Seeking to put an end to the "sideshow" about where President Barack Obama was born, the White House today released the official long form version of his birth certificate.

The White House posted the document on its website, which confirms that Barack Hussein Obama, II was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu, making him eligible to hold office as president of the United States.   He was born at 7:24 p.m. August 4, 1961.  The certificate is signed by the delivery doctor, Obama's mother and the local registrar.  His mother, then 18, signed her name (Stanley) Ann Dunham Obama on August 7.  The attending physician signed it August 8.  The registrar's signature and certification are dated April 25, 2011.   See the full birth certificate here.

In 2008, the president's campaign responded to media questions by requesting his birth certificate from Hawaii, and was given the one provided to all Hawaiians as proof of birth in the state (top left).  It was posted online.  Still, critics have continually asked why the long form version was not released.

White House spokesman Jay Carney says President Obama felt the debate over his birthplace had become a "sideshow'' that was bad for the country and political debate.

"The president feels this was bad for the country, that it's not healthy for our political debate,'' Carney said in releasing copies of the long form to reporters.

The so-called "birthers" have kept the issue alive, with Donald Trump the most recent to question the president's birthplace.

At least twice this month, Fox News anchor Shep Smith weighed in on the birther controversy, calling it "stupid stuff."

“Fox News can confirm the president of the United States is a citizen of the United States,” said Smith this week.  "Period."