“Do you really think that the courts are going to hang their hats on that phrase?”
Why should that phrase carry anymore or less weight than any other phrase of law. Look at the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution as an example. Bottom line is I don’t think it is clear cut for Cruz. What I think does not matter. It will be up to the judicial system.
“The point is his father was not a citizen when he was born as required under the 1790 law” That’s what you cited as the reason he’s ineligible, and what others have pointed to. I submit anyone who relies on that passage as a reason to rule against him, is in denial about the judges on this Supreme Court.