By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

Posted Feb. 28, 2008 – Earlier this week during the Democratic presidential debate the candidates were asked to describe why their challenger was “worthy” of becoming the president of the United States.

Of course, they both were somewhat puzzled why they were being asked to promote their opponent, but they answered; no one recalls or reported their response. 

But defining “worthy” isn’t easy. 

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has been trying to prove himself “worthy” since he tossed his hat in the ring for Commander and Chief.  First he had to prove he was “Black” enough; then “experienced” enough; and then “capable” enough to lead. 

It looked like Obama had cleared all hurtles, until the “gotcha” question during the debate.  When Obama was asked one fo the two litmus test questions often posed to Black folks; Do you denounce Minister Louis Farrakhan, and did O.J. Simpson do it? 

Obama even went a step further and “rejected and denounce,” the controversially and outspoken leader, now only the Simpson question remains.  Why is it Black folks have to be responsible for every Black person who does or says something offensive, illegal or just plain stupid?   It hardly seems fair.

It looks Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton (N.Y) will get a pass on the question now troubling the most likely Republican challenger Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.).  McCain’s worthyness  is under scrutiny regarding his birth status as a “natural-born citizen.”  A story in The New York Times questions McCain’s birth in the Panama Canal Zone in 1936.  McCain was born off shore, so does he meet the intent of the founder’s language “natural born?”

McCain’s parents were stationed in Panama when he was born, so the issue is being researched and legal experts are debating whether the letter of the law means only folks delivered on American soil meet the criteria.

We’ll have to wait and see what happens with McCain. I’m sure Obama, born in Hawaii and Clinton, born in Illinois are relieved the stork dropped them state side.
 

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