December 12, 2007
Posted: 05:30 PM ET

Huckabee told CNN Wednesday he apologized to Romney for a comment he made to the New York Times about Mormonism.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Republican Mike Huckabee told CNN Wednesday he personally apologized to rival Mitt Romney for comments he made in an upcoming New York Times Magazine article that appear to disparage the Mormon faith.

"After the debate today I went to Mitt Romney and apologized to him. I said, I would never try, ever to try to somehow pick out some point of your faith and make it an issue, and I wouldn't," Huckabee told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. "I've stayed away from talking about Mitt Romney's faith. I told him face-to-face, I said I don't think your being a Mormon ought to make you more or less qualified for being a president."

Asked how Romney responded to the apology, Huckabee said the Massachusetts Republican was “gracious.”

The comments in question come in a New York Times Magazine profile — a preview of which was posted on the paper's Web site Wednesday morning. In the article, reporter Zev Chafets asked Huckabee whether he thought Mormonism was a religion or a cult, and the former Arkansas governor responds with a question: "Don't Mormons believe that Jesus and the devil are brothers?"

Huckabee, a former Baptist minister, said he thought it was the former but conceded he doesn't "know much about it."

Romney, a Huckabee rival for the 2008 GOP nomination, is a member of the Mormon church, officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Full story

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Iowa • Mike Huckabee • Mitt Romney • South Carolina


Ted Tacoma Wa   January 6th, 2008 11:56 pm ET

Mr. Huckabee is downright dirty as his followers. Mr. Huckabee is part of the Southern Baptist Convention and they are the biggest group of Mormon Bashers out there as a fact. How can anyone run for the presidency and bash another faith. A president is bound to uphold the Constitution of the United States and one of the ammendments guaratees the citizens of this great country the right to worship in their own way and practice their religion freely. Mr. Huckabee cannot take that oath as he himself has preached that Mormons are wrong and are not Christians. How can a so called Christian sling mud at a person who belongs to a church that is called The Church of "Jesus Christ" of Latter Day Saints. It is the same Christ he believes in, the only difference is that Mr. Huckabee disagrees with some doctrine preached by the Mormons so he is telling all of us that he is the expert on God. Good luck Mr. Huckabee, if you are elected, you will be lying when you take the oath of office.

Terry - Dallas, Texas   December 14th, 2007 1:12 am ET

Do you really believe a Former Southern Baptist Minister and Theology degree holder "doesn't know much" about the Mormon Church??? LIAR!! Suddenly I believe Mike Huckabee is Mike Huckster… cause we all know THAT is a lie!

Frank Tempe AZ   December 13th, 2007 6:41 pm ET

Huckabee is a bigot pure and simple. Republicans will lose huge if this guy who wanted to segregate AIDs patients in the 90's, had a gift registry when leaving office and pardoned or commuted hundreds of sentences. I don't vote for Dems generally but I will do everything possible to make sure this guy is not elected.

Justin H.   December 13th, 2007 5:14 pm ET

Common guys,
This was not a slip of the tongue. It was a calculated statement that he hoped would hurt Mitt. Huckabee as styled himself as "the Christian" in the race and he's doing everything he can to court the anti-Mormon vote without going on record as making anti-Mormon statements. Despite his claim that he "doesn't know much about Mormonism" he has been a keynote speaker at the Baptist Convention in Salt Lake City and has spoken against Mormon Theology. This pretend question, "Don't Mormon's believe " is just a transparent attempt to get the NYT to start running anti-Mormon stories without attributing it to him. The got caught because the NYT quoted him directly. This apology is hollow. It is Huckabee alone who is making the religion part of the debate because he believes that people might be ignorant and frightened enough of Mormons that they'll change there vote to him as a "Christian Alternative."

Casp RI   December 13th, 2007 4:43 pm ET

He apologized and the apology was accepted. That's the end of that incident.
Of far greater concern is the deep, dark religious bigotry he unveiled in these and other comments. Something is not right with this guy. There's some weird stuff rattling around in his head, it seems. He's lost my vote.

ThomH, Denver, CO   December 13th, 2007 3:35 pm ET

I was raised Mormon and the Mormons DO believe that Jesus and Satan are brothers. What doesn Huckabee have to appologize for?

