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Rohrabacher Pushes Schwarzenegger Presidential Amendment
NewsMax ^ | 9/15/04 | Carl Limbacher/AP

Posted on 09/15/2004 7:14:08 PM PDT by wagglebee

Schwarzenegger for president in 2008? No, he's not eligible. Born in Austria, he's barred by the Constitution. But that would change under an amendment introduced Wednesday by a fellow California Republican.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher's proposal would allow anyone who's been a U.S. citizen for 20 years to run for the nation's highest office. That would include Arnold Schwarzenegger bodybuilder, movie star and now governor of California.

Schwarzenegger, who became a citizen in 1983, has said he supports amending the Constitution so foreign-born citizens can run for president. But he's sidestepped questions about whether he might want to run, saying he's focused on governing California.

Rohrabacher said in an interview that Schwarzenegger was doing a great job as governor, but his real aim was to open up the presidential process. "We've got some talented people who might be able to help our country and provide some much-needed leadership, and there's no reason if they've been a citizen for over 20 years to exclude them," he said.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, has introduced similar legislation in the Senate.

In remarks prepared for the House floor, he suggested he really wanted to help a California congressman, and a Democrat at that.

"This is no ploy. I honestly believe that Tom Lantos should be able to seek the highest office in the land, just like any other elected official," he said.

Lantos, 76 and born in Hungary, said he saw no need to amend the Constitution.

"However, if the Austro-Hungarian Empire is re-established in the United States, I will invite Arnold Schwarzenegger to be my lieutenant," he said.

Constitutional amendments require passage by two-thirds of both the House and the Senate and then approval by three-fourths of the states.


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Front Page News; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: arnoldforpresident; foreignborn; presidency; rohrabacher; schwarzenegger
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I have my doubts about this.
1 posted on 09/15/2004 7:14:08 PM PDT by wagglebee
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To: wagglebee
Rohrabacher and hatch want to open a GIANT can 'o worms.

NOT a good idea.

2 posted on 09/15/2004 7:17:01 PM PDT by F16Fighter
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To: wagglebee
Rohrabacher and hatch want to open a GIANT can 'o worms.

NOT a good idea.

3 posted on 09/15/2004 7:17:37 PM PDT by F16Fighter
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To: wagglebee

I sincerely doubt this will ever happen...but...I've been wrong before.


4 posted on 09/15/2004 7:18:19 PM PDT by Khurkris (Proud Scottish/HillBilly - I am grumpy today...I may stay grumpy for a while.)
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To: wagglebee

me to.


5 posted on 09/15/2004 7:19:16 PM PDT by Khurkris (Proud Scottish/HillBilly - I am grumpy today...I may stay grumpy for a while.)
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To: F16Fighter

I agree, the 'Rats would try to remove the restriction against serving more than two terms and then we might have to contend with BJ Klintoon all over again.


6 posted on 09/15/2004 7:19:21 PM PDT by wagglebee (Benedict Arnold was for American independence before he was against it.)
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To: wagglebee

This is a bad idea. Arnold is a great guy, but he doesn't need to set a precedent by being Prez. The Constitutional assumption that a native-born American will have the home team's interest at heart is a good one. In these days of uncontrolled immigration and the failure of the melting pot, it may not be foolproof, but it shouldn't be lightly abandoned.


7 posted on 09/15/2004 7:19:21 PM PDT by Pearls Before Swine
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To: wagglebee

Wonder what Arnold promised Dana!


8 posted on 09/15/2004 7:20:26 PM PDT by Hildy (John Edwards is to Dick Cheney what Potsie was to the Fonz.)
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To: wagglebee
Rohrabacher : "We've got some talented people who might be able to help our country and provide some much-needed leadership, and there's no reason if they've been a citizen for over 20 years to exclude them," he said.

I'm referring to THIS component....

