Good write-up found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural-born-citizen_clause
Personally, it appears that over the centuries, efforts have been made to relax this clause. If I were asked my opinion (you may, or may not agree with it), I would say that a “Citizen” is anyone born of American Parents, or born in the territories of America. But a “Natural Born Citizen” is a child born with both parents being US Citizens, and is either born in the US territories, military bases or embassees.
There is only 1 office in the land that has the “Natural Born Citizen” clause, and I feel this clause should be tightened, nor relaxed. Not because I despise Obama - but because I feel it is the right thing to do; now and forever more.
Chester A Arthur’s Father was not an American citizen until he (Chester) was 14 years old.
John Fremont’s father was a French citizen when he (John) was born.
If the definition you hold to was enforced, Arthur would not have been eligible to be President and Fremont would not have been eligible to be the Republican candidate in 1856.
It’s been looked at before. Vattel’s definition was not explicitly spelled out in the Constitution, even though the Founder’s knew his works very well.
Or at least as long as the Constitution lasts. Which may not be a hell of a lot longer.