CNN

>> Um……what?!?!? You would rather pay 23% on 80 cents than SEVEN percent on a dollar? Do you understand basic math? 23% on 80 cents is 19 cents. Seven percent on a dollar is SEVEN CENTS! Now, which one would you rather pay?

I guess when the poster said do the math, nobody did. Here you go:

23% on 80 cents is $0.98, that's 98 cents people. Now, 7% on $1.00 is $1.07, which is 9 cents higher. Get it? A higher percentage sales tax doesn't automatically mean things will cost more. They could very well cost less, as in the example the poster put forth, and y'all couldn't do basic math.

Nothing would be more interesting than an Obama-Huck match up. Obama would draw liberal Republicans and Huckabee would draw conservative Democrats. And with Ron Paul as the third party candidate (we all know he is going to do that) then no telling who would win.

His flat tax will also apply to health care costs. So besides eliminating employers' contributions to health care premiums, we would also be taxed each time we had to see a doctor. Yeah, that sounds real fair. There'd be no middle class left. Only poor and of course the wealthy.

People need to be aware of his position on issues. According to his website http://www.mikehuckabee.com

- "To control spending, I believe the President should have the line-item veto"
- "I consistently opposed banning assault weapons and opposed the Brady Bill."
-"I believe in the Powell Doctrine of using overwhelming force to accomplish a mission"
-"I will expand the army and increase the defense budget"

Are these the values our next president of the US should possess?

Mike's experience isn't limited to being a pastor, as some have accused; Mike was Governor of the state of Arkansas for *ten years*, that gives him a lot of experience in everything ranging from economic policy to criminal justice, disaster relief to defense policy. Mike Huckabee is an expert leader and has what it takes to be the next President of the United States! GO HUCK!!!

Socialist,

disagrees with science – granted, some social conservatives do

economically neoliberal – supply side economics is not what got us in such a huge deficit, liberal Keynsian economics is, thank FDR for that one.

considers government a form of corporate welfare – the grammar is so bad I am not sure what you're saying, but you are talking about some Republicans, not any conservatives
militaristic – who started Vietnam? WWII? the Korean War? Help me out here. Foreign policy has nothing to do with conservatism or liberalism.

To Richard: Please check out the details of the flat tax. Your simply wrong about several aspects of it in your post. There are very good reasons to believe it wouldn't add anything to the cost that the consumer pays, and since sales of existing homes are exempt, it would help the housing market

Please visit, "Evangelicals for Mitt".
It is an excellent website with an abundance of posts and articles based on fact, not hype.

http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/

Huckabee is not the man for president. Don't assume that he is honest because of his ministerial status. He has been indicted on ethics violations five times. He has been investigated fourteen times.

Yes. Republicans need another stupid, witless President so said sorry punter can take the heat for a more powerful and clandestine vice president 'qua' Cheney in relation to George Bush.

Consider it - (a) Dick Cheney is pushing the office of Vice Prersident as outside the purview of Congressional oversight; (b) any of the other major contenders with which Huckabee is tied or beating are all persons of relative intelligence (within the scope of conservatism's obvious intellectual flaws - disagrees with science, is economically neoliberal, considers government a form of corporate welfare, is militaristic - so, relative in relation to a sea of untenable positions; intelligent in the sense of 'more articulate').

If Huckabee gets the nomination, we'll know that this is exactly the case. Just like in 2000.

"Huckabee has the same popular appeal that Reagan had"

.... there must be a better reason for voting for a President!!!! It's a new century!!

Let's look for someone who has integrity (someone who doesn't deny his part in the rapist case), vision, intelligence, and a vision that includes all people, not just the noisy Evangelicals.

Preacher Mike didn't even watch Mitt's speech – rather smug if you ask me. How can you discuss what you don't know? I had all I want of the "holier than thou" types who preach one life and live another. Your list is as long a mine.