I. Dern (Fairfax, Va)   December 13th, 2007 2:05 pm ET

Very classy move.

Huckabee should have been angrier at the NY Times.

That was a total sucker punch by a supposedly neutral paper.

But classy apology, Mike!

Religion is Fiction, NYC NY   December 13th, 2007 12:36 pm ET

Great. Now all he has to do is apologize to homosexuals, AIDS patients and anyone with the vaguest sense of reason.

I say we put aside all this bickering about who is a "real" christian and worship the TRUE son of God: Hercules!

Ken, KC, MO   December 13th, 2007 11:30 am ET

oh wow, he apologized. big deal. he knew what he was doing. just like the guy in the Clinton campaign that made the illegal drug remark about Obama and apologized. they get that out there in the news knowing they will apologize but the damage is done. well, in Hucleberry's case, he questioned a fact. the LDS belief is that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers. no biggie. but it was how Huckleberry asked the question that showed for certain he was saying the LDS church is a cult. read the whole thing and you'll see. even the guy interviewing him said it. so, yes, he did need to apologize since he is running for president and not the Pastor of the USA. all things aside, Huckleberry is a slime ball. check his record before you become an apologist for him.

Jose Card   December 13th, 2007 10:43 am ET

Will you pick a president, who will preach from the White House on how you should live your life? I want my liberty.

Ron Paul 2008!
http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Raman, Plano TX   December 13th, 2007 10:32 am ET

Check this out:
*****
Separation of church and state is a political and legal idea usually identified with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof… The phrase building a wall of separation between church and state was written by Thomas Jefferson in a January 1, 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptist Association.
*****
Listen to Mike Huckabees view on "Separation of church and state"
*****
Huckabee has stated, "Politics are totally directed by worldview. That's why when people say, 'We ought to separate politics from religion,' I say to separate the two is absolutely impossible".
*****
Mike Huckabee, seemingly conscientious, has steadfast views and beliefs that are in contradiction with US Constitution.
This outright disregard of US Constitution, is an unnerving trend that started from Pat Robertson's unsuccessful presidential bid in 1988 and has permeated and growing into a movement thanks to evangelicals.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   December 13th, 2007 10:16 am ET

Huckabee also said he didn't know much about his religion(baptist). Why would Huckabee not learn something about Mormonism before making those comments. Remember misinformation on WMD's got us into Iraq. Huckabee's I.Q. for a minister might be okay, but as president he needs to be sent home with GWB in '08.

Jerry, Dallas, TX   December 13th, 2007 9:48 am ET

John from Costa Mesa,

How are the Mormon beliefs any more off the wall than the rest of the Christian beliefs? Moses receiving tablets is believable, but Joseph Smith receiving them is not?

My fairy tale it more believable than yours…very intelligent argument.

AJ; Montpelier, VT   December 13th, 2007 9:36 am ET

Arent Huckabee and G. W. Bush brothers of the Devil also?

Shawnie - Grants Pass, OR   December 13th, 2007 9:20 am ET

Southern Baptists believe that Huckabee and Adolf Hitler are brothers.

freetobeme, Rochester, PA   December 13th, 2007 8:49 am ET

It was the Republicans who made religion an issue in the first place. Now they are stuck in the ridiculous position of having to argue about who loves Jesus more. Let these hypocrites argue over this and tear their party apart in the meantime. I'm lovin' it. The Republicans have lost their way and have abandoned their championship of limited government and individual liberty. Therefore, I have abandoned them. Except Ron Paul, who is the only Republican candidate who gives more than lip service to the Constitution.

Ron   December 13th, 2007 8:15 am ET

I thought at least Huckabee was a nice guy, he proved to me today he was of low character. "Planting poison pills" on Romneys faith is mean-spirited and of bad judgement and shows me more about Hucks character than it does about Romney's faith. Huck lost my support today. He was never electable, today, he became immoral.

