Obama’s Panama?
posted at 9:15 am on June 10, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Was Barack Obama born in Hawaii or somewhere else, or did he just change a name? Jim Geraghty looks at rumors running around about Obama’s supposed secrecy on his birth, and runs down three scenarios of what the campaign may want to hide. Their refusal to produce a birth certificate has stoked some of the speculation:
Having done some Obama-rumor debunking that got praise from Daily Kos (a sign of the apocalypse, no doubt), perhaps the Obama campaign could return the favor and help debunk a bunch of others with a simple step: Could they release a copy of his birth certificate?
Reporters have asked for it and been denied, and the state of Hawaii does not make such records public.
The campaign cited the birth certificate in their “Fact Check” on William Ayers, so presumably, someone in the campaign has access to it.
Jim runs down three possible issues, finding them “unlikely” but still compelling:
- Obama was not born in the US, but in Kenya.
- Obama’s middle name was Mohammed, not Hussein (but then why change it to another Arabic name?)
- His real first name is “Barry”.
I guess having seen McCain run through the MSM wringer over his birth at a naval base in Panama, these questions should be more compelling to me than they are. Having debated the nature of McCain’s citizenship, Obama should produce his birth certificate to make it all even, redacting any information that could be useful for identity theft (although it won’t have a Social Security number on it as those were not automatically assigned in 1961). The campaign references his birth certificate as a strange defense of his association with William Ayers, so it should make the record public.
However, does anyone really believe any of these potential scenarios? As Jim points out himself, the first two almost instantly get tossed out due to statements by friends and family going back years. Presumably, the schools that Obama attended in Hawaii and later in the US would have seen his birth certificate during the enrollment process, and no one has ever implied that Obama was anything less than a natural-born citizen. If someone wanted to change their middle name from Mohammed to keep political options open, Hussein would not be the name that replaces it.
That applies to the third scenario as well, and changing a first name from Barry to Barack in order to match one’s father would mean nothing in terms of the political standing of the candidate. I’m reminded that Gary Hart changed his last name from Hartpence to Hart, and that turned into nothing more than a nine-day wonder when it came out in the 1984 campaign. Barry to Barack seems even less noteworthy.
I’d say this sounds like a distraction, but then again, I thought the entire McCain-Panama was a distraction as well, and the Senate wound up having to vote on his status as a citizen to quiet the media. Only the first scenario has any relation to Obama’s status as a candidate, and the release of his birth certificate will put an end to the distractions.
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There is no evidence that O (the other O) was born in Kenya–yet. Therefore I’m going by facts in evidence, to wit: we both were born in the USA to Kenya Luo men and to American women who were under 21 at the time of our births.
baldilocks on June 10, 2008 at 3:45 PM
I liked the story. I used to like espionage novels until real life became too intense. In any case, how did you piece that together? Any sources?
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 3:49 PM
My 3:45 comment is in answer to
Also, My father and the other O’s father came to America via the same means. This has been addressed here at Hot Air before.
baldilocks on June 10, 2008 at 3:49 PM
How was this established as a fact in evidence?
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 3:52 PM
Interesting… closed the dang link… but, theres a Time mag article about Obamas Mom… 7 pages worth…
According to them they were married, in Secret, on Maui… not Mexico as someone said earlier in this thread… Barack was born 7 months later on Oahu… they named the hospital…
Then divorce, then she remarried and only then did she get a Passport (according to this article). If true, it should be easy to check with a Freedom of Information Act request, as she is dead… date of the passport would put these rumours to rest.
Romeo13 on June 10, 2008 at 3:52 PM
Now, my above could be from Time reading Barrys book, so the truth could be a bit more interesting…
Romeo13 on June 10, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Exactly. Because you were born to an American citizen on American soil, your Dad’s nationality and your mother’s age at the time of your birth is irrelevant. You are clearly an American citizen. We were speculating that IF Obama were born in Kenya, he would not be an American citizen due to this.
txsurveyor on June 10, 2008 at 3:54 PM
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 3:49 PM
Not from the book type of espionage, and yes.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Ms. E. You are a mystery, and a font of information. I shall await the denouement.
