“Miracle” Mike Huckabee Electrifies CPAC Crowd, Vows to Stay in Race
Washington, DC-
On the flight from Kansas to Washington D.C. late last night Mike Huckabee was talking to members of his inner circle about the big expectations for his speech today at the Conservative Political Action Conference, the annual gathering of conservatives in the Nation’s Capitol.
“The pressure is on, ” Huckabee said to his staff, smiling. For the remainder of the flight ,he was left alone, as he worked on the text of the speech.
Huckabee was right, the expectations were astronomically high for his address. Mitt Romney, supported by many of the establishment conservatives at this meeting, had dropped out Thursday, and the GOP presumptive nominee, John McCain, is far from a favorite son for many at this conference, who still resent McCain’s defeated immigration reform bill . Not only did Huckabee have to convince those in attendance about meeting their conservative standards(that some like the Club for Growth had questioned) but he had to defend what many consider a quixotic attempt to continue campaigning even as McCain continues to amass delegates, 719 to Huckabee’s 198.
So as he stepped up to the podium today, the lingering question , hovering above the crowd, was could he do it?
If the loud audience reaction is an accurate indicator, then yes, Huckabee delivered today.
Hitting his mark, he emphasized the issues that resonated well with the several hundred cheering conservatives in the room:
Pro-traditional marriage, pro-life stance, border security, all Republican platform benchmarks, and with Huckabee’s argument for each, the audience roared with approval,and regular standing ovations.
Huckabee also took the opportunity to say that, despite McCain’s colossal lead in delegates, he had no plans to bow out.
“I know the pundits, and I know what they say, that the math doesn’t work out.Folks,I didn’t major in math,I majored in miracles, and I believe in those,” Huckabee said to cheers. “Am I quitting? Let’s get that settled right now. No, I’m not.” The crowd waved signs, and chanted: We like Mike… We like Mike.
Huckabee then concluded with a story from a supporter from Kentucky who had recently lost her house in the tornadoes that ravaged the South on Tuesday.
“Despite damage to her home there was one thing that was pretty remarkable,she had a Mike Huckabee yard sign..when the tornado had gone through,standing pristine, without a hint of damage, or even meaning,was that yard sign.”Huckabee continued, using the image asn an analogy for his campaign.”Across America, everywhere there is still a vote to be cast, I am still standing.”
I hope Republicans wake up before it’s too late and realize that Mike Huckabee is FOR the people not FOR himself, AGAINST liberalism and not AGAINST anybody (rich or poor; Morman or Muslim). Mike would be a President of the people (look at his roots), for the people (including the unborn) and of the people (if we get out and vote conscience). Go Mike!
No offense against Mike…I actually like him…but even Rasmussen has stopped tracking the GOP race for the nomination. I think it’s time to read the writing on the wall here, guys.
Huck should have focused on the front runner and not the man in second place. I’m not very impressed with him. Huck is a regional canidate, he should run for the Senate or go back to being a Gov. Huck is clearly not Presidential material.
If Huck were serious about beating McCain he would be attacking McCain like he did Romney. There will be no miracle for Huck. Outside the south people see Mike Huckabee for what he is, a Preacher, nothing more nothing less.
I’m so mad at my so-called conservative “leaders” right now that I could spit. Because of them, we may lose in November. For months they have been cramming Romney down our throats when we had a true conservative all alone. I watched the CPAC speech this morning on MSNBC (Fox didn’t carry the whole thing - thanks “fair and balanced” network) and my blood started to boil. The establishment will have a lot to answer to if McCain wins this nomination. You have NO ONE TO BLAME BUT YOURSELVES and your incredible determination to hand Romney the nomination. Romney does not inspire. Huckabee does. Romney needs money to win anything. Huckabee doesn’t. I’m signing off to go throw things. You’ve hoodwinked us this time Limbaugh and Hannity. It won’t happen again.
When will people stop believing all of the lies. Would someone please tell me how Huckabee attacked Romney. I watched every debate that they had and did not remember any direct attack on him. He may have responded to comments or questions regarding Romney’s policies and issues, but he never attacked him. As to the question of him attacking McCain-he has repeatedly spoken about their differences and how Huckabee is a much better candidate for president. He has more conservative and Republican views on life, immigration (the info on foxnews website concerning his views on this topic are in error), and taxes. He actually has views on the economy, education, health care, and making our government work better.