L.M., Ardmore, Oklahoma   December 13th, 2007 6:23 am ET

Marie G said: "Glad he apologized to Mitt, but the attack was not on Mitt. It was on a much larger group of people." I salute your perceptive, brief and pointed analysis. It never occured to me in the environment in which it was uttered that this was a message of hate delivered by one cult against another.

bullofmizzou   December 13th, 2007 4:30 am ET

Huckabee did his damage, like any other politician, the message got out and then retract it, sort of like a witness in court, slipping the jury what they shouldn't have heard in the first place. Ol Huck is proving to be not such a goodie-two-shoes he professes to be, like the other "crazy old uncle living in the attic of one of the P Robertson Mansions" We dont need a "zealot" in the white house, we need a Strong and True Conservative whose agenda includes us all for the good of our country and would keep religion out of politics. Go Fred Go!!

Alec, Ames IA   December 13th, 2007 12:55 am ET

It is amazing how so many people are fooled by Huckabee. People see that he was a baptist minister in the past and assume that he is this great Christian. If people would look at his political history they will see that he really a liberal, is a liar, and and has many cases of controversy.

Ryan, Oakland, CA   December 13th, 2007 12:46 am ET

Wow, why do people feel the need to "inform" the public on a religion that they're not a part of. I am not exaggerating, all of the statements about Mormonism on this thread so far are false.

1. The idea that Jesus and Satan are brothers does NOT come from the Book of Mormon. It comes from our understanding of the Bible. Not that big a deal.

2. Mormonism absolutely does NOT believe that there are inferior races. Some church members or even leaders may have made comments to that effect back when nearly all Americans were unfortunately terribly racist and had a flawed understanding of biology but Mormons doctrines today are not racist in any way.

3. It is an absolutely false myth that Mormons believe that women can't get to heaven without their husbands. Its a terrible twisting of the real Mormon doctrine that neither a man or a woman can receive exaltation without marriage. Either in this life or the next we believe that a man and a woman can only receive exaltation together not apart. This applies to men just as well as women and does not disparage women in any way.

3. Related to that is the myth that women are supposed to be subservient to their husbands. The LDS church has never taught such a doctrine. In fact church leaders have always been adamant that men and women are equal partners in the home.

4. As far as the issue of "secret underwear" or "magic underwear", It is true that Mormons wear garments under our clothing that are designed to remind us of the promises we've made to God. They are not "magic" or "mystical" in any way. They are equivalent to a Catholic's cross, a Muslim's hijab.

That's only the beginning but honestly, the vast, vast, majority of the "facts" about Mormonism posted on these boards are either absolutely false, or actual doctrines of Mormonism that have been severely twisted. I don't really care that much what other people think about Mormonism, but if you're going to judge it, judge it on its actual beliefs, not the BS posted on these boards.

dabr09@hotpop.com   December 13th, 2007 12:38 am ET

I think the media, especially CNN with excessive obvious bias towards Republicans and Pro-Life advocates would make such a big deal out of something that was not meant to belittle or demean the Mormon Faith.

No Atheists in the WH   December 13th, 2007 12:08 am ET

Jeff, Madison, WI,

Both Hillary and Obama are. Take your pick – you can vote for either one – they will both lose at the end.

Bob, L.A. California   December 13th, 2007 12:03 am ET

I think Mike Huckabee showed us once again what he is made of. He's a man of convictions, a humble man who wasn't afraid to go apologize to Mitt for what had happened. It is true that Mormons believe Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers. It's on their own website. Check it out. So, Mike didn't need to apologize, but he's big enough a man to go ahead and do so and try to make things right. He has my vote.

Scott, Idaho Falls, ID   December 12th, 2007 11:32 pm ET

Huckabee knows better being uniquely qualified as the only canidate with a degree in theology. And if he doesn't then I don't want someone who takes a slandorous religious pamphlet's information and then uses it to become informed about the competion especially after refraining so long to not slander Mormons. Can you imagine someone with that level of competance being Commander and Chief of the worlds greatest army fighting islamic terrorists? I commend Huckabee for apologizing but as commander and Chief Huckabee won't be able to make apologies for using bad information when good information is so readily available. I will have a hard time voting for someone who has such strong credentials in religion and fails to be tolerant of other religious beliefs, or who is so ready to use unreliable information when good information is readily available to the general public.