I'm a democrat, and don't intend on voting for any republican. I just want to say it is refreshing to see Huckabee come up and start beating the rest of those clowns. Giuliani is an egotistical pig, and Romney obviously takes the "flavor of the week" approach to his politics.(And They called Kerry a flip flopper). Out of all the republicans I find him to be the most sincere, genuine, and true to his convictions. I hope we don't have to run against him .

It does not matte who gets nominated from Reublican side. He is going to get creamed in the General Election.

While I worry that he'll boost the stock for coathanger manufacturers, Huckabee is a man who seems to understand the value of both sides of the aisle and the separation of his own church and state.

Policies aside, imagine if Obama and Huckabee wound up running against each other. Could there be two more upstanding, respectable people representing our country?

To Jeff in Nashville:

Um......what?!?!? You would rather pay 23% on 80 cents than SEVEN percent on a dollar? Do you understand basic math? 23% on 80 cents is 19 cents. Seven percent on a dollar is SEVEN CENTS! Now, which one would you rather pay?

Huckabee's is a common sense man and that would be good for United States of America

The way his people have slandered Mitt and Mormons everywhere is just sickening.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Republicans lose New Mexico, Nevada, Colrado and even some congressional seats in Idaho and Arizona (California and Washington) over this simply because Mormons will be soured by the constant bigotry from his supporters.

Don't think this would make a difference? Dave Reichert won by a couple thousand (WA-8). Bush lost NM by a few hundred and OR by 2000. Gordon Smith (a Mormon) is up for re-election in Oregon, and if the 130,000 Mormons don't vote, say bye-bye to one more Senate seat...Idaho could vote Libertarian and the 750,000 in CA could swing several races.

Couldn't happen? Do you think Mormons won't vote for a Democrat? Harry Reid is Mormon...not only can Mormons vote for democrats, some are elected and some might switch parties all together.

People will only tolerate lies, bigotry and open hostility so long before they switch parties. We are at that point now.

Bigotry is a very ugly thing and it is alive and well in the huckster's camp today.

In response to Jeff's comment, "but I'd rather pay 23% on 80-cents than 7% on a $1. Do the math. Not to mention the added benefit of making American goods more attactive to consumers and thus bringing manufacturing jobs back HERE."

I am missing the math here. In general though, Huckabee seems nice, but good luck solving our economic problems. Take a look at his record in Arkansas!

Mr. Huckabee is clearly well spoken. The litmus test for me is this...does the candidate directly answer the question, clearly, succinctly, legally, and logically? For that, one has to choose Ron Paul.

You should ask the state troopers about the 'deer hunt' his boys went on. Sitting the the back of a trooper car, shooting deer out of the window and LEFT the deer on the ground after killing it.

Oh, and also about the time his son was scout leader and hung and stoned to death a dog that has wandered into their camp.

This family was a terror to our state. Mansion funds missing, taxes raised, and hid behind God the whole time. Honestly, Mike is a nice guy, just was too influenced by others that want control.

And what's this about not believing in evolution? Talk about a slap in the face for the scientific world. Wow.

Hey Jeff,

I did the math and I don't get it. 23% on 80 cents is 18.4 cents. 7% on a dollar is 7 cents. So by the math, you pay more with the fair tax.

God is the promoter! Huckabee gets the best laughs such as sending Hillary on the first space craft to Mars! I like Huckabee's commonsense in the best interest of the common good of all Americans!

do the math! clearly you have not
23% on $.80 is .184 and 7% on $1 is .07

To Post By Peaceman, St. Louis

People kill People. Before the Gun there was the Sword, Before the Sword there was the Dagger. Before the Dagger there was that what Cain used to kill Abel.

Do a little more looking into your tax situation. In GA on my 50k salary my Federal tax burden is almost 50%.
Social Sec. – 6.2% self
6.2% employer
Medicare – 1.45% self
1.45% employer
FUTA – 6.2%
Tax rate 25%
Federal Tax Burden = 46.5%

I'll take 23% or 30% any day over the crap that we have today.

