helps us when in and out of the minority. When we are in the minority, we will value the right to filibuster.