GOP congressman suggests birthers could be right to debate Obama’s eligibility

“Why can’t you guys, somebody, write up a thing … and call him up to testify whether or not the birth certificate is valid?” an audience member asked Schweikert. The liberal blog Think Progress posted a video of the exchange on Monday.

Schweikert replied, pointing out that birther-related questions have often played in the hands of Democratic strategists.

“Why are some of the left-wing political consultants absolutely giddy every time this question comes up?” he asked. “They use it against us, even though you want to have an intellectually sound debate and discussion.”

“[I]’m sorry, but when we get off on some of the things that scare those independents — we may ultimately be right — you may be the one where you tell a great story, but understand, you are giving up the 2012 election,” he said.

Obama’s campaign released his Hawaii birth certificate in 2008, which proved he was born in the U.S., and a long-form certificate of live birth in 2011, but people in the birther movement have continued to question his citizenship. 

The arguments have made many in the Republican Party uncomfortable, as some prominent Republicans believe the issue has the power to fire up Obama’s base and could hurt the GOP in next year’s elections. 

The skepticism that some have about Obama’s status as a U.S. citizen is something that has split the Republican Party, as most Republicans see this issue as one taken up only by fringe elements. 

— Pete Kasperowiz contributed to this report.