CNN

KEEP RELIGION OUT OF POLITICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To those who think that this ad copies Ron Paul's ad: you are wrong. Huckabee clearly specifies that this is the time of year to celebrate the birth of Christ–unlike Ron Paul's secular Christmas ad. This is not to say Paul was wrong....but Huckabee definitely "one upped" him by once again clearly illustrating his Christian beliefs.

Wow~ Seems as if he is getting a lot of free publicity from all of you Christian haters......thanks for that! Also, the "Cross" is a bookcase......look closer, and watch his interview with Meredith Viera on the Today show. If you’re offended by an add wishing you a Merry Christmas, you’re part of the problem. Like it or not, this is a holiday about Christ. Yes you can call it "religious" because it is a CHRISTIAN holiday to celebrate not only the birth of the son of God, but our SAVIOR Jesus! Will most of you be enjoying your days off for it? Receiving gifts for it? Who cares if the man wants to say Merry Christmas and be a proud Christian. From most of the interviews/debates I have seen, he is being ASKED these questions that he is being harped on about! He is who he is and will not back down for his beliefs! Way to go Mike!

By the way, the original reasoning for seperation of church and state was to keep politics out of the CHURCH........not the other way around!

I think Christianity is a pious fraud soon to explode.

Praise God that Mike Huckabee isn't afraid to through in a little bit of Christmas cheer in the midst of campaigning for President. I, for one, find it refreshing. Jesus is Jesus. Not sure what that meant. But Jesus is 100% God and 100% man, and should be worshipped and adored. Why? He created you! Yes you.

I guess if you can see a Christian symbol in a window pane joint, you must be searching real hard for something to nit pick. The Cross of Jesus actually looks more like a "t" than a + sign. Get real people, Christmas is about CHRIST, not the winter solstice which is 12/22, not dear ole Santa, but the celebration of the birth of Christ. If there was a Jewish mennorah or another religious relic behind him, nothing would have been said – WHAT are you people afraid of...heaven forbid we should celebrate the birth of the man that died for each of us, just because you don't happen to believe it, does not make it untrue. It is really funny that after a national tragedy it is the Christian churches that people flock to....remember 9/11! Even Hillary and Bill went to a Christian church and Bill carried his big ole Bible under his arm, where was the outcry then? This country's Christian heritage is well documented, if you don't believe me, go look it up.

If Huckabee is not guilty of using Christmas for political gain, then why were the ads only run in South Carolina, Iowa and New Hampshire? Why didn't he run them in states without crucial primaries? Don't be naive.

CNN, what is your criteria for "appropriate comments?" I've noticed a certain pattern of biases in viewers's comments you "choose" to post. Most of them tend to reflect one point of view on any given presidential candidate. I find it hard to believe that this systematic pattern is simply coincidence (that somehow all viewers commenting on a particular candidate tend to have similar views). Unless I am mistaken, I thought this is a forum where people express their views irrespective of what they are. So, unless you've become communist China, you've got to stop screening people's comments. Or, else, make explicit what your standards and criteria for "appropriateness" are.

–Angry Viewer, New York, NY.

It's about time that someone has the guts to stand up to the politically correct pseudo intelligencia who decry any mention of religion in society. Let's not forget that Christmas is legal federal holiday by act of Congress.

People keep saying that it’s OK to say Merry Christmas because it’s all because of Jesus and that should be acceptable. First you cannot run a political campaign mixed with religion. It’s called separation of church and state. Secondly some keep forgetting that a good percentage of "Logical" people do not respond to religious folk lore. And I'm an American! Thanks.

Huckabee launched his add on Monday and it took until Wednesday for the liberal media to pick up on the hidden bookshelf cross. So much for investigative reporting skills..

Ha Ha!!

Am I the only one who sees this as the farce it is? Any person who has taken ANY photography/filming lessons would not have "accidentally" missed the imagery of the floating cross in the background. This is just another ploy to push religion where it doesn't belong, in politics.

When will the American public understand that you cannot base your entire political career on your chosen religion alone? When will the American public see that choosing to run by faith alone – and not the common sense to do what is right for the country whether or not it goes hand in hand with your beliefs – is what we need?

I am tired of having some "Christian" individual push his beliefs and morals on me by passing laws and putting individuals with his same mindset and goals into positions to take away rights because the President doesn't believe its morally right. Morals are subjective, Mr. President. Even those in your same religous faith can't come to a consensus on several issues. Why are we to let your morals superceed ours?

Vote Logic. Vote Common Sense. Don't vote Huckabee.

Yikes. American politics is at a high point of demagoguery, and the mainstream media just fans the flames.

Here here Mr. Huckabee!