Also the biggest plus is that it takes the power out of the hands of the politicians when they can't put more BS in the tax code for money from lobbyist. All we will have to do is watch out and stop them from increasing the Fair Tax rate.

Huckabee has a great message, is personable, and clearly a better choice than the others. The man obviously has convictions, speaks from the hip, and has a history of doing so. I laugh, considering how the pundits and media never gave him a chance, and really still don't. The people will put him in office in spite of the talking heads. Go Huck!

Peaceman says:

Did you not just see the news about the Omaha mall shooting. Ask the family members of the deceased how much they loved that semi-automatic riffle.

I wonder how many of the people in that mall were rejoicing because the shooter was the only guy there with a gun? You can bet a few of them wish that someone with a concealed carry permit had been among the patrons. There were clearly signs posted and it is Simon Mall policy that no guns be carried on their premises. Guess the automatic "riffle" made him break that law too. Strangely though, most concealed carry guys abide by the law and wouldn't bring their gun in. When looking for a 'soft' target, most criminals will frequent places where guns aren't allowed. Why do they do this? Ask the folks of Washington DC how effective the ban on handguns is there. The place is perennially in the running for most dangerous city in America.

re: the recent tape disposal in DC . Ask Huckabee about his PC distroying session upon leaving office in AR

Back to the "Fair Tax". Somehow the 23% becomes 30% at the time of purchase. The creators of this plan have some complicated explanation about real rate. Social Security income that is spent is taxed this way, dividends, etc - every dollar spent.

In answer to an earlier response. The employer portion of FICA and Medicare, under this plan would be paid, no longer by the employer but, rather, by the rest of us. This is one bad plan unless you are at poverty level or a multi millionaire.

Good For Huck!
He's been running a clean campaign thats worthy of, not just second place in the republican primaries, but rather, to be President of the United States!!!
Huckamania continues!

The economy really needs a turnaround...I'm still stuck with Romney to get this great country back on track like he did in MA.

I do like Huckabee as far as him being a good guy and all, but I need more than that.

Something interesting about Southerners...you are all too STUPID to realize that your Evangelical fanaticism, religious intolerance and bigotry is no different than the mentality of Jihadists. Satan works on everyone – including self-absorbed, bigited Christians. Huckabee, I wanted to believe in you, but you are a wolf in sheep's clothing. I've been saved spiritually...by Christand reminded of his virtues by MITT. Go Mitt Go!

Giuliani 24
Huckabee 18
John McCain 13
Mitt Romney 12
Fred Thompson 11
--
78
22% unaccounted for, and no mention of Ron Paul. You have not updated your poll on the main page for months. Its time to really start telling the truth, Giuliani is going down and Ron Paul is a contender that America deserves to hear about.

Amen to the other posts that address the issue of the problem with Huck: So why is Huckabee rising? I just don't see what all the hype is about with this guy. I have yet to see a real plan from him, as I have seen from other candidates. Is it just because he claims to be the "Christian leader"? What else is he riding on? There's really no agenda he's offering. What, flat tax? That's it? That's all his campaign has? Since when does this qualify for a president?

those of you who are wary of the fair tax need to take a closer look at it. Yes, you would be adding 23% or so to every dollar, but by eliminating most or all other taxes, the price of the goods themselves would drop as well. I don't know about you, but I'd rather pay 23% on 80-cents than 7% on a $1. Do the math. Not to mention the added benefit of making American goods more attactive to consumers and thus bringing manufacturing jobs back HERE.

I'm all for it...GO HUCK!!

If Huckabee is such a family oriented candidate, where is his family? I have yet to see him with his wife at his side. Where are his children? I think this says more than anything about a man. It seems a little odd.

Tax-Hike Mike. If you want nothing done from '09 to '13, vote for Tax-hike-Mike. He tells jokes, raises taxes, invites illegal aleins to the country and lets dangerous criminals out of jail for a "second chance" (over 700 during his term as governer). One thing he is not... is serious.

This man doesn't believe in evolution. Let's get real here people.

