CNN

I am surprised at the lack of respect for a man who obviously is able in many ways. We as common citizens have no idea how much support it takes to be well-versed on international politics as the President of the United States. No one is really adequately prepared for this office unless they have been either Secretary of State or Vice President of the United States.

So I think if you have some really constructive criticism, you should with hold your decision on this until there is more substance to support chalking him off the list of prospective Presidents, just because of an off-the-cuff comment that isn't really being clearly reported either.

We need the media to back off on their editorialism. So often they use negative words to describe an event and it makes people judge too quickly, and not based on facts. We need to be wary of anything that comes from the media...even FOX is not completely unbiased. I have been amazed however in how blatently biased the MSNBC and CNN "reporting" has been in the past. It is almost embarassing the bias they have, and they refuse to admit it.

Please conduct yourselves with some intelligence. So many people follow along like sheep....look at the comments on this blog. Good example of that.

I am more concerned about his theological views related to country of Israel. Would he make foreign policy based on interests of US and it allies ? Or perhaps he just believes something like "God wants to have more west bank settlements" and make that belief part of US foreign policy ?

Mike Huckabee's comment show's he is alot smarter then most of the people posting a comment on this link. Why do I say this, becuse by the comments of most people, they believe just becausce Perez Musharrat lifted the country's state of martial law the country no longer operates in the manner it did under marital law. Perez Musharrat's step in in lifting martial law did not lifted the restrictions imposed on press, judges, others as Huckabee pointed out. Pakistan is still in much upheveal and the people of the country do not have the liberty we enjoy in our country. Huckabee openend his heart to us and told us when he see's the violence that surrounds politics in some countries it makes him happy he lives in this one. Closed minded people twist his words and others can't see past their own biases to see what Mike is actually saying. He is an honest, caring man, with a clearer understanding of reality then most.

Is it true that Huckabee's zip code is really e-i-e-i-oh?

As a Democrat all I can say is "OH GOD Please let Huckabee get the GOP nomination"...or Gulianni...or Romney...or...Thompson!

What a world we live in. Heaven help us all.

. . . #4

If you like Bush you'll love Huckabee! It's all here: the gaffes, uniformed, or just plain dumb comments, and the ever popular one dimensional thinking (re religious thinking vs using a God-given brain). Oh, go ahead and nominate him Repubs – the thought just warms Dem hearts everywhere!

Joe, you can't be serious? You're comparing the ignorance of a small, unknown congressperson to that of a man running to be leader of the free world? Of course one is more newsworthy than the other.

Steve Prost, you are so blind. How is ANY of this Romney's fault? Maybe Huck's abysmal tax and spend policies as Governor was also Romney's fault. Maybe Huck's complete lack of any foreign policy intelligence is also Romney's fault. Maybe Huck's complete flip-flop on illegal immigration in this country is also Romney's fault. And if Mike says something else stupid and the media reports it, that'll also be Romney's fault. Give me a break!

The fact is you are so blinded by this "Christian Leader" (I'm Christian) that you will do and say anything to cover his past faults and lack of anything we should consider to be Presidential material. He is NOT going to be the next President. The Democrats ARE going to slaughter this guy in the general election. The sooner you wake up and realize that the better. Romney's fault, give me a break

I love this guy...he is very funny, as in George Bush funny....his campaign theme should be "keep the world laughing...with presidential gaffing ...elect Mike Bushabee!"

Overall, Huckabee is a mixed bag to me....

In the debates, I thought Huckabee did better than the rest among the Republican bunch – I am a democrat myself.

That whole thing with bird hunting in Iowa was weird I thought and he looked like a buffoon to me with "I am an outdoors kinda guy" photo op thing.

These "gaffes" about Pakistan...well, honestly, I dunno....I dont think they are a big deal. Seems a little blown out of proportion honestly.

He added, "We ought to have immediate, very clear monitoring of our borders, and particularly to make sure if there's any unusual activity of Pakistanis coming into the country. We just need to be very, very thorough in looking at every aspect of our own security internally, because we live in a very dangerous time."

WHAT the hell?! This guy's absolutely clueless if he thinks we're going to see people on ships headed for the U.S. The 'dangerous time' line is so overused, it's cliche now.