How many of you people that left these comments are for real or just plain working for other candidates or to furthering your own agendas. I would love to see where these posts are coming from. How many people spell "Ad" as in advertisement this way "Add". Take these spewings for what the are worth, and that is nothing. These candidates have droves of people working the internet to leave nonsense comments like you are seeing here. Search and find the facts and stop reading right this garbage. These comments have been bought and paid for. Don't let your vote be influenced by this rhetoric.

Huckabee didn't have enough ambition to finish his masters degree. Simile Huckabee would be interesting in the White House, every week a new metaphor.

"I never achieved the American Dream like I never achieved a masters degree..."

I too, agree with Huckabee. America is the country where the freedom of religion had started, yet even today, we are not allowed to say the words, "Merry Christmas?" That is outrageous to me and many other people. Anyways, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I come from a strict Catholic family, and when voting time came around my parents never focused on the faith of the candidate.

Sure they were always curious to know their what their chosen religion is and as long as they believed in God, it then really came down to their plans for the country.

While Christmas is an important holiday in the Christian church, I would find that Easter would be the most sacred. Since Easter is a time to remember that Jesus died for all of our sins. It also showed the ugly side of humanity or the lack thereof.

In the end, I won't vote for him or any republican. I also feel that the voters should base their judgments of the candidates on the real issues that affect the American voters and the future generations, not their faith that they most likely were forced to practice and follow as a child.

When it comes to Jesus non-beleives tremble in thier shoes. I would too. If they can keep a hush on it they seem to have this false sense of security that they wont have to change thier life style. Wishful thinking. It is Merry Christmas and not Happy Holidays. Just like its Happy 4th of July/Independance Day not happy we won day come on get real.

Someone said "without the birth of Jesus, there would be no Christmas." This in fact is not true, Christmas was created by the Holy Roman Empire to facilitate the conversion to Christianity. Originally there was a pagan holiday (I don't know the name) during the christmas time. Most scholars believe Jesus was born in the springtime. Anyway, Huckabee is an interesting politician and aside from him being a jesus freak (to quote bill maher) I like some of his ideas. In all actuality Paul would be a better candidate for true, almost reactionary, conservatism.

Oh my goodness. A candidate wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and people are upset about it? I have a hard time believing that Christians would find offense with this commercial. Those who do not believe in Christ...well..that's another story. But, I'm guessing they were not Huckabee supporters in the first place.

Michael in Honolulu, Mike Huckabee is required by law to make the statement "I'm Mike Huckabee and I approve this message" because he is using campaign dollars to fund the ad. It is a federal requirement that he do so. He is not a hypocrite. He is following federal campaign guidelines.

Hey, Mark R. Fort Lauderdale FL – where is the "separation of church and state" in ANY of our framing documents? Search hard and long – you won't find them. The constitution states that the government will not establish a religion – and after 200 years it still hasn't!! Get your history and facts straight. It would pay a lot of you to do a little studying on our nation's founders and read how they relied upon their "Divine Creator" to give them wisdom through the processes of founding this great land. You don't have to look far – the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States hold enough evidence of the founders' belief in God's sovreignty that you don't have to do a lot of hard research.

Go Mike!!

I wonder who his target audience is? Perhaps he is just sending a subliminal message to the muslims, buddhists, Jews, and other organized religions of the nation? One thing for sure, our nations motto is right: "In God We Trust", as for politics and government–force them to show their true colors and trust them not. Merry Christmas!

Huckabee is offensive and a hack. I am a Christian and I think that Huckabee is USING his religion for his personal gain. That is sad.

Posted By Jonathan, Ames Iowa : December 17, 2007 9:28 pm

I am a Christian who HAPPENS to be Conservative and I could not agree with you anymore.

My hope is once people see the real truth behind this guy, they will realize he is a charlatan, a huckster if you will.

This brainwashing will only work in so many states and it will fall apart, if not, Mr Biden, Mr Dodd or even Mr Obama, you may have a "convert".

Just once I'd love to hear a candidate say something like, "At this time of year, it's nice to pull aside from all of that and celebrate the day that Thor killed Geirrod and the Frost Giants." And say it with such a straight face and conviction as the Huckster. I would vote for that person.

Have any of you read the Thanksgiving Day Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln? That would be a terrific read for some of you that need a little history lesson. If you new anything about Mike and his campaign, or even this election, you would know why the ad is running in Iowa, NH, and SC. Have a Merry Christmas!

I don't like Huck, but boy does he know how to manipulate stupid people.

And since that's a majority in this country, he may well be on his way to the White House.

I sure hope this "non-political" add was paid for out of his own pocket and not the donations that people gave into his candidacy. Just another example of the Huckster blurring the lines between his checking account and the publics. Did the same thing in Arkansas and did the same thing with handing out tuition breaks like it was...Christmas. Don't believe the lies people.

Good for you Mr. Huckabee. I absolutely love that someone isn't afraid to say that Christmas is for Christ, not for shopping, not for buying things, not for promoting the economy. It's for Christ. Whether or not he gets elected, I shall have more respect for him than every Hill Clinton out there.

