November 18, 2007
Posted: 12:54 PM ET

Mike Huckabee maintains he is the true conservative in the GOP race.

(CNN)–Following a week when a leading pro-life organization endorsed his competitor, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee insisted he is the only true conservative in the GOP race for the White House.

"Well, I've never switched my positions, for one thing. I have a record that doesn't just talk about what I said I was for," Huckabee said in an interview on 'FOX News Sunday' reacting to the National Right to Life Committee's endorsement this week of former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson. "Fred's never had a 100 percent record on right to life in his
Senate career. The records reflect that. And he doesn't support the human life amendment which is most amazing because that's been a part of the Republican platform since 1980."

Thompson also hit the airwaves on Sunday and burnished his own conservative credentials on the abortion issue.

"All I know is that I've had a pro-life voting record my entire career on every conceivable issue that came up before us for almost a decade," Thomspon said on ABC's 'This Week.' "I have said that nothing would pass my desk that would promote or finance or fund abortion without my veto. But you've got to be within the realm of whatever the law is at the time. And if you don't think the law is correct, the best thing that a president can do is try to get judges who will follow the law and follow the Constitution instead of making it up as they go along."

Huckabee also disagreed with the notion that the endorsement raised doubts about his own electability. "My numbers are far better than his, especially in Iowa. So I think I'm pretty doggone electable." Recent polls have shown Huckabee on the rise in Iowa.

Huckabee also sought to draw a sharp contrast with Thompson, and fellow GOP hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, over Thompson's and McCain's talks of leaving the issues of abortion and gay rights up to individual states to decide.

"If morality is the point here, and if it's right or wrong, not just a political question, then you can't have 50 different versions of what's right and what's wrong," Huckabee said. "But for those of us for whom this is a moral question, you can't simply have 50 different versions of what's right."

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– CNN Political Desk Editor Jamie Crawford

Filed under: Fred Thompson • Iowa • Mike Huckabee • Race to '08


Shelley Watkins/ Charles City, Iowa   December 2nd, 2007 6:02 pm ET

Prolife means to support life from within the womb of the mother, the delivery and the life of that child. Soon that child becomes an adult and I don't want my children to be involved in wars overseas because of greed of our leaders, and because our economy is the worst in the world of superpowers. Being prolife also entails to support the lives of other nations populations, we don't have any right to kill innocent people in other lands over frivolous issues of greed and world domination. Our world leaders need to be more like the leaders of old, when Kings and their court leaders would lead their troops into battle. Once our world leaders are literally on the frontline of battle, then perhaps the issue of war would really be important. I bet there would be less of them, however.

David, Oregon City, Oregon   November 19th, 2007 10:03 pm ET

On November 18, 2007, Chris Wallace play his “Perception is reality card” insinuating (or reporting) Governor Huckabee was not a fiscal conservative or honest person.

Liberals use this same tactical approach to create perceived problems, only to provide the perfect government solutions from reducing personal wealth or rights.

To the political Ivory Tower Crowd; Free thinking Americans believe “Perception is not reality until verified!”

James, Boston, MA   November 19th, 2007 5:13 pm ET

Henry Miller,

I do not believe I ever said I gave up. I agree it is perfectly ok to say that someone doesn't know. That is science.

Life can be a spiritual question as well as a scientific question, and they can be completely separated or very much combined. By definition religion is based on faith, not knowing. Until you know the answer why can't you believe in something? As long as your faith does not stand in the way of intellectual discovery there is no harm. Faith is there to give people comfort in times of need. Science is there for intellectual purposes and to improve the quality of life.

You seem to sound as if being a scientist means you MUST be an atheist, which I believe is just cowardice to not stand up to a belief in things that are not hard facts in your face.

Science can be a religion as well. I am PhD bio-physicist by the way, and a lot of my colleagues believe that nearly all answers can be found in equations. At the higher end of theoretical physics the theories are untestable. What makes that any different than religion?

