It sounds like most people really do want more of the same.

After traveling through most of Iowa and meeting many Iowans for 10 years, it's surprising to see them fooled by a good old country boy especially in a state where you can drive for 100 miles and see nothing but corn fields growing corn instead of collecting subsidies.

These are people who know an honest person when they see one. They recognize Giuliani for the crook that he is and Clinton for the trash that she is. They just wouldn't put it in those terms.

You would think that they would settle on the honesty of a Thompson, Paul, or even Edwards.

You would not think that they would choose a guy who fires his shotgun over reporters' heads and thinks it's funny, even if it is kind of funny.

I can see why Huckabee left the ministry and became a politician if he does not know the difference between Mormonism and Evangelical Christianity. I would not attend his church nor would I vote for him.

FROM FAT SANTA, GOOO LUCK HUCK-A-BEE!! FAIR TAX ,FAMILY VALUES STRONG MILITARY. WOW DUMMYCRATS ARE SCARED!!

First of all, I am not trying to slam anybody. Huckabee is like everyone's grandpa! Super nice and funny and a little strange looking in a folksy sort of way. It's great to be all warm and fuzzy, but I think it is time to do a little research, and not on Huckabees personal site which stops short of the whole story. Please do the research. It's not 85,000 that declared bankruptcy when he was the governor of Arkansas it was 105,000. It's no wonder, the average tax burden increased 47%. He raised 22 different taxes and increased the states defecite by I believe 505,000,000.
He fought for price breaks and specialscholarships for the children of illegals and still believes he did the right thing. He openly states that he makes no apologies. For the few of you who have stated that he is not soft on illegal immigraton you are wrong. Do you care about your country at all? He has no intention of closing the border. I have heard him with my own ears and seen him with my own eyes declare that we have an open border and open arms. If you think that this man is not soft on the illegal problem you need to take off your Waldo glasses and take a hard look around you.

Especially the Evangelical Christian base that has propelled this gentleman to the top in Iowa. I find it interesting in a hypocritcal sort of way that Evangelicals would rufuse to vote for a man who IS qualified for the office because they don't like his relegion, but they will vote for a man who is NOT qualified based on his relegion. Is that disturbing to anyone else but me?

I am a "conservative right wing wacko home schooling Christian stay at home mom" and I am voting for Mitt Romney! This man has what it takes to lead the country. As it turns out he is also a Christian with good family values and he is socially conservative. Huckabee has what it takes to lead a really great Sunday School lesson.

Here's Hoping from the South.

AJ; Montpelier, VT

I AGREE 100%

Truth Seeker

its so easy for a corrupt party to win based on your ideas….thats right because as good of a person you might be you said it yourself "i would rather vote for someone that believes in christ then someone that didnt" because a corrupt party would know someone like you will not look into a candidates record as much if he was a christian. so all they would have to do is just prove that hes a christian and everything else wont matter and THATS WHY YOU CANT MIX POLITICS AND RELIGION!!!! and i dont have to read the bible cover to cover to know its not the truth. it says women were made from a mans rib!? it says the planet was made 6000 years ago!? it says to forgive yet will send you to hell if you dont believe!? it says the earth was created then man, but what about the dinosaurs!? werent they here for a long time before us or do you believe the we coexisted!? there are WAAAAAY to many inconsitencies in the bible. the bible has to be something you WANT to believe before you read it VERY deeply for you to look past just those couple of things and i havent even read the whole thing!!

Brad, from the great state of Texas

actually BRAD the problem i have with faith is this:
ive talked to plenty of born again christians (my wife's whole family are born agains) and they seem worried about things like gays on TV or GAY marriage things that have NO effect on anyone thats NOT GAY!!! things like putting there kids in school that teach creationism as FACT! my sister in law is in a christian college and her spelling is horrible! and she knows nothing about science. she is 20 yrs old and has the mentality of a 17 yr old because she has been boxed up in a christian world from elementary school to college. and the main problem i have is the fact that they vote BASED on religion! now dont get me wrong they are good people and honest but THEY are chosing who runs this country based on the wrong things. and there are hundreds of thousands that are just like them! i mean these people believe you are going to hell if you dont believe a guy named jesus existed over 2000 years ago and was the son of god because it says it in a book. and they are deciding the fate of this country!! this is the ONLY reason bush was elected because he was a christian! i have a HUGE problem with faith based government and i think the last thing we need in this country right now is a minister as a president!!!

I am an athiest, but I am voting for Huckabee. It doesn't bother me so much that he is a preacher cause he is the only candidate who is actively pushing the FairTax. The FairTax is what is going to pull this country out of the muck that it's slowing desending into!!! The income tax is drowning this country in a sea of paperwork!!! Ron Paul is a good candidate that has said he supports the FairTax, but he is not pushing it like Huckabee is. I would be happy with either of them as president, but right now Huckabee looks like this countries best bet to get out from under this unfair income tax, and be lifted up by a FairTax!!!

Best man for the job!!

Hey dizzle; "Illegals" is not a term in the English dictionary. It's racist slang.