Huckabee can only run this type of ad because his record is a joke. People will look more closely and see he had more ethical violations than Clinton did in Arkansas. How can a governor accept money from lobbyists and others while governor becasue his salary wasn't enough. Then he has a gift registry when leaving office so other people can buy him a house and other items. Unlike every other major Republican candidate who have worked for a living rather than expecting others to give him things.

Everyone should be asking themselves how we got to the point where a candidate for the presidency thinks that he deserves to be president BECAUSE he is a Christian - and airs an ad blatantly excluding those who practice any other religion's holiday traditions in his well wishes.

The answer? WE DROPPED THE BALL ON POLICING OUR OWN GOVERNMENT. Such a blatant disregard for the fundamental principle of separation of church and state is disgusting - this guy thinks he deserves to be president when he ignores such a fundamental value of our country? Huckabee is a disgrace for being so disrespectful of the Constitution.

So.....who is more pathetic: Huckabee, or all of us citizens who allowed this day to come when it is acceptable for a presidential candidate to BASE HIS CAMPAIGN ON THE FACT THAT HE'S A CHRISTIAN?

WAKE UP PEOPLE - GET OUT THERE AND FIGHT FOR OUR FREEDOMS ALREADY - DO IT BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE OR ELSE RESIGN YOURSELVES TO THE INEVITABLE DEMISE OF AMERICA AS WE LEARNED IT.

HYPOCRISY! HYPOCRISY! HYPOCRISY!

At the beginning Huckabee says:
“Are you about worn out of all the TV commercials ... mostly about POLITICS!”

In essence, he’s denouncing/condemning political ads during the Christmas season.

But, but, ...at the end of the ad, comes the obligatory POLITICAL disclosure:
“I’m Mike Huckabee and I approve this message!”

Is this guy the greatest HYPOCRITE or WHAT? How more hypocritical can you get? And with the cross floating in the background (subtly done), WOW! SCARY!...Talking about mixing Religion and Politics all in one message/ad! Another “Pat Robertson” and it’s NOT good, NOT good for America. Please DO NOT let this man become President. He’s going to have Sunday School and Bible Study in the White House! He is going to pardon ALL the Terrorists!

...Oh, by the way, JESUS abhors HYPOCRITES!!

Wayne Bray from Atlanta said: "without the birth of Jesus, there would be no celebration."

Right..unless you count the various winter festivals that Christmas was based on including Saturnalia, Yule and Natalis Solis Invicti.

And we could still celebrate the births of Ishtar, Sol Invictus and Mithras on Dec 25.

He is refreshing! He came out of no where and well, he has gotten my attention. I am 'pulling my cart behind him' and am praying that he get's the attention and votes he deserves. He has guts and conviction and from what I've researched on him 'he is the one'. We need someone that can bring our Country back to what it was founded on – I believe Mike Huckabee can do JUST THAT.

Huckabee says that many of us are getting tired of seeing so many political commercials. But, he is addressing himself only to voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. The other 47 states have to accept the nominating process as a spectator sport. The nominee will be decided, as usual, before Texans have an opportunity to vote on anything.

I personally see no rational reason for Iowa and New Hampshire to choose which of the candidates will go forward and which will fold their tents and go back to their day jobs.

I'm sure that Iowans, as usual, will pick a candidate based on who has the most vans and busses to transport voters to their caucus. A candidate's ability to organize car pools is the predominant skill needed to be president.

Hey.., let's build a super coliseum in Iowa. Then every four years for Christmas, each state can bring in their right wing radical Christians and feed them to the lions. What a glorious spectical it would be.

It’s just a suggestion, do what you will...

Merry Christmas, Sen. Huckabee.

I still won't vote for you, but thank you for devoting some of your ad space to the holiday season. May your holidays be cheerful.

You may want someone else but to say Huckabee has no record to run on is ridiculous. He was named one of the 5 best governors by Time a couple years ago. This as about the 2nd or 3rd republican governor since reconstruction with a legislature that was about 70% democratic. The ranking was well deserved because there were major reforms in state government, infrastructure, health care, and the business climate as well. Take a look at what he did to help hurricane victims for an idea of how he responds to crisis as well. In a nutshell he accomplished more than Clinton ever did as governor and rapidly organized state and private entities under pressure from all angles. Heck he even had a live 'Ask the Governor' show where he took live calls and e-mails on air and gave well thought out (not fluffy) answers on very thorny state government issues. Most folks (republican and democratic) voted for the man as a result of his extraordinary effectiveness and his "real" personality.

How DARE Mike Huckabee have specific references to CHRISTIANITY regarding CHRISTmas, a Christian holiday?! The unmitigated gall! ) LOL.

GOOD FOR YOU, MIKE! And thanks for the heartfelt ad; what a breath of fresh air amid the toxic fog of political correctness promulgated by those seeking to obfuscate our nation's Christian heritage.