Liberal Chic   November 19th, 2007 3:24 pm ET

Aaron, Indiana :

What is inter-species evolution? You need to go back to high school biology.

If you are so bent against stem cell and you believe viral infections can never benefit from stem cell research (about which you are wrong), then maybe we can carve out "scientific benefit" for viral infections but not alzheimers, heart disease, spinal cord injuries, diabetes, etc. for you and your pals.

Stop calling other people fools.

Aaron, Indiana   November 19th, 2007 12:00 pm ET

"Moronic right to life people. It’s only a matter of time before your antiquated, pre-enlightenment period notions of souls, ghost and supernatural phenomenon fall by the way side. You don’t believe in evolution, you think embryos have feeling and souls, and consider intelligent design a scientific theory; we don’t need such mentalities running this country. I'm so sick of christians imposing their values on this culture. I think those who oppose stem cell research should not be allowed to benefit from all the other advances allowed by science. I mean, why should we tamper with gods creations to begin with? If you get a deadly virus, don’t treat it, let god decide your fate. Or, you could just carry on, picking and choosing your beliefs from the bible as you see fit. There is no end to the inconsistency, intellectual dishonesty, and rationalizations among some of these faith heads.

Posted By Don, Columbus, OH : November 18, 2007 2:11 pm"

That was probably the most idiodic post I have ever read. First off, the supernatural will never fall by the way side. Secondly, who said Christians don't believe in evolution? Are you that ignorant in thinking only secularist can claim that? Christians don't believe in inter-species evolution you truth hater. We know things adapt. And Christians imposing our values? Isn't that a bit hypocritical? I'm pretty sure you are trying to impose your will on us by making this more of an athieistic country. And Christians shouldn't get the benefits from science because we don't believe in stem cell research? Can you explain what stem cell research has to do with a deadly virus, or for that matter the technological advances of science? That's like saying no one should benefit from another states road because we didn't pay that state tax. You ignorant fool…grow up, read a book and get intellectualy honest.

Tim Kelley   November 19th, 2007 11:18 am ET

I Like Mike- Jonathan Alter's article in Newsweek on Nov. 15th calls him the GOP's best bet. He has beaten the Clinton's political machine 3 times in Arkansas in a heavily Democratic state. The fact that he doesn't have big Money supporting him makes me like him even more. The opther GOP candidates come across as old and tired and to connected to the Bush Presidency which is not a plus. Mike is fresh, funny, genuine and right on all of the issues. About time we had a principled populist President that happens to be a Republican from Hope.(Did I mention he has more executive experience than any other candidate running) Go governor Huck!!!!!!!!!

Chris, Pensacola FL   November 19th, 2007 10:48 am ET

Amen Rich, I agree with you 100%!

You know, many Russians considered themselves Christian all throughout the 20th century. Though they couldn't profess it in public, they claimed it.

If I could only get my church to get rid of that Israel flag and tell the pastor to stick with Jesus and not to worry about the "freedom fight" life would be good. What's the deal with Churches having Israel flags in them anyhow? We should support them in times of need, but I don't know about having their flag? That's rather strange.

Mary, Beaver, PA   November 19th, 2007 9:38 am ET

"I'm pro-life, I'm pro-life, vote for me, blah, blah, blah!"

Being "pro-life" does not make you a conservative, and being a Johnny-one-note in front of a Johnny-one-note organization dosn't make you one, either.

A true conservative honors the roots of this Republic: the Constitution and individual liberty.

Now, does this clown honor the Constitution and individual liberty?

There is ONLY ONE true conservative running in this race, and that's Ron Paul!

