McCain is ‘Natural Born’ and Eligible for Presidency, Senate Confirms
WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain was born to American parents in the Panama Canal Zone some 71 years ago. Does that make him the kind of “natural born” citizen the Founding Fathers determined could serve as president?
Yes, the Senate agreed, and senators passed by unanimous consent a resolution to that effect Wednesday.
Not that there was much doubt about it. Even Democrats, including rivals Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, have said they didn’t see a problem with McCain meeting the constitutional requirement that only a “natural born” citizen could serve.
Still, there had been questions in the minds of some bloggers because McCain was born Aug. 29, 1936, in the Panama Canal Zone while his father was stationed at a U.S. naval base.
The Senate resolution is S. Res. 511.
I am extremely happy that ‘Senate’ made this decision. Although I am supporting ‘Barak Obama’ for 2008 presidential election, but I think ‘John McCain is the finest American that I have ever known.. He is an American ‘HERO’, and I am very pleased that he has been treated as a natural born citizen of United States.
A.M. Saqib
Houston, Texas
Senator McCains father serving/defending the United States allows these “patriots” to question the Senators birthright. The Dems will use any and all tactics to disqualify Senator McCain from the presidential race. Is this Billy’s idea?
It is established law that any individual born on a military base, of US parents in a foreign country IS a “natural born” American citizen. My birth certificate and passport attest to that fact. A non-issue!
Democrats should try to check Obama. It is really wrong that a person whose father was not an American can be automatically American citizen. How dare they to question Mr.McCain´s birthright? Mr.McCain is a real American, not Mr.Obama. The new president should change the law to prevent different elements to be eligible for Presidency. Mr. Schwarzenegger would be more suitable person as a presidential candidate than Obama
He still married for money, and left his 1st wife after she got seriously hurt in an auto accident. Plus he’s gonna need diaphers, and to be spoon fed real shortly here folks…
There is also a precedent. Mitt Romney’s father, George Romney, the leading Republican candidate in 1968, and unquestioned “natural born American” was born in Mexico of Morman parents. He self destructed but no one questioned his consltitutional right to be President.
All military bases and consular enclaves are considered “US soil” regardless of their geographic location, so why this was ever an issue eludes me.
05-01-08
I think John Mccain would make a fine President it’s not so much the age it”s
the knowledge that he has.
I think that the courts are here to interpret the Constitution. I think it is polite of the senators to pass a resolution of this nature, but I don’t think it’s their province to interpret the Constitution. Words mean something; the courts have a specific role to play in our country, which is to interpret the meaning of the words of the Constitution. John served in the military, his parents served in the military, and this is not deniable. That he is a natural born citizen or a naturalized citizen is certainly a question: it’s one for the courts. If the courts decide one way or the other way, it is not a reflection on the courage or character of the man, simply a decision on his eligibility for office based on what the Constitution says. Some may think it’s a crying shame that this is a question; but it is. Perhaps Gov. Arnold might like to be president; he’s not a natural born citizen, and doesn’t claim to be. Is it a crying shame that someone who has served his state as a governor cannot be president? Whether it’s a shame or not, it’s a Constitutional question, not a question of loyalty and ability.
I happen not to be a supporter of McCain’s candidacy for president; but aside from that, this is a republic with a Constitution. Let’s agree to follow the Constitution: the senate can’t decide this issue; the courts must.
I agree with Kevin. This was a total non-issue. McCain was born on U.S. Soil! It is a disgrace it was even brought to a vote.
That should end the nonsense so we can all get on with the task to have McCain elected. He will be a great President!
For some reason my comment was sent without my entire screen name: It’s Scarlete, not Scarlet.
Kevin, you are correct. Hopefully, you shall read my comments.
Kevin: It was an issue because the Democrats wanted to cause folks to question McCain’s credentials — even before they presented their complaint, they knew the outcome of the Senate’s decision. And the Senate knew what their adjudication had to be, but they prolonged it as long as they could. All a shameful sham.
However, folks like us have more expertise about military affairs and military dependent’s birth right in foreign countries, born on US soil. Consequently, we aren’t ignorant about this matter.