Dumber than Bush...Vote the Huckster in 2008!!!

Come on Huck! Get that nomination so the Dems can have a landslide in November!!! Even Obama could beat him, course then we'd be in trouble too...

Is this guy clueless? This man has hardly any understanding by his statements, present and past, on international policy. I am sick of all of it. We have huge problems at home in the USA, than bankrupting us or constantly policing the rest of the world and thier problems. With out a doubt, Ron Paul is by far the best candidate on international policy, economy, etc in 2008. Just Google Ron Paul. Everybody is asking for change, change to what, more puppet presidents that are influenced by money and contributions by special interest groups. Look at the last 5 presidents, did they accomplish really anything, was there really any change? http://www.ronpaul2008.com/

What silliness. Is this all the criticism anyone can come up with on Huckabee?

The Media is trying really hard to define Huckabee in a way that is probably not accurate.

ThirstyJon
freedomthirst.com

oh, who got this one right.......told ya all, he meant "to start up again" CNN makes a lot of stories up.

Hucksterbee does it again. He proves each day how unequipped he is to be
president. I nominate him for archbishop.

William Memphis, TN
As a Christian Democrat, I take great exception to your post. We embrace diversity in our society more so than my former Republican Party these days. I agree with your assertion that tolerance is needed all around, and part of that should be learning to respect freedom of religion in this country starting at the top with our presidential candidates. They need to quit mixing religion and politics, which has contributed to some of the backlash you mentioned.

Huckbee is a likeable person, but he has serious issues with over speaking, creating a dangerous scenario for the highest office in our nation. Considering his strange comments at the NRA meeting, disrespectful Holocaust notion, pheasant killing comparison, lack of current information on the Iran NIE report, and now this, Huckabee does not prove well-suited to be our next president.

Take it from somebody from Arkansas when I tell you this Gov. Huckleberry is one crafty weasel. When I can stomach to listen to him for about 15 seconds I realized that he literally stole about three new ideals from Ron Paul. I don't take religion literally but I will beg someone who does believe in a literal Hebrew version of a diety named Yaweh that when you pray, please ask Yaweh to let this Gov. Huckleberry wine cup pass over us.

This man does not appear competent to represent the United States. He is much more well spoken than Bush (W) but seems to have a weaker grasp of policy and current events, particularly foreign matters. This is troubling since even a cursory reading of the newspaper would prevent a number of his woes.

A candidate whose knowledge of foreign policy is questionable.
We've been there, done that since '00, we DON'T need one more!
Please go home, Mr. Huckabee, and take your religion with you.

President Jimmie Carter hit it spot on when he stated "You cannot be the President of the United States and tell the truth". So who is the best lier to vote for?

I'm quite sure CNN won't allow this statement to post because it doesn't smear Huckabee, but I'm writing it anyway.

It's unbelievable that someone can drop a purposely misinformed statement into the airways, and all you self-righteous, "intelligent," expert, airmchair know-it-alls pounce like meat to the lions. If you know so much, why don't you run for President yourselves? GIVE ME A BREAK!!

CNN is the worst of all, i.e.: Wolf Blitzer...he can't stand Republicans in any shape, form, or fashion (and Christian believers, for that matter). He knows that if he drops innuendo, the ignorant masses (as proven by these stupid blog comments) go wild.

Huckabee hasn't mentioned his faith on his own–all the "nuances," as you call them, are coming from MEDIA. Huck WANTS to keep it separate, media won't let him...they are hung up on it . So sue him for exercising his constiutional right by politely answering their questions. Good grief!

The fact that this country has strayed so far from the intent ot the original framers of the Constitution is SCARY! And wouldn't it be better for a Christian to be President of our Judeo/Christian- founded country than a MUSLIM??? My gosh, people! WHAT are you thinking?

You people think that when someone drops a smear hint at a perfectly good, knowledgeable and respectable candidate, it instantly becomes "truth." With this fact about "group mentality," it's clear to me why our forefathers invented the electoral college. The masses can't be trusted to keep the facts factual and the truth intact. Just because some uneducated (and even educated) fool says it, doesn't make it so!

Someone makes a "he PROBABLY thinks this or that" statement, and the next thing you know, CNN is reporting it as fact, and you bloggers jump in like wild dogs to tear apart the prey.