Raman, Plano TX   December 12th, 2007 11:20 pm ET

Check this out:
*****
Separation of church and state is a political and legal idea usually identified with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof… The phrase building a wall of separation between church and state was written by Thomas Jefferson in a January 1, 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptist Association.
*****
Listen to Mike Huckabees view on "Separation of church and state"
*****
Huckabee has stated, "Politics are totally directed by worldview. That's why when people say, 'We ought to separate politics from religion,' I say to separate the two is absolutely impossible".
*****

Mike Huckabee, seemingly conscientious, has steadfast views and beliefs that are in contradiction with US Constitution.

This outright disregard of US Constitution, is an unnerving trend that started from Pat Robertson's unsuccessful presidential bid in 1998 and has permeated and growing into a movement thanks to evangelicals.

JohnLee Dugger, Jacksonville, Florida   December 12th, 2007 11:04 pm ET

It's like calling hin "Gay" and then saying "I'm so sorry I might have made a mistake." However word is still out there.
The "Huckster" is starting to be getting good at leaving with a tacit
"I'm so sorry" while leaving and "Egg"
for all to see. He made his point about Rommy's Denomination. Sad. Yep, so sad.
JohnLee Dugger

Rich, Las Vegas NV   December 12th, 2007 10:27 pm ET

He's sorry only that his bigotted retoric was reported:(

SHAME ON YOU HUCK

NO VOTE FOR YOU!

Dale Davis, Glendora, California   December 12th, 2007 10:25 pm ET

Sorry Huck. You made a Freudian slip, which will haunt you, as time goes on.
Make no mistake about it and let the truth be known. The vast majority of Evangelicals disdain Mormons. They are lying if they tell you they don't. And of course, they like to tell Mormons all about what Mormons believe, as well as the general public. If I want to find out about the qualities of a Ford, I would definately not ask a Chevy dealer about Fords. The same goes for inquiring about Mormons. If I want to know about them I will contact a reliable source. They send them in doubles to my door all the time.
The crux of this whole Huckabee push is about finding "one of theirs", as the "Christian" candidate. It gets no simpler than this. If a Mormon got in the White House, all Evangelicals would, in vernacular terms, go ballistic, because it would validate Mormons in America.
Sadly and pathetically, the more Evangelicals bash Mormons, the more they delegitimize themselves to the rest of honorable Americans of all faiths. Romney has always been positive and willing to be friends with Evangelicals, but they just freak-out and won't reciprocate.
I'm sure that even James Dobson of Focus on the Family and Dr. Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention will become even more embarrassed by this entire scenario, as time goes on. The anti-Mormon segment of their flock could affect the outcome of this election, from the bypassing of a very talented man, in the name of Mitt Romney. Mitt could possibly pull the USA out of a possible economic crisis in the near future. HOW SAD!!!! I hope and pray that we no longer become hostage to their voting block. They do it at the peril of our country.

Daniel, WA   December 12th, 2007 9:29 pm ET

Mike Huckabee has nothing to apologize for at all. The Book of Mormon does say that Jesus and Satan are brothers. He is a real man and wants to be a peace maker, so he apologized, which the Bible says "blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see God" The Mormon Church is a cult because they do not believe in the Jesus of the Bible, they believe in a Jesus that conforms to the distorted teachings of Joseph Smith. "Do not be fooled for in the last days there will be many who will deceive and be deceived."

Posted By Christian, LA, California : December 12, 2007 5:49 pm

Christian,

There was only one Jesus Christ, Mormons pray only to him and we believe the Bible to be the word of God. I am confused as to how we could even believe in another Jesus Christ. I am assuming you received your information from a rumor or website…?

Please go to the source if you want to really understand. This is just like Huckabee saying he doesn't really know, "but don't the Mormons believe…" No one should be doing that. Just like no one should be throwing around random accusations of a jewish candidate. Are you familiar with their views of Christ? That should not be the point at all. It is sad that I am even writing this.

So much for Huck and his strong conviction for not bringing in doctrines. This was not random, this was in a NEW YORK TIMES interview…think about it. Oh, oops really didn't mean to say that…yea right.

Look into this man's background & decisions. He will drop in the polls if America makes an informed decision, which worries me. We are ultimately to blame!