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:04 PM
Fine. There’s not evidence as to where he was born. However, until we find out that he was not born in the USA, I operate from what he said: that he was born in Hawaii.
Got it. Confusion, my fault.
I think that some were also arguing that even if he were born in Hawaii that he might not be a natural born American citizen because of his father’s nationality and his mother’s age at the time of his birth. And, in addition some were arguing that the American-born progeny of non-citizens might not be citizens.
Craziness.
baldilocks on June 10, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Fact: The guy was born August 4, 1961.
Fact: His mom was a U.S. citizen.
Fact: His dad was not.
Fact: Everything else is still kinda up in the air.
Is that about right?
wccawa on June 10, 2008 at 4:09 PM
How do you say Deep Throat in Romanian?
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:09 PM
I believe the first “fact” is an assertion. A birth certificate would be handy to prove it. You have probably been asked to do the same from time-to-time.
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Ding.
baldilocks on June 10, 2008 at 4:11 PM
I won’t believe it until it is proven. Birth certificates are not secret shrines and his has more value than ours, for sure. Of course if you baldi would run, which I’d bless 100%, you’d have to produce yours too. I, of course could never run, not having been born here.
But this story is not yet complete. It will be if the media does a good job. Fortunately media from both sides are on it, more than just the e-mails from Kenya, to be sure.
The more he won’t release it, the more we/they will want it. He’s not going to get away with it, like Kerry did, to this day, with his Military records. He also won’t pick Kerry for VP, for related reason.
JiangxiDad, it’s entelechy :)
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Actually, I suppose a birth certificate would be needed to prove his parentage as well. So I guess that’s not a “fact” either.
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:12 PM
I never argued any of those points. If Obama were born in Hawaii, he’s an American citizen. Case closed, and we’ll go back to trashing his inexperience and Marxist beliefs.
txsurveyor on June 10, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Foarte bun!
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:14 PM
Luckily for you, when they make the movie, and you are hired for a fabulously high salary as a consultant, you will have a short commute.
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:16 PM
wccawa nailed it, so far. That’s all we know.
Birth certificate
Passport/s
Travel to where, when, for what purpose
Then the story is complete, to the requirement of the job.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:16 PM
JiangxiDad, that’s foarte bine :)
And not, I don’t know how to say that and it’s not that anyway. Of course I know how to say it literally, but that means nothing.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Why the heck would he withhold releasing his birth certificate if there was nothing damaging?
txsurveyor on June 10, 2008 at 4:18 PM
Barry sponsored a bill pending in the Senate to make native born Hawaiians “indigenous peoples.” I wonder if this will invalidate his American citizenship :)
Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive
-
MB4Sir Walter ScottJiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Yep, and I’m inviting baldilocks to a nice dinner, for great conversation after the viewing. It’s official baldi.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Damn Google translator!
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:20 PM
It’s right in front of me. :-) A copy, anyway.
I know. That’s why I didn’t say that you did. I said that the confusion was my fault, did I not?
Indeed!
baldilocks on June 10, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Forgot JxD, I won’t get a penny out of it. These are bigger fish on the job.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Hollywood High-Rollers we’ll be!
baldilocks on June 10, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Yes, baldilocks, we are entitled to our 15 minutes of fame, like all others :)
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:26 PM
DING! DING! DING!
wccawa on June 10, 2008 at 4:27 PM
Only reason I can think of:
To get conservatives who demand it to look stupid when it is revealed to be benign, therefore rendering anything they ask for/demand something he can blow off and not treat as serious.
capitalist piglet on June 10, 2008 at 4:29 PM
Bumper Sticker:
FREE OBAMA’S BIRTH CERTIFICATE!
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:29 PM
Excellent.
