Could someone who was born in Alaska or Hawaii before 1959 run for president?

[BlueStater]

When those states weren't part of the US? Forgive me if it's a silly question.

[mainegreen]

1. Could be debated no, but I doubt any court would take that stance.

Hell, McCain was born in the Canal Zone, and no one is carping there.

[BrotherBuzz]

2. Goldwater was born in Arizona before it became a state

:shrug:

[MrScorpio]

3. People born in US territories have US citizenship

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_nationality_law

(Conditionally, of course)

[pink-o]

4. They were considered US territories

Like Guam and Puerto Rico. Albeit, I don't think anyone born in those two places is eligiable to run for prez--does anyone know? Maybe if they became states in the 21st century, candidates born beforehand would be allowed to run..who knows?

But 50 is a pretty good round number, doubtful that anymore are gonna be added anytime soon.

[KamaAina]

5. In case you're wondering, Obama was born in 1961

one day before my own birthday (three years later). D'oh!

[Alexander]

6. Yes, if you are born a US citizen, you can run for president.

Hence McCain can be president, even though he was born in the Panama Canal Zone.

George Romney could've been president even though he was born in Mexico.

But Arnie cannot.