This is what makes me sick about our country...we don't stand for anything worthwhile or respectable anymore, but are as totally out of control as people in Pakistan and Iraq as far as group ignorance...it's just that we haven't progressed (yet) to the point of group violence that goes along with it in other countries. (Don't worry, that will come!)

I am ashamed of you and your lynch-mob mentality. Get a grip, use a few brain cells and realize we live in a CIVILIZED country, not third-world! ACT LIKE IT! and stop making us the laughing stock of the rest of the world!

Since when did it become more important to fix other countries before fixing our own? That being said, the Middle East will always have it's termoil and be it's own worst enemy. This shouldn't distract us from what we really need find in the next head of our own nation. I am much more concerned with what is going on within our own borders and help strengthen this country of the United States. Yes, our candidates need to know what is going on in the world daily, but the candidate needs to be of a good sound mind, strength, good character to respond, initiate, encourage and choose appropriatly as a leader of the United States. Noticably, Huckabee has the right priorities, and leadership quality to deal with all of the nation's matters. My goal as a housewife, mother, Christian and 40 yr old voter is to establish moral structure, safety and finacial security for the next generation to raise a family in the United States and continue our strengths to help other countries around the world without the expense of lives and burdens.

The United States was foolish to deal with a dictator to begin with, however our history shows that we have done just that time and time again – we have supported the most worthless of international leaders provided those leaders are considered economically friendly to the interests of corporate America, which is in itself gradually making its way out of America.

The United States supported the Shaw of Iran until he was overthrown, the United States supported President Marcos until he was ousted. The assasination of Bhutto simply makes the dictatorship of Musharraf that much easier to continue and strengthen itself, and with Musharraf doing little or nothing in the "war on terror," little or nothing will have changed.

The United States is supporting Musharraf however supporting a person is not the same as supporting democracy or Pakistan. We are providing our support to the dictator of a nuclear armed and failing nation who will one day turn on us with the help of the money and aid that we have provided.

I love how people call Huckabee followers "idiots." Yeah, that really elevates the conversation to a mature level. Just because someone misspeaks doesn't mean they are ignorant or stupid. We all do it, and I could point to every single President and every single person who has ever ran for President and expose the "gaffes" they have made. Hillary is one of the worst offenders And btw, when was the last time we had a President with alot of foreign policy experience? The 1920's?

For all who want Ron Paul for President, did you happen to see him on Meet The Press? The guy sounds like a nut. Tim Russert asked him first about abolishing the IRS and what he would do about the loss of a trillion dollars in tax revenue. His response, "Well, I, uh, uh I, uh, I, we need to cut spending." Next to him, Huck's a genius.

He is human just like all the rest of you. Humans make mistakes, and that is OK. No one is perfect. A mistake doesn't mean your stupid, or ignorant, and anything else. You people trying to crusify him over this small mistake only shows how stupid YOU are. Let's not forget the old saying, "He who is without sin should cast the first stone". In this case sin means imperfection.

Mike Huckabee is the best candidate for president of this country, and he has shown it many times over! The only other would be Ron Paul, but he needs to do a lot of work to catch up in the poles. Please, before you rob Huckabee to pay Paul, have him get his stats up!!!

Jeesh, just give the guy a break!!!

Also, I love the Jim Geraghty quote. "I'm not sure how important this really is, but it will certainly add to the division of America."

Just the kind of headlines CNN needs.

I see no gaffe. You can continue something that has been temporarily discontinued. Huckabee never said Pakistan was still under martial law, so what's the big deal? Also, for those comparing this to the things Bush has said, you obviously have never heard what Bush has said. Some of Bush's statements don't even have the semblance of English.

How many people actually researched this topic, oh wait, here's an even better one. Who actually read the article??? I don't believe to many of you have done either, In fact, I believe half these comments are one person under several names. Anyways my point is, Huckabee makes a solid argument for what he said. Do you really believe martial law has been completely lifted, just like that??? It's not that simple, Life isn't perfect. That's the problem with half of America today. Everyone thinks that life shouldn't be something you should work for. Face the facts. Life isn't perfect, Mike Huckabee knows it, as well as a few other canidates thankfully, and he's not making any stupid little fairy princess promises to win over support.
Oh and when did being a christian turn you into the devil???? Someone has a few crossed wires.