Hey AJ from VT,
If you want to see a real bigot just take a look in the mirror. Most Christians are not "Bible thumpers" like you claim, but honest, compassionate, and hardworking Americans who are getting sick of secularists and liberals pushing their agenda on the MAJORITY of this nation (just ask all the parents in Massachusetts who can't spank their children anymore–guess the young ones need therapy instead).
It makes no difference if Huckabee believes the Earth is 6,000 years old or if we descended from apes, because they are both unprovable THEORIES that have little relevance to today's issues.
Those who you who think Huckabee's religious ideas will make him just like Bush are naive– GW's moral compass is true, but his inability to implement sound policies is what has hurt this country. Anyone who thinks it's because of faith probably already has prior issues of mistrust for religion, and has used the current administration's failures as further justification for despising those of faith.

What's with all the hatred from Texans people? This isn't football.
And what's with "Arkansas being the poorest" excuse? I didn't hear that when Bill Clinton was nominated.

I agree with Huckabee on most issues. I don't agree with him on illegal immigration.

Steam is building, Huckabee in 2008!!!

Beware Huckabee. His record does not match his words. I have done some research on him because some of my friends suggested I check him out.

I am a Ron Paul supporter. He defends the Constitution and his record a Congressman proves that he does what he says.

Huckabee supporters, please give Ron Paul a look before you throw your support to Huckabee.

Ha, ha. I am amazed that people will take this joker so seriously.

I hope Hillary wins and competes against Huckabee. It would be completely in the bag.

It's not right that Iowa has such undue influence on the primaries. Iowans are not the entire country.

Huckabee paid for some family vacations with Arkansas taxpayer money. He also is a big spender. Arkansas government grew significantly in size during Huck's time in office. Many people from Arkansas know his REAL record.

This man is not qualified in any way to run for President. The State he is from is the poorest State in the Union.

Where do they find these people? The guy is a Preacher and that is what he should do. He Preaches.

Mike go preach in a Church. God help this Country with people like this running.

We are 9 trillion in debt 60 trillion if you include Medicade and Social Security. The dollar is dropping and the crooks on Wall Street are making the Feds hold up the economy and bail out the crooks. and the only questions these people answer is about God and the Bible.
Seperation of Church and State. We are a joke to threst of the World we cover up the subprime lending the CountryWide, Brokerage houses these guys should be in jail.

AJ in VT,

Your comments are just as bigoted as those you condemn. As a Christian I understand this country is not a theocracy, never was and never will be! Nobody wants to bring back stoning either. I will agree that some christians who post are zealous and just wrong but that is no excuse for your fear mongering and hate either! Personally I like Huckabee, just like you adore Hilliary! You don't want anything to do with the Bible, that is all on you! The hate on both sides is a bit much!

I find it interesting and sad that MSM is promoting Huckabee as of late.

Huckabee blatantly stole Ron Paul's plank of eliminating the IRS at the GOP debate last week. Ron Paul has stated that he would eliminate the IRS and replace it with nothing. Huckabee has not stated this. He could rename the IRS and technically meet his promise, or probably replace it with something else that would be effectively the same thing as the IRS.

Huckabee is being promoted by the Mainstream media in an attempt to siphon off votes from Ron Paul so that neither of them will win. The old divide and conquer strategy.

Don't be fooled. Accept no substitutes for Ron Paul.

Ron Paul must win. He is the only person that can save America from big government, bread and circus politics, and more welfare/warfare statist policies.

Ron Paul 2008!!!

Posted By gilliganscorner : December 3, 2007 9:52 am

Couple things…

I love how people consider Huckabee a level-headed guy, the man in a literalist in terms of the bible. He thinks the earth is 7,000 years old. He spout the worst of the worst is conservative ideology and is far, far from level headed. Lets not forget that in years past Pat Robertson won Iowa, so this is not much of a surprise.

Just what this country needs - a southern baptist minister who doesn't believe in evolution. He can lead us back into the dark ages.
A womans right to choose - gone.
Equal rights - gone
Seperation of state and church - gone

Ron Paul is the only candidate with yard signs already deployed around here. He was the only candidate with supporters at the football game.

What a breath of fresh air to have a candidate that talks about the Constitution.

Of course, I have no illusions that the voting public is going to vote for values or ideals or competence. They are looking for pandering from the candidates and so far they are getting plenty of it.

Brian

Don't put much into these skewered polls. if true, it would be a shame for this guy to lead. he may be a moral man but it stops there. not much more than that. rest of his platform and record is suspect.

Why is this surprising? Those bigoted Bible thumpers in Iowa would love to see a Baptist minister in the White house. If they had their wishes, we would bring back stoning, they are all for a theocracy. Hmmmmmm does anyone smell Taliban??

WHY WOULD YOU EVER VOTE FOR HUCKABEE???? ESPECIALLY IN IOWA!! A VOTE FOR HUCKABEE IS TEN VOTES FOR GIULIANI!! HUCKABEE WILL NEVER WIN THE NOMINATION!! GIULIANI NEEDS HUCKABEE TO WIN!! DON'T VOTE HUCKABEE VOTE ROMNEY HE'S THE MOST QUALIFIED

The Fairtax seems a little extreme but it has some interesting ramification on illegal immigration though.

Consider that most illegals do not pay taxes now, would pay taxes through a consumption tax.

