How many of the other candidates have been asked this same question? And what were their answers? It’s kind of unfair to single out Santorum who at least took the question.
No one in the public eye wants to touch it, lest they be termed ‘crazy.’ I remember Sarah Palin calling the whole eligibility issue a “distraction” before BHO produced the “long form bc” from HI in April. Mark Levin castigated his audience and said he would not entertain the issue, either on his radio show or his web or facebook page.
I may not like Santorum’s responses and am underwhelmed with his knowledge of De Vattel, but he did at least take on the question.
I don't know how many other candidates have had to handle this question, but that's not the point. Santorum flunked out with those statements, because he didn't say that the eligibility question remains unanswered, as he should have.
Instead of leaving it in neutral, he went to bat for Obama by declaring, "My understanding is that issue was solved." That's unconscionable and infuriating.
You mentioned Sarah Palin's take on the eligibility issue. I recall that when Trump was 'investigating' Zero's bc, she said something along the lines of, "I think it's a fair question, and ought to be looked into." (my paraphrase)
If the damn topic is so radioactive that politicians are going to burst into flame by just touching it, then Sarah's was the correct response. She took no stance, but left the question open, as a legitimate issue of concern.