If the media had not abandoned him after New Hampshire, I feel he would be in a better position right now. For those who thought Romney was a better candidate–ask him to run as an independent.
I just don’t like Huckabee, I’d like to trust him, but his little sarcastic jab and green-eyed statements don’t ring true to what he claims to be.
Kevin…
You’ve hit the nail on the head. Huckabee is very good a atacking someone when “no one’s looking’ and then playing the victim.
The race is OVER. I am not going to take the time to cite the attacks, It is done.
Fox News lost fair and balanced motto. They never show Mike all they no is McCain. Give Mike the same coverage as McCain. Mike is still in this race.
Hey SCOTT!!! DON’T WORRY ABOUT RASMUSSEN.. THEY WILL START POLLING AGAIN SOON THANKS TO ALL THE EMAIL FROM HUCKS ARMY AND SUPPORTERS…..
Comment by Scott
February 9th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
No offense against Mike…I actually like him…but even Rasmussen has stopped tracking the GOP race for the nomination. I think it’s time to read the writing on the wall here, guys.
The media, pundits, polls is not going to tell me who to vote for. Let Gov. Huckabee speak and I can decide if I want to vote for him or not.
If Huckabee were to bow out and “read the writing on the wall” then all of the voters in Virginia, Ohio and other key states don’t get to make a choice. For a long time, Mike has always said he’s in this until he’s beaten (McCain gets 1191) or he’s sworn in. Why turn back now? Let conservatives vote for the conservative candidate!
Gov. Huckabee is the candidate that I can point out to my kids and say with pride “look, there is our President.”
Tyson Foods and Huckabee…
Before Huckabee spoke, John Tyson thanked the Hispanic community for standing by the Springdale-based food giant during the federal government’s investigation of the company a few years ago. The U.S. Justice Department investigation alleged that Tyson helped to smuggle illegal aliens into the U.S. and employed them at various chicken-processing plants across the Southeast.
After a seven-week trial, Tyson and several managers of poultry processing plants were acquitted in March 2003 of those charges. (Note… O.J Simpson was acquitted as well.)
Huckabee has the support of the same companies that got Clinton elected. Looks like they might will with either party this time.
The race isn’t over yet. I believe Huckabee will win in the end because I still believe in America. I believe in the end that Americans will stand up and choose the best man for the job. There have been many good candidates, but as Mike Huckabee proved in his speech, he is not simply a good candidate but a great one. He will bring strength to America again by doing what he does best, by inspiring each American to be the best they can be.
Despite being out spent 15-1 and having the whole conservative talking heads distorting his record Mike Huckabee has achieved incredible results.
Even you diehard distorters and haters have to give him some credit.
His speech at CPAC was truly inspiring. Rush, Hannity, Coulter, Ingraham, Levin picked Romney or Thompson, gave them deference, read from the negative talking points, distorted this man’s record and despite it all Huckabee is still in this race.
Do your own research. Stop listening to the pundits who have constantly underestimated this man.
What a sad state we are in when the media gets to pick our candidates for us.
I agree with this article “Mike Electifies the Crowd”!! With Mitt out of the way, Mike will blow McCain away in many of the upcoming states. Kansas today he is obviously Electrifying the state, they are overwhelmingly going for Huck. I am from Alabama and very conservative in my views fiscally, and morally. Compared to McCain, Huck is the best chance against the Democrats! I have no desire to attack those who were for Mitt, but they have to realize this is politics and you will get over it or expect to have McCain or Hillary Liberal as our next President!
I believe this speach today, was possibly the best speach I have ever heard on conservatism. It is not too late to rally Mike to victory, more states are left who have not voted than those who have. Don’t all of you get tired of your votes meaning nothing. I encourage all the people of the remaining states to take pride and vote your convictions and jump off the bandwagon!
Tina writes…
You’ve hoodwinked us this time Limbaugh and Hannity. It won’t happen again.<<<
Ummm….Tina? Why are you upset with THEM? Everyone knows they are propagandists just like Coulter, Alan Colmes, Inghrahm, Begala, etc. My question is…why did you listen to them without checking to see whether or not they were giving you the whole story? I’ll give you a hint…they are making a ton of money because people AREN’T checking.
http://www.arkansasnews.com/archive/2005/06/30/News/323746.html
During the legislation session, Huckabee criticized an immigration bill by Republican senators Jim Holt of Springdale and Denny Altes of Fort Smith as un-Christian, un-American, irresponsible and anti-life.
