The Senate has no real authority on that matter... they were just hoping to set precedent.
I think a reasonable case can be made (not sure how strong, just a reasonable one) that McCain was born subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
Again, this is perfectly consistent with the idea that children born to aliens here should not be considered citizens, unless a law is passed to make them so, and the option is exercised.
Again, the geography of McCain’s birth is not necessarily the determining factor. His parents were subject to, and fully subject to, US jurisdiction. They weren’t aliens on their own in another country, they didn’t obtain residency in Panama on their own, etc. They did not choose to leave the US behind and go somewhere else.
As for “anchor babies”. If the mother and baby were deported, would their original country claim both?
The Senate along with the House has final authority over the electoral college. They vote to accept or reject the results.
Again, the geography of McCain’s birth is not necessarily the determining factor.
Right. And if the Senate had had his birth certificate in their hands before voting, it wouldn't look so foolish. Will they be made fools of again. Probably, as the proverb says: "A fool and his credibility are soon parted."