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I think Mr. Hucklebee is a breath of fresh air, and I'm very glad that he is running for the president seat. I think his comment about Jesus being to smart to run for office was wise and inlighting. I am with him all the way, this county needs him in office more than a lot of people know. I pray that he will win the race, hands down. God speed Mr. Hucklebee.

Jesus was here to teach, not to win the approval of others. He had a greater mission than mere politics. The world needed a Saviour, not a politician.

Wasn't Jesus tried for a crime and then sentenced to death? Furthermore, this Huckabee is trying to get elected to represent us all – I really don't care what Jesus would do. I care about the issues that affect us all – Iraq, Iran, Social Security, Immigration, Health Care, etc. If he wants hypothesize about what an imaginary man in the sky would do if he were running for president he should do it on his own time.

In response to Kiara: Do you believe in the part of the Bible that says "Love one another as thyself" and 'Judge that you shall not be judged." It's quite an accusation that you think Democracts don't believe in Jesus. Wow!!

Posted By Emily

Emily, what a great statement. Another response to Kiara, Democrats believe in helping each other when the "chips are down". We don't discard people to society without any hope of recovery. We don't agree with the bloodbath of an irresponsible, illegal occupation in Iraq; a war that has caused countless innocent young children their lives. I don't want to see any child suffer. I personally cannot tell you if an embryo feels pain, but I can without a doubt tell you that a child with their legs blown off feels pain. One cannot decide if a person is christlike simply because of their assumed view on abortion. Life is not black and white, but many shades of gray. I personally liked the debate from Huckabee's point of view, as a "liberal" Democrat. I would vote for him over Hillary in a heartbeat. I totally disagree with the present corrupt administration; which has caused me to mistrust most Republicans.

I'm not sure about supporting Huck... but I'm glad to see his heart's in the right place–that is, it's good to know that some candidates are willing to show their respect for God and Christ even though the liberals would call it "political incorrectness."

Jesus would be for the death penalty for evil ones, especially those who brutally murder innocent ones like little children. Remember, Jesus said that anyone who would harm a little child should have a millstone put around their neck and be thrown into the depths of the sea. That's a death sentence right there. So you liberals, stop parroting Dem. talking points about Jesus and actually READ the New Testament for a change and see what He actually said about punishment for criminals.

"Thou shalt not kill"

mr. huckabee is definitely not a believer in one commandment: bearing false witness. his distortions of history, his own and otherwise, should earn him a seat with the rest of the lords of lies.

but as far as the quote above, the actual translation should indeed be murder, not kill. not a trivial distinction.

of course, the problem with all commands is that people pick and choose their favorites for <others to observe... kinda like how it is with the u.s. constitution!!

"...the penalty for anyone who works on a Sunday which is death...amazes me that Christians have such little knowledge of the Bible..."

so sorry, the commanded day of rest to which you allude is, has always been, the sabbath – saturday – the 7th day of the week. if you spoke one of the romance languages, you would see the very day is in the name.

of course, ministers hate the people to have all the facts – kinda like the media with regard to candidate positions. ministers/wolves/politicians... sometimes they're all the same. no offense intended to 4-legged creatures.

perhaps you might wish to read more of the Book rather than listen to your buddies' version... and say, that's not a bad idea for getting the real scoop about the u.s. constitution... thank you!!

The US is NOT a theocracy–and wasn't designed as one. Religions (Note: religionS) have their place in US culture, but not as the political establishment. We don't want, need or will not tolerate a Christian Talilban of sorts here. Enough of people shoving their religious beliefs and practices down other peoples' throats. Liberty means liberty from all oppression, religious included.

"Jesus was too smart to ever run for public office." Bumper sticker politico-religion that. What a shame. Both politics and religion are demeaned by these kind of people. We've had enough of that for 7 plus years with Bush. Let's get someone with brains AND a heart to be our elected leader, not these elitist phonies.

God left governing to man! "Governments are a terror to them that do evil." Enough said!

Didn't answer the question and again the moderator did not pursue the matter.
This was a pertinent question because Huckabee is a Pastor which he doesn't let us forgets, speaks in Jesus's
name all the time, but ran and hide from this question.

Everytime I hear "what would Jesus do" I just like to write a letter and say how offended that question is to Christians. If someone brought up a question "what would Allah do" there would be backlash in the Muslim world like burning of effigy and death threats. That question is offensive to me and other people.

Huckleberry–above all others show know his 10 Commandements.

Thou shalt not kill. When the state does it–it's just as bad as when an individual does it.

How can anyone think Jesus would be a democrat, when democrats believe in abortion, gay rights, and barely believe in Jesus himself. Wake up! I'm not sure he would be Republican, but I know he would not be a democrat.

