Hayworth edges toward 'birther' status

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.), who's challenging John McCain in a primary, aligned himself with the "birther" movement last night, suggesting Obama hasn't proved he is a natural born citizen.

The topic came up when Hardball's Chris Matthews asked Hayworth last night whether he believed Obama still needs to prove his citizenship status.

"Well, gosh, we all had to bring our birth certificates to show we were who we said we were, and we were the age we said we were, to play football in youth sports," Hayworth said. "Shouldn't we know exactly that anyone who wants to run for public office is a natural born citizen of the United States, and is who they say they are?"

He added: "I'm just saying the president should come forward with the information, that's all. Why must we depend on the governor of Hawaii?"

The comment about Hawaii's governor refers to assurances made by Gov. Linda Lingle (R) that the state has valid records of Obama's birth.

Of course, Obama produced a certificiate of live birth during the campaign, but there are still those who consider it a forgery.

See Politifact and Factcheck.org for a thorough debunking of the claim that Obama was nor born in Hawaii.

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