Rich from the great man of Christ   November 19th, 2007 9:13 am ET

"We Christians have always made up the majority of the population, and yet in the last few decades we have seen liberals and secularists assault the Judeo-Christian values that made this nation great" Brad TX

Brad I don't know what your definition of 'Christian' is but if you think it's the majority of America then I'm not so sure you're a Christian yourself. There's a difference between calling yourself a Christian and following Christ. If you look at the Barna Polls (a true Christian poll) you'll find that 70-80 percent of people call themselves Christian but when they answer more specific questions about Christ, born-again, and time spent in the Bible, that number dwindles to less than 25%.

Let go of your foolish Christian pride and stop projecting religion over 'Christ like' transformation. Nothing against the people here on this blog but based on many blogs I've read, there's no way your percentages pan out.

Christian in name only is not a Christian, too many people like yourself should know the difference.

Chris, Pensacola FL   November 19th, 2007 9:05 am ET

JW,

I can dig you because you're from OK, but conservative has many flavors. Any idea or theory that relates to "how things used to be" can be a conservative idea. Being conservative doesn't mean what you think it does. We all have Libertarian ideals. However, Ron Paul IS conservative by the very critera "conservatives" set. He is Christian, been married to the same gal for over 50 years, wants a return to the old money standards, would like a return to personal responsibility. Just because he's not a "newer conservative" doesn't mean the majority of his values are not. Peace out okie.

mark wilkes barre pa   November 19th, 2007 9:05 am ET

' posted by don't vote for hate " ,,,,,,, Is'nt that the vey message your leaving here ????? destroying peace ? destroying human rights ?our reputation around the world ? sounds like hate comments to me,,,, If you would have left it at over spending and budget problems you might have been on to somthing non hate filled

Dale Davis, Glendora, California   November 19th, 2007 12:57 am ET

Huh! Nice guy. But he's obviously the Great Evangelical Hope.
It's amusing to see the quick knee-jerk acceptance of this candidate amongst the conservative Protestants.
Would it be fair to insist that he also pass a litmus test from the Mormon voters in Utah that he won't be running for Pastor in Chief, like Dr. Richard Land of the Baptist Convention is suggesting to the Mormon candidate? Fair is fair, right? Or is it?

John Thomas, Edina, MN   November 19th, 2007 12:14 am ET

HAHA Good one, Huckleberry!

The answers to Mike's absurdities are here: http://www.taxhikemike.org

r.e. lowe allons, tn   November 18th, 2007 11:12 pm ET

mike kuckabee your kike all republicans conservative you want a pass-key to the white house and pro-life &tax cuts you think will get you there no thanks the president we have now said he had strong conviction & principles morals value bull s-it g.w bush same old same old .

Liberal Chic   November 18th, 2007 10:52 pm ET

If Huckabee runs against Al Sharpton, I'll vote for Huckabee…

Posted By KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT :

Ha, ha, ha. That's a good one.

Huckabee might be the slime ball behind the Romney anti-Moron phone calls. He's behind hopelessly everywhere but maybe in Iowa he figures he has some hope. It's morally repugnant.

Henry Miller, Cary, NC   November 18th, 2007 9:25 pm ET

To James of Boston:

"Scientist" is part of my job description too.

You're right: "The question of when does life begin is not easy," But that doesn't mean you get to make up the answers. Just because you're forced to conclude "I don't know the answer." doesn't mean you're allowed to subsequently assert "…therefor there must be a god." The correct reaction to "I don't know" is "I'll try to find out," not to simply give up, stop thinking, and fall back on a supernatural crutch.

There's nothing wrong with saying "I don't know." But it's intellectual cowardice to go on to say "I cannot know,"

Val Davydov, Agawam, MA   November 18th, 2007 9:20 pm ET

A true Conservative? – Dunno if I'd want that label, kinda sounds like a 24% approval.

Posted By jw, canadian,ok : November 18, 2007

Typical Democrat, jw, go with the flow. In other words – no backbone.

Anon, Philadelphia, PA   November 18th, 2007 9:13 pm ET

Brad from Texas, I find your views hypocritical.