Posted By Kiara, Orlando, FL : November 28, 2007 10:41 pm

You are severely mistaken, Im a democrat and i am a strong christian,but i also believe in the seperation of church and state that i cant push my belief on those that dont want to believe. I do believe in pro choice because there are many situations where its a gray area like if its a rape victim or if its harmful to the mother. I also believe that gay people have every right to marry they just want the benifits like every one else gets. So please watch your ignorant statemants.

And let's not forget, Jesus was given the death penalty and water boarding would have been a summer vacation in comparison to the torture he endured...

Jesus is a King. It was bad enough that he had to lower himself to be a man. Why would he lower himself even further to be a President?

Huckabee's answer was an outstanding one, it was also a dodge. Because we all know what Jesus's response would be, "let he who is without sin, cast the first stone".

Jesus would be against the death penalty, but then again he would not be a strong supporter of most of the planks in the Republican platform today either. I seems to me the only Christan stance the Republican party has truely taken is on abortion and that stance as far as I am concerned is more of a politcal stance than one on we really care. We really care how we can manipulate the voters and get them to vote for us is the stance.

– It is appointeed unto man once to die and then judgement.

Jesus has already given us all the death sentence. Are you ready for judgement??

As the candidate most "in touch" with the redeemer–take his advice, quit!!

I saw Jesus in the audience last night. But then I realized it was Chuck Norris.....

Mike Huckabee simply reeks of hypocrisy. Not only did he dodge the question, but turned an authentic question into a joke to cover his own behind. He knows he can't satiate the peoples' need for a good answer without being hypocritical (having once been a pastor of a church). How can an 'authentic' Christian say that he supports the death penalty? We all know Jesus forgives ANYONE seeking forgiveness for their misdoings, but Huckabee sure as hell doesn't seem to live up the principles Jesus set forth when he was alive. One important principle was "thou shall not kill"...is it not up to GOD to decide who lives and who dies, and not a mere mortal? If Huckabee wins, Jesus loses.

Too bad you don't have the same intelligence quotient.

If Jesus were running for president he would have gotten treated like Ron Paul and then crucified.

OK – I am somewhat new to Christianity (I was a proud atheist for 30+ years)- but having studied the Bible over the past few years here is how I see it.

Jesus represents truth and light in our world. He uses His light to stamp out darkness. He sacrificed and never sought political gain during His Earthly reign. He actually worked as much as possible in the background in his ministry.

There are certain 'grey area' moral issues that we as humans simply cannot wrap our brains around. Jesus knows what is right – we do not always – and he wants us to search for answers through Him. And they don't always come easily. Jesus was also challenged with questions of right and wrong by his inquisitors during his time on Earth and oftentimes 'didn't answer the question directly' but responded with a thought that made the questioner 'think about the question'(check out the red words in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). I see that as wisdom. So – I believe Mike is correct in saying 'Thats what Jesus would do!'. 1) He wouldn't hold a worldly office – and – faced with the hypothetical – he would speak to a truth or teaching that put the question in new light (oftentimes using what are called parables). Here too – Mike was teaching – speaking to a truth – not dodging – and he is quite brilliant at it.

Now – on abortion. Children are innocent and pure and without sin (in fact recent studies prove that children < age 6 months can determine right (light) from wrong (darkness)) and will choose things that are good over things that are bad.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

During the relatively few times Huckabee was allowed to speak tonight (so much for treating the candidates equally!) he was brilliant as always.
Huckabee, of all people, knows better than to put words in Jesus' mouth.
Of course, considering Jesus didn't condemn HIS OWN death penalty, or that of the others on the cross, I would feel safe to say it probably wasn't considered a sinful negative. I mean, come on, old testament God was smiting people left and right.
Personally, I oppose the death penalty because I don't trust the government with the power to take american lives. I still Like Mike!

Apparently Huckabee WASN'T "Smart" Enough tho.

Huckabee is an outstanding debater. He made the other candidates look like fools. He said more in the few seconds of time he got than Rudy/Mitt said in their tortured mudslinging match. He's the ONLY repub that can beat Hillary and the Dems are afraid of him. He's got my vote.

What a glib and flip answer from a Baptist flim flam man. The man's a joke.

I'm a Barack Obama supporter BUT I am well impressed with this man from Hope Arkansas!! Huckabee was the clear winner in what I believe has been the best debate of either party!

Guys, if Jesus opposed the death penalty he wouldn't have let the Government kill him. He was against people making that descision(the woman caught in the act of adultery... by the way, where was the man?) but he allowed the Government to put him to death. Again I repeat, how could Jesus be opposed to the death penalty if he allowed the Government to put him to death?