Senate Bill 206, which died in the Senate, would have required proof of citizenship to register to vote and also force state agencies to report suspected cases of people living in the country illegally. Holt, R-Springdale, replied later to Huckabee’s comments that Christian charity does not include turning a blind eye to lawbreaking.
Hey RD, you can’t cite any “attacks” there weren’t any. And NOOO, citing someone’s record does not mean an attack on the candidate. Nor does Huckabee attack anyone when they are not looking. If anything he has been the most direct, honest, and objective. He gives credit where credit is due (which he even has at debates ie: not tearing down Obama at the debates when all other candidates talked about how he’s inexperience -he spoke about how exciting that he’s /his campaign has gotten so many people to be first time voters) Though he has been attacked, and we’ve ALL wanted him to retaliate, he hasn’t. He doesn’t need to. He can keep winning supporters by doing what he does best, sticking to the actual issues at hand. Even if others attack, or media simply ignores him. The American people are listening and want to hear what all the candidates have to say.
I have known that Gov. Huckabee is the most experienced and articulate conservative voice in the campaign for a long time. He has been maligned and misrepresented by people that must know better. I’m not sure why. There is still a long way to go in this primary, and the Gov.’s campaign keeps surprising. There may be more to come, if those yet to vote will vote their convictions and principles, and listen carefully to what Gov. Huckabee is saying. His ideas are fresh, pertinent, and compelling. He could help implement lasting change for the better in our nation. Let’s rally around this man now! Don’t wait. http://www.mikehuckabee.com
Dawn writes…
Hey SCOTT!!! DON’T WORRY ABOUT RASMUSSEN.. THEY WILL START POLLING AGAIN SOON THANKS TO ALL THE EMAIL FROM HUCKS ARMY AND SUPPORTERS…..<<<
Actually they responded to the phone calls and e-mails today. Their response was essentially…”look there’s not a lot of point in continuing to track it and we have races that are a better use of our resources. Sorry.” That’s not ME saying it, that’s basically what they said.
Let’s make a statement to the people of America and the world, we will never again let the media or big money pick our president!
Cate writes…
Why turn back now? Let conservatives vote for the conservative candidate!<<<
Vote for whoever you want you. I am not saying Huck should drop out. If he wants to hang in, more power to him. I’m just saying that he himself has said he is hoping for a miracle….he’s right. That’s about what he will need. If he’s your man, vote for him. Knock yourself out. But I think his supporters do need to realize it’s a symbolic vote that in reality is not going to change the inevitability of McCain’s nomination.
People making comments should give consideration that 27 states, districts, and territories have not yet voted. Do you think maybe they should be given an opportunity to take part in the election process?
Mike Huckabee has more executive experience than any candidate running, Republican or Democrat. He was re-elected Governor of Arkansas until his term limits expired and he was their Lt. Gov. prior to that. He was named one of the BEST FIVE GOVERNORS IN AMERICA by Time Magazine. He is for real and he is authentic. We will be voting Mike Huckabee!
Huckabee is the only chance Republicans have against the Democrats in 2008. McCain is basically about Iraq/Security and this issue will be the death blow to him as a candidate once the Democrats jump on it. Then of course, there is the issue of Pro-Life, which McCain is not (he supports embryonic stem cell research) and many people like myself could NEVER vote for him due to this.
The other issue that McCain cannot win on is age. If nominated, he would be running more than likely against Obama. Age will crush him, he is the “old” guard and this election will be pushed over the top by the youth vote. They will not vote in enough numbers for McCain.
That all said, I still feel Huckabee should be in the lead, not because he is the ONLY hope for Republicans, but that I believe he is the one who will help our country and unite people from both sides and not only that, but people of all class levels and no Republican in recent years has accomplished that.
With support, Huckabee would stand a very clear chance at winning in the general election. It is time to wake up before we have Obama in office!
Though I did not agree with a few of his positions, I basically liked
Huckabee before his CPAC address.
Now he scares me. This may be the real Mike Huckabee, the one behind
the charm. He reveals a sinister side and seems to stand firmly
against Geneva Conventions (torture?) and environmental controls
which he feels threaten America’s sovereignty.
His alarming statement suggesting that immigrants who break though
our “window” know what to expect is very reminiscent of the
techniques and hate-mongering of Senator Joseph McCarthy.