And some folks think this uninformed Bible thumper would make a good president!
Politics in the US is pathetic.

MIke Huckabee is not running for President. He is running for Theologian In Chief. We've had 8 disasterous years of ideaology under our current idiot President. Enough is enough! This guy wants to ram his God down our throats. No thank you. My God doesn't resemble the narrow minded God that the Republican party wants to institutionalize. The only people who will vote for him are the uneducated right wing nuts who don't care about anything other than religion. Wake up America.

"This is one reason why he is known as CHUCKLE-bee in Arkansas. He has no buisness being in politics, much less President….As a Republican, he is a "no go" as an Arkansan, he is an embarressment. "

Gee, and despite that, he won four statewide elections in Arkansas. Somebody in Arkansas must have thought he was doing a pretty good job.

i BET HUCK WAS REAL HAPPY ABOUT MARTIAL LAW. JUST WAIT UNTILL IT HITS THE USA. OUR TROOPS ARE BETTER TRAINED THEN ANY TROOPS OVER IN PAKISTAN. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE. GO O GLE END GAME.

I truly think that a Huckabee/Guiliani ticket is the best ticket for the US. A strong ethical man like Huckabee for President, and Guiliani to be VP and take care of the foreign affairs. With Guiliani having ethical issues, i don't think he can when this time around but after 8 years of them both, he may be able to convince voters that he can lead the nation after proving himself.

To Mike in Boston:
"Did I read that right??? Did Mike Huckabee just say that it's the responsibility of the United States to track down the assassin of a former leader of Pakistan? Can someone explain to me why that's our responsibility?

Furthermore, maybe if we spent our time and money looking for Bin Laden instead of attacking Iraq for the last 5 years, Bhutto would still be alive."

Don't you realize those two paragraphs contradict each other? You are saying it isn't the responsibility of the US to track down Bhutto's assassins, and yet wonder why we haven't been looking for Bin Laden, whose organization was undoubtedly behind Bhutto's murder. Bhutto's enemines are our enemies – that's why Mike Huckabee said we should be tracking down those responsible.

Nevertheless... this guy is a genius compared to George W. Bush!!!

he looks like president palmer of "24"...he even speaks like him....good enough reasoa for me

Fred –

It's people like you who make my point. I simply find it astounding that you actually try to justify the creationist point of view regarding evolution. So we are to believe the bible as written verbatim, right? I guess that is your source for all information. It shows. It never ceases to amaze me how people will fall back on stories and fairytales and live in blissful ignorance. I guess we should discard all scientific data, knowledge and research.

You would have us march backwards and regress completely. You don't question or think or reason, you just believe the bible as the word of God and that's it. Thank goodness that many of us still do reason and think. In the Scopes Monkey trial, Clarence Darrow said that the man who was put on trial for teaching evolution wanted to have the right to think. But now you come along and start rambling about Lucy and trying to make the case for creationism for evolution.

I do have the ability to use my intelligence and brains and one thing I know is that I do not want someone like Huckabee as president of my country. He can spin his minister's pleasant sounding righteous pieties all he wants, but as for holding the highest office in the land – forget it! His latest gaffe is not the worst, that is yet to come. We have only just scratched the surface of this man's utter ignorance.

This country needs someone of strength, intelligence, great ideas, fortitude, perseverance and courage to solve the difficult problems that we face. But here we have Huckabee with his fables and biblical quotes and that's supposed to take the place of real thought and real problem solving? I don't want someone who will run to the bible to find solutions to the problems of this world. I want someone who has the brains to think for themselves. Huckabee does not meet this test.

This comment is to PY, Illinois. When you make a statement like 'the Bush administration has ruined everything the past 8 long years. '

Would you be more specific, just like a liberal makes statements and can’t back them up, or won’t acknowledge that he has done something right.

Lets say keep us safe. Not another attact after Clinton got us attacted on 9/11

Who cares about France or Germany, they are never on our side of anything.

As for Huck walk a few miles in his shoes, before you throw him under the bus.