9 posted on 09/15/2004 7:23:09 PM PDT by F16Fighter
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To: F16Fighter
Agreed, not a good idea. A better idea would be to annex Austria and make it the 51st state. We could trade the Europeans for Massachusetts or Vermont.
10 posted on 09/15/2004 7:23:41 PM PDT by P-Marlowe
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To: wagglebee

Another bad idea that won't do US any good, only harm. It has worked well enough for the past 215 (Dang! Math.) years. No need to change it now.


11 posted on 09/15/2004 7:23:50 PM PDT by canalabamian (Common sense, unfortunately, is not very common)
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To: Pearls Before Swine

Two hundred years ago, the Federalists wanted to nominate Alexander Hamilton, who was born in the Caribbean, but had lived in America since long before the Declaration of Independence. Hamilton was clearly a Founding Father and even he accepted that under the Constitution, which he assisted in drafting as well as instrumental in securing passage of, he conceded that he could not be elected to the Presidency.


12 posted on 09/15/2004 7:24:29 PM PDT by wagglebee (Benedict Arnold was for American independence before he was against it.)
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To: wagglebee
I have my doubts about this.

I have no doubts about it: It is a very bad idea. Piss on it.

13 posted on 09/15/2004 7:25:10 PM PDT by Petronski (Pajamarazzi power!)
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To: wagglebee
I hate stupidity.

Trying to get foriegners in as American Presidents, is stupid.

14 posted on 09/15/2004 7:25:52 PM PDT by AmericanCheeseFood (Only place Kerry has to go now is to the glue factory.)
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To: Petronski

I was being polite, but I think it is a sh!++y idea!


15 posted on 09/15/2004 7:25:57 PM PDT by wagglebee (Benedict Arnold was for American independence before he was against it.)
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To: wagglebee

I like Arnahold... but no way.


16 posted on 09/15/2004 7:26:56 PM PDT by steveo (Member: Fathers Against Rude Television)
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To: wagglebee

Its just another politician showing how out of touch he is with most Americans with regards to an aspect of immigration. Most Americans are opposed to this type of change.


17 posted on 09/15/2004 7:27:27 PM PDT by Aetius
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To: Aetius
Its just another politician showing how out of touch he is with most Americans with regards to an aspect of immigration.

One thing America will never have a shortage of is out of touch politicians!

18 posted on 09/15/2004 7:28:29 PM PDT by wagglebee (Benedict Arnold was for American independence before he was against it.)
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To: wagglebee

BAD idea Dana. Let it drop.


19 posted on 09/15/2004 7:28:38 PM PDT by skeeter
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To: wagglebee

Thanks for that info on Hamilton. It would seem he decided the rule was in the long term best interest of the country, even though his dedication was unquestioned. So must it be with Arnold. Its not as if there aren't many other very important leadership positions available to him and other immigrants.


20 posted on 09/15/2004 7:28:59 PM PDT by Pearls Before Swine
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To: wagglebee

I can't speak for the rest of the great unwashed, but I'm not going to vote for any RINO who signed a bill banning .50 caliber rifles.


21 posted on 09/15/2004 7:29:03 PM PDT by white trash redneck (Make love, not war. Get married, do both.)
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To: wagglebee

Canadians for president. That's all I have to think about before I say this is a horrible idea.


22 posted on 09/15/2004 7:29:08 PM PDT by kingu (Which would you bet on? Iraq and Afghanistan? Or Haiti and Kosovo?)
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To: Hildy

If you believe it's a good idea, and want it to pass, there's ONE way to make it happen. Arnold publicy announces his support for the amendent, then says that he will NEVER seek, or acccept, a nomination fro Presidwent. This way, the "self-interest" perception is removed...


23 posted on 09/15/2004 7:29:53 PM PDT by ken5050 (Bill Clinton has just signed to be the national spokesman for Hummer..)
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To: wagglebee

I would be pushing a marriage amendment before even considering this issue.


24 posted on 09/15/2004 7:32:17 PM PDT by taxesareforever
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To: P-Marlowe
"A better idea would be to annex Austria and make it the 51st state. We could trade the Europeans for Massachusetts or Vermont."

Heh -- Then we'd have an infinitely better chance of having Austria vote GOP ...