George W. Bush has done a great deal of damage to conservative values
in America. The neo-con style of recalcitrant thinking has almost
destroyed the party. Do you really want this kind of rhetoric to
further erode your efforts?
Huckabee is a dangerous man. To cheer him on is not Christlike. Many
a demigod has hidden behind the symbol of the cross.
Whether you like Huckabee or not, the lack of coverage of Huckabee’s speech to CPAC by Fox News was pathetically small and disrespectful !! No wonder I have been tuning into MSNBC more and more lately!
I’m sure it’s not a big deal to Fox because I’m only one viewer, but I am one less.
Melissa…
Like I said… It’s over. To those that have eyes… they see. For those that turn a blind eye… how can they see?
I just have a real hard time knowing what Huckabee has done believing so many in America have turned a blind eye.
Hulen, me too! I think we should send Fox News a message and boycott them; Thank you MSNBC!
huck can still take this
huck 2008
So many people have slammed Huckabee, He has the most experience in an executive governmental office. Senators, thank God for them, but the do not run anything, they have one vote. I am not saying Huckabee is perfect, but he is the only real chance we now have to turn this country around!
Huckabee was great today at the CPAC! He has always been the most conservative in the race despite what the media and talking head have said. Hopefully he will start getting more coverage and everyone will see Mike for who he is, the conservative’s conservative.
Scott writes…
What a sad state we are in when the media gets to pick our candidates for us.<<<
Scott…one of us are going to have to change our posting name or people are going to get very confused. LOL
Rocky Moore writes…
this election will be pushed over the top by the youth vote<<<
Ask John Kerry how reliable that “youth vote” is. There’s an old saying in politics. “No one ever won office by gaining the support of the youth”.
“…without a hint of damage, or even meaning,was that yard sign.”
The word was “leaning” not “meaning.”
More bang for the buck with Huck!
I am very disappointed that I cannot find Mike Huckabee’s complete speech at CPAC anywhere on the internet or in the news. Can someone put up a blog with the speech? I heard excerpts on Fox News, but I think this proves they are not fair and balanced.
We still have a consistent conservative in the race. Many of you seem to forget, Mike doesn’t have to WIN the nomination. He just has to stop McCain from winning it. Then they can go to a brokered convention. Those in states that haven’t voted can still voice their opinion by casting their ballots.
Mike Huckabee listens to the people and realizes the people are the boss and politicians are the servants. Vote for Mike Huckabee so “We the People” can control Washington instead of the Washington elite.
It is still very possible mathematically for Gov. Huckabee to win the delegate count or force a brokered convention. Any pundit who is saying otherwise is simply saying so out of laziness, perhaps not wanting the process to continue or wanting to focus on the democratic race.
I have supported Gov. Huckabee from the beginning- well before Romney, Thompson, and others dropped out- and this underdog candidate has outlasted them all. He is STILL standing as the only true, consistent conservative who is in this race to fight for our values. He is also a truly inspiring speaker. Go Huck Go!!
“Huckabee has the support of the same companies that got Clinton elected. Looks like they might will with either party this time.”
I get sick when I hear this… there is a Night and Day difference between Huckabee and Clinton. The companies support him because they saw how much good he did for the state… thats all! The Clintons actively opposed him in the elections and put some of their machinery behind his opponents. To say that the liberals will “win with either party” is ridiculous.
I just returned home from attending a Huckabee rally at the University of Maryland after the CPAC presentation. It was an enthusiastic overflow crowd in the grand ballroom, Mike spoke for almost 45 min, and was cheered repeatedly. Many students were in attendance, but also members of the surrounding community. When he finished speaking, he came down into the crowd for a few minutes, gave an elderly woman a hug, shook a few hands, and signed my placard. I was aware of being in the presence of a man who is far too good and too great to be in politics. America is a great country, but it appears as if forces who care only about money and the status quo have made it almost impossible for him to have received a fair hearing in this election. Americans should pray to God that a way can be found to get this man into the Presidency. It would be the salvation of the United States.
He is the best candidate out there. I just wish the rest of the country would get on board with him.
Dream on Huckabee supporters. Huckabee is over. He will be remembered as the spoiler and irritant that would rather split the conservative votes so McCain will win the nomination. After all is said and done, Huckabee will come out as the selfish Arkansas Governor who knows nothing about math. I will still vote for Romney here in Texas. Huckabee could have positioned himself better by attacking McCain the front runner. He attacked Romney instead. Now, that he is head to head with McCain, he can’t do anything but hand the nomination to McCain. What a loser!