Why is the mainstream media so hellbent on making mountains out of mole hills...I understand that FOX and the rest of the powerful EXXON, Halliburton, Texas Oil, Big Corp, etc-sponsored republican media machine are TERRIFIED of Mike Huckabee...but CNN??? How about Wolf Blitzer reporting that Obama's spokesperson blamed Hillary Clinton for Bhutto's assassination...??? Come on!! If you listen to the comments you'll see the context of the point being made. I actually used to respect Wolf, but he seems to have joined the Jerry Springer-style media pack who try to instigate stuff that they can report. Huckabee does seriously need to brush up on his foreign affairs, but thats just as needed as Romney, Guilliani etc brushing up on the needs of struggling component of America thats living from check-to-check. These candidates have stated several times that the economy is "going just great"...for real???

Just one of Mr. Mike Theocracy’s mistakes. Unlike a number of other candidates on both sides of the political spectrum they have had every word written or spoken investigated by the American people Mr. Theocracy refuses to release his speeches from the pulpit to the viewing eyes of the public. Also, he signed on to the Southern Baptist Convention pledges including “ Wives are to be Submissive to their husbands” What Mr. Theocracy really needs to do is go be a tour guide at the Creation Museum in Northern KY. If somehow he wins the republican nomination he would only carry his home state, Utah, Texas and the Deep South. Please please republicans nominate this American version of a Taliban Imam he would usher in at least 8 yeas of the Democrats controlling all three branches of government. Simply put a Vote for Mr. Theocracy is a vote for Hillary. JUST THINK ABOUT IT.

This "humble" preacher has turned quite ignorant. I can't believe people nor the media caught on to his sick humor about the dead birds. Wow, if I don't vote for him, I die?

While I agree that Creationism (or Intelligent Design) is not science and I tend to believe in Darwinism, but I'm not opposed to Creationism as maybe being a possiblitiy, but more importantly I just don't think the best political path to achieving policies, that require votes across party lines, is best achieved by writing off a large segment of our population that believes in Creationalism.

I'm a Chicago raised catholic boy who lives in Texas and I married to a woman who goes to a baptist church every Sunday. As does her Sister, Mom and daughter and son in law. They go to 4 different Baptist churches in this area and they all believe in Creationism. They all reject Darwinism. They did not evolve from apes. PERIOD. I've had serveral conversatation with them on this and there is no changing it.

But they are good people. And one should not discount such voters. By my political accounting they should be Democrats. But are not and discount the democrats completely. Why...who knows.

As a political strategist from afar what harm does it do to teach both Creationalism and Darwinism in school. I think Democrats have all to gain and nothing to loose by supporting the notion that it is okay to teach Creationalism in school.

I just think the Democratic party could win more political points, aka votes for their candidates, thus votes for their policy agenda, if they reached out more to the religious community. What harm does it do to spend 1 hour talking about Creationalism. It's a no harm no foul in my book. You have parents paying into the public school system but sending their kids to private religious schools. Should they be double taxed on this? I think the non-religious community could give the religious community a bone on this one. I have my own concerns about religious dogma and it's political influence on our society but teaching 1 hour of Creationalism is not one of them.

The Vice-Presidency would be a good place for Mike to learn.

His camp will justify everything because he professes to be a Christian. They can do no wrong. So long Micky Huckelberry. Your campaign is burying itself. Maybe you should start praying for a miracle. I hope Iowa voters aren't as moronic as the polls there are showing.

Huckabee made yet another foreign policy gaffe on "Mornign Joe" He cliamed that Afghanistan was on the Eastern Border of Pakistan. Huckabee must be one of the people that Ms. Teen USA said didn't have a map.

Huckabee's campaign is imploding when it gets to serious issues – his comedian routine won't carry him.

This guy is a moron. I've said it all along and he does nothing but solidify that. Do not need him as president. Nothing but a Bush clone that is trying to back off it to get votes. Can't escape your past voting record Huckleberry.

