Good point, leaving the NBC question aside. But I still think it would be trap if it were done with the understanding of absolute confidentiality.
What if the particulars on the certificate themselves raised additional questions. For example, what if it was learned that the doctor who allegedly delivered him was not alive at the time or other evidence of fabrication? If the “inspector” was bound to secrecy and all he could say was “I saw the certificate”, we’ve blown the chance.
Given the ‘rights’ that relate to non-disclosure of birth certificate data, just determining that one exists in state records should be sufficient to move on.
Without Obama’s approval, no additional information can be disclosed. His position is that he was born in Hawaii. Therefore, he position is that a certificate exists. Therefore, something on that certificate is a problem for him - one that he doesn’t want disclosed. Whatever that ‘problem’ is, it would not disqualify him from being POTUS.
Now, if the ‘problem’ relates to the authenticity of the certificate itself, perhaps another conservative (trusted person) needs to accompany our representative, someone that can verify that a real birth certificate is on file.
As an aside, since Obama is running for POTUS again, I wonder what could be done either at the national or state level that will result in a verification of birth in America as required for that office? I’m thinking that we have another shoot to verify the qualifications of all nominees prior to November 2012. In other words, we have another opportunity to complete our homework - an opportunity to pass laws that require verification to prevent this from happening again.