For those of you that missed the speech, here a link where you can view it.
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Blogs.View&Blog_id=1410
It’s worth listening to.
Amy writes…
It is still very possible mathematically for Gov. Huckabee to win the delegate count or force a brokered convention.<<<
It IS?!?!?! Let’s check that math. Right now McCain has 724 delegates according to RCP to Huck’s 196. Now they are still counting so at the end of the day it will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 739 - 210 or thereabouts. You are talking about a 500 delegate gap with 1,073 delegates remaining. Huckabee would have to take nearly ALL of them to win the delegate count and there are only two winner take all states left. “Very possible?” Come on. Try “an act of almighty God” To force a brokered convention Huck would have to pull 57% of the remaining delegates and even that is a longshot.
Trust me…if Huck doesn’t pull 60% of the delegates through Tuesday he will drop next week.
MIKE WINS KANSAS
Mona,
You can view the speech here… http://www.hucksarmy.com/videos/HuckCPAC2008.html
The first few seconds are all that is missing.
Yeah, noone watched the CPAC presentation–whenever it was this morning! It wasn’t even televised anywhere. The best CPAC presentation was delivered by Romney last Thursday and it was the talk on TV and Radio the whole time. I don’t see any on Huckabee’s on TV and no talk radio is talking about it! The GOP race is pretty much over. The more exciting thing to watch is the battle between Obama and Clinton. CPAC straw votes will be for Romney just like last year!
FROM MIKE HUCKABEE’S SKELETON CLOSET
Lots more at http://www.realchange.org/huckabee.htm
Enriching Himself with Public Money
Mike Huckabee has a record of dipping into public funds and accepting improper gifts from supporters, something worrisome for a job like president where you control a trillion dollar budget. Most politicians use money as a means to get more power, even while living lives of near poverty (as Bob Dole has); surprisingly few actually enrich themselves through their work. Mike Huckabee has.
He was investigated 16 times and cited five times by the Arkansas Ethics Commission for violating ethics rules. Two of those citations were for cash that the governor or his wife accepted but did not report. Huckabee’s gifts peaked at $112,000 in 1999, including $23,000 worth of clothing; over half of that was given by one businessman who Huckabee appointed to a state board.
At one point, Huckabee claimed that he personally owned $70,000 in Governor’s Mansion furnishings donated by cotton grower Boe Adams, but was forced to disavow them after Adams said they were for the state, not the governor. After he moved out in December 2006 though, no one could find the furniture even after a state audit. Huckabee’s wife insisted they must be there somewhere.
In 1999, his former administrator at the Goveror’s Mansion sued him for abuse of state funds, claiming that Huckabee used state funds for upkeep of the mansion on panty hose, barbecue, a dog house, dry cleaning, boat fuel, and alterations to his clothes. Huckabee settled out of court, by agreeing that legal doubts existed over his use of the fund and that he wouldn’t use it for these purposes in the future.
Huckabee also used state police airplanes as a personal transportation service for him and his family, flying scores of times each year, including trips to other states with early presidential primaries. He claimed this was legitimate for security reasons.
In 1994, when he was lieutenant governor of Arkansas, Huckabee formed a non-profit organization called Action America, which seemed to exist only to deliver money to him without donors having to report or limit their contributions the way they would a normal political contribution. In 2 and a half years, Action America paid Huckabee over $61,000 just for giving speeches at its events.
When he was getting ready to move out of the governor’s mansion, bridal registries were set up at Dillards and Target for the governor and his wife, who had been married for more than 30 years. They registered for nearly $7,000 in housewares, as well as $1,000 gift cards.
State ethics laws prohibited the Huckabees from receiving gifts of more than $100 as a reward for doing his job. But there was an exception for wedding presents.
Maybe it’s just an Arkansas tradition — Bill and Hillary Clinton registered for house gifts when they left the White House. An investigation found that they received over $75,000 worth of gifts but did not violate any federal laws.
IF YOU BELIEVE NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!!
I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
83 % of the Vote is not impossible
Huckabee for President
. Social Issues
. Economy
. Reduces Taxes (that will help the RICH, the POOR and the MIDDLE CLASS)
. A voice for the Poor
. Immigration
McCain for Vice President
. Foreign Policy
. Defense and the fight against Terrorism
“Shelby”
YOU ARE A BIGOT !!!!