Huckabee may not have given a direct answer, but many of the candidates(Dems and Reps) have been dodging questions, and that is a tough question. I had to think about it for a minute, and it's a strange one to have at a political debate.

His clarification on the difference between abortion and the death penalty was good, and common sense... although I'm sure it won't end the debate, it'd be nice if people were that reasonable wouldn't it?

I personally have mixed feelings about the death penalty... I am still making up my mind, but I think that was a good answer.

-James'(www.jamesharmer.com)

Since both Huckabee and Guiliani believe in the Bible, then they should know that they cannot serve two masters at the same time. It is either they serve Jesus or they serve Pontius Pilate, and I believe that Jesus is against capital punishment.

If they made electric chairs, then let them be used for themselves.

With all this talk about Jesus, didn’t anyone notice that Governor Mike Huckabee supports a tax increase of about 28.5 % on people? In FY 2006, corporation income tax was 13.8 % of the federal budget and corporate employment taxes were 14.7 %. Under the “Fairtax plan,” businesses do not pay taxes.

To Rachael of Baltimore,
I appreciate that you found Huckabees obvious good humor and personality to be entertaining, but it takes more than "being hillarious and a good speaker" to be President of the United States. Are you aware of HIS REAL position on illegal immigration? He wants to take your tax dollars and shower the children of illegal immigrants with it so that they can get their college educations. Meanwhile, us US citizens have to work our butts off to pay our taxes in order to pay for those illegals and our own children. That's not so hillarious is it? Hmmm... Maybe he is not that funny after all. Are you voting for a President, or someone who will entertain you?

Governor Huckabee was given about the least time of anyone on the stage, but needed only a few brief minutes to show his wonderful spirit. He has no big campaign money, either, but he has gone farther than anyone else on such a small purse. There is a biblical precedent for this. God can take just a little bit and do an awful a lot. I have a growing sense that Mike Huckabee getting a boost from somewhere higher up than Mars!

So why is minister Huckabee running?

But to see how God wants a government to set up it's laws, all you have to do is look at the laws he gave to the Jewish people in the Old Testament. There are clearly laws there for punishment and law enforcement. There is border security and penalties for crime, including death.

Posted By Dan, San Jose, CA : November 28, 2007 10:59 pm

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Is this serious or not? Those laws include how we are to treat slaves and about the inferiority of women. They include the penalty for anyone who works on a Sunday which is death. We should stone any children who don't obey their parents. As far as border security goes: – Exodus 22:21 “You shall not wrong or oppress an alien in your midst for you were aliens in the land of Egypt”

It still amazes me that Christians have such little knowledge of the Bible, as evidenced by some of the comments here.

Jesus would not support the death penalty nor would he attack our neighbors.

Maybe you should try to act like a pastor, and not proclaim to be one.

How you are pro-life bewilders me.

Honestly the question was dropped by Huck. Jesus being God has infinite knowledge and power over life and death. He knows all the facts about the past present and future of the case, and any execution he can undo. Unlike the governor. I'm surprised that Huck did not quote the render unto Caesar passage and several others.

Mr. Huckabee definately has my vote. Is he perfect? No. Is he a savior? No. But he is real. He is refreshing and I believe he has the compassion, the strength, the desire, the patriotism and the leadership needed to guide our country. I think he is one of the only candidates that could beat Mrs. Clinton. He has class and character and I appreacite his ability to take a strong stand on his core convictions, and at the same time show the ability to listen to and work with others who may not agree with him. I think the office of President is more than just foreign policy, or taxes, or running the educational system. I think it's an office that should be served with honor and decency. An office to be treasured and cherished. I think Mr. Huckabee has shown the way he runs state and local governments fit this bill perfectly. I'm honored to get the opportunity to support Mr. Huckabee in the primarys.

Mike Huckabee has been rising in the polls rapidly, and after tonight he will gain even more support. He is genuine, relaxed, and doesn't act like a politician. He quite possibly will win Iowa and after that who knows. Both Romney and Giluiani looked like idiots and Thompson looks like a troll.

If you're going to seperate Jesus from the rest of the Bible, then you have already weakened much of what he had to say. The Whole Bible is supposed to be devinely inspired. If you want to inform yourself as to what the Bible has to say about the death penalty check out Romans chapter 13, and I Peter chapter 2.

