I think this is the key point or a very important point. If you state that the Constitution is fuzzy on a meaning then you have to find what the original intent was or the prevailing influence of the certain thought was. This was de Vattel for this subject, not all subjects mind you, but this one. If you are going to ignore that this is the case then you are being intellectually dishonest. This leads to cowardice. It is a tough thing to admit that many were duped including ourselves.
Secondly, Mark's suggestion that since Obama's mother was American and she gave birth to Obama in Hawaii is good enough is to not only strip a man of his lineage but the argument is weak at best. Stalin, Castro or Osama could knock up an American girl in the US and then have him/her eligible for the POTUS? Insane!
Also, has he ever really thought why the Founders chose 14 years a resident as an accompanying requirement? It is to hopefully help create a sense of loyalty to America in accordance with the other requirements. They work together. What was so special about the age of 35 back then? Most men were actual men by the age or 16 when our Country was founded. Alexander Hamilton would be considered a mere boy in today's age but would have whipped the pants off anyone today with regards to being accomplished.
Basically, my argument boils down to this...The Founders wanted POTUS nominees by these three exclusive requirements, the most exclusive being the NBC, to ensure the least amount of foreign influence to be able to become the Commander-in-Chief of their newly founded nation. These three requirements ensure the most American blood as eligible of becoming the POTUS.
Very good understanding on your part.
I don’t know if it was to you—I’ve been posting a lot today-—but I mentioned to someone that the NBC issue is not some antique concept from days of yore but it is supremely relevant with all the immigration we are faced with today, some of which immigrants have no identification or loyalty with the US whatsover...and neither will their kids, probably.
So let’s go with strict construction where possible and analysis of the Founders’ deliberations and their sources and we will be able to avoid another Obama problem.