Mutt really needs to get a new hobby. All i've seen from him so far is slammin on Huckabee. But i guess if you don't have any ideas of your own the next step would be to slam others.

For some reason, every time I see Romney's name, I think of Rommel. Huh.

I understand the need for attack ads but if Huckabee wins the nomination, Romney's attacks will be used as fodder by the Democrats. A united Republican party can defeat a group of disorganized Democrats even after the poor approval ratings of Bush.

McCain/Huckabee in 2008!

In a battle between a fringe Christian cultist like Romney and a Bible-thumper telecandidate like Huckabee, it's a no-brainer for the Huckster. No matter, however, because neither is electable.

New Poll from Insider Advantage is showing Romney back in front in Iowa.
Romney 28.0
Huckabee 25.1

See http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/ia/iowa_republican_caucus-207.html

Huck-a-chuck, oh no, people are actually looking at your presidential qualifications now instead of your rhetoric and nice guy save the orphans mentality. Did you know that we actually need a leader, not a nice guy in the office. You may be popular among those who consider your personality above your policies, but another like Romney is far better qualified to actually LEAD the nation. I like you Huck, but your not for the presidential position, our nation is at a critical time, and I just care too much about it to have you or a Dem in office. Actually, I'd rather have a Dem.

JESUS WILL SMITE YOU ROMNEY! Leave Huckabee be!

Huckabee's turn under the heat lamp. He is kind of coming out like a…democrat?

He might think we wont' sour on his attack ads, but I sure have.

I'm already soured on negative campaigning. I don't care what you think of your opponents. Tell me your ideas! I'll make up my own mind. I've even been inclined to vote against candidates just because I can't take any more of their nasty negative campaigning.

By going negative, Mitt Romney proves that with over 11 months left to go before the election, his campaign is out of steam and he is out of ideas.

Pack it in, Mitt. It's over.

As a W. European national and therefore a non-USA citizen (now in it's 15th year in the USA on a visa, is it ever possible to get a Green Card?) I find the attacks that the various candidates fire at each other EXTREMELY pityful. The only two candiddates that get my FULL RESPECT are Mike Huckabee and Barak Obama, both of whom make a professionally clean impression and are clear when it comes for what they stand (see their websites).

I like Mitt misuing the word "liberal" in an attempt to associate it with being weak on crime and weak on illegal immigration. Very classy

This religious romney keeps attacking his rivals - giuliani, mccain, and now huckabee.

He has wasted a lot of his money raised. I cannot imagine how he manage the america budget if he gets elected.

I cannot imagine that a president keeps wasting time on his rivals instead of telling people what he will do for the country.

Romney is not a president materail.

The facts appearing in this come from an associated press release, not his own information. Hardly an attack - just setting the record straight. Dig a little deeper and you'll see there's much more behind the smiles of Huckabee. Hardly a record that will unite a conservative base.

If Romney is so secure in his campaign then why does he find it so necessary to play dirty politics every time I turn around. I for one would be most appreciative to find a couple of candidates who aren't mud slingers.

Come on CNN. "Attacks" As your own article states, Romney "draw(s) a contrast with the former Arkansas governor" That is far from attacking. What a needless negative word.

I firmly support what Romney is doing. Huck sure doesn't want to talk about his record in AK, whereas Romney is happy to talk about his in MA. In this case, all he's doing, as you aptly describe it, is drawing a contrast between the two records. He's making the issue simple for people. You could even argue that if people agree with what Huckabee did that the ad is actually pro-Huckabee. If Huck is proud of what he did, he ought to thank Mitt for the free air time in communicating his record to the voters.

He really doesnt' have to, Huckabee attacks himself. Is anyone keeping track of how many ridiculous things Huck says?

It is almost unbelievable that Mitt Romney would try to use the subject of illegal immigration to criticize anyone.

People who are concerned about illegal immigration need to know something about Mitt Romney that he isn't going to tell you.

Here in Utah — a state with which Romney has deep philosophical and emotional ties (remember who saved the 2002 Olympics, everyone?) — we already have what basically amounts to a "sanctuary" policy in place. We are one of the mere handful of states that actually permits an illegal alien to obtain a driver's license, which in turn opens the door to automobile loans, rental arrangements, mortgages, bank accounts, etc — in other words, all those things that people who have broken our laws need in order to be able to continue to function in American society. Even employees of government agencies — welfare workers, law enforcement, child and family service workers, etc — are all "strongly discouraged" and many times forbidden outright from reporting illegal aliens to ICE when they encounter them (as I know first hand, being a state employee who has received just such admonitions).