Finally, there is someone that will stop and actually acknowledge what Christmas is about, Retail has attempted to reduce why we even celebrate this season.Broadcasters like yourself,seek to not acknowledge that Jesus,based on historical,factual,account was not just a man but the "Son of God".,Huckabee understands to what people connect,family,home,tradition.He has won many political races, why would he not understand what to do in a race that has attacked him because of his beliefs? Christmas is the only day that the Smithsonian closes. Why in this politically correct society do we have to drop the reason that we celebrate this season? Good for you Mike!

This ad is inconsistent with his approved statements just 2 weeks ago. "Gov. Huckabee has said consistently that he believes this campaign should center on a discussion of the important issues confronting our nation, and not focus on questions of religious belief,"(CNN Washington bureau-quoting official campaign statement)

Then why does he spend large sums of political monies to "ride" on his religious belief? This amounts to "Huckabee hypocrisy".

If Huckabee is elected, America officially becomes a Christian nation. He's incredibly eloquent and he comes across as honest, and that is what is most frightening about him. Washington and Jefferson would be turning in their graves.

You gotta give the guy credit...he wanted to say Merry Christmas, and he did. Get off his back!

I didn't know we were electing a Pastor In Chief.

This is an exploitation of some of the most sacred things in life for his own political purposes. Furthermore, while this ad was being produced, his campaign stated "He doesn't think a candidate's religion should be an issue in the campaign." – Huckabee Hipocracy

i bet all of you blathering bags of hate that are posting like to think of yourselves as "tolerant" and "open-minded" and "accepting" people.

kinda ironic, seeing your hate....

Throughout this whole election season I've been hearing an awful lot about this "CHRIST" guy. Who is he? What party is he running for? I wonder if he's against gay marriage or if thats just his peeps. Maybe I'll vote for that guy.
CHRIST/JOSEPH SMITH 08

In response to the comments from Kim in Fl, i'm guessing you are someone who's never been taught anything accurate about Mormon doctrines. your comments were bigoted and ignorant. do you even know why you and so many other people are so prejudiced against Mormons in the first place? is it that threatening for there to be people with different ideas than your own? do we really want to say to the world that it's ok to hate a person simply on the basis of their religion?

It is nice that he takes time out for the Christians in the country (of which they are currently the majority) to remind them of the holiday coming up.

As for the rest of us, please leave your religious observances out of it. I believe that there is a place for someone's religion (please note the difference between religion and faith) in politics; it would be enough to say that I belong to this religion. I believe that belonging to a religion could be part of the insite into someone's thinking (but not always).

There are many people who vote have their vote solely informed by one issue; that could be religion, abortion, or other issues, but just one. That would be a mistake for the whole country.

I suppose God spoke to him and told him to send forth a message to three random US states... all the ones with upcoming primaries. I'm embarrassed for him. It's on the same level as an ambulance chasing lawyer.

Attacking Huck for being "Christian" as you seem to like quotation marks around it...is plain pathetic. Since when did professing one's faith become "bible thumping." The man said Merry Christmas...get the sticks out of your behinds and grow up. Merry Christmas to you too Huck! I'm not going to vote for you, I think you'd make a horrible president, but I am certainly mature enough to take a Merry Christmas and say thanks.

It amazes me that ignorant people leave posts on these when they have no idea what they are talking about because they have an agenda of trying to push their candidate on others. The most ironic statement I read on here is that we should not have another "Christian" President. All I have too say is check the history books and see when the last non-Christian was elected President. Our society has turned from compassion and understanding to one of hate and destruction. The only way we will save our great nation is to revisit the fundamental principles our country was built upon. If that means you have to look back into the history books, they I suggest you start now because you will need a lot of time to educate yourself before you cast a vote in the election.

I wish people would do a little research before they spout off on one of these because no one will take you serious if you come across as a blinded, close-minded, ignorant fool.

The message Mike Huckabee is sending out on this ad is a genuine reflection of his beliefs. Remember folks he is using his campaign funds for a Christmas message and not a political one. He is the real deal; don't look at his religious beliefs as a reason to discount him as a viable candidate, especially if you don't understand what Christianity is all about. Look at his record as the Governor of Arkansas and remember this, a Governor or President is only as effective as the Legislature will allow them to be.

This country needs to get back to the track we were on when Reagan left office. The only viable candidate to right the ship is Mike Huckabee!!

This guy's views don't represent "Christianity" as far as I'm concerned.

He's a politician who's exploiting religion in a very underhanded way. I hope that he's trounced at the polls so that he can go back to selling snake oil.

It is true that Mormons believe that Jesus and Satan are both brothers. I'm a Christian and I believe that Jesus and Satan are brothers. Huckabee is the second incarnation of Abraham Lincoln and God is on Mike's side

Please keep religion out of politics. Keep religion out of politics. Keep religion out of politics. What part of 'keeping religion out of politics' don't the bible thumpers understand?

hey just like a god standing there bow and give me your vots.

