Cenk Uygur’s announcement to run for President as a Democrat is a unique twist in the 2024 election. Uygur is well-known as political commentator and creator of The Young Turks and is a naturalized U.S. citizen, having immigrated from Turkey in 1978. His bid for the presidency, despite not being a natural-born citizen, stirs a significant constitutional debate and raises questions about the eligibility criteria.
Istanbul-born Uygur believes the Constitution's "natural born citizen" clause would enable him to become president, but that he may have to take his case to the U.S. Supreme Court to get there. — Axios Young Turks founder Cenk Uygur to run for president in 2024 as Democrat
The U.S. Constitution, in Article II, Section 1, Clause 5, explicitly outlines the requirements for an individual to hold the office of the President. It states that the President must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident within the United States for 14 years. This clause has been the standing eligibility criteria since the nation's founding. However, Uygur and supporters are scrutinizing it for its relevance and fairness in today’s diverse society.
Uygur’s argument for his eligibility hinges on a broader interpretation of citizenship rights under the 14th Amendment. He contends that denying naturalized citizens the opportunity to run for president is discriminatory and runs counter to the Amendment's equal protection clause. Uygur, along with many supporters, believes that the spirit of the Constitution is about evolving and adapting to changing times, and thus, the natural-born citizen requirement is an outdated provision that fails to reflect the modern American demographic landscape.
The debate around allowing naturalized citizens to run for President is sure to have strong opinions. On one hand, it champions inclusivity and recognizes the contributions of naturalized citizens to American society. On the other, it raises concerns about national security and the potential for divided loyalties. The notion of a President with roots in another country could be unsettling to some, given the immense power and influence the role holds. The 2016 elections and Russia’s interference would be a warning in this regard. Would it be a stretch to imagine nation’s planting loyalist candidates on the presidential ballot? This issue also taps into deeper discussions about national identity, patriotism, and what it truly means to be American.
Cenk’s campaign is clearly a long-shot and with the recent Arkansas ruling barring him from the ballot, it’s even more so. What do you think? Do you believe that naturalized citizens who were not born U.S. citizens should be eligible to run for president?
Nuance with Mike Scala and Jay Carter is a weekly video podcast that engages its audience through examination of current events from the unique perspectives of its hosts and guests.
→ SUBSCRIBE TO Nuance with Mike Scala and Jay Carter ←
Subscribe: Nuance with Mike Scala and Jay Carter
The podcast is available on Spotify and all major podcast outlets.