But wait. Is this because Utah is such a progressive state, so well known for its tradition of liberal thought?

Hardly.

Utah's sanctuary policy stems directly from the influence and control of the LDS Church, whose members make up 99% of the State Legislature. The LDS Church (of which Mr. Romney so recently reminded us that he is an active, fully believing member) openly encourages this "don't ask, don't tell" approach to illegals largely because of such people's Hispanic origins, based on the church's desire to counteract the theme of racism toward native Americans contained in the Book of Mormon. (Please don't take my word for this — you can go to any search engine and enter the words: Mormon, Indian, skin, white — and you will learn that the Book of Mormon casts God Himself as a white-skinned racist who curses people by giving them dark skin in order to promote segregation. Little known, seldom spoken of, but true.)

So even though Mr. Romney may say one thing on the subject of illegal immigration in order to try to win over your vote, he has another master to serve with different ideas that he will have to consider. So I'd like to issue the following challenge to Mr. Romney on the matter of illegal immigration:

Governor Romney, if you truly are opposed to the sanctuary policies you accuse your opponents of, then please put your actions where your current rhetoric is. You may not have ever been the governor of Utah, but you know perfectly well that you carry weight and influence in the Beehive State. I challenge you to publicly call on Utah's Governor John Huntsman and the Utah Legislature to repeal the sanctuary policies mentioned above, and to henceforward require all persons acting in any official capacity in state or local government throughout Utah to vigorously assist ICE and other federal agencies in the enforcement of existing immigration law.

I further challenge your own staff to bring this situation to your urgent attention, and I invite your opponents and the media to monitor and report on whether you are willing to confront the sanctuary policies encouraged by your own religious leaders in Utah or not.

If you don't, can't, or won't do this, then anything you have to say about anyone else's positions or actions concerning illegal immigration must be taken as the empty words of a mere politician.

When you have to put someone down to try to make yourself look good it doesnt say much for your moral character. Your character is whats important. If you really are concerned for our country why not let your record of office speak for itself. What do you think the outcome would be if you never bashed your opponent and just focused on showing your stats. An honest politician has yet to be seen. Our Government is corrupt with money hungry hidden agenda bad mouthed politicians who have run our country to the ground. And to think as a United States Marine I protected your right to do so.

I'm amazed at how much hatred there is in the political scene. I am passionate about our future too, but the hatred is not necessary. I wonder how many of the people that will post comments here voted for democrats in the last election. All of you who did, and are critical of Romney, are hypocrites! Has there been even 1 democrat renounce the endless name calling and bashing that President Bush takes on a daily basis? To my knowledge, NOT ONE! The libs call him everything from a liar (without even a shred of evidence to support it), to Hitler, and on and on and on. By the way, just a hint for the libs; just because you slander someone all the time and repeat it over and over, doesn't make what you're saying true. I'm sick of all the venomous Bush bashing. Do you really think that it was the terrorist plan to come topple over some buildings and kill thousands and then start a new hobby the next day? Of course, they wanted to keep going and going until we are all dead. We all know this. But, because of President Bush's policies, there hasn't been another attack on our land, and the terrorists are either dead, or living likes rats in their caves. Has he been perfect? NO, but he's been great, and kept us safe. I would bet my life savings that if a democrat wins in '08 that we will have an attack in the first half of the first term, equal or greater than what we suffered through on 9/11.

Some conservatives are guilty of the same abandonment and name calling as the libs, but by far and away it's the libs that are the big offenders here!

Back to Romney's so called "dirty politics", is it dirty politics to point out a competitors weaknesses in a previously held office? Let me answer for you, NO. The answer is NO. To my understanding, this is all Romney is doing. It does highlight differences between the two men.

I'm really getting sick of the religious attacks too, like by Jeff Spangler of Arlington Virginia. I know lots of Mormons, and they are some of the finest, most honest people I know. They don't believe all the same things as most of us, but so what? All their church does is good things around the world, and as I mentioned, the members are very good people. Haters of Romney because of his faith, and Mormons in general, are simply ignorant bigots.

Now, before you go thinking I am just a Romney fan, know that I have not ruled him out, but am at this time leaning towards Juliani. But, if Romney gets the nod for the Republicans, I would vote for him without any reluctance what so ever.

After months of spending from a bottomless wallet, Willard the Mitt finds himself trailing a broke candidate. The signs of desperation are flooding the airwaves in his cheesy ads. What's happening now may or may not be the signs of an ascending Huckleberry, but it sure is a sign of an imploding Willard the Mitt campaign.