Also, poor and middle class families would get a prebate to offset the additional expenses. A family of four making $27k would get $500+ per month to help pay those taxes.

Illegal immigrants would not get the benefit because they are not citizens. They would be paying taxes without receiving the benefit of getting the prebate to offset the extra sales tax.

fairtax.org

Thanks a lot, Iowa. Thanks for scaring the bejeezus out of me.

Im not an expert on the Fair Tax but Im taking in all I have time to learn about it, since the main premise is that it would raise the same amount of federal funds as are raised by the current system. The thought of getting to keep the whole gross amount of your paycheck should be interesting to all Americans who pay income tax and Im really in favor of it. When you look at your bottom line, most of us are already paying in the low 20s percent of our income, so why not try this tax on what we buy, not on what we earn. If anything, it forces people- such as drug dealers- who have money but don't "claim" to (no pun intended) to pay into the fed. revenue system by taxing what they buy. That alone would be worth trying the Fair Tax system, and Gov. Huckabee is the main proponent of taxing what we buy- not what we earn.

I find it interesting and sad that MSM is promoting Huckabee as of late.

Huckabee blatantly stole Ron Paul's plank of eliminating the IRS at the GOP debate last week. Ron Paul has stated that he would eliminate the IRS and replace it with nothing. Huckabee has not stated this. He could rename the IRS and technically meet his promise, or probably replace it with something else that would be effectively the same thing as the IRS.

Huckabee is being promoted by the Mainstream media in an attempt to siphon off votes from Ron Paul so that neither of them will win. The old divide and conquer strategy.

Don't be fooled. Accept no substitutes for Ron Paul.

Ron Paul must win. He is the only person that can save America from big government, bread and circus politics, and more welfare/warfare statist policies.

Ron Paul 2008!!!

How any but the home school, creationists, Christian identity sect of the Republican Party support a candidate that made a comment like this. “Because of the holocaust of abortions in this county we have an inflated need for illegal immigrants.” You’re a class act Mike a real charmer!!(As a dem he would be the best thing to happen to my party since Barry Goldwater.

Manuel-Revere, MA, I agree with you, Hillary destroy Huckabee and all GOP candidates in the General Election. American voters are smarter than candidates.

Good, I hope he is nominated. He'll be a walk in the park in the general election - a whacky religious fundamentalist is something this country does not need, especially after 8 years of hell with George W. Bush.

*Turn Virginia Blue in 2008!*

For better or worse, the bandwagon effect is real, because if a liberal democrat like myself can decide to take a closer look at Huckabee as someone I might actually vote for, then I suppose more on the liberal side of the aisle can also. For that reason, Republican supporters shouldn't get so down on Huckabee's "soft-stances." They'll be lucky if a Republican gets into high office in '08 at all.

I am an African American living in Florida. The reason Gov Huckabee is going to win is simple. He cares about people. He is not soft on immigration, he does not support amnesty. He has plans to reform education, health care, protecting the environment, ending our dependence on foreign oil and fighting against terrorists. He is not owned by Wall street or the lobbysists in this country, he was born poor. He graduated college in two years, and has more executive experience than ANY person, Democrat or Republican running.

Go Mike!!

You know I'm tired of the Miss USA talent competition baloney!!! Just once in my lifetime I'd like to see Americans elect a President–not because of party line or amicability–but on the substance of their agenda/platform. The real meat and potatoes.

Okay, I've got to chime in on this. I think it's awesome that Mike Huckabee is making some noise.

As a fierce independent, I like Obama and Huckabee. I was telling someone a month ago that Obama may have my vote, but Huckabee has my heart.

Now that I've seen Huckabee on the CNN/YouTube debates, Huckabee may get my vote as well.

I think it would do the country great good if these two faced off. I'm skeptical of this occuring, but in my honest opinion, the honest, sincere ideas that both these candidates bring to the table would get us all talking about the right things and the best way to handle them going forward…

I'm still wondering how he plans to eliminate employer contributions to healthcare–not raise wages, yet still make health insurance available to all. It's available to all now. But not affordable. There are some affordable schemes out there–but no network providers–and high out of pocket, copays, or coinsurance rates that make it out of reach to most working families. What is his scheme with healthcare. It looks like another business/corporate gimme to improve comptetitiveness–by reducing not only wages–but now benefits–to workers. I do hope some of you Republicans query him on just how he is going to eliminate business contributions–and keep medical insurance affordable to Americans. Check out his agenda on healthcare–if you're a wage earner–you could find yourself in a pickle in a few years. It's either half-baked–or intentionally a U.S. Chamber of Commerce talking point–most reasoned Americans have overlooked.

stop the polls! what is the point of doing this? how indicative of final results are these polls taken a month or more in advance? answer: nada.

Huckabee is a fraud. He is a neocon who does not practice what he preaches. Ron Paul is the true Christian example and the best person to lead this country out of darkness.

To all Evangelical voters out there. QUIT LOOKING FOR YOUR COUNTRY BUMPKIN CANDIDATE!!! Ya'll might think you have the big voting block power, but the rest of the nation will not vote for another Southern Disappointment this time around. So, get over it!!! For ya'll out there in Iowa, FYI, Hillary feels MOST threatened by Romney. (Many Washington insiders know this too.) The Clinton Sleaze Machine is laughing at you behind closed doors. I thought Iowans were more intelligent than that. Obviously not. You guys are falling for the bait. If you don't want to split the vote, LIKE ROSS PEROT once did, you can prevent another Clinton from getting in. GOT IT?