This looks like a 1980s Folgers Ad

The man is an absolute bigot and homophobe in the name of his God! The president's position is secular and should NEVER include his personal beliefs about GOD! His homophobia is the tip of the iceberg, elect him president and watch the Establishment clause go by the way side as religion begins to be given a larger and larger role in American Government activities. Also, his Christianity will be a barrier to America's relationship to the Muslim World as he believes his way is the only right way.

What is this country coming to when it becomes offensive to wish people a Merry Christmas? This is a genuine message of good will, people who read more into it need to relax!

So he tells people (after his mormon faith slipups) that religion should have nothing to do with politics, yet he never fails to remind people that he's a Christian former preacher who believes in Christ?

Come on, if you are going to say religion has nothing to do with it, then keep your faith out of it. People who live in sub-Saharan Africa know you are a man of faith at this point.

Painting himself as the religious candidate is at least honest and truthful. Those who've taken the Huckster to the woodshed for mentioning religion in the campaign are disingenuous, at best.

It's how you use religion in elections that are important, the approach you use. This add does not make me feel he has used religion, or worse for some of you, Christianity, in a cheap way. However,there are some adds that do.

I've listened to Beck on radio (I don't watch any of the cable news shows, unless forced and chained to a chair, which is never, unless the girlfriend does it), and understand his true point. A person's religious belief does not automatically kick you off the stage. It is who you are as a person, if you belittle others, if you show disrespect in a number of ways, and if you make light of other religions, just because they are different than your belief – those are wrong.

My problem is that most of the main line candidates on either side are pretty much the same – globalists who wouldn't really do anything about maintaining US sovereignty. This includes Romney, Giuliani, Clinton, Obama, Edwards, & McCain.

The second tier candidates are safer, at least at this point. Not too sure about Thompson. It's important who our President is, but I'm a bit concerned that the 'fix is in' and it's just the flavour of the next 'Bush' that is in doubt.

Mike is charming and disarming. The attacks on Romney's religion by Huckabee, however, should scare everyone. The coy question in the New York Times followed by the idiotic explanation "I don't know much about Mormonism" by Huckabee is only the last straw in a series of underhanded, manipulative tricks to grab voters away from Romney based soley on his religion. Not sure who I'm going to vote for, but at this point it's anyone but Huckabee.

What a joke!! Imagine a country where only chistians as defined by Mike Huckabee were welcome. I cannot believe the people of Iowa are letting themselves be pandered to like this. I love the subliminal cross in the background. Isn't that a Nazi swastika being formed by the tree branches? This guy is so dangerous for America. Beware of wolves in sheeps clothing. The Democrats are licking their chops hoping that this guy is the republican nominee. Wake up folks he is about to ruin our party.

I think we have a potential nausea situation here. Warning: If you have had even two minutes of education or a free mind, do not read the flood of comments that is about to occur.

Bible thumpers, you're up! Be a star! Don't stop till you are foaming at the mouth and spasming.

It is a bad choice to mix religion and politics. There are many religions in the US so good luck in appealing all voters.

Hey, All you liberal cry babies, wipe your tears. Huckabee is the Man.Finally a man of Character with fresh Ideas.
Merry Christmas.

More interesting than Mike Huckabee's ad are the vitrolic, sarcastic reactions by people everywhere (including this blog). But this has been going on since Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you say I am"? Sadly, the Scriptures prove true yet again as it is clear that the broad road is paved by far more souls than the one less travelled. God bless you Mike - whether the masses of this world acknowledge it or not - what Christ did for us in 6 hours on the cross matters far more than all the blather and all the useless words about politics and politicians that have been uttered since the dawn of civiliation.

Don't mind saying that I'm a loyal die hard Republican and I've been politically active in every presidential campaign since the first Reagan election in 1980.

I believe Mike Huckabee and his TV ad staff have pulled off one of the most savy moves I seen in Presidential election campaigns in the last 30 years!!!

I find nothing wrong with a political candidate from either party setting a side the political ads for 7 – 10 days and spending ad dollars to wish the electorate a Merry Christmas.

Leave it to a Christian Republican to get it right. Best of all, coming from Mike Huckabee, you know he's sincere.

Please enough of RELIGION!!!

Let's work out our problems, not create new ones.

Look at the cross (window).

Please wake up America. Please wake up. Our founding fathers explicity stated that church and state should be separate. Huckabee would be a slightly more radical form of George Bush, intent on legislating his morality and turning ouir democracy into a theocracy. If you want a religious leader, go to church. For a president, keep religion out of it.

Lighten up, folks! He just want to wish people 'Merry Christmas'. And if you are a Christian, then celebrate the birth of Christ.