John M., Arlington, VA   December 12th, 2007 9:19 pm ET

Huck seems to have genuinely asked a question. I wonder why the NYT or CNN hasn't answered it yet. Here's the official LDS take on it:
http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,11-1-13-6,00.html

After hearing both sons speak, Heavenly Father said, "I will send the first" (Abraham 3:27).

Sounds to me like the answer should be "Yes, they were brothers in Mormon theology."

Steve, WA   December 12th, 2007 9:17 pm ET

Most of us who grew up in the South were waiting for this punch. Huckabee timed it nicely, and it will work to his advantage. Fundamentalist Protestant Christians cannot tolerate the thought of a Mormon, Catholic, etc. holding the presidency. They are idol worshippers in the local vernacular. By throwing the punch now and apologizing, Huckabee is well positioned to knock off Romney in Iowa and South Carolina. Huckabee can't win new Hampshire on the larger set of secular issues that matter to most Americans, but now he does not have to. TKO goes to Huckabee. He has highlighted in a genteel way that he is the real choice of the Christian Right.

Posted By Annonymous : December 12, 2007 5:33 pm

Couldn't agree more. The sad part is that we need someone who can handle the secular issues…take a close look people, past the nice guy part. Mike does not make the cut..at all.

FYI, Mormons do not pray to anything other than Jesus…not sure where the Idol worshiper thing comes from?

Angela, Dallas, TX   December 12th, 2007 9:14 pm ET

The Huckster used traditional anti-Mormon lingo with the intent of defaming Mormons. It was calculated. It's amazing that people are praising him for apologizing. He's playing the religous card & intolerant people are buying it. As a former Arkansas resident, ole Huckabee has way too many skeletons (& dumb comments) in his past to ever get him elected in a general election. I'm for Mitt. Like the National Review says, he's got the best chance against the Democrats!

Dale, WA   December 12th, 2007 9:14 pm ET

I've gained a lot of respect for Huckabee because of actions like this (apologizing to Romney during and after the debate). Clearly the media is wanting to create this huge battle between Huckabee and Romney about their religions, but that's certainly not Huckabee's wish.

Posted By Jonathan, Birmingham, AL : December 12, 2007 5:24 pm

Jonathan,

Maybe you missed the part where Huckabee absolutely refused to go into any details or discussions of others faith. Maybe you missed the fact that he said he really knows nothing about the Mormon faith.

1. He was a Baptist Minister…I gaurantee he knew more than the average joe…why do you think all the baptists have such a harsh opinion, (they are educated by their ministers).

2. Trust me when I say that he knew exactly what he was trying to do…otherwise he would have refused the topic all together.

It amazes me how much of America really doesn't understand the type of person a candidate really is. People can change it is true…but we need to seriously consider his track record…

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   December 12th, 2007 9:14 pm ET

Mormons like Samoans.

Look how many of them end up on the football team at BYU!!!

Tim, Provo Utah   December 12th, 2007 9:13 pm ET

My lawyer once told me, it's not defamation of character if it's true.

Huckabee didn't say anything offensive to Mormons. This is doctrine.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   December 12th, 2007 9:12 pm ET

Why, how Christian of him!!!

Ben, Rexburg, Idaho   December 12th, 2007 8:47 pm ET

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, otherwise nicknamed "Mormons", also believes in FORGIVENESS.

Romney doesn't hold a grudge, neither do I.

EB Rideout, Georgia   December 12th, 2007 8:05 pm ET

I hope he wins the nomination.

What a gift to the Dems……………

Karen Houston TX   December 12th, 2007 7:41 pm ET

It's too bad that there is so much focus on the different relegious beliefs of the candidates. That is irrelevant.

What is important is where the candidates stand on the issues, and that is being ignored by too many.

I support Romney because of his level of education , his economic billiance, his no amnesty stand on illegal immigration, his social conservatism, and his beliefs on taxes.

I believe he is the candidate that can get the job done for the American people.

I think the other candidates have their strong points, but only Romney nails it across the board.

Jon, Costa Mesa, CA   December 12th, 2007 7:31 pm ET

<Mormonism is not a valid Christian religion, it may not be a cult, but it is a fairy tale made up of magic and extravagant lies.

Read the story of the Golden Plates, and how the Book of Mormon was transcribed, and everything about the Nephites and Lamanites in Pre-Columbus America, and you'll have to ask how anyone could subscribe to such outrageous beliefs.