Jesus would be neither a Democrat or a Republican. I am sure he would be against the US political system of maintaining the status quo and keeping the wealthy safe from the poor. American xstians don't know Jesus because the Nicene council picked books to include that didn't give us the truth about Jesus. "Paul" Saul of Tarsus tricked people. Paul's letters are the greatest hoax perpetrated on the xstian faith. Paul's letters ARE the xstian faith. Not only would Jesus not run for office he would be a man that would lead a revolution against it, just as he did in Jerusalem.

mr. huckabee is a wolf in sheep's clothing

What an awesomely loaded question! I wonder if there may be some US citizen named Jesus whose parents are from Guanajuato who may wish to run for president some day...what will his choices be?

Huckabee's responses seemed canned, and a bit planned, possible that he spent the past week on youtube? Wonder what else he saw there?

Kudos, to Monica from the great city of Pittsburgh. Finally someone calling the might on the right for what it really is; an exclusive club that rarely practices what it preaches and scorns those that do.
For conservatives to envoke the name of God/Jesus then condemn anyone is the real sin.

Jesus was a very public figure and he got killed being in public... That was not very smart by the Roman leaders and put Christianity later as the official religion.

So I guess it's safe to assume that you gotta be a christan republican in order to know Jesus? Now we know why Bush won other than stealing the votes.

For sure, Huckabee out classed all the other candidates!

I beg to differ Ms. Kiara, Orlando: "How can anyone think Jesus would be a democrat."
Of course Jesus would be neither. However democrats do believe in the rights of people. And we do believe in Christ. FYI: JESUS WAS NO DICTATOR. You sound alittle confused.

Sending Hillary to Mars means to the White House you'll all are running scared of her,and shell be the forward on the court and she'll put you in the wrong basket hucklebee...can you imagine hucklebee see me sneeze...

It still amazes me that Democrats have such little knowledge of the Bible, as evidenced by some of the comments here. Jesus came to earth so save us and show how we should live, as individuals. He did not come to show us how to run a government. So yes, we are to love our neighbor, do not murder, etc. But to see how God wants a government to set up it's laws, all you have to do is look at the laws he gave to the Jewish people in the Old Testament. There are clearly laws there for punishment and law enforcement. There is border security and penalties for crime, including death.

I do not believe that Huckabee's comment was intended to be a dodge at the question more a cleaver response to a cleaver question.

What would Jesus do? He would not start a war that indiscriminately killed 600,000 Iraqi women and children on behalf of a psychopathic neo-con fantasy! That's why Ron Paul is the ONLY choice for President of the USA!

In response to Kiara: Do you believe in the part of the Bible that says "Love one another as thyself" and 'Judge that you shall not be judged." It's quite an accusation that you think Democracts don't believe in Jesus. Wow!!

Being in a debate on CNN...the less said the better!

By the way....the way to truth...begins with the truth that we were Created by God and we will be judged by Our Maker.
The whole idea that there is no judgment...has led to the demeaning of life in the first place. I believe in a God of Mercy....but some don't even want that.

Go Huck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

You can tell that Huckabee has wrestled with this issue. He is a sincere man who speaks from his center. America needs a man of strong convictions leading the way!

Jesus would sit in the electric chair for the man/woman on death row. That is what He did for all of us on the cross!

I am a democrat, but I do not like any of the top candidates. With that I have decided to listen to the Republicans. I like Huckabee, a lot! In fact for the first in my 35 years of voting Democrat I am going to vote for Huckabee, a Republican. Yikes!, but true....

Huckabee won this debate hands down and the best part is, Chuck Norris supports him!

How can anyone think Jesus would be a democrat, when democrats believe in abortion, gay rights, and barely believe in Jesus himself. Wake up! I'm not sure he would be Republican, but I know he would not be a democrat.

Huckabee would have my vote. He was very genuine and down to earth.

If I'm not mistaken, Jesus was a victim of the death penalty was he not?! While he gave his life willingly for God and Mankind, I'm not so sure his teachings support taking another life but instead are filled with love and compassion and tolerance for ALL people.

I was throwing stuff at my tv. You people have no idea dn are paid off by a corrupt government!

Ron Paul 2009!!! and forever!

Aside from the fact that this question does not belong in a presidential debate, he didn't answer the question!

Mike Huckabee won the debate because of his likeability, honesty, integrity, communication skills, charisma, and humor. He will be the next Republican candidate for President.

Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's.

One need not run for political office to have an opinion on capital punishment, obviously. I find it odd that a minister would answer a question in such a manner.

I am now a Huckabee supporter! He is so hilarious and is a MUCH better speaker in expressing his views than any of the other candidates. He also hasn't changed his positions on many of the issues, like Romney and Guliani. He is right, Jesus was too smart to ever want to run for any political position!