We have all seen the dangers of elevating someone to high office without adequite knowledge of international affairs. This "minor gaffe" highlights his lack of knowledge on many subjects beyond his intellectual comfort zone (Christianity). This is a man who does not seek out impartial information to build a more complete view of the world. In light of this concern, the critisism of Huckabee's support of Creationism is valid. How can we trust a persons judgment if they trust the words of a book written by men thousands of years ago over empirical evidence from virtually every scientific discipline (geology, biology, astronomy and physics to name a few). Creationism (or Intelligent Design) is not science by any stretch and any attempt to cast it as such reflects a profound ignorance at best or if not a more sinister attempt to mislead the public. You can always find some crakckpots in any field that will support an outside viewpoint with pseudo-science , but there is no proof of intelligent design, which is why it isnt the subject of scientific papers in peer reviewed journals. There is a reason why 99.9% of us specifically trained in science such as myself ( a doctoral student studying Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis) reject Creationism, and that is because it isnt supported by the facts when observed impartially. Religion alone should not be a factor in electing a person, but respect for empirical evidence and a drive to understand the world we all share is a must if we are create a more enlightened world.

The people making a big deal out of Huckabee's comments on Pakistan's martial law are his opponents at the National Review and a few others who are making one last-ditch attempt to derail a Huckabee victory in Iowa. I see that a new LA Times/Bloomberg poll in Iowa has Huckabee leading by 14 points.

Can you hear it? One more Republican candidate's polularity balloon is deflating.

First, McCain was the refreshing "straight talker", but turned out to be less charismatic than people had hoped.

Then Romney took the stage as the "great administrator", but he turned out to have more wiggle room in his positions on issues than a pole dancer.

Then Giuliani was the "national security hero", but the evangelicals hated him.

Then Thompson stepped in as the "religious right's savior", only to jump into the campaign with as much enthusiasm as if someone had just asked him to wash the dishes.

Now Huckabee, everybody's "favorite pastor", is demonstrating that he is less than impressive when it comes to intellectual rigor.

Its no wonder that all five of these guys are within 10 points of each other in the polls. Republicans voters are now faced with choosing the least bad choice among bad options. Maybe Tancredo and Gilmore left too soon!

Maybe I'm too innocent, but I agree with everyone who assumed that Huckabee feared the return of martial law in Pakistan and not its continuation. It makes sense; the only indicator to me that he wasn't aware of Pakistan's political situation was CNN's headline for the story.

Huckabee is so full of it. Amazing... I guess we all could've figured his camp would spin this.

He's not ready .....

Given that Huckabee was a governor of a state, how much should we expect for him to know outside his state and his bible? This does not excuse him from the responsiblity of learning about the other countries out there that the US deals with on various issues. Pakistan just happens to be one country that we deal with on the currently major subject of religiously sponsored terrorism.

Reminds me of when the media tried to portray Reagan as stating that nuclear missiles could be recalled if fired from a submarine, which he never said. He had to correct that media creation in a debate with Mondale. The way the media is going after Huckabee is similar to what they did with Reagan, which makes me support the man.

My question is this, when is this super nitpicky standard going to be applied to Senator Clinton? (of course the answer is NEVER)

Huck-wanabee could have made a perfect VP for GWB.... It would have made George look, sound intelligent and smart.

if he becomes president, i'm leaving the country

correction: everyone here is also getting their information...a real leader is not perfect, just knows how to properly respond

Haha, sometimes you have to be amazed at the ignorance of some people. And I shudder at the ignorance of a Presidential candidate like Huck…
As a Pakistani, it doesnt surprise me this is true though. Ive had people ask me if Pakistan was next to Iraq, in the Middle East?
Now thats pretty freaking ignorant, wouldnt you say?

Agreed. I'm more concerned with the intelligence of the general public who actually affect me today on a personal basis than who MAY have a chance at the White House – let's wait until after the primaries to really be concerned. Do something about education in this country RIGHT NOW and how we are raising our leaders of tomorrow before we pick up our stones to someone we only know through a camera lens and microphone (which by the way, is how everyone here is also their information – if it is not on our TV, we don't think it exists or is a problem...also an "ignorant" way to live..there's more to life than our lazy American lives wish to explore and consider for ourselves)

The average American doesn't even know what martial law is, much less a country's current political status because it doesn't affect us directly so we really don't care – that's the GENERAL voting public. Not as a criticisim, but truth of your friends and neighbors who don't care much outside of their own lives.

If you want to know the truth, the real truth, research it for yourself and make your own conclusions. More time educating ourselves overall and less time looking for stones to throw, then you make your own personal, intelligent decision as to who to vote for, and you get back to supporting the education of a future leader.