I don't think he's the kind of person that would impose faith on other people. However, he's a man of faith, and it guides him. And so far, I think it guides him well, in contrast to Bush, who is also a man of faith.

As far as Christ and Satan being brothers – if you think larger, that we are all created by 'God', that we are a family, Christ and Satan might as well be brothers with different characteristics. Of course, I can't speak for Mormons and what they believe.

Anyway, Merry Christmas to all.

Merry Christmas, Gov. Huckabee.

Hope you enjoy your retirement in Arkansas and have many more joyous holiday seasons.

Huckabee is getting Christian supporters because he lives his life based on Christian principles. Glenn Beck is very angry at Huckabee, even saying that he should ask "Huckabee's God" on his radio program. I'm sorry, but a mormon is not a Christian. They believe that Jesus is almost equal to us. When Christians believe Jesus is God. I don't believe Huckabee is trying to sell himself as a Christian, but to show that his morals are Christian based. And I believe people vote based on one's morals. I actaully really like Glenn Beck, but I may stop watching him if he keeps trying to press his religion as Christian and how mad he is at Huckabee.

Huckabee is not afraid to celebrate the real Christmas and say so.
Do you know why you are celebrating Christmas?

Huckabee is wishing us a Merry Christmas. Meanwhile, while Huck is sending out Christmas cards, using and exploting Jesus Christ, and no doubt feeding his formerly fat face this Christmas, he should be thinking about the thousands of dead U.S. soldiers and the broken families they've left behind, and the millions of Iraqis whose lives have been turned upside down thanks to the Bush Bandwagon, which he enthusiastically supported over the years.

I just know that Huck will be able to use his knowledge of the Bible to become a basis of knowledge to construct an economic plan. It would definately be better than someone who has 2 degrees in both Harvard and BYU, in both business and law, with top honors in both, along with numerous successful business ventures.
Afterall, Huckabee could hire the swift boat veteran guy to drive a swift boat to barter and sell Bibles to the Chinese, so that they won't just dump all of the trillions of dollars that they are thinking of dumping. And if they refuse, then another Huck supporter, Chuck Norris, could beat the excrement out of them to comply. This would be great. Then he could send some of those other supporters, like the old pro wrestlers, i.e. Ric Flair, to back him up. They could then sell cheese whiz in a can by the case loads, Red Man Chewing Tabacco, cloudy Arkansas diamonds, along with Nascar posters. Then we will be able to get more free trade and balance our trade deficit. This will definately get us out of our impending financial crisis next year. After all, the whole world will be charmed by Huck's "authenticity" of character that the common folk in Iowa and South Carolina are looking for. Well America, your finally waking up.

All Mike wants for Christmas is higher taxes...

Excellent post Marti of San Diego. I couldn't have said it better.

I normally don't say something like this, but wouldn't it be appropriate to also wish people a Happy Hanukkah and simply a wonderful time with family? Don't get me wrong, I think we need to remember the meaning of Christ's birth, but Christmas in America is an occasion for all Americans, not just Christians.

Nice Christian cross–oh, sorry, "inadvertant light scenario"–in the background, Mike. Wow, we really are sucked-in by ueber-commercialism and its accompanying symbolism that would appeal to a five-year-old mentality in this country, huh? Oh, that and mega-churches, as well.... How embarrassing.

Oh, and since a lot of us oddly seem to need to drag him into absolutely every discussion we ever conduct, here you go: wherever Jesus is, I'm fairly certain he must be embarrassed for us, too...

The message is very nice, but I can't help but question the motive. Hmmm. Maybe just another way to say. "Look, I'm the Christian candidate".

Merry Christmas to you too Mike. I still don't want you for a president!

Oh no! He's not just satisfied screwing the voting public. Now he's out to screw Santa too?

Sorry Mike, one loser from Hope, Arkansas is more than enough.

What is particularly disturbing about this ad is the none-too-subliminal image of the cross in the background that floats behind Gomer's head.

Please Iowa, NH, and South Carolina, don't fall for these shenanigans from Chuck-abee. Don't let this country turn into a theocracy like Iran! It's not what the Founding Fathers would have wanted.

huck's religious pandering is disgusting. after bush do we really need another god-first prez who is basically ignorant of history, the constitution, and foreign policy?

Umm, does anyone know anything about religion these days? "Christmas" started as a pagan holiday celebrating renewal of life with the passing of the year, the continuation of life, then transitioned into Yuletide, and then turned into Christmas when the Christ Birth story was written, many years after Christ died on the cross. Where do you people think the tree came from?
Seriously, think about your beliefs before you base policy or political opinions on them.

Don't you understand that one of the reasons Mike put this ad up is because of the disgusting tone currently in politics? Anyone who watched Huckabee's interivew with Larry King tonight could tell that he is truly a genuine person. He is, in no way, forcing anything down anyone's throats. Oh yea...and 94% of Americans celebrate Christmas.