YOU ARE A LIAR !!!!
YOU DON’T HAVE ESLE ANYTHING TO DO THAN TO TELL LIES ON HUCKABEE EVERYDAY !!!
IRON Mike Huckabee has once again proven that he is the true conservative in this race. The fact he continues to fight on despite all adds makes me all the more proud of him. America would be wise and pause for a second, quit listening to all the pundints and really listen to the vision Huckabee has for America. You might be surprised and find yourself truly inspired for the first time in a very long time.
As Huckabe says, he you quit you you have guarenteed that you will lose, but if you continue to fight on, there is always a chance. We used to call that in America character!!!!!!
Here, in an easy-to-read format, is an annotated list of the top ten reasons why you just can’t vote for Mike Huckabee for President of the United States of America:
10. He has an awful family. If you thought Billy Carter and Roger Clinton were embarrassing, wait until you get a load (word chosen advisedly) of David Huckabee. Mike Huckabee’s son first stepped into the limelight when he was fired from a Boy Scout camp for allegedly torturing a dog to death. While a student at Arkansas State University, David Huckabee was president of the Student Activities Board, and figured out a way to get the university to pay him $5,000 to “provide services.” This year he tried to board an airplane at the Little Rock airport while carrying a “forgotten” handgun. Huckabee’s wife Janet is no Dolly Madison; she’s often referred to in Arkansas as “Jethrine.” She was constantly in the news during Huckabee’s tenure. Active politically (she ran unsuccessfully for Arkansas Secretary of State), she once got in trouble for intimdating voters while volunteering at a polling place during an election in Little Rock. She apparently isn’t too impressed with her own son John Mark, comparing him to a radio station that “you don’t quite get.” In a move that seems to be plucked from the plot of a bad sitcom, Mrs. Huckabee went to work as the marketing director for an aluminum siding company while her husband was governor. Imagine this family in the White House, and imagine pining for Neil Bush and Donald Nixon.
9. He’s petty. Huckabee was constantly under scrutiny by the Arkansas press for questionable ethics during his term as governor. He was vindictive and hateful to the reporters who covered him accusing them of making up stories, and refusing to send routine press releases to those who printed or broadcast unfavorable reports.
8. He’s unqualified. Huckabee holds a degree in theology from Ouachita Baptist University, and attended Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary. He spent ten years as governor of Arkansas, during which time his greatest achievement was to lose 100 pounds. He had a reputation among legislators as being difficult to work with. He has disowned the few decent accomplishments of his administration, since they involved small tax increases. In other words, he has done nothing to recommend him as Chief Executive of the most powerful country in the world.
7. He doesn’t believe in science. Huckabee doesn’t believe in evolution. He famously raised his hand during a Republican presidential debate when candidates were asked which ones disbelieved in Darwin’s theory. He doesn’t believe in global warming. In fact, he says he’ll always choose his religious beliefs over science. He’s quoted in Salon: “Oh, I believe in science. I certainly do. In fact, what I believe in is, I believe in God. I don’t think there’s a conflict between the two. But if there’s going to be a conflict, science changes with every generation and with new discoveries and God doesn’t. So I’ll stick with God if the two are in conflict.” If that quote doesn’t scare you, then your voting privileges need to be revoked. Is this the guy you want deciding policy on public health, or stem cell research, or weapons research, or the space program?
6. He’s in favor of the war. He thinks the Iraq War is World War III, and wouldn’t rule out using nukes on Iran. ‘Nuff said.
5. He has no respect for the law. He flaunted the state’s Ethics Commission several times when they tried to slap him on the wrists for major infractions of election funding. He ignored the Freedom of Information Act on numerous occasions. On leaving office, he had the hard drives from the computers from his office destroyed. Here’s a random little blast from the past—a bit from the “10 Years Ago” feature in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: “Gov. Mike Huckabee insisted that complaints made through a taxpayer-funded hotline aren’t subject to public disclosure despite an attorney general’s opinion that they are.” In other words, the law is whatever he says it is.
4. He’s a crook. Huckabee used the Arkansas State Police airplane as his personal jet and as campaign transport. He accepted thousands of dollars worth of gifts from supporters and hangers-on. He charged personal items to official accounts (google “Huckabee” and “Velveeta” and see what you get). When he left the governor’s mansion, he tried to take some of the furniture with him.