If you proclaim to live your life quietly, then why not let homosexuals live in the same manner by giving them the same rights as you? The bottom line is that any human being, heterosexual or homosexual, should live their lives in peace. No one is trying to get you to become gay.

I am not a Christian, but I do not believe that society would ever allow (nor would I personally want to see) the taking down of Christmas decorations and nativity scenes. As long as Jews are allowed to put menorahs on their window sills, Muslims allowed to pray in peace, and Christians allowed to display nativity scenes, then I think all religious freedom is being granted to all who desire it.

I think the abortion issue is very iffy. America is split 50/50. You have a valid point there, but I think we all should try to look for ways to reduce abortions and promote adoption instead of the potential of having back-alley abortions.

Aside from the abortion issue, you're only commenting because you're afraid.

Don't be. America will be just fine.

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   November 18th, 2007 7:57 pm ET

"honest, down-to-earth, and above all- likable guy."… add in "conservative" and isn't that what the GOP said about Baby Bush 7 years ago … I would rather respect than like my President … I don't vote for someone I "can sit down and have a beer with"

jw, canadian,ok   November 18th, 2007 7:56 pm ET

C'mon people, stop calling Ron Paul a Conservative, The man is a Libertarian (ya might wanna Wikpedia da word – scary).

Ron Nebraska   November 18th, 2007 7:22 pm ET

'Conservative values' that's like the same as ' jumbo shrimp' isn't it?
Oh, and I was just wondering how many children born into unfortunate circumstances the Huckabees have adopted?

Lorenz, Queens, NY   November 18th, 2007 7:10 pm ET

Lets change that title to "I am the only religious fanatic"

Faiza, Los Angeles, CA   November 18th, 2007 6:49 pm ET

Huckabee: I am only true conservative in race

That means he is the craziest out of all of them, we really don't need that for the state the nation is in right now.

MC- Atlanta,GA   November 18th, 2007 6:44 pm ET

Conservative = Closed minded. Period.

Henry Lorenzo, Hope Arkansas   November 18th, 2007 6:29 pm ET

Mike Huckabee is a truly decent man that looks past political affiliation to do whats right. His battle with obesity and subsequent loss of over 100 pounds, his membership in a rock band, his strong focus on education and the arts, all certainly contribute to the excitement surrounding the governor's campaign. His governorship was one that brought Independents, Democrats, and Republicans together in Arkansas. His principles have not wavered and he will never sacrifice his beliefs for the sake of political expediency. I am an independent voter, and governor Huckabee has earned my respect.

Maeve   November 18th, 2007 6:12 pm ET

Some starry-eyed repub. here earlier said Huckabee is "Reagan-esque."

Whoa Nelly! I think that might be an insult!

I've been reading some articles lately about the basic racist aspect of the Republican party and, in particular, about Reagan's racist tendencies.

Didn't Reagan go out of his way to announce his candidacy for president in the same tiny Mississippi town where those young civil rights workers were murdered? And while there, didn't he call for more "state's rights," a term Reagan's toady, Atwater later admitted was code for "lasting segration"?

Why would anyone want to claim the guy they like for president in 2008 is anything even vaguely resembling a racist Reagan…unless, of course, he was trying to slam ol' Mike?

Marko Dezdri, Portland, Or   November 18th, 2007 5:54 pm ET

Huckabee looks an awful lot like Richard Nixon. Place to pictures next to the other, one from richard Nixon and one from Huckabee. Anyone else agrees?
He's going nowhere near the white house.

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   November 18th, 2007 5:49 pm ET

On the issue of Abortion I do not feel there is any one cut and dried answer. There is too much gray matter surrounding this issue in my view for any citizen, Government Official or Candidate to adopt a for or against stand. Every situation has it's unique set of circumstances.

If Government can dictate Abortion Laws to it's people than maybe it won't be long until Government will have the right to tell it's citizens how many children they can lawfully produce.

