Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ), who is challenging Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) in the Republican primary this year, appeared on Hardball this evening, and stood by his previous statements in favor of the birther movement.
Matthews asked Hayworth: “Are you as far right as the birthers?” Are you one of those who believes that the president should have to prove that he’s a citizen of the United States, and not an illegal immigrant? Are you that far right?”
“Well, gosh, we all had to bring our birth certificate’s 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 responded matter of factly. “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?”
Matthews referred back to some of Hayworth’s past statements. “I’m reading your letter that says the president should go back and get his birth certificate from the governor of Hawaii,” said Matthews, who then added: “I’m just asking, do you stand by this letter?”
“Yeah, sure,” Hayworth responded.
“Should the governor of Hawaii produce evidence that the president is one of us, an American?” Matthews asked. “Do you think that’s a worthy pastime for the governor of Hawaii right now?”
“No, I — look. I’m just saying the president should come forward with the information, that’s all,” said Hayworth. “Why should we depend on the governor of Hawaii?”