3. He’s a loose cannon. His term as governor was one embarrassment after another. He referred to Arkansas as a banana republic on the Don Imus show. He moved from the governor’s mansion to a triple-wide mobile home while the mansion was being renovated (he claimed it was to save money—it wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that the trailers were donated by political supporters). He referred to environmentalists as “wackos.” He re-married his wife in a Moonie-style mass covenant marriage. He’s a veritable font of offensive one-liners and off-color jokes. Just the guy to restore dignity of the United States.
2. He’s another Dubya. Huckabee is a so-called “compassionate conservative,” with an anti-gay, anti-choice, theocratic agenda. Like Bush, Huckabee was an undistinguished governor of a southern state who made his name by executing criminals (three in one day) and fighting with the legislature. Like Bush, Huckabee is a religious nut who believes that Armageddon is at hand, and that he might be just the guy to speed it up. Since he has no cadre of associates from Arkansas, if he somehow gets into office, he’s liable to fall right in with the same bunch of half-wit incompetents that are running the country now.
1. He’s a liar. Of course, all politicians tend to bend the truth, but Huckabee seems to be pathological. In the most recent exposure, Huckabee claimed that he only raised taxes while governor because the court ordered it. Unfortunately for him, his speech to the legislature asking for new taxes was video-taped. Huckabee has stated that most of the founding fathers were clergymen, and that many of the current presidential candidates were atheists. His “Willie Horton” incident is his release from prison of convicted rapist Wayne Dumond, who subsequently raped and murdered a woman in Missouri. Huckabee has repeatedly lied about his role in Dumond’s case, even claiming that Bill Clinton was responsible for the release.
These are ten good reasons to vote for anyone besides Mike Huckabee, but there are countless others. He seems to think that cutting out sweets for children is a substitute for health-care reform. He keeps blathering on about replacing the income tax with a regressive, unworkable flat tax. Huckabee is an incompetent, glad-handing boob. You know, we’ve had enough of that.
John Hunt is a biologist who teaches in rural Arkansas. He blogs at Notes From A Transitional Fossil.
Comment by Texas: He will be remembered as the spoiler and irritant that would rather split the conservative votes so McCain will win the nomination. After all is said and done, Huckabee will come out as the selfish Arkansas Governor who knows nothing about math. I will still vote for Romney here in Texas.
Hi Texas…..I couldn’t agree with you more. Add to the Huckaphony’s already sordid, corrupt past, now the new nedia is questioning Huckster’s judgement and character, because of his association with the televangelist Kenneth Copeland, who has refused to cooperate with a Senate investigation into his ministry’s finances, and Copeland donated a large sum of money to Huckster.
The dirt just keeps coming out on the SCARY AND CORRUPT MIKE HUCKSTER!
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/08/cbsnews_investigates/main3811187.shtml
Number six on Judicial Watch’s top ten corrupt politicians is Mike Huckabee:
Governor Huckabee enjoyed a meteoric rise in the polls in December 2007, which prompted a more thorough review of his ethics record. According to The Associated Press: “[Huckabee’s] career has also been colored by 14 ethics complaints and a volley of questions about his integrity, ranging from his management of campaign cash to his use of a nonprofit organization to subsidize his income to his destruction of state computer files on his way out of the governor’s office.” And what was Governor Huckabee’s response to these ethics allegations? Rather than cooperating with investigators, Huckabee sued the state ethics commission twice and attempted to shut the ethics process down.
Some of those ethics complaints were highlighted by many media organizations, one of which was MSNBC and another The Politico.
The ethics commission fined Huckabee $1,000 for failing to report that he paid himself $14,000 from his 1992 U.S. Senate campaign and $43,000 from his 1994 lieutenant governor’s campaign.
Huckabee also failed to disclose $23,500 he received from a nonprofit organization set up to handle his speaking engagements.
According to Huckabee’s disclosure reports, he accepted more than 300 gifts worth at least $130,000, ranging from $3,700 cowboy boots to a $600 chainsaw and $250 worth of dental care.
Those are just a small sample of some of the ethics complaints listed against Huckabee.
Other complaints involve Action America, more undisclosed gifts, his Governors Mansion, his wedding registry, and computer drivers.