Is that a Marxist/Marx-ish tactic?
baldilocks on June 10, 2008 at 4:32 PM
Fact:Assertion:Stipulation:Possibility: The guy was bornAugust 4, 1961.Fact:Assertion: His mom was a U.S. citizen.Fact:Assertion: His dad was not.Fact: Everything
elseis still kinda up in the air.We’re DOOMED!
wccawa on June 10, 2008 at 4:36 PM
Riiight - create Passportgate just for that - that w/b the ultimate example of wasting effort and resources by a potential president. Ridiculous.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:36 PM
Forgot to say, by doing something untoward - I don’t know if breaking into the dossiers is illegal. Maybe it is. If so, it also needs to be exposed.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:37 PM
Now, everything you said is a fact.
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Under cp’s scenario, I don’t see how Obama’s resources are being wasted.
baldilocks on June 10, 2008 at 4:39 PM
baldi, I don’t believe what they did was ligit, thus two were fired, and one is just retained because he’s cooperating with the invstigation.
How would that look if a potential candidate spent this kind of activities, effort just to annoy the opposition. This scenario just doesn’t make sense, and is not the reason anyway.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:42 PM
They repealed the law of 1790. Why is it you believe the unconstitutional part of the 1790 law, the part where Congress took it upon itself to define part of the Constitution, still stands?
Do you think Congress can pass a law interpreting the language in the 2nd Amendment? If they could, then the Constitution would be meaningless.
Even if you somehow believe that it is Congress’ job to define the Constitution, how do you know which parts of all the other repealed laws in US history are still valid?
Buddahpundit on June 10, 2008 at 4:42 PM
I think she means that as elaborate and dangerous an operation as Passportgate wouldn’t be launched simply to make Republicans look silly. There would have to be an important under riding reason to take the risks.
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:43 PM
S/b “legitimate”…baldi
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Actualy, the Congress can pass sense of the Senate resolutions of how to interpret the constitution, and the Court WILL look at them.
Does not have force of law, but can have some bearing on how the Supreme Court rules.
Romeo13 on June 10, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Do you have any info. on the status of the investigation?
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:45 PM
JiangxiDad, remember the cats. Just this much - something important worries and prompted the O camp to initiate Passportgate. It didn’t succeed.
The request by many for the certificate, passport/s, travel itineraries, for what purpose, are a biproduct of what prompted it.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:48 PM
In the quote you answered to, I don’t think that cp was taking your scenario into account. I think she was saying that conservatives in general might be made to look stupid in this manner. Doesn’t require many resources to accomplish that lately.:-/
baldilocks on June 10, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Understand baldi, and concur.
JiangxiDad, us and the media should demand the outcome of the investigation to be made public ahead of November, in fact ahead of the convention. I can’t believe that it’s not finished yet, and wonder why C. Rice hasn’t made it public yet.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Everything I know about this I’ve heard from you, so I’m just speculating. But this is similar to the Michelle Obama “whitey” thing, insofar as Hillary would like the bad news to come out sooner, and the Repubs. would like to hold it for November. This might explain the delay in the investigation, if there is one.
JiangxiDad on June 10, 2008 at 4:57 PM
I would bet big money that his birth certificate reads: Barack(6) Husein(6) Dunham(6).
The reason why I’d bet his middle name Husein is spelled with one s is because the man who both his father and him he were named after: Husein The Dragon Gradaščević, is usually spelled with one s.
But then again…Barack Hussein Obama also equals 666.
Barack Hussein Obama=18 or 3 x 6= 666
Is Barack Hussein Obama the Anti-Christ?
I don’t know but he certainly is the only U.S. presidential candidate who has ever been known as the Dragon/666.
SaintOlaf on June 10, 2008 at 4:58 PM
Of course! (slaps forehead)
(Steps SLOOOWLY away)
wccawa on June 10, 2008 at 5:03 PM
I remember a kid showing me that there were 6 letters each in “Ronald Wilson Reagan”, and that the letters could be arranged to spell “Insane Anglo Warlord”.
mikeyboss on June 10, 2008 at 5:04 PM
You’re right Reagans name did spell 666…but he wasn’t named after someone named Ronald The Dragon.
SaintOlaf on June 10, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Condoleezza Rice said at the time that it’s on-going, but not in the open.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Yes, surely, but they can’t enact laws that interpret the Constitution. Part of the 1790 law did that and it was properly repealed a few years later.