I still have to give Ron Paul the Darkhorse award. There is no denying that he has won every post debate poll he has taken part in as of late. Through donations of individual citizens like you and me (NOT corporate or special interests) he has record setting campaign finance.

And now even with McCain in the Des Moines Register Poll. Impressive.

I see him continuing to gain momentum exponentially.

Lots of great relevant talk on Huckabee. This is how a blog should run.
I love Huckabee for the compassionate, humorous, fun Christian that he seems to be. I don't love him as my president.
#1. At the risk of sounding like a "Redneck from Texas" Huckabee is not only soft on illegal immigration, he's Jello! He has worked to give the children of illegals college scholarships. As if the illegals pouring over the border need more incentive to sneak into the US. Please inform yourself about this important issue before you blindly support him with your vote. We need political leaders to stand up and take America back. And we need Americans to support the leaders who will do it! It seems to me that Romney is the only candidate that is tough on illegal immigration, and actually has a plan to solve the problem that does not involve amnesty. That is a huge issue for me. Illegal immigration is a huge problem in Texas and elsewhere in the country. We will not make it through another four years of weak leadership when it comes to securing the border.

#2. Huckabee has a terrible record when it comes to his ability to make wise decisions about the economy. Thousands, I believe 85,000+ of his constituents filed for bankruptcy when he was the governor of Arkansas. Our economy can not take a blow from a man who does not have the business sense to run Washington the way it needs to be run, no matter how good hearted he is. Romney is the best choice in this category also. He has been described by many as a financial genius.

#3Huckabee is weak on foreign policy. That is frightening considering that we are in the middle of a war! I would have thought that McCain would be the strength in foreign policy, but he blew it with me during the debate. Actually I was put off by his melo- dramatics about waterboarding. He was so busy trying to accuse Romney of endorsing torture that he couldn't see that he was giving away military secrets on national TV. Hmmm? So much for McCain. Romney hit the nail on the head for me when he stated that he didn't think that it was a good idea to discuss military tactics in a forum that would tip off our enemies. That's obvious isn't it?
#4 I don't believe that Huckabee can win against a Clinton or Obama because of all of his obvious weaknesses. Huckabee taking Iowa would simply open the door for Giuliani and that would be a disaster for social and economic conservatives. Iowa conservatives really need to think this one over.

Finally, I do not want the Evangelical community to blur the lines between church and state. I have read that 7 out of 10 Evangelicals are voting for Huckabee. As a Christian conservative myself I am left to believe that instead of voting for the man who is most qualified they are allowing themselves to be courted by their pastor. I believe that the Christian framers of the divinely inspired Constitution seperated church and state for a very good reason. Although the intentions of the Evangelical community are admirable, we're not electing a pastor, we are looking for a president.Huckabee has not demonstrated the necessary qualifications. Please chose a man who can lead a country, not a church.
Sincerely from Texas

the very idea of a baptist minister in the oval office TERRIFIES me.

the fact that he has been quoted talking about the rapture in churches WHILE campaigning for office shows he is on a mission of of a preacher and not a leader of the free world.

our founding fathers specifically created provisions in the constitution which provided for the separation of church and state and i do not see that possible with mike huckabee in office.

from joseph story's "commentaries on the constitution." (he personally knew the framers and was friends of quite a few- he is considered the end all to be all for constitutional intent.) he frequently talks about the intent of this separation throughout and ends with this:

§ 1841. The remaining part of the clause declares, that "no religious test shall ever be required, as a qualification to any office or public trust, under the United States." This clause is not introduced merely for the purpose of satisfying the scruples of many respectable persons, who feel an invincible repugnance to any religious test, or affirmation. It had a higher object; to cut off for ever every pretence of any alliance between church and state in the national government. The framers of the constitution were fully sensible of the dangers from this source, marked out in the history of other ages and countries; and not wholly unknown to our own."

this may be about a specific clause but its relevance here is for this clause: It had a higher object; to cut off for ever every pretence of any alliance between church and state in the national government.

i hope the media exposes him for his remarks and takes him to task for them.

First off, it's a known Fact that evolution is a flawed theory at best! Also that Darwin himself rejected his own theory later in his life. Look it up, if you doubt!

I'm rooting for Huckabee, though I'm a little concerned about him not having foreign affairs experience. With that unlnown in mind,I hope he is VP for McCain and have Huckabee as President next time around. Maybe I'll feel better about his foreign policy later.

WOW! I shocked that Huckabee has that much Support on this board and that Obama has so much support on the Democrat story.

I expected exactly the opposite, a bunch of Hillary Guiliani and Romney Supporters bashing away at the leaders.

I do think Iowa is significant. The momentum of the win could easily lead to a NH primary win since it is so close in timing. Winning both would be great momentum no matter who it is.

Huckabee Versus Obama? Where is Ron Paul in all of this and will he run as a third party candidate.

Huckabee's surge in the polls is the voice of America's saying "Washington is not for sale…again"!

