Does Teresa have dual citizenship?

[CovenBuster]

I am curious about Mrs. Kerry's citizenship. Is she a citizen of Mozambique as well as a citizen of America? Does anyone know off the top of their head? Thanks.

[counterpunch]

Just Mozambique-born or other countries as well? And just foreign born First Ladies of Democrat Presidents or would you include Republicans in the ban?

I'm not sure if you're misunderstanding what I'm saying, or purposely taking it out of context. I don't see where there is even room for misunderstanding here. I've been quite clear. Everyone knows that the President must be American born. Most probably even know it is written in the Constitution. Given the close association between the President and his wife, quite a lot of people must believe that it also does or at least should apply to the First Lady as well. You're trying to make this a technical argument over the law. That is not what I'm talking about. For the last time, I'm talking about perceptions and national identity. I'm not calling to change the Constitution to reflect how Americans already feel, nor am I singling out a country as insignificant as Mozambique, or just Democrats. I'm talking about how Americans feel about the idea of a foreign born First Lady, and how it may be a negative factor for John Kerry. I'm sure a Republican with a foreign born wife would face the same. We are Americans, and we want our First Family to be Americans, too, and I think a lot of people may not take kindly to the idea of this international elitist being too good for a home-grown wife.

[imfleck]

Isn't she African-American?

[elli1]

I would like to think that I put more consideration into my response than you and the rest gave before expressing your fears of a foreign born First Lady. That one factor isn't disqualifing or illegal...

Perhaps you should re-read what I actually said before attempting to read something between the lines and drawing incorrect conclusions.

[television is just wrong]

I heard that about Kerry too.

[horatio]

The First Lady represents American identity more than anyone else. She represents the all-American ideal. That has been her traditional role, as a traditional American woman. Could you imagine the Christmas at the White House special with Teresa Heinz..?

Yes I can, and I don't picture it being much different from a Christmas special with any other First Lady. It would be as inane as any other.

The hallmark of this great nation is that is was founded by people who came from other countries to be free. We judge a person on their character, not their accent. Slam her on the issues, but don't make an issue of her place of birth. Unless, of course, you make the same veiled accusations against Schwarzenegger's loyalties or fitness.

[counterpunch]

Slam her on the issues, but don't make an issue of her place of birth. Unless, of course, you make the same veiled accusations against Schwarzenegger's loyalties or fitness.

Once again, I see my statements are either being misunderstood or taken out of context. I've never questioned loyalties or fitness for office based on place of birth. I voted for Schwarzenegger, and personally, I think there ought not be a law against foreigners running for president. This isn't about what should or should not be allowed by law, but what Americans will or will not accept. I mean, if it's not in America's best interest to have a foreign born President, then I think the people will reflect that in their vote, law or not, and I'm suggesting that Teresa may have that same effect.

I am only talking about America's self image, and whether or not people would feel comfortable with a First Lady specifically who was not American born. What is the First Lady's role if not representing the personal side of America? Teresa Heinz has a distinctly European attitude and world view (because of Portuguese colonialism in Mozambique), and I think it rubs Americans the wrong way.

[horatio]

I didn't mean to put words in your mouth.

I think it's sad if America's self-image is so insecure as to exclude any foreigners from being representative of the nation.

You mention her "world-view" in your latest post, and that I do think is fair game. But not her accent, or the fact that she was born overseas - that's demeaning to the millions of immigrants from all over the world who made this country the great nation that it is.

[Diddley]

See my reply at 77.

[wingnuts'nbolts]

first lady Not a formal title. Do not capitalize, even when used before the name of a chief of state’s wife.


Eleanor Roosevelt Became the First Lady but Hillary made it her first name. You both are way out of line and rude. I have been here since 2000. I find your boorish behavior telling and assume you are jerks in realtime also.

[Ben Bolt]

you are a phony(that is my opinion),

Normally people here prove what they claim . I wont make you squirm today .