Ted Kennedy (S) Austria

25 posted on 09/15/2004 7:32:49 PM PDT by F16Fighter
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To: wagglebee
With this thing, the imigration disaster and the general shape of politics out here, I believe the wheels have completely come off of our Congressional delegation.

I wouldn't be surprised if one or two of them aren't defeated--Bush landslide nationally notwithstanding.

26 posted on 09/15/2004 7:33:45 PM PDT by WalterSkinner
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To: wagglebee

Mr. Rorbacher : STOP NOW!


27 posted on 09/15/2004 7:34:20 PM PDT by SunStar (Democrats piss me off!)
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To: wagglebee; All
Has Dana hit the ol' Bong again?!? What an idiotic idea. Gee, maybe we'll have some born and bred candidates from France running for President.

Heaven save us from Dana and Orin hatch's stupidity. I have lost SOOOOO much respect for Dana over this.

28 posted on 09/15/2004 7:36:44 PM PDT by tame (Are you willing to do for the truth what leftists are willing to do for a lie?)
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To: SunStar

The Congressman is on the show in the morning at 8:30AM, you can listen and call at ktkz.com. I agree, this is very concerning and bothersome - we'll give it a whirl in the morning...IF...CBS News doesn't call for another 9AM press conference again.


29 posted on 09/15/2004 7:37:55 PM PDT by Eric Hogue 1380 KTKZ (1380 KTKZ / 5-9AM Weekdays in Sacramento)
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To: SunStar

The Congressman is on the show in the morning at 8:30AM, you can listen and call at ktkz.com. I agree, this is very concerning and bothersome - we'll give it a whirl in the morning...IF...CBS News doesn't call for another 9AM press conference again.


30 posted on 09/15/2004 7:38:49 PM PDT by Eric Hogue 1380 KTKZ (1380 KTKZ / 5-9AM Weekdays in Sacramento)
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To: Eric Hogue 1380 KTKZ

Mr. Rohrbacher, the situations that this can bring about are too big and too bad. So STOP NOW.


31 posted on 09/15/2004 7:39:41 PM PDT by television is just wrong
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To: wagglebee
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher's proposal would allow anyone who's been a U.S. citizen for 20 years to run for the nation's highest office.

I thought we were CONSERVE-atives... The founding fathers had it right on this one. Screw Rorbacher. He's a Schwarzenegger suck-up, and he's dead wrong here.

32 posted on 09/15/2004 7:41:36 PM PDT by SunStar (Democrats piss me off!)
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To: Petronski
"I have no doubts about it: It is a very bad idea. Piss on it."

I with you. It looks like it's time to get cranky again and start raising a fuss. This damn idiots.

33 posted on 09/15/2004 7:42:47 PM PDT by Badray (Stay well - Stay safe - Stay armed - Yorktown. RIP harpseal.)
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To: kingu
Canadians for president. That's all I have to think about before I say this is a horrible idea.

Exactamundo. The Democrats would love for Jennifer Granholm to be eligible.

34 posted on 09/15/2004 7:42:48 PM PDT by BlackRazor
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To: wagglebee

With you. Leave the Constitution alone.


35 posted on 09/15/2004 7:42:56 PM PDT by I still care (Proud member of the FR branch of the Pajama brigade.)
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To: wagglebee; Dan from Michigan; Joe Brower
I have my doubts about this.

How diplomatic.
My sentiments are:
THAT!

09/14/04: California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill banning .50-caliber BMG rifles

"Reasonable", they say.

36 posted on 09/15/2004 7:48:44 PM PDT by Constitution Day (There is a cancer growing on the CBS Anchor Desk...)
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To: wagglebee; All

BTW, Orin Hatch (who shares this dangerously nutty idea with Dana R) is the same guy who ran for the Republican Nomination for President on the Principle of electing strict constructionist Judges to the Courts, ALL THE WHILE he has voted (as Senate Judiciary Chairman) to give a pass to leftist Clinton Judges. What a spineless, disgusting excuse for a "conservative".


