Ron Paul found himself being questioned by "Hardball" host Chris Matthews on Tuesday about an issue that a certain New York billionaire loves to talk about: President Obama's much talked about birth certificate.

"Is there something to it, based on what you have heard?" Matthews fished. "Is there any question that our president isn’t legitimate?"

"From my viewpoint, obviously not, because I never bring it up," Paul, the Republican congressman from Texas replied. "So I'm going to leave it to talk show hosts and to Donald Trump, and let you guys argue it out."

Strangely that answer wasn't clear, or good enough for the veteran newsman. "No, no, but, no, be a -- no, be a little more -- no, this [answer] is a dodge," Matthews said. "Is there anything to it?"

"Not that I know of," Paul said.

Finally Matthews conceded: "You're not a birther, sir. Thank you. We have given you the stamp of approval. You're not a birther."

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Note: Andrew Malcolm is on vacation

-- Tony Pierce

Photo: Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) speaks in Sioux City, Iowa, in April 2011. Credit: Tim Hynds / Sioux City Journal