birther

[ bur-ther ]

noun

a person who claims that the presidency of Barack Obama was unconstitutional, citing a belief that he was not born in the United States, or denying the authenticity of his birth certificate.
a person who claims that a former or current U.S. president or vice president, or a candidate for either office, was not born in the United States, questioning that person’s eligibility to hold the office.

Origin of birther

First recorded in 2005–10; birth + -er¹

As recently as last year, a YouGov poll found that 34 percent of Americans think it’s “probably true” or “definitely true” that Obama was born in Kenya, as the birther myth often claimed.
The Birther Myth Stuck Around For Years. The Election Fraud Myth Might Too. | Kaleigh Rogers | November 23, 2020 | FiveThirtyEight
And as for that whole birther controversy, he says he regrets none of it.
Donald Trump Is Still A Birther | David Freedlander | May 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Representative Alan Grayson, a Florida Democrat, is already playing the birther card on Ted Cruz.
Here Come The Democratic Birthers | Ben Jacobs | February 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
September 12, 2012 North Texas Tea Party Meeting Rafael Cruz had a birther moment last year at a gathering of Texas Tea Partiers.
The Six Craziest Quotes From Ted Cruz’s Father, Rafael Cruz | Brandy Zadrozny | November 7, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Rep. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma has come out of the closet—as a birther.
Fringe Factor: Gay Love Is Just Like What Ariel Castro Had With His Victims | Caitlin Dickson | August 11, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

Respondents who respond positively to the question are embracing elements of claims made by birther conspiracy theorists.
No, 64% of Republicans Aren't Birthers | Justin Green | January 17, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

Browse