37 posted on 09/15/2004 7:49:59 PM PDT by tame (Are you willing to do for the truth what leftists are willing to do for a lie?)
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To: wagglebee

I will never vote for someone who was NOT born in the good 'ol US of A. I don't care how good of a conservative he is.

Rorbacher is barking up the wrong tree. He should stop wasting time. If anything, pass a law mandating the immediate return of all illegal aliens to their country of origin as soon as they are arrested or caught.


38 posted on 09/15/2004 7:52:34 PM PDT by Edit35
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To: Constitution Day

Arnold won't even get my vote again for governor.


39 posted on 09/15/2004 7:52:40 PM PDT by Feiny (Here's to swimmin with bow legged women!)
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To: feinswinesuksass
Arnold won't even get my vote again for governor.

This is why I admire you :o)

It's not MY fault. I voted for McClintock!

40 posted on 09/15/2004 7:54:55 PM PDT by tame (Are you willing to do for the truth what leftists are willing to do for a lie?)
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To: feinswinesuksass
I stayed out of the whole Tom/Arnold for CA Gov. fracas, because in NC it's not really my concern.

But a Constitutional amendment definitely is.

I guess Rohrabacher doesn't realize what a slippery slope this would be, or doesn't care.

41 posted on 09/15/2004 7:56:40 PM PDT by Constitution Day (There is a cancer growing on the CBS Anchor Desk...)
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To: wagglebee
Famous words to remember: NOT ONLY NO, BUT HELL NO!!!!
42 posted on 09/15/2004 8:11:16 PM PDT by vpintheak (Our Liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain!)
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To: tame

I planned to vote McClintock, but was even more worried that Bustamecha would get in....so I went with Arnold.


43 posted on 09/15/2004 8:18:39 PM PDT by Feiny (Here's to swimmin with bow legged women!)
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To: wagglebee

Let's get the gay ban on marriage amendment passed first, before we start allowing Islamic fundamentalist to run for President, or French, Austrian, or German actors.


44 posted on 09/15/2004 8:28:48 PM PDT by HisKingdomWillAbolishSinDeath (Cream rises to the top, but in a secular culture, so does the slime.)
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To: wagglebee

Lantos shouldn't even be a Congressman!


45 posted on 09/15/2004 8:51:05 PM PDT by skr (4 mos. in Viet Nam, 2 yrs. as Lt. Gov., nearly 80% absenteeism in the Senate--no way, J.K.)
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To: wagglebee

Ain't no way this will happen, at least not yet. But face it folks, eventually it will. Pretty soon they will say illegal aliens should be allowed to be President!


46 posted on 09/15/2004 8:53:46 PM PDT by ladyinred ("John Kerry reporting for spitball and typewriter duty.")
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To: Pearls Before Swine
Arnold is a great guy

Great guy he may be, but ask the lawful owners of .50BMGs in California if they'd want him as President. Then ask the lawful owners of such firearms in the other 49 states if they'd want him banning their guns? Great guy? That only counts when he's playing one in the movies. The Founding Fathers had a vision and a reason for setting things up they way they did. It should not be so casually disturbed. Especially not for a RINO like AHnold.

47 posted on 09/15/2004 9:03:32 PM PDT by ExSoldier (M1A: Any mission. Any conditions. Any foe. At any range.)
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To: Dan from Michigan

Say hello to President Granholm!


48 posted on 09/15/2004 9:11:19 PM PDT by Clemenza (I LOVE Halliburton, SUVs and Assault Weapons. Any Questions?)
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To: wagglebee

I hope the Dumbocrats prevail on this one...We don't need this RINO running for President. It's bad enough we're stuck with with a compassionate conservative intend on expanding government at the greatest rate since the 1960s.


49 posted on 09/15/2004 9:11:31 PM PDT by Ol' Sparky
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To: wagglebee

Tom Lantos, boo. And nix the foreign president idea as well.


50 posted on 09/15/2004 9:12:42 PM PDT by Libertina (Thank God we have President Bush in the White House.)
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