Only two republicans could get my vote.

Huckabee and McCain. They have moral and philosophical principles.

On the democrat side I could never vote for Clinton. However, there are lots of republicans down here (just met another one today), who are looking very closely at Obama.

Dear miss,iowa, If you read the Bible, you may change your opinion.

Tony, from Enterprise, your statement shows you don't know the truth about the religions you mention. They are quite opposite, as one allows for killing the innocent and the other the protection of the same. The atrocities you mentioned were commited by people who were off track; not follwing the truth of Christ. Don't make the mistake of lumping all "Christians" together. Many are hypocrites, but not all. Also, everyone has their religion or philosphy. I'd choose someone who follows Christ before I'd follow someone who doesn't. from the Bible we read,"There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death." I suggest everyone who is knocking Huckabee and Christianity read the Bible, cover to cover, before you say this or that. Be informed by the source itself. And please don't ever forget this country flourished because it was built on Christianity; it's dying because we have fallen away. I believe we were attacked by Islamists because of our decadence which has spread like a disease to other countries. Time to get back to the REAL CHRIST - our only hope.

well I liked Mike Huckabee since he was a nobody, but now i started to have some concern. As his popularity grows, there are more records available. I read some news saying that he didn't have a good record while he was a governor of Arkansas. Really hard to make decision now. I'm a republican, but I can vote for either democrat or republican as long as anyone of them limited government spending and lower tax

That's sounds good. Huckabee seems to be a decent guy from the Republican side.

As a parent and voter, I would like to hear what Governor Huckabee has to say about evolution vs. intelligent design.

The Scam: Giulliani helps Huckabee with the help of the media to win Iowa.

Why?: To knock the wind out of Romney's sail. This will give Rudy a huge chance to win the nomination.

Why Huck?: Huck was promised by Giulliani the V.P. nomination(which Giulliani will default on) Huck will be upset when he finds out he was tricked.

Huck can't win any other state, he's broke and unknown.

The real choice: Ron Paul. Just ask yourselves one question. Who is the most trustworthy candidate of all the republicans?

I'm excited about the increased support for a true conservative such as Huckabee. He might have been the leading candidate all along had so many doubted his "electability." As for Obama's surge, the Democratic polls have shown the lead exchanged by Obama, Clinton, and Edwards over the last several months. Huckabee's rise is news because for the first time in half a year it seems that someone other than Romney is likely to win Iowa.

pat robertson,jerry falwell, jimmy swaggert jim baker, oral roberts family,and several other holy roller preachers who have snookered there parishers, do you really believe the real america will fall for one more religious ichon who does not follow what he preaches. I do not think he can win anything but the south and that is no where enough to get the nomination.

Congrats Iowa! You're running neck and neck with Kansas for most backward state in the nation.

I hope everyone else in Iowa realizes the strengths Romney has and continues to back him. He is the only man the GOP that can unite this country. Huckabee = more of the same. We need fresh and new. Unless it's Romney and his brilliance and business-like approach, I will have to vote for a Democrat - something I've never done before. Guilianni is corrupt. McCain is past his prime. Huckabee is lacking in foreign policy and is more of the elitist GOP we've seen before, Thompson is lazy. Please friends and neighbors, keep supporting Romney! His values are ours.

Darrel Schmidt: You do realize that your vote for Huck may as well say Rudy…you can put two and two together.

Huck is a minister and social conservative…well thats about it.

He is a fiscal liberal…if you make less than 200K per year he will double your taxes.

No foreign policy experience…

Fined more than Billary during his tenure as governor???

Please wake up and realize Huck will never make five seconds past Iowa and you are only supporting Rudy.

This is a Republic not a Theocracy.

While my personal relationship with God is important, it is just that; personal.

A Baptist Theocracy is no different or better than an Islamic Theocracy; what a success story in Iran when the Mullahs took over (NOT!). Lets keep religion separate from politics like the founders intended; when religion gets the upper hand in politics it is always an abysmal failure (remember reading about the The Crusades, Spanish Inquisition, and the Salem Witch Trials?)

And, lets elect a President for all the American people, not a Baptist Minister.

Baptist Ministers belong in church.

Huckabe may answer the questions with a bit of humour and wit; however, his stance on immigration and tax policy are very discouraging. Mitt Romney still will hold the lead and win IOWA and the NH. In all honesty the standard deviation (margin of error) could be either Romney or Huckabee on top! I WANT SOMETHING BEHIND THE CANDIDATE BESIDES WIT AND CHARM ~ ARE ALL GUYS FROM ARKANSAS LIKE THIS? Maybe we should ask BC?

Obama definitely has the big MO, and I think that is the reason he's going all the way to the Dem. nomination!

Also, good for Huckabee. Him and McCain are probably the only two I have respect for on the Republican sides.

I don't understand people sometimes. How can you like Huckabee? If you drop Rudy or Romney and pick up Huckabee, you might as well be replacing mud with dung. Look at his record as mayor. He has a history of being materialistic and being disliked by many in his own state. He is not the leader you are looking for. He has not made a single good point in the debates. He sounds like a broken record. THINK IOWA! There is no man up there stronger in his ideals and stances than Ron Paul. Yet people think he's weird because he doesn't follow along with the weaker men like Mike Huckabee.

