Can the Terminator ever be prez?

[Swamp Fox]

I think it's obvious that Arnie wants to be president - that bit of interview I saw on CNN has convinced me of that. But he's 56 now, and a constitutional amendment will take years, while he has to do at least two terms as governmor to show how good he is.

So the question is, can the constitution be changed in time to allow him to lead the country?

[Coot]

Arnold's a good guy, but I don't think it's going to happen. In fact I don't think it should happen.

[IamZed]

I agree with Coot. I suspect he may well make a good president. The ban against it was put there by serious people for serious reasons. When put down as law I assume it was to prevent the English from making us a vassal by electing and Englishman. In modern time we often complain that big money can buy the presidency. What if that was Arab money buying an Arab president? No, things should stay as they are. We need no special amendment just for Arnold.

[Violet1966]

So the question is, can the constitution be changed in time to allow him to lead the country?

Anything can happen in the next 7 years. We might see it, we might not. Would it be a good thing? Let's see what he does over the next few years for California. I would think if his looking so good as a prospect, could change anything, that it will if it is meant to be and really desired.

Should we go ahead and change things just for him at this point? I don't think that's a good idea. He might turn out to be the worst thing politics has ever seen? I hope not...but you never know.

[Colin]

The ban against it was put there by serious people for serious reasons. When put down as law I assume it was to prevent the English from making us a vassal by electing and Englishman. In modern time we often complain that big money can buy the presidency. What if that was Arab money buying an Arab president?
These are good points, but I wonder to what extent being a native born citizen excludes you from foreign influences (e.g., http://canadiansfordean.ca/). While I haven't formed a firm opinion on this matter, it seems to me that people are calling for more and more choice in our elections (more parties, more candidates), and this might be a way to move towards accomplishing that.

[Stiofán]

Stanley, I would point you to these two threads discussing the very same thing.
http://www.globalaffairs.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16740

http://www.globalaffairs.org/forum/showthread.php?t=19635

[xwhirledx]

Here's what I find disturbing -- to me at least.

If I were to run for president, and say, an amendment were written to allow Arnie to run, I would predict that he would win. (And I am not even going to get into campaign funding or "merit" or experience. Based solely on appearances and broad religious beliefs, I haven't a chance in the world).

Arnie was born in Austria and speaks English with a funny accent. I was born and raised in the United States. I do not speak English with an accent -- in fact I have a very generic TV-reporter-like accent. But just going by racial features, he's got advantage over me. Arnie is white. I am and look Asian. America has shown it is not ready for a non-white president.

Arnie is also of some Christian or Catholic denomination. I am not. I'm best described as agnostic. So again, he has advantage over me. The U.S. isn't even ready to vote for a Jew to be leader of the country, let alone someone who doesn't go to church. Although, wouldn't that technically make me perfect for the position because then I'm not biased toward any religion? But no, America is not ready for a non-Christian president.

Need I also mention that Arnie is male and I am female? There's another huge strike against me. I find that funny that Americans aren't ready for a female president, yet even in a Muslim nation, Indonesia, they have a female leader. Not to mention other nations such as Finland, Argentina, Ireland, Philippines, etc. But America is not ready to have a woman lead the country.

Sure, sure, there are many intelligent, educated and open-minded people out there who might vote for a non-white, agnostic female for president. But honestly, in reality, I haven't a chance.

Plus, I'm too young to run right now anyway... ;)

[Neo]

Well, since it wasn't until 1868 and the 14th Amendment that you got automatic guaranteed citizenship by being born here, what prior to that determined whether or not you were a citizen? When the Constitution was written it said, "No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, ...shall be eligible to the office of the President."

OK, history buffs, explain how you got to be a citizen and who didn't--and why!

[Stiofán]

US Constitution referred to only white citizens of 13 original states and later interpreted to include white citizens of states admitted later.

[Stiofán]

Actually, only white males.

Changed after Dred Scott decision and 14th Amendment.

[Fiona]

son will be disappointed arnie doesnt qualify- he's been saying GOVERNATOR! everytime i say mickey mouse... well i guess he qualifies as well as Mickey huh?

[Neo]

US Constitution referred to only white citizens of 13 original states and later interpreted to include white citizens of states admitted later.

Sure?

And what determined if you were a citizen of the original 13 states? Not all whites within those states were interpreted to be citizens were they?

[Stiofán]

Yes. (http://www.originalintent.org/edu/14thamend.php)

[Stiofán]

I haven't time to find more for you - work calls.

[IamZed]

Stop saying Mickey Mouse. That should fix that.

[Fiona]

Stop saying Mickey Mouse. That should fix that.:p ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm NO! :P