I found Huckabee's response to Romney's ad very revealing. While Huckabee cannot afford to run ads, he sure knows how to use the media and appears vindictive of his criticism of Romney in front of the media. Too bad Huckabee quit his Master's degree program. While Romney remains on the issues in his ads, Huckabee uses his religion and his "I haven't realized the American dream" speech for positioning. Imagine a weekly speech from simile Huckabee on world affairs. "Our trouble with Cuba is like those experienced by Elementary School students…" At least Romney finished his schooling and has shown success at turning situations around.

When I look at (and hear) Romney, I see George Bush. If you want 4 more years of Bush, vote for Romney. he wants Huckster to apologize to Bush??? The hypocrisy! He should be apologizing to us for supporting and enabling Bush to wreak havoc on our wonderful country.

Mr Romney might want to see my holiday card. I am the solution provider for the divine Mother Meera.:

MADONNA!!!!!!!!!! Butcher Tammuz Lesbos? Not again?!?

Love, HoneyBunny

Posted by NEWSSTAND GUY | December 18, 2007 8:59 PM

Comment (25) http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2007/12/breaking_news_well_its_not_act.php

The attacks are clearly working in Iowa, as the latest just-released poll has Huckabee sliding, and back in a tie with Mitt Romney. Link.

Hey, if it weren't for the mud slinging and the sleaze, you people would be watching Desperate Housewives. Come on, admit it.

I am a conservative Republican from a born-again Christian family of the conservative Lutheran type. We would never vote for Huckabee. He is a liberal on all issues to the right of gays and abortion. He has several Willie Hortons and higher taxes in his past. Why is he a Repub? I'd vote for Romney before Huckabee.

Romney is a pathetic politician. Why doesn't he share his views on how to lead our great nation? I watched a CNN interview with Romney and he said, "America needs new leadership." Does that mean that he hates Bush? Of course not… Just because someone (Huckabee) has a new vision for our country doesn't mean the politician hates our country. Romney, get a new hobby. I'm sick of these attacks. Grow up. Romney is a John Kerry version of the Republican Party. Rich (worth 250 million), handsome, do anything for a vote, and fake.

"He is kind of coming out like a…democrat?"

Posted By Travis

I agree.

Wayne, Greenville TX:

You wish it was over. It is only the beginning. One of your beloved dems is next in line. Just wait and watch.

Always fascinating to see the definition of "negative" and how it changes. I'm not voting for Mitt. He's a flip-flopper but what is "negative" about pointing out Preacher Mike's record? He did pardon many criminals, his policy on immigration is there for all to see, he proposed people with aids be rounded up and hauled away, believes that women should submit graciously to their husbands and does not believe in evolution.

If you agree, vote for Huck! That's not being negative, that's who he is. Being negative is when you ask, with an innocent look on your round face, "don't Mormans believe that Satan is Jesus's brother?" That grabs the headlines and the whimpy apology gets buried on page 5. Good ol' Christian values!

So Mr. "profoundly influenced by his Christian faith" Romney criticizes Huckabee for actually following Christian values.

Personally I like Huckabee although I disagree with him on abortion and homosexual rights. I just don't think Republican voters will vote for him because of he raised taxes and freed converted Christian prisoners early. Republicans are always saying they're Christian but don't ever get past the vengeance of the Old Testament and the gay-hating part of Leviticus.

I can't imagine the kind of loony-liberal-lovefest we'd have in this country if we ever did manage to elect Jesus.

Romney.. why not try to put out ads specifying EXACTLY what YOU will be doing to change America, instead of attacking your opponents.

Mitt's mud-flinging will not win more votes. Its been proven before.

And also, the fact Mitt owns and run businesses doesn't carry much weight with me. Our current president was also a business owner and a governor. Did that make him any more able to run this country?

Look at the economy and the debt and the messy war we have on our hands. I think not.

Romney is claiming no more credible experience that Bush has.

Mr Romney, you seem to be proud that you granted no pardons. That should be your shame. Anthony Circosta deserved a full pardon from his incident when he was 13. Shame on you for refusing to grant him a pardon and shame on you for putting your political future ahead of the needs of your people. The only way you'd get my vote in the general election is if my democrats select Hillary.

Mitt is only trying to educate people about the things Huckabee has said and done. I don't see that as negative because it is honest. He has not gone after him on his gift registry, taking money from special interests groups while govenor for speeches. Huckabee was on the today show complaining about Wall Street interests and saying bad things about Romney. Mitt actually created wealth, turned around Staples and the Olympics. I never thought becoming wealthy by hard work was bad Huckabee actually thinks his begging people for money while leaving office was somehow more noble.

