Trump, Carson or Cruz?

The Morning Call ^ | October 30, 2015 | Bill White

[2ndDivisionVet]

I have a weird proposition for you today. Consider this Halloween-related.

If you had to choose between Donald Trump, Ben Carson and Ted Cruz as the next president, which one would you pick and why?

If you're a very conservative Republican, this may not be such a daunting prospect. If you're a moderate of either party or someone on the farther left, you're more likely to be appalled.

But in the wake of a debate in which Cruz emerged as an increasingly popular candidate in the crowded GOP field, and in which Trump and Carson remain the front-runners, I think it's a reasonable question. None of the Above is not an option in this case.....

[okie01]

I like the US Constitution, evidently Cruz doesn’t and wants to make anyone that has a American mom (or dad) a Natural Born Citizen.

The US Constitution failed to define a "natural born citizen". Subsequently, the US Congress defined an "American citizen at birth" as the equivalent.

Thus, Ted Cruz -- an American citizen at birth -- is eligible to serve as POTUS.

End of argument.

[KGeorge]

“And I trust that he won’t appoint backstabbing pretend conservatives to the court. Do any of you Trump followers even briefly think about that? “

Why, yes, yes we do. Do you mean someone like John Roberts?

http://dailycaller.com/2015/09/17/when-ted-cruz-said-john-roberts-is-undoubtedly-a-principled-conservative/

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/todd-j-gillman/20150919-ted-cruz-has-changed-his-tune-on-backing-chief-justice-john-roberts.ece

http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2015/09/after-years-of-admiration-ted-cruz-imagines-a-supreme-court-without-john-roberts.html/

http://www.businessinsider.com/ted-cruz-is-bashing-john-roberts-after-years-of-praising-him-2015-6

[KGeorge]

The Cruz family moved to America in 1974. Rafael Cruz renounced his Canadian citizenship & became a US citizen in 2005. That’s nearly 30 years later for those who are counting.
Ted Cruz renounced his Canadian citizenship in May of 2014. That’s 40 years later.
The Cruzes appear to “love America” when they want something from it (power). Otherwise, it just wasn’t that big a deal for them.

[jpsb]

That’s fine, just do not complain when a terrorist born and raised in some Islam nation comes over here and runs for president. Because Ted says that all you need is a mom with a US passport to be a Natural Born Citizen. You people are pathetic, you are willing to rip our Constitution to shreds as long as it fits your agenda.

[M1911A1]

I think a lot of Cruz supporter honestly believe that the definition of NBC has been decided by case law and congress and would favor Cruz in any contest.

The contest judges are erratic in the law at best, and Oligarchs, judicial activists and corrupt at worst, and recent events tend to point to the worst being the true story.

I don’t think it’s a good idea to attack other FReepers, we are all more or less in the same boat, we just have different notions about who should steer it and why they are qualified.

It’s the people who get to decide if he’s an NBC that should give even Cruz admirers pause. I’m one of them, and the thought of letting those Nine Oligarchs decide if it’s Cruz or Hillary ought to make everybody reach for the ulcer meds.

[okie01]

Because Ted says that all you need is a mom with a US passport to be a Natural Born Citizen.

Errrrrr, Ted didn't say it.

The US Congress did.

So, cut this "you people" crap.

[jpsb]

Congress does not have the authority to rewrite the US Constitution.

[austingirl]

Cruz.

[higgmeister]

About as much consideration as you give to our Constitution and the Rule of Law.

Cruz began studying the Constitution at age 14. By the time he graduated high school, he had traveled all over the state of Texas with a student group and had given 80 speeches on our founding documents. He has argued in the Supreme Court to defend the Constitution. There's "consideration" for you.

Then Ted Cruz should know what it says and follow it!

---

United States Constitution Article II, Section 1, Clause 5:

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

John Jay wrote to George Washington, urging "a strong check to the admission of Foreigners into the administration of our national Government; and to declare expressly that the Commander in Chief of the American army shall not be given to nor devolve on, any but a natural born Citizen. "Justice Story later noted that the natural-born citizenship requirement "cuts off all chances for ambitious foreigners, who might otherwise be intriguing for the office."

A Canadian birth certificate means he was not born here.

[TontoKowalski]

My wife was born in Japan. Her family was stationed there when her Dad was in the Navy.

So, is she a "natural born" citizen? Would John Jay consider her to be a foreigner?

[Tau Food]

A Canadian birth certificate means he was not born here.

He was born an American citizen.

Our Constitution provides that our presidents shall be chosen by electors. The electors (and the voters who select them) judge each candidate's qualifications.

If you think that Cruz or any other candidate is for some reason unqualified, then you should construct an argument and try convince the electors (and the voters who select them) that he is not qualified. Good luck with that.

I believe that he is qualified.

[okie01]

Congress does not have the authority to rewrite the US Constitution.

Nor do you have the authority to interpret it.

"Born an American citizen" legally fulfills the definition of "natural born citizen".

Cruz didn't make it that way. Nor did I. The US Conngress and American jurisprudence did. And, if you don't like it, tough.

[higgmeister]

If you think that Cruz or any other candidate is for some reason unqualified, then you should construct an argument and try convince the electors (and the voters who select them) that he is not qualified. Good luck with that.

Funny you should mention that. Possible and likely that his poll numbers are the vote you speak of. Ted Cruz cannot win against the Democrat. They will bring this issue up at the most opportune time to cast doubt.

Since there is no standing for any individual to contest his electability, he will be stuck in limbo with those believing in the rule-of-law, knowing he does not pass the Natural Born test, and those that feel that the US Constitution is is just some historic document in the National Archives believes he gets a pass for patriotism.

When I was very enamored of the Presidents and studied them in depth. [the only First Lady to be married in the White House? — Frances Folsom to Grover Cleveland in 1886]

I have known since I was seven years old that a President has to be born on US States or Territories. Sad for Cruz but I can't vote for him.

[CHISEL32]

I lean Trump but I like Cruz as well.

[CHISEL32]

Mark Levin likes Trump and Cruz from listening to him. Trump has more juice than Cruz. Trump has a better chance at winning the general election than Cruz also. I like Cruz too but I’m leaning Trump as of this moment.

[CHISEL32]

That’s why I like Trump better than Cruz. Trump supports Fair trade not free trade for the sake of free trade.

[CHISEL32]

Carson has expressed more support for amnesty than most of the field.

[CHISEL32]

He won’t endorse but he seems to like Trump and Cruz.

[matthew fuller]

I agree with him, I prefer Cruz or Trump. There’s a great distance between them however.

[CHISEL32]

Absolutely. Cruz is more conservative. But the leadership from Trump and his style are to be reckoned with. Trump or Cruz would no doubt shake up Washington. I really really want to see a Trump v Clinton debate.