Governor Huckabee is truly a gift from God! He is charismatic, funny, warm, approachable, and has great ideas! He balanced our state’s budget every year, left us with a huge surplus, fixed our roads, took our schools from #49 to #8 nationally, and was named one of America’s top 5 Governors by TIME magazine! He believes that EVERY life has equal worth, and should not be denied it’s right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness! His inspiration is not empty, but backed up by real results in executive management. He is the ONLY candidate who can make you feel like it’s “morning in America” again! I encourage everyone (especially Governor Romney supporters) to go to http://www.mikehuckabee.com. There you can watch the CPAC speech talked about here. Just see how long it takes you to start clapping, cheering, jumping, or chanting “I Like Mike”! This race is not over. Let’s show the pundits, polls and politicians that we want to choose our own candidate! They were wrong then, and they’re wrong now! Go Mike Go!!!
I believe in Miracles! Bwahahahahahaha!
Last fall, Mike Huckabee taped an appearance on Kenneth Copeland’s popular television show. The theme: “Integrity of Character.”
“Treat people like you’d want to be treated,” Huckabee said.
Now some are raising issue with Huckabee’s character, principally his judgment, CBS News chief investigative correspondent Armen Keteyian reports.
They are focusing on his association with the televangelist, who has refused to cooperate with a Senate investigation into his ministry’s finances.
At issue, as reported by CBS News last week: whether millions of dollars in tax-exempt church donations have been used to bankroll a lavish lifestyle and a slew of private, for-profit businesses.
“Mr. Huckabee has terrible judgment because not only is he being closely associated with someone under this ethical cloud, but he’s refusing to distance himself,” said Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics In Washington.
When Huckabee appeared on Copleland’s show, the evangelist said “Gov. Huckabee is not here in any kind of political role.”
After his appearance, like many guests, Huckabee stayed overnight at the ministry’s lavish 18,000 square foot lakefront home.
“All I know is he’s a delightful human being,” Huckabee said of Copeland.
But, before the show aired, Grassley’s probe went public. So Copeland went back to the ex-Arkansas governor with an offering.
“I said, ‘Governor, if this will negatively impact your campaign in any way, I won’t run it,’” Copeland said. “He hollered at me on the phone and said, ‘Are you kidding me?’”
CBS News has learned that Copeland’s family has donated more than $29,000 to Huckabee’s campaign.
And just three weeks ago - when Huckabee was on the financial ropes - Copeland helped raise thousands more from hundreds of ministers attending a meeting at his West Texas headquarters. Nobody is saying how much.
“If it’s legal, legitimate, honest contributions, I’m not sure what the premise would be for giving that money back,” Huckabee said.
For some, it may well be the premise of a presidential candidate not practicing what he preaches.
J. York in Arkansas….Give it up……Romney’s supporters would never support the CORRUPT AND UNETHICAL MIKE HUCKSTER-BEE. We, and Mitt Romney, have much higher standards than that!
His only education is from Ouachita Baptist University.
As governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee aggressively pushed for the early release of a convicted rapist despite being warned by numerous women that the convict had sexually assaulted them or their family members, and would likely strike again. The convict went on to rape and murder at least one other woman.
Huckabee has refused to release his gubernatorial administration’s records on the matter, saying that he was concerned for the privacy of Dumond’s victims and that the records contain sensitive law enforcement information. BS!
Just before leaving office as governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee spent $500,000 of state emergency funds to destroy hard drives used by his administration.
“DUI pay-off” scandal, in which a millionaire paid Huckabee $10,000 to have his sentence commuted for multiple DUI offense.
Huckabee raised taxes and spending while governor of Arkansas.
Governor Huckabee and his wife registered for gifts at places like Target, Dillards, and Bed Bath and Beyond when he was leaving office. They registered under wedding presents and engagement gifts so it would bypass the ‘gift ban’ which is federal law. This is after they had been married over 25 years.
Huckabee Squashed Charges Against His Son For Stoning and Hanging a Dog.
Accepted over $165,000 in gifts. Here are a few of them.
- A $1,000 pair of cufflinks
- Tens of thousands of dollars of clothing
- Gift certificates to sporting goods stores
- Gift certificates to clothing boutiques
- Gift certificates to Wal-Mart
- A $3,695 pair of cowboy boots
- A $500 belt
- 200 copies of a book Huckabee wrote
- Flowers
- Air travel
- Pastries
- Clothing
- Parties
I could go on. I don’t know about you, but I would rather vote for a flipp-flopper!
Go Mike go! Standby for operation HUCKABOOM!!
[...] For a review from someone who was in the auditorium, check out: