Donald Trump Challenges President Barack Obama on Records

Photo Source:  Public Domain

Photo Source:  Gage Skidmore

President Barack Obama is being challenged to release his college school records and passport history by billionaire real estate developer Donald Trump.

In exchange for the requested information, Donald Trump will write a check for $5 million to the charity of President Barack Obama's choice. 

Will President Barack Obama respond to Donald Trumps challenge?

This is a bit of a catch 22 for the President Barack Obama.

There are two scenarios and neither particuarly benefits the president.

The first and obvious choice would be to provide the information, prove there is nothing to hide - and accept the $5 million for charity.  This presents a challenge even if we assume there is nothing to hide in the college records of the president.  For starters, this puts the President of the United States of America playing into the publicity stunts of a wealthy businessman.  Donald Trump could argue the information was incomplete, altered, and pay $0.

The second scenario (which is likely) is the president does nothing.  President Barack Obama, the leader of the free world is under no obligation to respond to publicity stunts.   This however by some could be viewed as a sign of weakness, and that president Barack Obama is potentially hiding something in his college records or passport history.

Either scenario is not ideal - reveal the information and open up a huge debate playing into the hands of a publicity stunt OR do nothing and have a portion of the population believe you are hiding something.

What should you believe?  That is for you to decide - either way, hats off to Donald Trump for the creativity and publicity on this one, if nothing else this is great entertainment during this election season.