Oh Please, "HICK"abee doesn't have a chance. (Can you imagine a "President Huckabee"? Nasty, that doesn't even sound good)... These so called polls are a joke, no one truly knows what's going to happen until all the dust settles. Wish the media would stop playing games with numbers. It just gives lame duck candidates like "Hickabee" hope.

The American people are too intelligent to go with someone that is light on hardened criminals, light on illegal immigration and light on tax increases. Let's ALL face the facts, this guy is a "light weight" contender for President of the United States!!

It's not to mention that he's got to have stuff in his closet, and when it starts falling out he'll loose the nomination. He's another "Slick Willy" from Arkansas.

We're not voting for a "Pastor-in-Chief". He needs to go back to his flock and stop acting like a politician. He has a terrible record in Arkansas and it's amazing he's still even in the race.

I am not yet registered to vote...and could really care less for huckabee. I am just commenting on the morons that don't know anything about flat taxes. The concept behind flat taxes is this: A rich person can afford to buy a $ million dollar house and because of flat taxes you would have a progressive situation. The more you earn the more you pay back to the society. If you think income taxes benefit the low-income think again...the rich have all sorts holes in the wall..they not only do not pay taxes they get tax breaks-taking more from low-income earners!!!- Flat tax is the only fair solution!!!!

Just as I thought. Nobody knows–it's "Huckspeak"..like Reaganese–clapped for a lot, but rarely understood. Well I do hope that someone will ask Huckleberry in the national press–how he expects Americans to pay for their insurance–if he decides to eliminate employer contributions for health insurance. The costs have to go somewhere Mr. HuckaChuckaHoudini.

It's nice to see the Republicans with a decent candidate for once, but after the last 8 years, the last thing we need is another member of the GOP in the White House. It's a pity that the Democratic offerings as just as anemic.

I must admit that I never expected Huckabee to rise.

To Joe:

I can partially agree with you, but one of my friends sent me a funny (and partially disturbing) link to one of the guest hosts of the View. They had an argument about history. One of the girls had the general idea down...

Greeks (polytheism), Romans (same), then the clash of Judaism and the Romans followed by the Birth of Christ.

The other woman said she was wrong and that Jesus came first before all others and looked like she had never heard of "romans" before.

What I"m try to say is the average person generally lacks any kind of education whatsoever.

Just now, one school district I grew up near is offering off student who get As an hour off of school every day for high schoolers because the grades are so bad everyone is basically failing out...

it's pathetic...

This is the Republican that I can vote for if OBAMA is GIVEN the Democratic nod. Now I have a reason to cross over..and so will others!!!

He has a nice demeanor and makes good jokes, but if I wanted that than I would vote for Jay Leno. What are the issues? Flat tax is a regressive tax even with a prebate. Middle class gets hurt more and upper class doesn't care. They could afford it.

The War? He would continue it and have a commitment to continue Bush's aggressive middle east policy. Check his speech given to the CFR.

Recent scandel with parole of rapist and murderer not isolated. He paroled or commutated close to 500 prisoners. Neighbor state Texas: 60.

He has republican votes for his conservative and religious appeal.

He has some democratic votes because he's going to triple our taxes...

sounds like a guy that may be our next president beause he appeals to both sides

With Romney some you people are worrying about electing a Mormon for President… With Huckabee you should be worried about electing a Moron for President… I am from Arkansas, a republican at that, and I can say, at best he was an average Governor. He raised taxes, let the states infrastructure decline, did nothing to attract new jobs all the while he was busy loosing weight and taking personal gifts from lobbyists…

He looks cute on the surface, but his ability to lead is only skin deep. If he’s the best the Republican’s can come up with… I’ll be voting for a Democrat or for no one at all…

Huck said in a debate that when he was asked if he believed in evolution he thought he was being asked if there is a God. He also stated that he does not know if the earth is older than 10,000 years.

Scientists have a word to describe these people "crazy".

If you think humans lived side by side with dinosaurs you are not fit to have the nuclear launch codes.