Anyone else notice the "floating cross" in the background? Don't be fooled folks. Huckleberry is always in campaign-mode trying to invoke Jesus to bring out knuckleheads like Chuck Norris to support him.

Also, does he keep his family locked up in the basement somewhere. I never see them with him on the campaign trail. Perhaps, because they too have skeletons in their closet. Like father like son... Since when do "Boy Scouts" strangle and murder dogs to death? Huckabee's son should do time with Michael Vick!

Bush says he talks to God all the time. What has this accomplished? It hasn’t stopped Bush from telling blatant lies like “Rumsfeld will stay”, “We were never stay the course”, etc. Bush’s tax cuts and favoritism for the rich people show he ignores God’s word that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”. Bush showed he didn’t care about the Christians in New Orleans after Katrina. Bush has steadfastly refused to let people who work for him put their hands on a Bible and swear to tell the truth.

God certainly didn’t tell Bush he didn’t know what he was doing when he sent thousands of our brave Christians to Iraq to die or be maimed for reasons that were false. God certainly didn’t warn Bush about the 9/11 attacks, although He had 8 months to do so. Bush was so unconcerned about an attack, that he took a month’s vacation just before 9/11. The attackers were enemies of God as well as enemies of our Christians, but God still didn’t tell Bush.
Do we need another president who can talk to God and get nothing out of the conversation?

The love that Jesus had shown and the sacrifice he did for us all makes him unique. When you hear all the hate and willingness to kill another person in the very reason of a convction, remember only Jesus can heal the hearts.
Huckabee is bold, he stands firm on his principles. He stands out from every one else. Hope he brings some peace to this world .... the peace of God.

Our current calendar is based upon the birth of Christ. Would you change that because Christianity is not your chosen religion. Christmas is a Christian holiday. It is true that many elements that make up the current holiday come from other traditions, but these traditions are not Christmas. There is a difference. It is kind of like implying that C.S. Lewis’ apologetic writings on Christianity aren’t totally Christian because he was an atheist prior to his conversion. And while admittedly there are many elements to our modern observation of Christmas that are not particularly “religious,” Christmas as a holiday was intended to commemorate the Christ child.

Jesus would not like this

Someone should tell Mike Hick-abee that charity and wellwishing begins at home. In 1998 his son was involved in the hanging of a stray dog in Arkansas and when the attorney wanted to investigate the case, guess what Gomer Pie himself he did: he obstructed justice by not letting the police officer involved release information.

Mike Huckabee is a two faced redneck who needs to stick to losing weight and counting his carbs.

To all you negative writers:
Huckabee is not attacking but wishing you a Merry Christmas. Are your hearts so hardened that you can't even accept the ad for what it is? No one is perfect and you can't please everyone. Mike huckabee has his faults too – just like you and me – we're "human" and we aren't perfect. Let's not always think there's an alternative motive for this ad. Take it for what it is... a video Christmas Card! Thank you, Mr. Huckabee and Merry Christmas to you and your family too.

Wasn't it just five minutes ago that this idiot was saying that he was not pandering to the uber religious right???

Now a Christmas add with a glowing white cross behind him???

This guy is slime

Could someone please explain to me why Christianity is so intensely hated by some individuals? I just don't understand. It is not as if Christians are running around killing people or carjacking. What has Christianity ever done to these people to be so fiercely attacked? Just curious

I like this ad, not because its Christian, but because its honest. Huckabee has guts to go out there in a politically correct world and stand for the real meaning of Christmas. Like him or not Huckabee is not ashamed of who he is.

I write as a native daughter of Iowa (originally) and as a middle-class wife, mother, and church-going Christian. I find Huckabee's "Silent Night" ad completely inappropriate for a Presidential campaign. The last thing we need in the White House in the next term is another President who will pander to fundamentalist Christians in this nation who, like Huackabee, believe that the concept of evolution is an invention that denies the hand of God in human creation, and that, in fact, the world was created about 5,000 years ago.

....Finally, a man of good moral character running for the oval office. Huckabee is the only sensible choice for the White House.

even a former Baptist minister will not be able to defeat the 'pure evil' of HER ROYAL MAJESTY, the smartest woman in the world.

thats some talk for someone not running for 'pastor-in-chief'. slick trick Huskster!

LOL another "I love God, vote for me" political add.

Lets put aside the politicking before anymore dirt comes up and reaffirm that I and the most christianny of the candidates and the Romney is a cultist...

Anyone else get that vibe?

I think "Huck" is great. Keep it up! You really surprised a lot of people. Thanks for your sensitivity to people's feelings.

You have a great record in Arkansas. Just be faithful to what God wants yo to do. You are doing well by keeping clean and speaking to the people. I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Iowa, and in New Hampshire, and in South Carolina ....

Huckabee is offensive and a hack. I am a Christian and I think that Huckabee is USING his religion for his personal gain. That is sad.