ARE YOU PEOPLE KIDDING ME?? YOU'RE SERIOUSLY ANALYZING WHETHER JESUS COULD BE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES?

Come to think of it, are these people running for President of the U.S. or the Southern Baptist Convention? (nothing against southern baptists, but they aren't running for the sbc)

I don't think it was an appropriate question anyway! Billions of people believe Jesus as their savior! Why would someone ask that question?

Who cares if Jesus would run for public office? He was a rebel in the eyes of Romans and Jews and he influenced billions of people. Just remember that

Best one-liner of the night. He definately stood out in a good way.

To Tis Is Fake:
He said "Jesus would be too smart to run for public office" not president of the US...

I can't believe this is the free press........God Save America.

Um...not getting much spiritual depth from someone who says "Jesus was too smart" to run for president. Jesus turned away all of Satan's temptations of power and chose crucifixion, not because he was "smart" (although he was) but because he was totally dedicated the purpose God had set for his life.

Jesus' mission was to set aside his all-powerful glory and his smarts and the whole enchilada to humble himself, even to death, to show us what a perfect life serving God looks like.

Huckabee's comment is a bit off from a biblically based view of Jesus. Rings a false note for me.

While I disagree with Huckabee on most political issues, its good to see the ability to make a self deprecating joke. He brings a refreshing honesty and genuineness that I can appreciate, even from the other side of the aisle.

genius!

Based on the New Testament image of Jesus he would stick out of politics because politicians are just that: politicians. Jesus spent his time challenging the establishment that was the 'government' because it was corrupt. Jesus would again challenge, but probably not run. Course, what do I know?

In regards to Capital Punishment:
Jesus recognized the governments right to execute someone (not individuals abusing their power or acting holier than thou). Under questioning by Pilate, Pilate reminds Jesus (because he needed it) that he has the power to kill him. Jesus does not deny the right of execution, but rather reminds Pilate where the authority comes from.

Jesus didn't seek political authority in his own time, as the story goes. Why would he now?

Mike Huckabee should be President because of his strong values and integrity. We feel that in order to bring America to higher standards we need a leader that provides not only intelligence with political issues, but Christian morals to guide him in every decision. He is the man that we would choose to invite into our homes. His humor, humility, and integrity would bring back the stability and respect that our forefathers brought to this nation.

"...Huckabee tried to bring light to the subject joking..."

No he didn't. Huckabee simply avoided answering the question, which is hypocritical of him.

Jesus probably wouldn't want to run but I am sure he would do it to save the country from any one of these men on television tonight, who are proving to be a national and international embarrassment.

Jesus would run on a platform of helping the poor, welcoming immigrants, inclusiveness toward all people- including gays, and against all forms of war and conflict.

The Republicans would claim he is an enemy to traditional American family values.

I am a Democrat and was watching just out of interest. No one impressed me more than Huckabee. He was just brilliant. Thank God he's not getting the nomination or we'd be in trouble....

kayt...His words against throwing stones were directed at individals, not the government.

He demonstrated that goverment should be allowed to impose capital punishment.

That was the best debate I've ever seen. And that was one of the best parts.

Jesus? Sure, he would rid our country of fig trees though, so Fig Newton lovers beware.

does making that point make huckabee smart or stupid? for what it's worth, i agree with him about Jesus. He is smart.

While I will NEVER vote Republican, I thought this comment by Huckbee was pretty outstanding.

Jaik, is that the best left wing comment you can come up with? It would not matter if Huckabee answered in either the affirmative or negative the left side would have nailed him to a proverbial cross for his stand or label him as a flip flop...

At least make an intelligent statment, don't quote movie titles!

To add on to Huckabee: the very reason that Jesus' message is so long-lasting is that he sets a bar much higher than any candidate (Demo. Repub. or other). Each party has a stance on issues that is much more about convention than anything else – at the very least we know that Jesus was not conventional, and thus, in our political environment, not likely to ever be a candidate, much less a nominee.

Jesus cannot run for President, He is already the "King of Kings. His kingdom is way superior than our democratic corrupted system. In His kingdom there is no such a thing as democracy, it is theocracy.

Jesus doesn't have to be running for president to have an opinion about the death penalty

Let those of you without sin cast the first stone. DUH !! of course Jesus would be against the death penalty. I am appalled at all of these people.

it wouldnt matter because jesus isnt american

I am not a Christian but it seems that Jesus would be way too smart to run for president.

I could see that. I could also see that the King of All would be demeaned by running for some earthly political office.

look what it does to those lesser evils who ARE running....

If Jesus was here, I am convinced he would be a Democrat!

duck duck duck , DODGE !