Furthermore, the LDS religion was not based on the principles of Jesus or Muhammad or any prophet from long ago, but rather was concocted in upstate New York and the Midwest in the 1800's by a known treasure hunter and swindler named Joseph Smith.

I like how he developed an eye for his neighbor's wife, then "coincidentally" had a revelation from God that it was OK to have multiple wives, and that God ordered his wife to be OK with it too. Sounds really authentic to me…

Bruce M Athens, Ohio   December 12th, 2007 7:16 pm ET

I want to know what the deal is with Mormon`s secret underwear. Can this really be true?

David Craig Kailua Hawaii   December 12th, 2007 6:53 pm ET

I am a firm believer in freedom of religon, but no one is actuallhy asking the Mormon canidate about specific doctrines of the mormon chirch. Ask a Mormon about the roles of blacks in the church, or what roles women play in mormon families. the religon treads very close to a white sepratist movment , if youve ever been around any real LDS comunity. The church members seem nice mostly , its the beliefs of the church I have a problem with.

Henry, VA   December 12th, 2007 6:52 pm ET

If the man didn't mean to say those things about Mormonism, why did he say it in the first place? Let me guess, the devil made him do it!

Trollmaster, CA   December 12th, 2007 6:50 pm ET

Does this guy look just like Gomer Pyle or what?

Informed voter, Des Moines, Iowa   December 12th, 2007 6:39 pm ET

Here is the main issue

MIKE IS AN ORDAINED MINISTER WHO HAS STUDIED IN DEPTH OTHER FAITHS…especially the Mormon faith. He knows full well what he thinks they beleive, and to denote otherwise, is dishonest….his explanation to CNN is a blatant lie.

This is the issue…he is not shooting us straight…he's lying to cover himself up, much like he may be dishonest in trying to cover up the release of Dumond.

I already had a politition from Arkansas look me in the eye and lie – I will not accept this from a politition any more

Shawnie - Grants Pass, OR   December 12th, 2007 6:37 pm ET

That was not an innocent comment when made and Huck is not innocent. He is trying to get the best of both worlds. Make a statement meant to smear and then bat his little eyelashes and say he's sorry. How cute.

Hope it works for you.

Sean Allen   December 12th, 2007 6:37 pm ET

This is the stuff that makes great humor, could be a TV sitcom. Two unarmed opponents dueling over their religious derived values and the righteousness of their stupid religions. Can't wait for the next installment of "Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber"

John, Kingman, AZ   December 12th, 2007 6:32 pm ET

Romney should get over it. The truth hurts.

Dan, Saint Louis, MO   December 12th, 2007 6:30 pm ET

Wow. You people sound ridiculous. You spin everything Huckabee does into some great virtue. The fact of the matter is that, despite saying sveral times he wouldn't get into Romney's faith because it isn't an issue for who should be elected, he BROUGHT IT UP OUT OF NOWHERE in an interview. His lie and hypocrisy had been documents and spread to ever news outlet today, and only then, does he apologize. And you people see this as some sort of virtue? I am a Christian and a social conservative and a life-long Republican, but don't let this Huckabee guy fool you with his Arkansas charm and glib answers to important questions. He is as sly, calculating and unprincipled as any candidate of either party. No better, no worse. Read about all the bribes he accepted as governor, all the people he lied about a spread malicious rumors about when they criticized him.

Huckabee is unelectable in a general election and, in all honesty, a vote for him is a vote for Giuliani. Let's elect a president based on what he is capable of doing and what he will do, not on how nice or funny or religious he comes across in these calculated political manuevers. I hope some of his dim-witted supporters see through this act.

Lee, Mays Landing NJ   December 12th, 2007 6:28 pm ET

There was nothing to apologize for.

The commment about mormanism was true. Let Mitt Romney explain it if he wishes to, but mormons do believe that Satan and Jesus are brothers, that a good mormon man (not a woman) can become a god and live on a planet etc.

For myself, these issues are curious but not something I'd pick a president on. However many republican voters feel that questions like this are deal breakers and therefore, in the context of the republican party, it is a discussion they need to have.

