There is no better predictor of future action than that of past action from someone with an established history. If we can see (and report on) Huckabee's history of xenophobic fear-mongering and ineptitude, does that make us tattle-tales? Perhaps we should retreat to the role of mere observers and shut our mouths while yet another bible-wielding zealot makes a grab for power?

SO WHAT? BUSH WENT TO WAR WITH INFO GIVEN TO HIM BY "INTELLIGENCE". WHAT MAKES ANYONE THINK YOU CAN NOW TRUST THEIR REPORTS? Obviously, we need to use other sources. Maybe, we should trust Ahmadinijahd's "intelligence". Ha!

This is worthless news.

To Brad of Texas:
If believing that the earth is far older than 6000 years and that scientists are also likely right about evolution makes me a "liberal", then I'm glad to be defined that way.

A few hundred years ago your kind were also going "toe-to-toe" with those who said the earth was not flat, that the earth revolved around the sun rather than vice-versa. They certainly were very forceful and had the church and government on their side.

I went to public school but I was exposed to your kind of thinking early on. I had a 7th grade social studies teacher, a fundamentalist pastor originally from the south, who maintained that the moon landing was staged in Hollywood and was faked by our "liberal" government.
Luckily my father was an engineer, an an inventor who made things that made our society go forward, and so I came from a background that allowed me as a 7th grader to differentiate from superstition laced with right wing politics and actual reality.

When conservatism becomes so anti-modern that it attacks science and knowledge, it retards humanity. This radical anti-knowledge and anti-reason ethic has spread in our culture to the point that fewer young Americans are becoming scientists and engineers and politics and "faith" replace thought and facts in decision making and policy.

" Huckabee attributed recent attacks on his Arkansas record on taxes, immigration and the criminal justice system to “desperation” on the part of rival campaigns."

If the governor can't face the truth or stand on his record … what good is he?

As for those who mumble that Mike isn't responsible for knowing what's going on… it the big story of the day - in all major newspapers and TV broadcasts … where is his staff?? If I know about it, so should he … Mike is the one who wants to be president. The country can't afford someone else who doesn't know his ear from his elbow.

To CA Native: Nice Old Testament scary sermon, but lacking the compassion and love of the New. Get with the Christian game plan.

Louie P -

Actually you're a "Chrino" - Christian In Name Only.

If you were a REAL Christian you would understand the immutable conflict created by "Justice". God's law required death as justice to sin. So as much as God wanted to pardon sinners, the LAW required death. As a substitute for our death, Christ gave his life - paying YOUR penalty. Redemption is the gift you received.

But you go ahead and holler about Justice. Perhaps your "god" will give it to you… as you deserve.

Lee from NJ–
It seems like I just read the exact same post on another story (your use of the word "foisted" on both posts gave it away).

I keep hearing the same BS about how Huckabee must be a total moron because he thinks the Earth is only a few thousand years old, and therefore he could not possibly make sane decisions. However, the theory of evolution is just that–a THEORY that may never be proven and has plenty of holes in it, just like the story of Adam and Eve.

Besides, I didn't know the origins of Earth was such a political hot topic… personally, I don't think it matters one way or the other. What I do care about (and you should too) are a candidate's positions on REAL issues like foreign policy, immigration, abortion, and, yes, that dirty word "morality." And so far I like what I see in Huckabee. Maybe I'm just another "redneck Bible-beater" to liberals like you, Lee, but I guarantee you I can go toe-to-toe with the best of you all any day.

"Ba Gua Zhang.. You sound like an idiot and obviously have a bias against christianity. To compare Huckabee to the Taliban shows your ignorance. I fear for the future of our country when I read opinions like yours. No wonder California is so messed up.."

Well, at least I know enough to capitalize Christianity. Thank you for calling me an idiot. If you are a Christian, I'm sure you'll go to Heaven for being so kind to others. And I have no bias against Christianity. I was raised one, went to parochial school and then left Christianity when I realized it's not the Way. Last, CA is not messed up. It's paradise on earth because narrow-minded folks like you choose not to live here.

Do Ron Paul supporters have jobs or do they just sit and wait for new blog posts to open up?

No suprise he has no idea what he's talking about, these politicians in th GOP live outside of reality.

Hans Solo -

Yes, if only we were as Christain as good 'ole Huck. Then we can talk about using nukes against Iran as a precaution against the possibility that they may get nukes for themselves.

You know what the bible says - "Nuke contries half way around the world, before they get nukes"

Helen- "Wow. "Lack of knowledge"?? Did CNN know that Iran's nuclear program was on the supposed decline before this brief was made public? If not, why? They're expecting Governor Huckabee to have some sort of clairvoyance, why not themselves?"