Somebody please tell the man that the Flinstones was a cartoon, not a documentary!

To: JasonV of Oklahoma City. True republican values: God, Guns & Family. Did you not just see the news about the Omaha mall shooting. Ask the family members of the deceased how much they loved that semi-automatic riffle. In my mind conservative republicans use religion and the constitution to achieve their only true goal which is power!!

Why does EVERY article about Huckabee always state "a former Baptist minister?" When there's an article about Bill Clinton, do they always say "former impeached president?"

Sometimes I wonder if Americans will ever learn.

Eight years ago we elevated (well, we and the Supreme Court) to the Presidency a guy who had zero foreign policy experience, zero diplomatic skills, a complete lack of understand of the impact of tax policy on national and world economics, and a belief that the only "values" that counted were his own. And where has that gotten us? Deeper in debt. Scorned by the world. A reduction in civil rights. A nation angrily divided on virtually every issue. And yet, a small plurality of Republicans (18% is just that - 18%) think we should do that all over again. Sheesh.

Fortunately, I agree with the poster who felt that these votes were available to whoever managed to define themselves as "Pastor-in-Chief." The radical religious right is desperately in search of a candidate they can stomach, and Huckabee might be that guy. But there is a good chance the rest of the Republican party will realize that someone who has limited economic credibility and opposes the majority of Americans on both the war and virtually every social issue(75% support abortion rights, 80% support ENDA, 60% support either civil unions or gay marriage, 70% support the repeal of don't ask, don't tell) doesn't have a shot in hades of winning the General Election.

If you think Evangelicals are going to vote for a blue state republican your mistaken. Romeny and Rudy out!!!

We have our prioities.

God
Guns
Family

huckabee in close second to guliani? america's "republic"ans must not really want the change they continue to rant about. come on folks, let's get back to what we started in the late 1700's... or is it just too revolutionary to apply to today's society?

American voters are starting to see why Arkansans (Republicans and Democrats alike) voted to elect Mike Huckabee to be their Governor.
If you believe in Mike Huckabee's message, I encourage you to take my challenge by visiting: http://www.abuckforhuck.com.

I'm a registered Democrat and even I like Huckabee more than the current front-running Democratic candidates. I'm glad to see he's doing well and wouldn't mind to see him win his party's nomination.

Here come the tax increases.

Go Huckabee! There's no better cure to bring the Republican party back to life!

Finally a guy that says I am pro choice, against gay marriage, he doesn't want those that have paid the ultimate sacrfice be in vain. HUCKABEE HAS VOTE COPY THIS LINK IN YOUR BROWSER TO GET DAILY INFO.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2008__1/daily_presidential_tracking_polling_history

I don't get it!! Please somebody tell me–mabye I missed something!!!
Huckabee's heatlthcare agenda–calls for "elimination" of employer contributions to healthcare insurance premiums, for employers to be competitive. Where will those costs shift to? Will the employees have to make up the difference? Will the government make up the difference? Will the insurance companies just reduce their profit margins?

I'd like to hear from ANYONE on this blog who can give me a little insight!!
His website hasn't responded to my queries, and I don't have Chucks cell phone.

The Evangelicals treatment of Romney has soured my taste for Huck. Just can't be a part of that.

I wonder how excited his supporters will be when the entire story is finally told of his efforts to free a rapist who then committed murder. And all because one of his fellow ministers told him the scum had gotten a raw deal from Arkansas prosecutors under Bill Clinton.

But, then, he has already tried to blame the entire thing on Clinton. And there are plenty of Republicans whose hatred of Clinton is so pathological that they will believe any kind of drivel that religious right dishes out against him.

Hey, Reverend, what ever happened to the virtue of accepting responsibility for your actions?

Please no more right-wing social conservatives. Haven't you Christians earned anything? Republicans don't really care about you or your issues. All they want in your vote. Afterwards, they toss you in the wind like used tissues. Wake up!