I don't care if this guy is not the international news policy wonk that you want him to be. He does not have the funding, the staffing and the organization of Romney or Guiliani to feed him all of his sound bites on the latest and greatest goings on with regard to international news and yet look what he has been able to do with his campaign. I think this guy will be able to step up to the plate when needed. He is definitely dingable on this issue but for me it does not resonate very far.

I want our borders secured. I want to end our addiction to Mideast oil by switching to alternative fuels. This guy is strong on my two big issues. If he can succeed on these two issues he will make America stronger for the next generation.

Until the world body, especially the Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, joins the US and Europe in fighting Al Qaeda we should put our economic focus (MONEY) towards reducing our dependence on oil, securing our borders and rebuilding/repairing our roads.

I am tired of spending our money on International efforts that will not bear any fruits without the active support of the world body. Fighting Al Qaeda without that support is just like playing the Wack a Mole game. Where ever there is a poor country Al Qaeda will go. So if we succeed in Afganistan, Pakastan, Iraq they will just move onto the next poor country.

I've read the book the Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright and have read other books and articals on the subject so I am not discounting the threat of Al Qaeda but until we get international support, monetarily and militarily,then all we are doing is playing the Wack a Mole game and I am just not a fan of that.

It is not worth being fiscally irresponsible. It is not worth letting our roads and bridges deteriorate. It is not worth not being able to secure our borders. When did it become unAmerican to want to help America first. I'm ready for America to be a little selfish with it's money.

I am not an isolationist but this go it alone Bush administration is bankrupting our country in so many ways. Al Qaeda is not an enemy we can fight alone. It has no borders and the sticks and carrots that we use with countries like Iran and Korea won't work against this enemy.

So the fact that Huckabee is not up on the current state of martial law in Pakastan is a little low on what constitues a serious dingable offense. But we each have our priorities on what America needs.

Please let us get someone that understands Foreign policy and has experience.

Ron Paul

Huck doesnt mind rapist being released to murder, why would he care what happens in pakistan?

"He is really ignorant."

Agreed. Truly, present to me one candidate, either side, who isn't. So far, none are impressive – all of the "non-idiots" are too intelligent NOT to be running for this job. Sad, but true.

This dude is RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT… he needs to keep up with the news, he needs not know WHERE Pakitsan is (next to india)… Its not understanble ....

Iam hoping that at least he has spell check...turns out we are all mortal?? Thank you for reminding me of that as I go through my normal human day....

He is a presidential candidate. Every last one of them is going to say something stupid..and it gets worse once they actually get into office. You've already decided who you will vote for (that's all that really matters here) and it's not based on this statement (it's based on a world of other ideals), so let it go...lest YOUR mistakes be pointed out to you today. No, we're not running for president and this is exactly WHY...we are too human. Back to back seat driving...

Hey, Huck!
Don't worry about it. Put a positive spin on your comment. Like Obama you should have the clarity to question the status quo; like Clinton, claim you have the experience and prescience to have foreseen Bhutto's death. Be firm, be resolute; in short, be a politician. That is what we really need in Washington DC.

There is no plan with Huckabee, background knowledge or understanding, he just puts out fires on a daily basis intermingled with corny jokes. We really can't afford this folks. Very nice guy but please pick the most competent leader here.

The gaffe was intentional. He is going after the Bush supporters. If they voted for one fool they might vote for another one.

This gaffe is minor compared to the other million reasons to vote against Huck. The guy has been making money from speaking to churches while he's been running for president,claiming he needs money to pay his mortgage.He's taken money form embryonic stem cell research groups while claiming to be pro-life. he claims his theology degree (which he never really completed) would help him understand the Muslim world. he sucks up to any al all groups that advance his personal fortunes even if the fly in the face of being a conservative. The NEA loves him. His system of self reward while governor of Ark. is just cringing.

What a joke. The guy clearly was incorrect and instead of admitting to his ignorance, he tries to justify it.