Jeff, Columbus Ohio   November 18th, 2007 5:36 pm ET

Huckabee….mr. Big govt, and Pro War.

We need a change from Bush, not the same thing.

Chris, C/S, CO   November 18th, 2007 5:24 pm ET

The Huckster is really starting to tick me off. He seemed OK at first but, then I read these;

The Dark Side of Mike Huckabee
http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2007/11/13/huckabee/index.html

Poppycock!
http://www.clubforgrowth.net/

Now, he's telling us his "moral" principles are more important to him than the instructions our founding fathers clearly outlined for our continued freedom. He must surely believe he's smarter than they were…not hardly.

Now with his new television ad with Chuck Norris he's yucking it up but, I've heard it's more than an ad…it might be a movie trailer for one of Chuck's older movies, "The Hero and The Terror"….Of course, more likely it's for the third sequel of Top Dog. I wonder if they make dogsuits in the Huckster's size??

Max, Boston, MA   November 18th, 2007 5:21 pm ET

To be very honest, Ron Paul is the only "true conservative" in the race.

A true conservative is against large government, and for being fiscally responsible. Strictly speaking, Huckabee doesn't represent either foundation.

Chris, Pensacola FL   November 18th, 2007 4:46 pm ET

You probably are the most conservative and I admire you for your values. However, it doesn't make you a republican or the right choice. We don't have time for conservative or liberals these days. We need visionaries. We need forefathers. We need leadership from revolutionary backgrounds. What kind of "executive" leadership did Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln have? The time has come to smack down the sleeping citizens and elect and revolutionary candidate. If we don't, nothing else matters as we'll be living like those in the Balkans.

Don Alexander Carson City Nevada   November 18th, 2007 4:37 pm ET

If either Huckabee or Ron Paul get the nomination we might as well hand over the keys to the White House to Hillary. Paul is running on the wrong ticket, he is not a Republican he is a Libertarian. He is also one of five Congressmen who voted not to impeach Clinton.

If you want high risk sex offenders and Illegal immigrants to roam the street vote for Huckabee.

I haven't picked a candidate to support yet but I am thinking it will either be Duncan Hunter or Tom Tancredo. Both have solid stances and would do an excellent job.

Also Duncan Hunter has a petition on his website to get the Border Fence built that both Democratic and Republican Congressman voted for and passed with almost a unanomous support and the President signed into law. You can sign the petition at http://www.gohunter08.com and I hope everyone signs it and learns more about the former war hero, current Congressman and Presidential hopeful.

David, Oregon City, Oregon   November 18th, 2007 4:37 pm ET

Is Huckabee a fiscal conservative? Comparative to who or what? Are the talking points of Huckabee’s opposition found here?

Have you asked any long haul truck drivers how they enjoyed bypassing Arkansas in the 90s due to the horrible road conditions that Governor Huckabee inherited from the prior tax and spenders?

Have you asked any Arkansas families of nursing home residents how their living conditions and care was before Huckabee received another mandate and fix the problem, after inherited the problems from the prior tax and spenders?

Bill Clinton used his Arkansas record to get elected President and who checked out his facts. Mike Huckabee actually has a good record cleaning up the problem from the prior abuses of the tax and spenders but it is considered not a conservative record. Please!

Dave, Hilo HI   November 18th, 2007 4:25 pm ET

"Pretty doggone electable?" Those aren't exactly inspiring or convincing words, Huck.

AJ, IL   November 18th, 2007 4:13 pm ET

I'm not a Republican, but on the Republican side I respect Huckabee the most out of the Republican candidates. I wonder how a straw poll would rank Hillary vs Huckabee?

Holly, Austin TX   November 18th, 2007 3:44 pm ET

He's the only true conservative? Ha. Check out Ron Paul's voting record, and there you'll find someone who knows what a conservative is. In 10 terms in the House, Ron Paul has never voted for an unbalanced budget! That's amazing, people. Check out RonPaul2008.com to find out more about the guy.