Folks need to look into Huckabees support of the "Fair Tax." This replacement of the Income Tax with a National Sales Tax of $.30 on every dollar spent for all merchandise and services. Even after the "poverty" rebate, my taxes as a barely mid-level income earner would triple under this plan. Millionaires and business really rake it in on the backs of the rest of us. I supported this plan in concept but take out a paper and pencil like I did. $.30 on every dollar spent, outrageous.

I am an African American and I support Mike Huckabee. He is the most honest and doesn't FLIP FLOP!!! He appeals to all people not just evangelical Christians!!

Huckabee supporters shouldn't get too excited. These votes were always available to anyone who presented himself as a potential Pastor-in-Chief. That element of the party is just as predictable as it ever was, and just as small a proportion of the electorate.

The problem he will run into is that, eventually, people who might have worried about electing a Mormon will realize that Huckabee is far more dangerous to our liberties than Romney ever would have been. Then the really interesting question will arise. What can Huckabee do to reassure that large segment of the electorate that is tired of true-believer politics?

I'm not a big fan of Huckabee, but if it comes at the expense of Guiliani, then I'm all for it. I think as the primaries come up though his supporters will have to look past his avuncular charm and see his somewhat questionable record.

"I want boobies this big"

says mike huckabee...

sorry i support the guy, but i couldn't resist beause of the photo haha

Do we really need a minister trying to solve the nation's problems? I have nothing against ministers, but how about someone with some actual experience with the global economy. When all is said and done, what Americans most want is an economically stronger country. They want more money in their paychecks, they want a currency other nation's envy. Why not look at someone who has spent nearly his entire adult life in business? Romney fits the bill.

I'm a Jewish American and was undecided until the CNN/YouTube debate – I'm now 100% behind Huckabee. Thompson has disappointed me. Huckabee has the same popular appeal that Reagan had. He'll beat any of the Dems hands down.

Huck's "Verticle Politics" is lifting the WHOLE nation up!

Huckabee is honest. I've met him in person and he is the same on screen, in the debates, as he is in person. He can be funny one minute and then the next he can talk seriously about the issues. I am from Iowa, and people say only evangelical christians are voting for him. I am not an evangelical Christian and I am voting for him because he is positive and doesn't attack others. He also has wants to move this country forward.

Beware America–theocracy is a Pandora's box!

So why is Huckabee rising? I just don't see what all the hype is about with this guy. I have yet to see a real plan from him, as I have seen from other candidates. Is it just because he claims to be the "Christian leader"? What else is he riding on? There's really no agenda he's offering. What, flat tax? That's it? That's all his campaign has? And that he's a "nice guy"? Since when has being a nice guy when the qualifier for presidency?

I wonder who has the other 22% that isn't accounted for?

If you love Bush and his policies, but just wish he was better spoken, Huck is your man.

If you want change, then look at Ron Paul.

Though Huckabee's rise in the polls has been meteoric, his fall will be just as swift. If the Arkansas parole case get the media attention it deserves it should seed the Huck-man tumbling. Wait and see, huh.

Huckabee makes a lot of sense, but there's no way I'm voting Republican in this election. One think I'm wary of is his 'flat tax' that would add 25% to EVERYTHING. In theory, it sounds good, but what about adding 23% tax to a median priced ($235,000) home? That suddenly jumps to $289,050! This would CRUSH the housing market even more than the current sub-prime situation.

The USA is and tries to be a decent country. We do our best and choose the best person that the majority believes is going to lead us to become even a better country.

Maybe some that want to cater to the indecent and how much money they have will take notice after this election.

Go Huck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Huckabee for President!

I've been a supporter of his ever since he entered the race.

uh oh....Huckabee is rising? Cue the Rove-engineered smear campaign.

Good.

Rudy and Thompson have no business as "Top tier" candidates. I don't agree with most of Huckabee's positions but I can accept him as a valid contender.

The really interesting result here is not Huckabee's rise, but Giuliani's continuing slide. Maybe charging your extramarital expenses to the taxpayer really is going too far.