I am a Democrat who is supporting Joe Biden. However, I think Mike Huckabee is a good man. While I disagree with nearly all of his positions, I find him likable and honest. I think now that Huckabee is getting a little more media exposure and more Republicans will get a look at him, his support will continue to expand.

Huckabee is perceived to be soft on immigration only because he does not make hateful attacks against illegal immigrants like most republican want him to. He is person of good moral character. Just what our country needs.

Please lets have an Obama vs Huckabee general election. Let's have an election about ideas, not about who slept with who, and who has the sleaziest politics. Come on democrats and republicans, let's have two decent people fight it out honorably for a change.

The only Republican i would vote for as well. I sure hope he wins the nomination just in case HRC wins the Dems. He would make a really good president– much like Obama would. Honest, smart, compassionate, and most of all HONEST. Good luck Sir.

Good points posted by poster T. Lippman but with Romney it is different because Romney needs to win Iowa and NH (in order to go on) because he will NEVER get any other states especially the Feb. 5 states. He will never even get his so-called home state (Here in MA he was a horrific, absentee Governor, who was PRO-abortion, btw !!) He may get MI, but SC I doubt it. Finally, voters are wising up. Romney will do/say anything to get elected. He is a smooth, defensive liar. (I feel badly though for his family because "fivebrothers.com" is his grown sons' life! LOL!)

I don't have all the facts on Huckabee's record in Ark. but after listening to him and watching him on CNN's 'debate' (although I use the word lightly) I will be taking a look at his site to review what he has done.

I don't like this guy. He is a christian pretender. What part of the Bible says you kill. He has flip flopped so many times too. I think he is not good for the country….

I live in Iowa. And for most people, it doesnt' matter. They just don't want a republicans in the white house for at least another 20years. At least where I live.

There is a lot of comments on here suggesting Huckabee is a strong, conservative leader. They also say he is morally superior and funny. Well the truth is Huckabee is extremely weak on border security, has supported govt. welfare for illegal immigrants and has not taken a hard line on no amnesty. Huckabee also never proved to be a fiscal conservative while governor and his support of a continued intervention in Iraq suggests he is just another big spender.
He is morally superior because he is a pastor? The media and a few numbskulls may have found his quote about Jesus never running for political office humorous, others found it to be a pathetic cop out. The fact is Jesus would not, does not support the death penalty. But, Mr. Huckabee does now that is terribly hypocritical.
Luckily there is a principled, moral, fiscal conservative running this election and we don't have to settle for another imposter. Vote Ron Paul and don't forget to be a part of the revolution on December 16th, Teaparty'07.

Glad to know that people on this board seem more interested in discussing his moral qualifications than his governing qualifications. We are not electing the Pope here!

I hope that you folks have learned by the parade of Republicans (on the link below) who made a big deal about "morals" only to be revealed as phonies.

http://www.republicansexoffenders.com/index.html

All is not always what it appears. Don't be suckered.
made a big deal

There is a lot of comments on here suggesting Huckabee is a strong, conservative leader. They also say he is morally superior and funny. Well the truth is Huckabee is extremely weak on border security, has supported govt. welfare for illegal immigrants and has not taken a hard line on no amnesty. Huckabee also never proved to be a fiscal conservative while governor and his support of a continued intervention in Iraq suggests he is just another big spender.
He is morally superior because he is a pastor? The media and a few numbskulls may have found his quote about Jesus never running for political office humorous, others found it to be a pathetic cop out. The fact is Jesus would not, does not support the death penalty. But, Mr. Huckabee does now that is terribly hypocritical.
Luckily there is a principled, moral, fiscal conservative running this election and we don't have to settle for another imposter. Vote Ron Paul and don't forget to be a part of the revolution on December 16th, Teaparty'07.

What a huge relief. I've been so disappointed with the Republican willingness to compromise values for a possible win. If Guiliani or Romney take the nomination, I can't imagine voting unless there was some 3rd party candidate that I could identify with.
This story should be getting SO much more press - both Obama and Huckabee are up against some pretty old-school big-money candidates and winning! AMAZING!!! This could be a cinderella story in the making. Congrats to both gentlemen on their climb in the polls.

Huckabee is liberal on just about everything except a few social issues. He is cozying up to Giuliani, angling for the VP spot, and is doing nothing but being a spoiler for Romney with the net result that it could throw the nomination to Giuliani–the antithesis of the social conservative agenda. Huckabee is wrong on immigration and taxation, and is a lightweight in foreign policy. Sure, he's a folksy former preacher. But so is my brother in law…

More Of The Same. I agree with Greg: the politician soft on immigration and strong on America being the world's cop is the one to ignore on election day.

Surprising.

Huckabee is a nice enough guy, but does he really have all the experience and knowledge to best lead our nation? I, for one, don't think so.

Although I agree the tax laws need revamping, I don't think a flat tax, consumption tax or a high sales tax is the answer to abolishing the income tax. Huckabee needs to refine and rethink a few of his stances before he even comes up on my radar.

Huckabee vs. Obama
WAY better that Giuliani vs Clinton.