Brad, from the great state of Texas   November 18th, 2007 3:30 pm ET

Don, you said" I'm so sick of Christians imposing their values on this culture."

Sir, I think you've got it backwards. We Christians have always made up the majority of the population, and yet in the last few decades we have seen liberals and secularists assault the Judeo-Christian values that made this nation great. While most of us quietly live our lives RESPONSIBLY, the courts have been legislating changes that would have embarrassed our founding fathers. Issues such as abortion rights, gay marriage, and the removal of God from our institutions were shoved down OUR throats, thank you very much. And guess what's next on the list– Christmas, which you guys have already began to chip away at by trying to ban nativity scenes and other displays across the country in the name of political correctness. So next time think before you start demonizing others, Don, because Christians aren't oppressing you!

brinn, ames ia   November 18th, 2007 3:22 pm ET

Man, I don't think I can come to the ticker anymore. Reading these vicious comments about people (not just Huckabee) makes me depressed about the state of the level of thinking in this country. Come on people! You can disagree with someone without calling them names and saying blatant lies.

Jonathan Hattiesburg, MS   November 18th, 2007 3:22 pm ET

Of the Republican hopefuls, Huckabee has my vote. The other candidates are pompous windbags. Huckabee seems like an honest, down-to-earth, and above all- likable guy.

Nat, Brooklyn, NY   November 18th, 2007 3:19 pm ET

He is pro-illegal immigration. For me it is no, no, no for Mr. Huckabee. We don't need another preacher in the White House.

James, Boston, MA   November 18th, 2007 3:17 pm ET

Don from Columbus, OH,

There really is no need to start calling names. This is America, and by right we are all allowed to have our own opinions. I take it from your post that you are not spiritual; I am sorry for you if you think that what we are living in is the end all.

I am a scientist, and a conservative. I believe in both evolution and a higher existence.

The question of when does life begin is not easy, as is most things. You preach science, but one of the oldest questions in science is how small can a particle be and still keep its identity? How small is the smallest particle? Science has matured over the centuries, and we still do not have an answer. The smallest particles known may still have smaller constituents. The same can be said for life. Surely a baby is not defined as a human merely because its head is out of the womb? You want to go earlier in the pregnancy? Premature babies can be kept alive months before their due. How many months along should they be before a premature baby is saved because it is human, and when should it be discarded as not?

Anger is not the answer, understanding is.

Alethia, SE Iowa   November 18th, 2007 3:04 pm ET

Huckabee is not even in the conservative neighborhood. He's chomping at the bit for Giuliani's VP spot, and he'll use his sell-out preacher friend, Robertson, as a justification. Just wait and see.

Don Alexander Carson City Nevada   November 18th, 2007 2:58 pm ET

Huckabee is soft of sex offenders. I remember the Wayne Demond case. Demond was a high risk convicted sex offender while Huckabee was Governor. Huckabee struck up a close friendship with the Convicts wife and promised that he would get him out of jail. Demons was coming up for Parole and the Parole Board said in no way were they going to release this guy as he was a danger. Huckabee then threatened to commute his sentance if they didn't Parole him. The Parole Board didn't want him out under any circumstances but they had no choice. Atleast while on Parole they could monitor him if he was commuted he could just go free. They Paroled him and he brutally raped and murdered a woman. C'mon now this guy is a disaster. I am a Republican but if he gets the nomination I will either vote Democrat or not at all.

Also he lies on his position on Immigration. While Governor he tried to get illegals scholarships over citizens. He still wont comment about that one.

John, Detroit, Michigan   November 18th, 2007 2:50 pm ET

scary picture!

