Comments on: Does it matter that McCain was born outside the U.S.? http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/ Tell Jack how you really feel Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:35 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Michael, Houston TX http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111115 Michael, Houston TX Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:35:29 +0000 http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111115 A United States Base or Ship operating outside the United States is considered US soil for those born to US citizens on that base or ship, they are not foreign citizens. Study up Jack and the rest of the best poltical team on tv.... A United States Base or Ship operating outside the United States is considered US soil for those born to US citizens on that base or ship, they are not foreign citizens.

Study up Jack and the rest of the best poltical team on tv....

]]> By: janice schwartz http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111114 janice schwartz Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:35:26 +0000 http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111114 I do not think the fact that McCain was born in Panama should prevent him from running for president, just his programs. Besides it gives him almost as much International experience as Obama claims to have because as a child he lived in a foreign country. I do not think the fact that McCain was born in Panama should prevent him from running for president, just his programs. Besides it gives him almost as much International experience as Obama claims to have because as a child he lived in a foreign country.

]]> By: Thomas Petry http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111009 Thomas Petry Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:30:43 +0000 http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111009 This is ridiculous. Since 1790: "The children of citizens of the United States that may be born beyond sea, or outside the limits of the United States, shall be considered as natural-born citizens of the United States." Congress assured us of that fact! John McCain is as natural born as Yankee Doodle. Case closed! And it just so happens I'm a die in the wool Democrat and even I can see this. Stop sensationalizing issue. The last thing our country needs right now is another controversy regarding Presidential elections! This is ridiculous.

Since 1790: "The children of citizens of the United States that may be born beyond sea, or outside the limits of the United States, shall be considered as natural-born citizens of the United States."

Congress assured us of that fact!

John McCain is as natural born as Yankee Doodle. Case closed! And it just so happens I'm a die in the wool Democrat and even I can see this.

Stop sensationalizing issue. The last thing our country needs right now is another controversy regarding Presidential elections!

]]> By: Mark - Grand Rapids, MI http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111007 Mark - Grand Rapids, MI Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:30:41 +0000 http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111007 I'm not a McCain supporter, but where is the common sense. Cafferty, I would love to appear on your program as Joe public to address the silly nature of these types of assertions. McCain was likely made a NATURAL CITIZEN when born on the military base. Making this type of argument about citizenship at this time only further illustrates democrats inability to make a compelling argument on the real issues. Obama has made hay by cutting through this type of non-sense to the true nature of peoples interest to be inspired, engage in a thoughtful debate, and have hope for a better future. If Obama can "actually" bring real substantive approaches to implement his vision, then we don't need to find silly distractions like natural-born to undermine McCain, we'll have already beat him. I'm not a McCain supporter, but where is the common sense. Cafferty, I would love to appear on your program as Joe public to address the silly nature of these types of assertions. McCain was likely made a NATURAL CITIZEN when born on the military base. Making this type of argument about citizenship at this time only further illustrates democrats inability to make a compelling argument on the real issues. Obama has made hay by cutting through this type of non-sense to the true nature of peoples interest to be inspired, engage in a thoughtful debate, and have hope for a better future. If Obama can "actually" bring real substantive approaches to implement his vision, then we don't need to find silly distractions like natural-born to undermine McCain, we'll have already beat him.

]]> By: Adam http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111006 Adam Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:30:40 +0000 http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111006 You can't just disregard parts of the Constitution you disagree with. That's what amendments are for. And Joe Greenberg - actually that's not true at all. You can't just disregard parts of the Constitution you disagree with. That's what amendments are for. And Joe Greenberg – actually that's not true at all.

]]> By: Andrew http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111004 Andrew Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:30:37 +0000 http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111004 He should be eligible. I agree with the woman's statement regarding deployment - they should put a ruling that those born outside of the country due to military deployment should be eligible. It's not fair to the child born outside of the state that they are considered a non-Citizen. I'm still voting for Barack, but I think McCain should be eligible. -Andy 30 years old Cambridge, MA He should be eligible. I agree with the woman's statement regarding deployment – they should put a ruling that those born outside of the country due to military deployment should be eligible. It's not fair to the child born outside of the state that they are considered a non-Citizen.

I'm still voting for Barack, but I think McCain should be eligible.

-Andy
30 years old
Cambridge, MA

]]> By: Chander http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111003 Chander Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:30:35 +0000 http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-111003 Jack, No Doubt in my mind ! He should not be allowed to run. We should have a court hearing, or better yet have McCain and his lawyers show how they come to the conclusion that they are within the rules. American Soil is American Soil. Jack,

No Doubt in my mind ! He should not be allowed to run. We should have a court hearing, or better yet have McCain and his lawyers show how they come to the conclusion that they are within the rules. American Soil is American Soil.

