More likely the latter - since it is a more interesting and useful backstory than being fathered out of wedlock by Frank Marshall Davis - but using such a fable to further his career is disqualifying in itself.
If there is nothing to hide, why not open all records to public scrutiny?
If all is innocent, there is no reason not to reveal the TRUTH in all its beauty and glory.
If all records are opened and released to the public and they prove President Obama's birth in Hawaii, it will enhance his stature all over the world and cast a grim light on all who doubted him and his claims.