It’s fortunate for us that they did repeal that law or we’d have no argument to prevent gun grabbers and other haters of the Constitution from taking it upon themselves to define constitutional words and phrases within their bills.
Buddahpundit on June 10, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Assknob bum ache?
wccawa on June 10, 2008 at 5:29 PM
A bit OT: I just saw on Fox, the first time I have seen this, that Paula Jones and Jennifer Flowers are going after wjc again. Now, just say this thing on the bho bc is a time bomb and someone, soras?, got to these two women to bring this up again. Not good for hc if this is true somehow with hubby problem. I know, a bit far fetched?
L
letget on June 10, 2008 at 5:33 PM
Seperation from President Clinton can only help her at this point.
12thman on June 10, 2008 at 5:37 PM
NO TRANSPARENCY NO PEACE!
C’mon Barack, make this go away! Show the birth certificate!
Remember Kerry releasing his records helped him.. what? He didn’t? Oh… nevermind.
originalpechanga on June 10, 2008 at 5:40 PM
Entelechy, I am apparently way behind on “Passportgate.” Can you prived a link to some information connecting Obama to the fired contractors?
12thman on June 10, 2008 at 5:42 PM
12thman, you’ll have to live without it, for now.
Unrelated to topic, I love it when pictures from the left and the right side on HA create contrasts or opposites to ponder about, like right now.
For anyone reading this a bit later, it will be too late.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 5:46 PM
12thman, to be clear, their boss was at the time they were caught one of Obama’s advisors. If they knew why they were asked to retrieve the contents of the dossiers, is not a claim made here.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Checking own brain - meant to say “when pictures create contrasts or similarities, from the left and the right side of HA”.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 5:50 PM
Entelechy, ok I completely understand. I will talk to some of my contacts. If his EBI failed to turn up a lack of citizenship in a post 9/11 security environment, it will be frightening beyond belief.
12thman on June 10, 2008 at 5:50 PM
You mean the interchangeable pictures of Obama and Chavez, both gesticulating and bellowing into a microphone?
RushBaby on June 10, 2008 at 5:51 PM
ahhh… ok. If we’re talking about Office of Consular affiars’ Laura Hardy, I knew she was connected to ex-President Clinton but didn’t know there was a relation to Obama as well.
I’ll dig deeper before commenting more.
12thman on June 10, 2008 at 5:56 PM
RushBaby, much going on today, but going well.
12thman, no, but good luck.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 6:00 PM
thanks. as I am sure you are well aware there is quite a bit of good fortune (or blessed guidance) involved in such efforts.
12thman on June 10, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Having read this yestrday on NRO, I see you omitted the question re: does Obama’s religion show up on his BC. if so, and if it’s listed as Muslim, perhaps this is the ’secret’ the Obama campaing is trying to keep under wraps. Seems like the expect the worst from Americans at every turn.
DrW on June 10, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Good.
BTW,
varmint. :)RushBaby on June 10, 2008 at 6:05 PM
His guy is former CIA, who works for a company, or his, which was contracted to do work for the state dept. Thus he could ask them to diddle with the dossiers, either to do damage control, or to prevent something. He was at the time an advisor to O.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 6:06 PM
Oh what a pickle he may get in, if his birth certificate comes out in the open.
Oh what hot water he may get in, if his birth certificate is filled with sin.
MB4 on June 10, 2008 at 6:06 PM
This is all fascinating (and I am interested to know when the anchor-baby policy took effect) but I think the most important point is not how we in the US see religion as a matter of conscience, but how the Muslim world views Obama’s religion as a matter of paternity. Reportedly, Obama’s early Christian school enrollment listed him as Muslim.
Now if Obama’s birth certificate says his religion is Muslim, then to fundamentalist Muslims, he’s an apostate Muslim, worthy of death.
How will he negotiate with Muslim nations if he is worse than an infidel?
flicker on June 10, 2008 at 6:07 PM
Oh what hot water he may get in, if his birth certificate is filled with
sininformation, just common info.MB4 on June 10, 2008 at 6:06 PM
Indeed, more aware than you can imagine.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 6:09 PM
He is exempt; he was a child. That dog isn’t going to hunt.
