Hatch Wants Naturalized Citizens to Be Eligible for Presidency

C-SPAN "Washington Journal" | 08-19-03 | Theodore R.

[Theodore R.]

On Tuesday's C-SPAN "Washington Journal," hosted by Paul Orgle, it was noted that Senate Judiciary Chairman Orrin G. Hatch, R-UT, favors legislation that would permit a naturalized citizen of at least 20 years to seek the presidency or vice presidency as well. Hatch is said to think it discriminatory that the Constitution limits the two highest offices to "natural born" citizens.

Hatch's proposal presumably would require a constitutional amendment.

However, the report seemed to say (and I could have missed the essence of it) that Hatch thought he make an end run around the Constitution with legislation. Similarly, liberals who support statehood for the District of Columbia say that such a change could also be accomplished without a constitutional amendment.

Hatch's proposal apparently is an outgrowth of the gubernatorial candidacy of liberal Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger in CA. Schwarzenegger, an Austrian by birth, is ineligible to be considered for the presidency or the vice presidency.

Schwarzenegger is a nephew by marriage of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-MA. Hatch, who was first elected as a conservative in 1976, is known for his close friendship with Kennedy, his long-time colleague on the Judiciary Committee.

Hatch has frequently stirred fear among conservatives. In 1998, he "begged" President Clinton to "come clean" on the Monica Lewinsky affair. A year later, he was ambivalent in the impeachment trial that came before the Senate though he finally voted to convict Clinton on both counts against him.

Hatch is also known as a strong supporter of open-borders immigration.

In 2000, he briefly sought the GOP presidential nomination, only to bow out in favor of George W. Bush.

[dirtboy]

However, the report seemed to say (and I could have missed the essence of it) that Hatch thought he make an end run around the Constitution with legislation. Similarly, liberals who support statehood for the District of Columbia say that such a change could also be accomplished without a constitutional amendment.

Heck, they've been usurping power for years without a Constitutional amendment, I guess they no longer feel the need to pretend otherwise. That's not a good sign.

[jammer]

A prelude to an under the table campaign for Michigan's Debbie S. for prez?

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Makes sense that Orrin would be brown-nosing Ahhhnold.

He is a world-famous songwriter after all.

If you're going to do this, why even bother requiring the President to be a citizen, period?

[John Beresford Tipton]

Article II is as clear as can be:

"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"

[Gunslingr3]

Makes sense ----- in Scottish law, which he obeys.

Are you confusing Orrin Hatch with Arlen Specter? Specter is the one who voted 'not proved', this article mentions Hatch voted for impeachment.

[Bikers4Bush]

Hatch is a traitor to the Republicans.

[Theodore R.]

But Orrin G. Hatch thinks he is "above" the Constitution on this point: wiser and more compassionate than the Founding "Fathers." I still wonder what people in UT see in this senator, but he is apparently here to stay for many more years?

[VU4G10]

NOOOWAY RINOS!

[Redcloak]

Cue the "Armor Hot Dogs" jingle...

[Theodore R.]

No, it was Hatch, not Specter. Specter voted against impeachment, but Hatch wound up reluctantly voting for both resolutions.

[bedolido]

NO!

[Diogenesis]

Yes. Thanks

[Digger]

Is there any difference?

[b4its2late]

Hatch's proposal presumably would require a constitutional amendment.

Presumably? Sheesh.

[eniapmot]

Batten down the Hatch, boys, he's flapping in the breeze.

[elbucko]

IMHO, this proposal is DOA.

[Digger]

What a fool! He & Teddy. That raps up your "Two-Party Cartel".

[big'ol_freeper]

ping