Dennis, Philadelphia, PA   December 12th, 2007 6:22 pm ET

I don't agree with Huckabee on a number of issues, but for him to apologize for this slip, says a lot about the man's character. Especially since he knows that Romney has thrown more than his share of mud already and no doubt will spend millions more attacking Huckabee in the months to come.
I admire that kind of conviction and although I don't agree with all that he espouses, I do believe that he is a man that can be trusted.

John Allen, Boston MA   December 12th, 2007 6:18 pm ET

Glad he apologized, but this doesn't change the fact that he is not qualified to be the president. We're too focused on who's "nicest" and who we "like." But at the end of the day, it's who can unify the Republican party and keep the Clinton twins out of the White House. My money's on Romney.

Lee Gray, Seattle WA   December 12th, 2007 6:17 pm ET

Romney is not a "member" of the Mormon Church, he is a BISHOP.

He was a MISSIONARY to escape serving in Vietnam.

But he can't explain the basic tenets of his religion.

Except that he hates the non-religious.

Albear   December 12th, 2007 6:14 pm ET

I agree. Huckabee had nothing for which to apologize. It's not a matter of whether or not Mormonism is a cult or a religion, it's whether or not its followers are crazy or insane. And they are both. Joseph Smith? Really? (And don't start on all religions being crazy because that just show that you don't know what religion is.)

Mach Kleef, Willits, CA   December 12th, 2007 6:06 pm ET

Mr. Huckabee is tragically weak. Is this the sort of president he would be – apologizing every time he offends some group or individual with a truthful statement? What is he so afraid of?

Jon B Olathe KS   December 12th, 2007 5:55 pm ET

Great guy, now only if he was a fiscal conservative with some real foreign policy knowledge.

I like listening to the guy speak and more listening to the milleliums old evangelican cry "Help, help we're being oppressed!" Simply because the media doesn't read his book by the cover.

Christian, LA, California   December 12th, 2007 5:49 pm ET

Mike Huckabee has nothing to apologize for at all. The Book of Mormon does say that Jesus and Satan are brothers. He is a real man and wants to be a peace maker, so he apologized, which the Bible says "blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see God" The Mormon Church is a cult because they do not believe in the Jesus of the Bible, they believe in a Jesus that conforms to the distorted teachings of Joseph Smith. "Do not be fooled for in the last days there will be many who will deceive and be deceived."

Derek, Yuba City CA   December 12th, 2007 5:48 pm ET

This is why I support Mike Huckabee, he is a stand up guy. He doesn't try to spin things, and I really respect him for that.

Shawn, Brighton, TN   December 12th, 2007 5:45 pm ET

This issue was blown up by the media and started months ago. It is an attack on all people of faith that the AP and other media outlets spin these candidates statements.

Huckabee did great job responding to this and both Romney and Huckabee are probably tired of the media hyping this up.

Jeff, Madison, WI   December 12th, 2007 5:45 pm ET

Is that any more crazy than thinking a virgin gave birth to a baby who came to save you from having pre-marital sex? All religion is hilarious to me, especially when one group laughs at another's beliefs without criticizing their equally ludicrous ones. Seriously, it's 2007 and we still are picking between people arguing about the Bible. I wish I knew which of the candidates was secretly an atheist, he (she) would get my vote.

Voltaire Enlightenment, Boring, OH   December 12th, 2007 5:43 pm ET

Aww, isn’t that sweet. They can agree that their collective beliefs are equally fatuous and anachronistic! Hear hear to the enlightened duo!

Ryan, Oakland, CA   December 12th, 2007 5:42 pm ET

I'm a liberal (and a mormon) and won't be voting for Huckabee but I have to respect his apology. Not that it was a particularly offensive comment in the first place.

Treva A., Greenville, SC   December 12th, 2007 5:35 pm ET

I was disappointed to hear the reports come out misconstruing the intent behind Huckabee's statement. Anyone reading the original article can see it for what it was: A question after he just said he believes Mormonism is a religion, not a cult, and didn't know a lot about it.

I give Huckabee a lot of praise for apologizing to Romney, even though I honestly don't think he ever meant to hurt or slight him to begin with. I beleive that was a very humble thing to do and shows what he is really made of, humility and integrity. The real shame is on those who misconstrued Mike's words and won't let the religion issue die so voters can look at these candidates based on their stances and merit.