It would be amusing if Iowa were to select someone from the "lower tier" of both parties, like Huckabee and Richardson. It would breathe life into the race.

It makes me sad and confused that Iowa would get behind a man that would give our nation to the illegal population. Yes he is funny, yes he is compassionate, yes he is a good communicator because he is an experienced sermon giver, but that is about it. If Huckabee is elected, we will see the end of our soveriegnty. He has already stated his position on illegal immigration. I believe that he is a well meaning traitor. He has a disasterous economic record and is weak in the area of foreign policy. Please wake up Iowa.

Yeh! I am glad that more people are listening to what former Gov Huckabee has to say. He speaks from the heart and has quiet conviction that will help our country get back on the right track.

Wow I am continually surprised that everyone's stereotypical views of Texas seem to be true, based on what I see from the comments here! Every comment that comes out of texas just screams redneck.

Alright, we all thought huckabee was doomed, and now it looks like he's probably going to be the republican nominee. Haha, take that Rudy, LOL! (ok, probably mitt for vp?)

Huckabee is leading in Iowa?

Never trust a politician who promises to get rid of the IRS and have a consumption based tax system (at 23% federal rate plus more for state/city rate) replacing the corporate and individual taxes. It will not work, and will never become a reality.

Therefore, the support of a candidate (Huckabee or Obama) in Iowa may mean little in other states, as people there appear to have a contrarian view.

its not about his stand on abortion its not about his belief in jesus, its not about his belief on gay rights its bout things that affect us!!! education, foreign policy, economy and health care!!!! if you mix this religion into politics AGAIN we will have another disaster just like the one we just had. what we have seen in the last 8 years are 1 mans beliefs, NOT what the american people want. 30% of america agree with bush but he hasnt changed his position THAT is not a way to lead a nation of adults it is a way to lead a nursery school!!!! government is suppodes to be for the people and by the people and STOP waisting time on things that dont mean anything for the leader of the free world. look at what is happening in the middle east where they are using religion to control and elect there people. its the same thing but our country just has more money!!! MORALS do you think there are MORALS in being ONE SIDED?? everyone is happy about the FAIR TAX but it makes no sense. get rid of the irs?? then whose going to make sure people are defrauding our tax system? he can put a sentence together better then bush can but that doesnt mean anything!! we need an open minded president period. have you ever talked to highly religous people it seems there is so room for discussion or compromise. now that may seem like i am judging all religious people but im not because its all ive seen whenever i get into a real discussion with them and i have a pretty large amount of them that i know. my wive's family are born again christians! we need a leader not a preacher!!!!!

My son, 32, just called me to say he's voting for Huckabee, and his girlfriend is going to finally register so she can vote for him, also. These youngsters know a good candidate when they see him. They aren't easily fooled. With the momentum he's gaining so quickly, I can foresee him winning by a landslide.

Let's face it for the GOP next year it is a very long shot. The obstructionist behavior of Georgie and his fellows in DC and the infighting between candidates is demonstrating more intractable stupidity to us independents. I personally am mostly socially liberal, fiscally very conservative (I expect a distinct capitol gain for each penny the government spends), I have issues with infanticide, capitol punishment, euthanasia, and officials who say one thing and do another playing me for a fool; Huckabee makes some sense.

With Hucabee now leading the polls and Hillary trailing Obama only one thing is clear: WE SPED WAY TO MUCH TIME ON ELECTIONS!

Huckabee claims to be pro-life but supports a war that has killed and continues to kill thousands of innocents. This guy has no moral consistency.

Huckabee/McCain vs Obama/Daschle
Wouldn't that be a fantastic race?

These ridiculous polls should be taken with a grain of salt. Ron Paul is far and away the leading GOP candidate, yet these polls have him in single-digits. He won the Virigina Republicans straw poll by a landslide yesterday…And the support for his campaign is HUGE.

Huckabee is a nice guy and all, but he's a preacher, soft on illegals, and still carries himself like a typical politician. This country needs less politicians and more real people like Ron Paul.

I'm sure Mike is a serious and
committed evangelical..however
he cannot win a general election
because the winner will come this
year from the center regardless
of the party…America does not
want an ideologue..they want a
leader who can fix the economy and
protect their security

If I want a paster I might consider Huckabee, a president, NO. I do not like him wearing religion on his sleeves, it remind me how George Bush got elected in 2004. Would history repeat itself in 2008? I pray it will not.

I mostly like Huckabee, but I wish he weren't so supportive of the war. Still, I'd rather have him running than Romney or Giuliani.

Obama gets a major endorsement in Iowa today, as he was endorsed by the Des Moines Mayor!

I love the Huckabee support! Keep it coming!

Hillary Clinton would destroy him in the general election simply by painting him as a religious fundamentalist, which wouldn't be a hard thing to do given that the guy doesn't even believe in evolution.

Man, part of me really wants to root for Huckabee; He doesn't have the coffers of Romney, who strikes me as a bit of a flip-flopper, and aside from his images during 9/11, Rudy concerns me with his desire to build up the military to 'scare' Putin. But do we really want another pseudo-theocracy running the U.S.? I'm all for people having faith if that gives them strength, but such an open mixing of politics and religion sends up a red flag for me. That, and Huckabee has had a few ethics violations when he was governor. I'm curious about his Fairtax ideas. Getting rid of the IRS on its face seems like a great idea, but is this a good alternative? I don't know yet, Huck…

I'm a Democrat but if American voters somehow decided a Republican should be in the WH, I think I'd rather it be someone like this guy.

