AHC: Pass the equal opportunity to govern amendment

Back in 2003 Senator Orrin Hatch treid to pass the equal opportunity to govern amendment which would let any US citizen run for president no matter where they were born and with the Arnold becoming the governor of California and the popularity of people like Mel martinez and Madine albright it looked like it might pass however it only got to hearings figure out a way to make it become an official part of the law.
 
The basic problem is that everyone knew it was for the benefit of Arnold Schwarzenegger, so both Democrats (despite the occasional arguments that "it would also apply to Jennifer Granholm") and some conservative Republicans (who thought Arnold was too moderate) had little incentive to support it.
 

CaliGuy

Banned
The basic problem is that everyone knew it was for the benefit of Arnold Schwarzenegger, so both Democrats (despite the occasional arguments that "it would also apply to Jennifer Granholm") and some conservative Republicans (who thought Arnold was too moderate) had little incentive to support it.
I thought that Democrats were a pro-immigrant party, though?
 
I thought that Democrats were a pro-immigrant party, though?

In general, yes, but this amendment was just too clearly--in timing, sponsorship, etc.-- an Arnold-for-president thing:

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"I don't think we should move precipitously," Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D- Calif., said when Hatch's proposal came before the Senate Judiciary Committee last month. "I've never had anyone approach me and say you have to do this because it's so important."

Partisan politics also could play a role. Democrats are likely to be unwilling to open the way for a popular Republican such as Schwarzenegger to run for national office.

"The U.S. Constitution and its amendments aren't there to satisfy the ambitious goals of a politician," said Bob Mulholland, a consultant for California's Democratic Party. "America should be very cautious on amendments designed for one person."

http://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Amend-for-Arnold-campaign-launched-Web-site-2635267.php
 
You basically have only a few options for this. Firstly, this can only be passed at a time when Americans aren't panicking about some new wave of immigrants. Secondly, it can happen either if there is an overwhelmingly popular foreign-born politician, or if there is none, and it just becomes an issue for some reason. The second seems more likely.
 
You basically have only a few options for this. Firstly, this can only be passed at a time when Americans aren't panicking about some new wave of immigrants. Secondly, it can happen either if there is an overwhelmingly popular foreign-born politician, or if there is none, and it just becomes an issue for some reason. The second seems more likely.

An even more favorable situation would be both parties converging around a foreign-born nominee. Setting up two candidates is more difficult, but the results are more favorable to the goal.
 
Let's say that during the Clinton administration, an attack occurs during the SOTU. The designated survivor and Secretary of State Albright (out of country) are the only living cabinet officials. The designated survivor is someone vastly underqualified, and he/she agrees that Albright should be President. An amendment is passed to allow her to be in office.
 
The basic problem is that everyone knew it was for the benefit of Arnold Schwarzenegger, so both Democrats (despite the occasional arguments that "it would also apply to Jennifer Granholm") and some conservative Republicans (who thought Arnold was too moderate) had little incentive to support it.

What if there was an immigrant Democrat who looked best poised for the presidency as well?
 
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