Karen, Detroit MI   November 18th, 2007 2:31 pm ET

Mike, you could be God's chosen heir to Ronald Reagan and you wouldn't win, you old fool. No one in their right mind will elect a President "Huckabee". Wake up. You are cursed with the stupidest name in politics, something that renders you completely unelectable. Hick-a-bee is more like it, at least in the minds of blue-staters. You're going nowhere fast.

gilliganscorner   November 18th, 2007 2:30 pm ET

A true conservative? You mean a real Republican? Republicans that are supposed to be non-interventionist and limited government. Like Thomas Jefferson?

Dude…you are a product of nanny state thinking…

The only true Conservative in the race is Ron Paul.

You need to sit at his knee and learn, Mike.

Eric Palmieri   November 18th, 2007 2:29 pm ET

I agree. I don't know why more Republicans are not supporting Huckabee nationally. He seems to represent the party much more than Rudy does.

-Eric Palmieri

http://www.ericpalmieri.com

JD Rugby ND   November 18th, 2007 2:20 pm ET

From a GOP perspective, Huckabee is head and shoulders above Giuliani, Thompson, McCain, or Romney, but Ron Paul still has the better ideas, the clearer vision, and makes the best candidate.

Don, Columbus, OH   November 18th, 2007 2:11 pm ET

Moronic right to life people. It’s only a matter of time before your antiquated, pre-enlightenment period notions of souls, ghost and supernatural phenomenon fall by the way side. You don’t believe in evolution, you think embryos have feeling and souls, and consider intelligent design a scientific theory; we don’t need such mentalities running this country. I'm so sick of christians imposing their values on this culture. I think those who oppose stem cell research should not be allowed to benefit from all the other advances allowed by science. I mean, why should we tamper with gods creations to begin with? If you get a deadly virus, don’t treat it, let god decide your fate. Or, you could just carry on, picking and choosing your beliefs from the bible as you see fit. There is no end to the inconsistency, intellectual dishonesty, and rationalizations among some of these faith heads.

John, LA, Ca   November 18th, 2007 1:48 pm ET

True conservative? I think the GOP as a whole, including Huckabee, could use a history lesson Jefferson, Goldwater and Paul.

T. Tim, Lodi, WI   November 18th, 2007 1:38 pm ET

What we need are more INDEPENDENTS, not more conservatives or liberals, Republicans orDemocrats! Statewomen and statesmen who put country and ALL people first instead of party. Partisanship is tearing the US apart and causing havoc overseas as well. Politics is NOT football, win or lose though it seems to have devolved into that here.

Jack, Fort Myers, FL   November 18th, 2007 1:30 pm ET

Huckabee said: "If morality is the point here, and if it's right or wrong, not just a political question, then you can't have 50 different versions of what's right and what's wrong," Huckabee said. "But for those of us for whom this is a moral question, you can't simply have 50 different versions of what's right."

Well sir, this may make you a great conservative, but it will not make you a great President. The freedoms inspired by our constitution does leave room for a multitude of philosophical opinions of what morality is. And I for one, do not want the government dictating to me what is moral and immoral. I believe the American people can decide that on their own. Obviously we will still have majority rule, and the law of the land so we will not dive into anarchy and chaos. But you sir, do not represent the majority of Americans when it comes to defining and legislating morality. If you intend to do so–you've already lost the election–and support of millions of moral Americans who do not desire to have any party or government entity defining what their moral code should be! My 4 cents.

Walt, Belton, TX   November 18th, 2007 12:56 pm ET

After the last fiasco from Arkansas that graced the White House, I think I'll pass. Claiming to be very conservative doesn't give him any more credibility in my mind, but rather much less. His only positive point is that he doesn't claim to come from Hope………

Patrick, fresno Ca   November 18th, 2007 12:39 pm ET

Conservative? hardly. Fascist? Possibly.

You can not be pro-war, pro-Big Gov.spending, and Pro-intervenionist and call yourself a "True Conservative". Before the Dixie-crats infiltrated the GOP, Conservative meant staying out of foreign affairs, opposing limiting individual rights, and only using the military for defense.

