It didn't dawn on them that that would disqualify him from the office.
Of course, Constitutional knowledge has never been their strong suit.
I actually remember after the 2004 Election (I was watching it closely as I was hoping Reid would get thrown out of office), the media was talking about how great Barack Obama was, and how he was NOT eligible to become President, but to look for him to become a powerful political force (to paraphrase).
I remember thinking, “Who cares about this guy?” and “Why should he be special?” I remember my father (Who no longer lived in Nevada) asking about the Reid election, and I said he won and we talked about Barack Obama, and my father said he was notable because he was claimed to be an “Articulate Black man.”
I knew something was awry then, and I see it ever clearer now. I feel certain this is a cover up, and I think you’re right, his Kenyan nativity was supposed to be touted to make him a favored candidate at one point, but then was realized to be a boo boo. It’s notable people talked about adding an ammendment at that time because of Schwartzeneggar, but that never went anywhere, maybe they were hoping to have the fix in before he’d be propelled to “Power.” It’s good evil always opens it’s mouth first, bad that so few have long memories and pay attention.