Clairvoyance??? They asked him about something that had been front page news for a day and a half. No he doesn't have to be clairvoyant,but geez shouldn't we sort of expect him to know at least as much as the average citizen when it comes very serious stuff such as that? I know campaigning is pretty time consuming, but if he wants to be a national leader he's got to set some time aside to stay current with important matters like this.

Ba Gua Zhang.. You sound like an idiot and obviously have a bias against christianity. To compare Huckabee to the Taliban shows your ignorance. I fear for the future of our country when I read opinions like yours. No wonder California is so messed up..

To bukky, baltimore .. READ THE ARTICLE without inserting your own wrong facts. It said that Huckabee admitted that he had neither read nor been briefed on the latest national intelligence estimate. Thats all. It doesn't say that he wasn't aware of it.. or that he didn't hear from the press some of the conclusions drawn from the report.

Maybe Huckabee only reads the Bible. If so, he'd make a Talibanic president.

He also doesn't know anything about reality, thinking the earth is just over 6 thousand years old and that evolution was something that dumb scientists have foisted on us.

We could use a president that will not make us the laughingstock of the world, someone grounded in reality, not just "faith". The first step is to actually be aware and curious as to what is being reported and care about what intelligence agencies are saying.

Being a president is a lot more than being a Baptist Minister or a comedian with nice one liners to "wow" an audience.

Give Upchuckabee enough time and he will come up with a one liner that will blow Sheckey Greene's sox off.

Wow. "Lack of knowledge"?? Did CNN know that Iran's nuclear program was on the supposed decline before this brief was made public? If not, why? They're expecting Governor Huckabee to have some sort of clairvoyance, why not themselves?

Huckabee is a Presidential CANDIDATE, not the President. Once he has access to the NIE, he'll be better equipped to deliver comments on the matter. Until then, why is this a story??

Everyone who's supposed to know what irans doing knows exactly what irans doing…It the individual americans fault for not knowing right from wrong and truth from false…No one made you become bitter and discredit everything you read…You bought into that ideoligy…Which is what bush and cheney have produced over the last 7 years nothing but propaganda and now no one believes anything they read even though no apparent intellegent thought or research goes into making those descisions…Stop relying on govnt figure heads to tell you whats right and wrong there just as smart as you are and sometimes thats not saying much

What in the heck are you people talking about? "How was Huckabee supposed to know about the NIE blah blah blah"? It was released Monday, he was asked about it Wednesday. The Democrats all talked about it in their debate yesterday. Why in the world would a presidential candidate *not* know about it? Do they not get points for keeping up with current events?

who's saying he should have gotten a copy of the report… This story was the first thing on CNN on tuesday morning. They entire country was talking about all day. Tuesday night this guy still hasn't heard about what the rest of the country knows…?

A candiate keeping up with daily news that will affect the country is NOT too much to ask for.

I think Dana Bash and Evan Glass owe it to their readers to tell us why Mike Huckabee should have gotten a copy of the NIE report. Does it speak badly of a candidate that they aren't on the national intellignce agency distribution list.. No! of course not. This is simply another case of CNN hoping to disparage a Republican candidate for their self serving gain.

Huckabee pardoned or commuted sentences of 669 convicted criminals. 11 of those were convicted MURDERERS.

Huckabee defends his record saying he is a Christain believes in REDEMPTION.

Well I'm also a Christian. I believe in law and order. I believe in JUSTICE.

No one knows what Iran is doing. That's the problem.

Regarding this estimate; it should be noted that this is an estimate, and what has been made public is only a part of the total estimate.

Candidates that are giving opinions on this incomplete disclosure are merely playing politics with the national security of this country, and aren't to be considered as serious contenders.

Until the American people, and by extension, the candidates of both parties, are shown the entire estimate, the persons involved in drafting it, and their credentials brought to the fore, this estimate is simply not ready to be commented on.

It's funny Ron Paul has been telling everyone the same thing as the NIE all year long. The media ignored him and his fellow contenders for the Republican nomination laughed at him. But, the average American people have begun to hear Dr. Paul and see a statesman that has their best interest first.

Can someone explain to me how a candidate for President should automatically be in the know on NIE briefings before they are made public? How was Huckabee, or any other candidate, supposed to be privy to that kind of intel?

Based on what he's saying here:

“I don’t know where the intelligence is coming from that says they have suspended the program, or how credible that is versus the view that they actually are expanding it,” Huckabee told the assembled journalists, after being informed of the report’s content by a questioner.