Jonathan, Little rock, AR   December 12th, 2007 5:34 pm ET

Ah, we all know what his internal thoughts are regardless of his fear of being painted by the media. He has intentions of a bigot. His personal views are so construed as he does everything to be a nice all loving guy. Bless his heart

Annonymous   December 12th, 2007 5:33 pm ET

Most of us who grew up in the South were waiting for this punch. Huckabee timed it nicely, and it will work to his advantage. Fundamentalist Protestant Christians cannot tolerate the thought of a Mormon, Catholic, etc. holding the presidency. They are idol worshippers in the local vernacular. By throwing the punch now and apologizing, Huckabee is well positioned to knock off Romney in Iowa and South Carolina. Huckabee can't win new Hampshire on the larger set of secular issues that matter to most Americans, but now he does not have to. TKO goes to Huckabee. He has highlighted in a genteel way that he is the real choice of the Christian Right.

Aaron Peirce   December 12th, 2007 5:31 pm ET

Nice try Huck a bee! Your jokes have gone too far this time

Heather, Morrison, OK   December 12th, 2007 5:29 pm ET

The media and pundits and bloggers can make Huckabee out to be sly and crafty and mean, but when you find out the whole story, it tells the opposite story. Why do we relish and look for hatred and conflict by pulling 9 words out of a couple of thousand word article, instead of focusing on the issues that really matter?

Brett, Houston, Tx   December 12th, 2007 5:28 pm ET

Man of Character
Mike is a true man of Character – he stood up and clarified the situation and apologized where necessary.

Jonathan, Birmingham, AL   December 12th, 2007 5:24 pm ET

I've gained a lot of respect for Huckabee because of actions like this (apologizing to Romney during and after the debate). Clearly the media is wanting to create this huge battle between Huckabee and Romney about their religions, but that's certainly not Huckabee's wish.

Daniel   December 12th, 2007 5:21 pm ET

Wow….gotta respect a guy who Apologizes like that.

Scott, Orlando fl   December 12th, 2007 5:17 pm ET

What a gracious guy !! I love him even more.
I like how the media tries to make an issue out of nothing.

Go Mike you Rock !

Bob, Seattle   December 12th, 2007 5:14 pm ET

Mr. Huckabee really keeps his feet on the ground while all others are trying to upend him with silly trip wires. While all campainers run the minefields, Mr. Huckabee seems to be the only one who answers questions easily and honestly, from conviction and with sincerity. He has a fabulous base of moral convictions that will serve to keep him very contemplative of all affectations of his decisions as President. I shudder when I think of the base that most of the campaigners have to work with. Most all of them have sold out to the special interests of the rich and powerful. Only Mr. Huckabee seems to be his 'own' man. How very refreshing and this, no doubt, is the reason for his surging in the polls. Common folk seem to connect with him while the powerful special interest groups, who are primarily – anti-middle class, push hard for their respective puppets.

Marie G.   December 12th, 2007 5:13 pm ET

Glad he apologized to Mitt, but the attack was not on Mitt. It was on a much larger group of people.

Jay, Montreal, QC   December 12th, 2007 5:12 pm ET

Whether Mormonism (or anything else) is a religion or a cult is not an opinion.

There's no inherent difference between the two, other than the number of followers. Mormonism is a religion. I wouldn't call it a cult, because there are many practicing Mormons. But so what?

That question displays the general perversion of America's religious discourse……

JB P F ID   December 12th, 2007 5:12 pm ET

I'm not sure why he apoligized but now that it's over, i'm sure Mutt well try to find another why to bash him. It seems like that is Mutts only ammunition, bashing and dirty tricks.

Lev Klinemann, Redondo Beach CA   December 12th, 2007 5:03 pm ET

Apologies-smapologies, like "good" christian say: "the first thing out of your mouth is what's in your heart".

This man, Huckabee, seems crazier and crazier every day.

I cant even believe that a few days ago I thought that Huckabee was actually a good man.

This man is a freak, he is frakier than Mitt Romney…

…and that is saying a lot.

Sam, Phoenix, AZ   December 12th, 2007 5:02 pm ET

at least the guy apologized. give him a break already. slow news day

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