He seems to be the most levelheaded of the bunch and doesn't have that typical Republican, in-your-face, macho attitude that has alienated us from the rest of the world. Of course I'll still be voting for the Democratic ticket.

For years I have been looking for a candidate who truly deserves my vote. I really believe Huckabee is that man. As an Black women I might be in the minority voting for Huckabee, but he is a principled man. Flip-floppin' Romney, Clinton…Obama who is supposed to be the answer to the problems in Black America. Knowing that we as a people have traditionally been more conservative in our views on moral issues, yet he has compromised just to get more votes, instead calling us to stop looking for political handouts and empower ourselves through family and community. I am very disappointed with many of the black political leaders, when are we going to start taking responsibility for ourselves! Even if you don't agree with everything Huckabee stands for, at least he can explain the basis for his stance. You are never going to find a perfect candidate, but he is one of the best. There are others, but I don't think they have enough momentum to win the primaries.

Huckabee for President!

Great… another folksy W-esque "Republican" who spends more of our money than any Democrat and takes a soft stance on illegal immigration. Just what this country needs, an exact replica of W back in the White House?

Reagan would not be proud of Bush or Huckabee.

Like Obama, Huckabee will lose the nomination.

It's about time. Any free think not tied to party lines will seriously consider this exceptional candidate. Huckabee '08!!!

THIS MAN WILL LEAD AMERICA IN 2009. ACCEPT IT PEOPLE!!

Huckabee claims to be "a different kind of Republican." He's right about it that!

http://www.huckabeefacts.org

Don't believe hype about Iowa caucuses.

A win in Iowa does not guarantee a win in nomination.

Now that politicians and political junkies are counting down to the Iowa presidential caucuses in weeks and days, you hear a lot of speculation about the "president maker" Iowa caucuses being so important. The Iowa caucuses have been making newspaper headlines since 1972, sometimes front pages. EXAMPLES:

In 1972, the winning Democrat that year in Iowa was Maine Sen. Edmund Muskie. He wasn't nominated.

In the 1984 general election, Reagan lost to Mondale in Iowa, but Reagan later won the nomination and presidency.

In the 1988 general election, Bush sr. lost to Pat Robertson in Iowa, but Bush sr later won the nomination and presidency. On the dem side, Dukakis lost to Gephardt in Iowa, but Dukakis won the national nomination.

In the 1992 general election, Bill Clinton lost to Tom Harkin, a dem presidential candidate. But, Bill Clinton later won the national nomination and became president.

Clearly, there's less to victory in Iowa than many politicians and pundits would have us believe. And the big states — with many more delegates in the national conventions and many more electoral votes than Iowa — are fed up with the Hawkeye State's inflated role.

Caucuses rapidly are becoming a relic anyway. Almost all states have switched to primaries, which get more ink. Nevertheless, presidential candidates are spending more money in Iowa this election cycle than in the past. No, the Iowa caucuses don't make much sense. They never did.

Tom Tancredo at 6% — WOW

I love Mike Huckabee - He is the only republican I will vote for. This man has compassion and great humor.
He could be the parties together like Ronald Reagan.

if you made this article on this poll with republicans with a heading "Huckabee takes lead in Iowa in latest poll"

why couldn't you make an article on this poll with democrats with a heading like "Obama takes lead in Iowa in latest Poll"

you havent had a heading yet that says something along those lines

and the last 3 iowa polls have put obama in the lead

but of course, CNN wouldnt dare cross the line with HRC

LOL!

CNN, please. BE FAIR!

Obama is leading for the first time in Des Moines Register poll. He's at 28 and Hillary at 25. She dropped 4 point

She's in a downward spiral. Report the news! Dont spin!

WE Iowans see a strong Leader with Morals in Huckabee. You will see the silent Majority get behind this man/ the local cafe talk and take on him is POSITIVE
as best one out there for now.

Giuliani, however represents coruption, lies, coverup, womanizer, not loyal to his wife or wifes. He just would not be a good leader for this Great Nation and when all the trash comes out on him he will be dead in the water.Rudy might as well be labeled a mobster/with a short temper/and a get the hell out of my way attitude.

Just can't picture him and his mistress in the white house. To much baggage.

vote for the person and not the party
Think Independant with Huckabee in mind

Actually, it is still a statistical dead heat. When looking at margin of error, it means that Huckabee's support could be as low as 24.6 and Romney's could be as high as 28.4. So this is within the margin of error.

In the same poll, Obama takes lead, actually the third poll in the last two weeks. But this has not captured the eyes of CNN. Shame! Shame!

How come the headline doesn't also read that Barack Obama has taken the lead in Iowa?

Historically, the USA hasn't gotten anything worthwhile, presidentially speaking, out of Arkansas in the past. I sure don't see any change in that repect in the near future.

This guy is impressive as a speaker and a communicator, He has most of the right answers except for his soft stand on Illegal Immigration.

He is also lacking in foreign policy experience.