“And I’ve heard, the last two weeks, supposed reports that they are accelerating it and it could be having a reactor in a much shorter period of time than originally been thought,” he added.

It seems that Huckabee is just another weak minded victim of Bush's fear mongering propaganda.

CNN doesn't appear to be doing it's job giving us a complete view of the stance of all candidates towards Iran so let me help.

Congressman Ron Paul voted against supporting the Iraq war and denounces sanctions and war with Iran. He's the only truly anti-unnecessary-war candidate.

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - The National Intelligence Estimate on Iran, released yesterday, reinforces Ron Paul's position that a pre-emptive attack on Iran – an option advocated by other GOP presidential candidates – would be unwise and unwarranted.
Congressman Paul issued the following statement in response to the report:

"We needlessly and foolishly threaten Iran even though they have no nuclear weapons. I find it incomprehensible that as the failure of our Iraq policy becomes more evident, some want the same kind of policy toward Iran. A policy of peace, trade and diplomacy, is superior."

The report's finding that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 supports Congressman Paul's view that military action against Iran is contrary to American national security. The report found that any Iranian nuclear weapon capability is not imminent, and noted that the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research judges that Iran is unlikely to have the capability to produce a nuclear weapon before 2013.

"While candidates with virtually zero foreign policy experience like Rudy Giuliani are advocating escalation, Dr. Paul – an Air Force veteran and member of the House Foreign Relations Committee – has been a staunch opponent of expanding war into Iran," said Ron Paul spokesman Jesse Benton. "More than any other candidate, Ron Paul understands that America cannot afford to make the same mistakes with Iran that were made with Iraq."

Apparently Huckleberry is now taking pointers from Lazy Fred's campaign!

Huckabee hasn't read anything that has to do with Iran, he was too busy plotting the Crusades against them for when he gets in office.

This war-mongering ignorant neocon needs to be kept as far away from the White House as possible

Most people jump at the sound of the first whistle, however this is one situation where caution needs to be applied. How intelligent is intelligence that has been reporting for the last 4 years that Iran was building weapons and all of a sudden they realize they have not since 2003.

Just reading HUCKABEES comment shows his careful deduction of the same sentiment,“I don’t know where the intelligence is coming from that says they have suspended the program, or how credible that is versus the view that they actually are expanding it”.

So instead of extrapolating on the no-news that he has a lack of knowlegde, ask yourself how worthwile the report is in the first place.

Hmm, Huckabee is shown to be as ignorant as Bush when it comes to national security, and he starts doing well in polling of Republicans. The Republicans are going to have a tough time the next election unless they get put forth a candidate that actually is aware of history, current events, and has positions on the war etc that are in line with the public sentiment.

Huckleberry hound. The intelligence report isn't as important as the east hawk oat. Render unto Caeser.

http://www.golden-lamp.com

Correct me if I am wrong, but I was convinced that "tattle tales" are individuals that inform an authority figure of other individuals wrong doings. He seems to imply that it is wrong to air these discussions in the public domain. So, it's either poor wording or another example of "taking care" of your own

This is further proof that Huckabee is one of the least qualified candidates in the GOP race. He's good for a pithy and charming comment, but unfortunately his credentials are alarmingly weak.

More Republican lies and propaganda in order to cause more death and destruction. Stop the torture, stop the killings….. instead follow Jesus!

He is not even an acting Gov. He doesn't have anymore access to "official" documents than I do. The only news he gets is probably off this lousy network and we all know you can't believe 75% of it!

This seems like it should be a huge story.

Why is the press giving this guy a free ride? Remember someone named George Bush?

Huckabee: rapist apologist, and like Bush, too stupid to lessen America's fear by expressing RELIEF at Iran's halt of its nuclear program.

Huckabee is a social conservative, but he is NOT a fiscal conservative, a foreign policy conservative nor a immigrant conservative. If this man wins the Republican nomination, Hillary gets the prize.

That means I have better information than him. I guess I'd be a better candidate…Believe-me THAT's scary!

whoooa…WAR….what it is a good for…absolutely nothing….

Mike Huckabee is actually the only somewhat sane republican on the republican ballot, but he really needs to get away from this republican MACHO chest pounding about who can get us into another war faster.

When somebody lies, in this case the Bush administration about Iran and their nuclear capability, and then they are debunked, that is what makes us lose credibility.

…and that is WHAT EMBOLDENS OUR "ENEMIES". That is what makes Ahmedinajad come out and say "this is a vitory for Iran".