Sometimes all there is to say is......Good Grief.

Pander City.

As soon as these early primaries are over he'll vanish out the back door and leave these brides-to-be standing at the altar.

So many of you sound like some of those people who were making fun of Noah when he was building the ark. Why so many of you consider Christian beliefs so offensive is beyond me...and very sad and unfortunate. You call Huckabee a bigot....I see no bigotry from him. However, I consistently see hatred and bigotry from people like many of you, against people like Huckabee who openly express their beliefs. Stop the bigotry...and the hypocracy.

Adam, you are exactly right.

It's more than a little coincidental that he chose those states, methinks.

I also agree with those that say that the LAST thing we need is another "Christian" in the office. Religion and politics are separate, period. The fact that the GOP is quite likely going to choose a Southern Baptist preacher who takes the Bible as the literal word of god scares me just a little.

*sigh*

Please Michael.

What's the point?

I intend to tell every elder I can not to fall for this type of campaign.

Jesus is Jesus. Leave it alone.

WELL DONE HUCK!!

Is it a little curious that the only people Mike Huckabee is concerned about having a "magnificent Christmas season" is Christians in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina? I feel like I've heard about those three states... are they relevant for something?

A cheap panderer. Enjoy your 15 minutes you dumb bigot.

Sorry Mike, one loser from Hope, Arkansas is more than enough.

Neither advocates a strong national defense and neither served their country in uniform, and we saw how Clinton decimated the military.

Electing two capitulating doofuses from Hope would be absolutely stupid!

You have got to be kidding me!! I am in shock. No matter how many times he wants to say it's not about religion and then he throws this ad out there...with specific references to Christianity...

Pander Pander Pander!!! Enough! Why don't you try and explain why so many of your policies were quite liberal in nature.

This is ridiculous people. I actually liked Mike for a while...before I really examined his record and positions. Now, the guy scares me. He is riding the "we like Mike" wave based nearly entirely on his religion and his folksy Southern charm.

...and many of y'all are buying it hook, line, and sinker. Sanity check – Sunday sermons, one-liners, and a nice accent don't solve problems. PROVEN LEADERSHIP ABILITY is what we really need.

I'm voting for Romney – they guy with the most complete set of leadership credentials.

Wow, Huckabee totally ripped off Ron Paul's Christmas ad.

Please, oh please, don't let this preacher be elected The *last* thing we need is another "Christian" in the White House.

Huckabee: Yet another pseudo-Christian who evidently never reads the bible he pounds on, especially the passage delivered out of the mouth of Christ 'You cannot serve God and mamon both; you must chose one or the other.'
The real threat with Huckabee is that he is disarming, socially adept and has a great sense of humor but, then again, so does satan!

Yayyyyy...a religious theocracy in America. I can't wait for the Huckabus to roll up to the White House in January '09 because God will be behind us and we'll be able to do even better in our 21st Century crusades to the Middle East to kill all the evil heathens who live there. Merry Xmas!

Using God and religion to get people to vote for you is bad enough, but using Christmas as a political add is just pitiful. This Huckabee is the lowest form of life and people who fall for it deserve what they will get.

Hello Iowa, I have no record to run on, and I'm going to get slaughtered by my opponents in January. But Merry Christmas anyways.

Personaly I think it is wonderfull that in our politically correct to the point of barfing country. Huckabee has the guts to thank Jesus Christ in this the Christmas Season. I watched Glen Beck Monday night (do not ask me why)and there he went again saying he was "pissed" at Huckabee for his question/comment about Mormonism. Never mind that the question was completly accurate as plainly recorded in Mormon literature. If asking about Jesus and Satan being 'spirit brothers of the same father' is so negative then Mormonism should change their stated beliefs. Glen then went on about how all Christians should be tolerant of all faiths like he is. Glen, Mormons state in their written beliefs that the only way to salvation is through the Mormon Church. Is that the tolerance you profess? Be honest Glen, your anti Huckabee ranting is based on your elect Romney agenda.

You got his quote wrong. Typical. After he says "...the birth of Christ..." he says "...and spending time with family and friends."
How hard is it to get it right?

Your quote is wrong. You have cut out "and being with our family and our friends." This goes after "the birth of Christ."

Why was this left out?

I was expecting Chuck Norse to show up at the end of the ad. Huckabee would be a good president but I bet he'll end up the number two man for any candidate but Romney.

This is a nice change of pace. I do realize his message is "Christian", but without the birth of Jesus, there would be no celebration. I think this is a very positive message amid the crowded trash we've come to expect from politicians.

Keep religion out of politics.

Like everything else, Huckabee copies Ron Paul, who put his Christmas greeting out over a week ago. The difference is the biased main stream media covers Huckabee and pretends his idea is original.

Ron Paul, the only man with original ideas and the only man who doesn't need a think tank to tell him what to say.