What Mitt is doing is up front and honorable campaigning. He is not attacking Huck's character or personal life. He is spotlighting Hucks public positions and record in office—a legitimate target.

By comparrison, look at Hillary's recent spotlighting of Obama's drug use as a youth.

Yep. Huckabee deserves scrutiny just like everyone else. He doesn't get a free pass just because he arrived at the dance late. In fact, Huck's record on crime IS terrible. Romney, on the other hand, has been outstanding on crime. I'm voting for Romney.

There's a huge difference between an "attack" ad and a "contrast" ad. Mitt is running CONTRAST ads. C'mon people. Candidates deserve to be educated about the differences between candidates. It would be like an employer going to hiring someone without knowing all the strengths and weaknesses of a candidate. Romney is doing us a service by showing us Huck's soft record on crime. The guy who is abusing his identity as a Christian to get votes is not flyer under rader any more. Good!

Why is the truth called an attack?

So many are focused on Huckabee's relegion and his humor that they totally look over his VERY POOR political record.

Wake up!!!!!!!

Mitt Romney is telling people what they have ignored because they have fallen victim to the Huckabee "good ol' boy humor and good Christian heart smoke screen".

How many people have I heard say, "I can overlook his stand on illegals and poor tax record because he seems like a genuine candidate".

WHAT! We are not voting for "Miss Congeniality" here people! We are voting for a person who can run our country!

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

oh, how ridiculous some of these comments are. please, if you are in the lead or the flavor-of-the-month you will catch heat from others. grow a thicker skin if you don't like it. this is the nature of politics. why is it a surprise? these people are fighting for the presidency. they will pull out all the stops. sheesh!

If Romney is a fake like liberal commenters have claimed, the 2002 Olympics wouldn't have been successful at all.

Hey "Jesus" stay out of it! church and state doesn't work…so I'm told. Huckabee started his slam, now it's his turn to get it fight back. I don't care if Romney wins or not, but if Huckabee wants to stay on top, he better earn it, to be the man, you have to beat the man, Huckabee isn't the man, I don't think can ge use to the idea of calling a guy "president Huckabee" just doesn't sound good.

Mr Romney, you seem to be proud that you granted no pardons. That should be your shame. Anthony Circosta deserved a full pardon from his incident when he was 13. Shame on you for refusing to grant him a pardon and shame on you for putting your political future ahead of the needs of your people. The only way you'd get my vote in the general election is if my democrats select Hillary.

Posted By Bill, San Diego, Ca : December 19, 2007 10:13 am

His over 1000 pardons aside Bill, are you aware that he also pardoned 12 nice people that commited MURDER?

Situational pardons are one thing, bleeding heart ones are a whole other ball game.

I agree with Governor Romney. On the one hand Huckabee seems TOO sensitive, granting a lot of pardons especially to convicts who "found religion." On the other hand Huckabee is too insensitive, making comments that could be easily seen as divisive and Christians Only focused.

The cumulative effect of Romney and Huckabee telling me they've accepted Jesus as their personal lord and savior: I've just about disowned my faith. I have no desire whatsoever to associate my own religion with these poster boys of Christianity. Shut up and run for president, so the rest of us can worship in peace.

To those of you who don't know where Romney stands on the issues, you obviously haven't been listening. Visit Romney's website where you can find answers to all of your questions. You may also do a little independent research and find out many of his incredible accomplishments.

Huckabee is the schmuck who seems to answer every serious question with some stupid joke. While everyone thinks,"Oh look at the funny politician" he totally ducks the question! H-E-L-L-o?

But by all means attack the smart guy, and leave the moron to entertain you. Brilliant!

By going negative, Mitt Romney proves that with over 11 months left to go before the election, his campaign is out of steam and he is out of ideas.

Pack it in, Mitt. It's over.

Posted By Wayne, Greenville TX : December 18, 2007 6:17 pm
—————————————
You know I just don't get it. Romney points out political differences and because Huckabee is clearly the skunk it is considered an attack!

These differences are of major importance, crime, immigration, taxes etc. Just because a few of you actually study the issues, many who vote do not.

Huckabee seems friendly enough, but really stinks on most of the political issues. I don't think Romney saying. "Here are the differences between us" is an attack–it's just information. If it were false information it would be different, but it's the truth. Take it for what it's worth. Isn't the etire race a comparison of candidates? What's the problem?

Who said negetive ads do not work in Iowa? Romney has his polsters and does not have money to burn on ineffective or detrimental ads!