]]> By: Mike http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-110964 Mike Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:29:08 +0000 http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-110964 Honestly I don't think this is a matter of opinion. To keep things as simple as possible I think we should consider the legal implications. It seems to be that you must be born on U.S. soil. If he was born on an installation which is considered U.S. soil then he's eligible, if he was born on one which was not, he is not. I believe that military installations, like U.S. Embassies are considered the soil of their mother nation, and he is therefore fully eligible, but if I am incorrect then he is not. Who is left if McCain is forced out of the race for the Republicans is, however, an interesting question. Honestly I don't think this is a matter of opinion. To keep things as simple as possible I think we should consider the legal implications. It seems to be that you must be born on U.S. soil. If he was born on an installation which is considered U.S. soil then he's eligible, if he was born on one which was not, he is not. I believe that military installations, like U.S. Embassies are considered the soil of their mother nation, and he is therefore fully eligible, but if I am incorrect then he is not. Who is left if McCain is forced out of the race for the Republicans is, however, an interesting question.

]]> By: Dan P http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-110962 Dan P Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:29:05 +0000 http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-110962 The understanding of the constitution that I posses is that those born on US soil (i.e territorial property) are US citizens. I also believe that the constitutional birthright should also cover those born overseas but to US citizens. For example say a husband and wife lives overseas due to either military or foreign service deployments where it is likely they are not living on US souil and the birth does not occur in the on US soil in the embassy. I also feel those who are naturalized citizens who came here as infants also should qualify, There are runors the Andrew Jackson was not born on US soil but on a boat over here. I have no issue with McCains eligability though it will be an interesting legal story should a fight occur in court. Just imagine if it is a close race like the last two times where one states count matters and McCain wins, then don't be suprised if this becomes a legal argument that goes to the Court again. Also do not be suprise in the future if there is a candidate who was born here, to foreign born parents, who then returns through birth right at as a US citizen and then runs for president. This citizen ship is also an issue when it comes to US territories given the new immigration rules. For example those who live in American Samoa are referred to as nationals and there is some argument on their ability to come to the mainland. Those of the former US possesions of the Marshall Islands can claim citizen rights since they were born when RMI was US soil. The understanding of the constitution that I posses is that those born on US soil (i.e territorial property) are US citizens. I also believe that the constitutional birthright should also cover those born overseas but to US citizens. For example say a husband and wife lives overseas due to either military or foreign service deployments where it is likely they are not living on US souil and the birth does not occur in the on US soil in the embassy. I also feel those who are naturalized citizens who came here as infants also should qualify, There are runors the Andrew Jackson was not born on US soil but on a boat over here. I have no issue with McCains eligability though it will be an interesting legal story should a fight occur in court. Just imagine if it is a close race like the last two times where one states count matters and McCain wins, then don't be suprised if this becomes a legal argument that goes to the Court again. Also do not be suprise in the future if there is a candidate who was born here, to foreign born parents, who then returns through birth right at as a US citizen and then runs for president.

This citizen ship is also an issue when it comes to US territories given the new immigration rules. For example those who live in American Samoa are referred to as nationals and there is some argument on their ability to come to the mainland. Those of the former US possesions of the Marshall Islands can claim citizen rights since they were born when RMI was US soil.

]]> By: Drew http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-110961 Drew Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:29:02 +0000 http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/does-it-matter-that-mccain-was-born-outside-the-us/#comment-110961 While I don't agree with Mr. McCain's politics, I can't think of a man or woman in this country more deserving of a chance to occupy the oval office. He served his country with great distinction, as did his father and grandfather before him. The fact that he was born on a foreign US military base is irrelevant. When that particular clause of the constitution was written, we didn't have foreign military installations. Those bases, like US Embassies, are considered US soil for all intents and purposes. OF COURSE he is absolutely eligible to run for/be president and frankly more deserving than most Americans... he's just not the best choice available right now. While I don't agree with Mr. McCain's politics, I can't think of a man or woman in this country more deserving of a chance to occupy the oval office. He served his country with great distinction, as did his father and grandfather before him. The fact that he was born on a foreign US military base is irrelevant. When that particular clause of the constitution was written, we didn't have foreign military installations. Those bases, like US Embassies, are considered US soil for all intents and purposes.

OF COURSE he is absolutely eligible to run for/be president and frankly more deserving than most Americans... he's just not the best choice available right now.

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