Comments on: Huckabee launches Christmas ad

By: sara

sara — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:36:18 +0000

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

By: Chuck

Chuck — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:15:22 +0000

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.

By: Christy, Houston, TX

Christy, Houston, TX — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 03:18:22 +0000

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!

By: David A. Linkenheimer, East Brady, Pa.

David A. Linkenheimer, East Brady, Pa. — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:38:37 +0000

I think Christianity is a pious fraud soon to explode.

By: Karen, Chino CA

Karen, Chino CA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:53:41 +0000

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.

By: Carol, Memphis TN

Carol, Memphis TN — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:51:39 +0000

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.

By: Richard Richmond Virginia

Richard Richmond Virginia — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:26:02 +0000

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.

By: Angry Viewer

Angry Viewer — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:50:30 +0000

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.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:45:11 +0000

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.

By: Adam--Milwaukee, WI

Adam--Milwaukee, WI — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 16:42:52 +0000

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.

By: RightyTighty

RightyTighty — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:47:19 +0000

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!!

By: Lina Hobble, Jacksonville FL

Lina Hobble, Jacksonville FL — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:57:23 +0000

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.

By: Garret, Toronto, Ontario

Garret, Toronto, Ontario — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:32:09 +0000

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

By: James Tampa, FL

James Tampa, FL — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 06:42:57 +0000

Here here Mr. Huckabee!

By: Don't be stupid.

Don't be stupid. — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 05:23:40 +0000

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.

By: JB, Salt Lake City UT

JB, Salt Lake City UT — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 03:54:45 +0000

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..."

By: John Lee, Alpharetta, Ga

John Lee, Alpharetta, Ga — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 01:30:09 +0000

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!

By: Beverly, Marysville OH

Beverly, Marysville OH — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:49:04 +0000

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.

By: Monti Taylor Madisonville Ky

Monti Taylor Madisonville Ky — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:48:00 +0000

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.

By: j Castro Valley, California

j Castro Valley, California — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:18:25 +0000

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.

By: Brad Lippert, Sabetha, Kansas

Brad Lippert, Sabetha, Kansas — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 22:58:24 +0000

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.

By: David, Gilbert Arizona

David, Gilbert Arizona — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:51:36 +0000

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.

By: Bobby Laurens, SC

Bobby Laurens, SC — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:20:14 +0000

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!!

By: Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL

Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:56:37 +0000

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!

By: Tom - Dedham, Mass

Tom - Dedham, Mass — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:52:43 +0000

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".

By: Myths are for Kids, NYC NY

Myths are for Kids, NYC NY — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:41:56 +0000

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.

By: Melanie Grayson Muskogee, Ok

Melanie Grayson Muskogee, Ok — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:24:52 +0000

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!

By: Ian, Eastham MA

Ian, Eastham MA — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:07:13 +0000

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.

By: Brady, Durham, NC

Brady, Durham, NC — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:06:43 +0000

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.

By: Maggie, GA

Maggie, GA — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:00:31 +0000

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.

By: Ted, Phoenix, AZ

Ted, Phoenix, AZ — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:55:26 +0000

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.

By: Mary, Eugene, OR

Mary, Eugene, OR — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:45:24 +0000

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.

By: Michael, Honolulu HI

Michael, Honolulu HI — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:04:47 +0000

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!!

By: What year is it? NYC, NY

What year is it? NYC, NY — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 17:01:52 +0000

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.

By: Janice Pfeiffer Bellingham MA

Janice Pfeiffer Bellingham MA — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:49:23 +0000

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.

By: Terry, El Paso, TX

Terry, El Paso, TX — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:27:17 +0000

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.

By: Pontius Pilate

Pontius Pilate — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:20:50 +0000

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...

By: Cody Harding, Kinsley, KS

Cody Harding, Kinsley, KS — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:15:18 +0000

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.

By: John, Groveport, OH

John, Groveport, OH — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:12:57 +0000

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.

By: Derrick, Elk Grove, CA

Derrick, Elk Grove, CA — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:49:06 +0000

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.

By: Victoria Coeur D' Alene,Idaho

Victoria Coeur D' Alene,Idaho — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:46:43 +0000

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!

By: Carl G., Mount Vernon, MO

Carl G., Mount Vernon, MO — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:37:46 +0000

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".

By: Nate, Minneapolis, MN

Nate, Minneapolis, MN — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:30:09 +0000

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.

By: Dee, Nebraska

Dee, Nebraska — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:29:31 +0000

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

By: Babe, Hackensack, NJ

Babe, Hackensack, NJ — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:15:46 +0000

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

By: Carl Grant

Carl Grant — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:12:05 +0000

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

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:06:31 +0000

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....

By: Justin, Lincoln, NE

Justin, Lincoln, NE — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:59:38 +0000

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

By: Sara, Raleigh, NC

Sara, Raleigh, NC — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:57:50 +0000

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?

By: S.B. Stein E.B. NJ

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:43:55 +0000

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.