This Huckabee is nothing more than one of the Neocons whom usurped the GOP and turned them into a Hawkish version of the DNC. Public Entitlements, Patriotism as a weapon, interventionist War, oppression of natural rights, pandering to special interest groups….these are not conservative ideas…rather they are the ideology of Stalin, Hitler and Mao!

Huckabee= National Socialist.

Some choice we've got…Hard core Socialists on the left, or Hard core Fascists on the right.

It's like Mises said..If you got Hitler and Stalin to sit down together..as long as Economics was not brought up they'd have very much in common. Other than their pandering statements and press releases of FEAR there really is little difference between Hillary,Obama, Edwards, Huckabee, Giuliani, and Romney.
This country is doomed to 4 more years of oppression, heavy government spending, and war.

Don't vote for hate   November 18th, 2007 12:35 pm ET

Huckabee: I'm the only conservative in the race.

With the way the conserv atives have destroyed peace, the economy, the once balanced budget, human rights and our reputation around the world – I WOULD NOT be making that boast!

Tim Minneapolis, Mn   November 18th, 2007 12:33 pm ET

I'm not sure if it was him, but bombing churches in the middle east is not conservative. Neither is going broke in the middle east.

Michael Litzau - Baltimore Md.   November 18th, 2007 12:25 pm ET

I like Huckabee. He is "Reaganesque" in the sense of being a straight-shooter who says what he means and means what he says. He is sincere and believable. He does have a clear consistent record on most conservative issues. He's also a great communicator. I'm so glad he is in this race!

J Blaney, Dallas TX   November 18th, 2007 12:23 pm ET

Huckabee does has some moderate views but remember he governed in a state that is 80% democratic, and he was reelected.
I do support Mike because I’m sick of politics as usual and I think he means what he says and says what he means.
So even though I don’t agree with 100% I do think he is earnest and Honest, a rare thing in politics.

James, Boston, MA   November 18th, 2007 12:19 pm ET

One of the biggest problems Republicans in general are going to have to face is that the American people want change. Being labeled a true conservative is not going to win anyone an election. Republicans and Democrats alike need to acknowledge the actions of the past are mistakes and a new direction needs to be taken.

As for morality issues, I don't think any candidate should be up on a soapbox.

Incidently, only a handfull of comments here while liberals and conservatives continue to bash the Democratic candidates. People turn into the negative news. For once the Republicans aren't involved (too deeply) with negative campaigns.

Andrew, NJ   November 18th, 2007 12:18 pm ET

he is a social conservative, but thats it. His fiscal conservatism is laughable, and he is pro-immigration.

And no, sorry buddy but you are not electable, this country will never elect a person who thinks the world is flat and there is no such thing as evolution.

And he may take Iowa, but he'll flail everywhere else because the rest of the country is not as religious

Daniel, NY   November 18th, 2007 11:56 am ET

Check out this detailed analysis of where the GOP race stands in Iowa after yesterday's news that McCain is moving out and Giuliani is moving in, and what that menas for Huckabee. Link.

Thaddeus Columbus, OH   November 18th, 2007 11:55 am ET

Mike Huckabee has all the momentum, now he just needs a bit more funds to win. That's why I'm donating $100 for Children's Day, November 20th. Will you join me? Together we can win.

KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT   November 18th, 2007 11:33 am ET

If Huckabee runs against Al Sharpton, I'll vote for Huckabee, otherwise, he's a scary choice!

Let's not vote on terms of Morality here, puh-leeeeez! It is the slipperiest slope to climb for any candidate.

jw, canadian,ok   November 18th, 2007 11:13 am ET

A true Conservative? – Dunno if I'd want that label, kinda sounds like a 24% approval.

Shawnie Cannon, Grants Pass OR   November 18th, 2007 11:13 am ET

Huckabee is not a fiscal conservative nor a foreign policy conservative nor an immigration conservative. Voting for him his sure failure.

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