I hope Mike Huckabee re-thinks his way about haw to deal with foreign governments, whether they are friendly or not. If he does he might just be able to save the republican party.

He just needs to get a better briefer. C'mon give the guy a break, he has been on the campaign trail all day.

I guess like bush he doesnt read the new either… but i mean his advisors didnt here about this either…?

Of course he has no need for intelligence. He shoots from the gut and his lord tells him where to aim. Just like the current bozo. Inept!

McCain? intelligent? thoughtful?

Did you watch the CNN/YouTube debate? He looked more like a bad actor than an "informed" person. His premeditated, sensationalist attack on Ron Paul sure did scream knowledge (sarcasm), trying to connect Nazi Germany with Iraq.

Well, Dr. Ron Paul won't gloat about it - but of course he has been correct about this subject all along. And unllike most politicians in Washington… he actually takes the time to read the bills and documents that come in front of him, and he actually stays and votes on them.

Huckabee very well might win Iowa, but thats it for him. I dont know why they keep making such a big deal out of this. His support nationally just isn't there - look at his FEC.gov reports.

So I'm sure you're disappointed aren't you Mike? You were rattling your sabre about Iran last week, being sure to stay in step with Bush and totally awash with desire over bombing the crap out of them.

If Huckleberry can't be bothered to keep abreast of something as important as this report, this brainless-wonder has no business thinking he can lead this country. I would almost trust Snoopy to have better inside information.

Excuse me, reality check…
There are around 85-90 current US Senators that had probably never seen that report until last week - if they have even yet seen it.
Expecting a DC outsider like Huckabee to be 'well informed' about this is unrealistic.

Huckabee didnt know about the NIE report, or wont give thought on mormonism. What is inside his brain? Does his know anything at all?

Huckabee just proved his incompetence and stupidity and his brainwashed servitude to the far right.

Everybody is a critic.

Seriously? How can someone so uninformed of the facts think he's suited to be President? He's saying despited consensus from every major intelligence agency in the US saying the Iran doesn't have a nuclear program ongoing, he thinks they might. Sounds like Bush and the WMD in Iraq all over again.

He is ill-prepared to lead this nation. He couldn't even lead a grade school science class, given that he maintains that the earth is just over 6 thousand years old and that evolution is a fiction dumb scientists have foisted upon us.
We can't continue being the laughingstock of the world with ignorant leaders like this.

Great an uninformed governor with his finger on the nuclear WWIII button- sounds like a good follow up to Bush.

At least Bush didn't raise our taxes like Huckabee.

Tattle tale campaign?????????

What a joke of a candidate.

Mike Huckabee should be one of the very first persons to know what happens about the foreign relation and everything related to the country that could affect his campaign in certain way because he has to show the people that he has knowledge about the country's issues. However, i think we shouldn't take much importance to it, I believe that is more important that he was honest enough to admit he didn't know about it. And after a reporter told him what happened he answered and he gave his point of view, so that is very important because it shows that if he won the presidency he has efficiency to solute the problems in short time periods.
He is gaining so much popularity that he is leading the republican party in Iowa with the 29%. And his opponents are trying to make him lose credibility by talking bad thing about his proposals because they are realizing he is an important candidate.

Great! Another president that doesn't pay attention to intelligence reports.

Huckabee is not alone. Even Bush claims that he did not know anything about the NIE till last week. Yeah sure !!

This is kind of an important thing to be in the dark about. It sounds like another unprepared, lazy republican al la G.W. Bush. Does he think that they print those briefs just for the fun of it?

Ron Paul is the only candidate- Republican or Democrat- who will keep us from going to war with Iran!
"Peace on Earth Good Will toward Men"
They shouldn't just be words! Go Ron Paul!

"Didn't know about it"?? That's inexcusable for a presidential candidate. Meanwhile, it was one of the main themes of the Democratic debate on NPR yesterday. How is it I know more about what's going on in the world than Mike Huckabee??

Huckabee seems like a nice guy and I like his charisma and character, but he seems just as stupid as our current president.

On the other hand, McCain gave an intelligent and thoughtful response when asked about this report. McCain is the informed and knowledgable candidate, the others are just spewing "sweet nothings" into the ears of voters without any substance.

This is a pretty bizarre thing for Huckabee to say. Does he really think that the NIE would release a report in contradiction to Bush's statements about Iran, including the embarrassing "World War 3″ comment, if their sources were less credible than these unnamed reports he's citing? Come on. This just makes it seem like either he's fear-mongering or, more likely, he's a little desperate to be seen as "tough".

Huckabee was trained as a preacher. He may know the bible and talks well, but little else. There is little political substance in him.