RushBaby on June 10, 2008 at 6:10 PM
But that doesn’t rhyme that way!!!
MB4 on June 10, 2008 at 6:11 PM
I know MB4, I noticed that too late, and now lost my drive to fix it.
RushBaby, I don’t think it’s the religion thingy.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 6:12 PM
If his birth certificate don’t fit, then Hillary may not have to order a hit.
MB4 on June 10, 2008 at 6:13 PM
If in Kenya he was born, then Hillary is back on her broom airborne.
MB4 on June 10, 2008 at 6:18 PM
If Barak can’t be President no how, then Michele will have a Cow.
MB4 on June 10, 2008 at 6:22 PM
And yeah, I know that doesn’t rhyme. But far more plausible.
wccawa on June 10, 2008 at 6:22 PM
get this story to hannity, ASAP.
jimmer on June 10, 2008 at 6:28 PM
If Hillary is back on her broom airborne.
For MB4 that’s a huge in the back thorne.
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 6:29 PM
If Barak is cut off at the knee
For Entelecy that will be ecstacy
MB4 on June 10, 2008 at 6:34 PM
After reading about 70% of the posts…all I can say and think is….omg! But then again….why wasn’t this asked long before?
jerrytbg on June 10, 2008 at 6:35 PM
If Barak is cut off at the knee
For Entelechy that will be ecstasy
MB4 on June 10, 2008 at 6:35 PM
MB4 on June 10, 2008 at 6:35 PM
we all new what you ment…;)
jerrytbg on June 10, 2008 at 6:37 PM
Yes, his birth certificate will probably come out showing that he is registered as a muslim.
But is that enough to stop Hussein(The Dragon/666) Obama from becoming president?
Not a chance.
Here’s how democrats defend Ubama:
“the republicans keep spreading the lie that our saviour is a muslim…and even if he is a muslim..what does that matter?”
They don’t care one bit.
They just want to get a black man elected. Doesn’t matter who he is. Or what he thinks about them.
SaintOlaf on June 10, 2008 at 6:39 PM
NON-Fact: The guy was born August 4, 1961.
without a birth certificate that has been authenticated you don’t know this either…
Kaptain Amerika on June 10, 2008 at 6:41 PM
Knock it off.
RushBaby on June 10, 2008 at 6:42 PM
Hey RB, why so?
jerrytbg on June 10, 2008 at 6:43 PM
RushBaby on June 10, 2008 at 6:42 PM
I guess I should have read the other 30%…cause i’m missing something here…what gives?
jerrytbg on June 10, 2008 at 6:46 PM
Sorry dude.
I didn’t mean to bash your guy.
I’m sure he’s a decent,honest patriot.
i/sarc
SaintOlaf on June 10, 2008 at 6:47 PM
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 6:47 PM
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 6:47 PM
caught again!! ;) lol!
jerrytbg on June 10, 2008 at 6:49 PM
I meant to say that you meant it jerrytbg :)
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 6:49 PM
Entelechy on June 10, 2008 at 6:49 PM
double caught….ahhh…you Know that was on pourpose …right? :)
jerrytbg on June 10, 2008 at 6:52 PM
It’s not helpful to lie or smear. Obama is not a muslim.
Referring to him as Hussein is a kindergarten tactic when so much is seriously at stake.
And the democrats want a democrat elected.
RushBaby on June 10, 2008 at 6:56 PM
It was on porpoise?
So Long, and thanks for all the fishys…
Romeo13 on June 10, 2008 at 7:00 PM
By Western Standards? No.
By some interpretations of Sharia Law? Yes.
By Western standards you get to change your religion, by Sharia? Its a death sentence for apostacy.
Won’t really matter to the US voter, but may have International implications later.
Romeo13 on June 10, 2008 at 7:02 PM
Understood….however, and I’m not trying to get your “goat”, I truly think the jury is still out….I’ll wait for more info… Sorry I can’t agree with you on this…
Your views and thoughts I hold in high regard. I wnat you to know that.
jerrytbg on June 10, 2008 at 7:04 PM
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