This guy has no idea whats going on....Thats obvious to see he proves it every day...He keeps talking and talking, then go back and say what he ment to say...After they get a chance to fact check and update, but for what he knows on the spot he dosnt know anything...For anyone sticking up for this guy here, your a testiment to what america needs to leave behind....As far as creation goes, thats more stupid then what he's said about Pakistan, Shooting people, Paul is dead, Holy Christmas subliminal crosses....Creationism is a total joke, once again if you believe that your part of america that needs to be left behind....We all came from a dying star, heaven dosnt exist its a state of mind. hell isnt real, the devil isnt real....Its very scary to think people are out their basing any important discions believing in myths and metaphors....Forget the terrorists watch out for the creationists they want to burn you at the stake and they live in your hometown!!!!!!!!!

Maybe Huckabee should start answering only planted questions with pre-drafted responses?

I wonder what Hillary's response to the same question would have been.

She'd likely just recite a line about children's health care or something like that.

Out of the candidates in both parties, McCain, Obama, and Huckabee have been the most forthright instead of staying to scripted propaganda.

Each have "suffered" gaffes like this, but in the end I'd much rather have one of them in office than a talking campaign ad.

He explained himself. the hate from your comments show that you were waiting for a mistake from huckabee. As Hillary fakes that she had a front row seat in Bill's white house and Obama pretends to know what he is talking about and Edwards talks about two americas, go ahead jump on huckabees statement when so many more stupid things are being said by other people in the race.

i have to give barack some credit on this Pakistan thing

back in i believe August, he gave a speech say the U.S. should actively engage in pakistan to chase down terrorist that are hiding there, with or without Musharruf's support

he did call attention to this issue sometime ago...but was call "naive and irresponsible" by clinton

Edwards 08!!!

Pakistan has nukes, the huckster don't have clues.

Huckleberry strikes again....sigh.

The photo-op pheasant bagging was bad enough (an Arkansan who hunts well..what a shocker!) but now he's gone and opened his mouth about things of which he has limited, if any, knowledge. True to form, he's plugged the hole with his foot.

Go ahead, y'all...vote the man into office. Once you're done, prepare to be standing right along with him when he 'innocently' insult foreign dignitaries and finds new and amazing ways to embarass the country. Perhaps, if you are lucky, he'll trash some federal property like he did the hard drives here in Arkansas before leaving office.

You think the Clinton adminstration was fun? Honey, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Dear Americans of all beliefs and religious and even non-religious persuations. Please do not even consider this buffoon as our possible next President.
If it's true that he was a keynote speaker at an anti-Mormon rally in 1998 at Salt Lake City for the Southern Baptist Convention, as well as the confirmed side comment about the Mormons with the Jesus/Satan brothers thing, just imagine what a liability he is to his own church, the Republican Party, as well as the nation. He would be mince meat for any opposing candidate, even Pat Paulson.

Huckabee makes Bush look like a Rhodes Scholar when it comes to foreign affairs.

"Tell me which one is more logical, believing in a Sovereign, Creator (ie. God) or a statically impossible fairytale (ie. evolution)?" – SPD

You're right, SPD. Static electricity had very little to do with it.

The "update" was worse than the original statement. In the words of PeeWee Herman, "I meant to do that."

Oops!

Time to vote for Ron Paul.

when has pakistan has not been under military strong man, killing of bhutto has the military ready to break up. time to clean up the islamic terrorests

Huckabee is dead on center with the facts. He has his facts correctly! It is the other GOP candidates who cannot figure the meaning of lifting martial law in full!

It is high time the GOP faithful realize that Huckabee's courageous voice serve as a beacon for the GOP going forward so as to extrciate from the quicksand the current administration is responsbile for.

Go Huckabee Go!

When will the GOP faithful realize that respected Senator Hagel from Nebraska and Governor Huckabee are stating common sense!

A loyal American citizen!

VJ

it's so sad that these so called educated people would believe that they evolved from apes.

Can't you find anything better to write about? This is nickel and dime! What's next in your agenda—John McCain putting his belt on left to right or right to left? You people need to focus on more important and substantive issues which may impact the state of our country and stop "looking" for issues that do nothing more than generate non-constructive comments from all the so-called "educated" readers. As for all the "educated" readers with their respective comments, take a good look at "your own back yard" before you begin to criticize others.

Lastly, to the readers who may be wondering—I have no preferences on any of the presidential candidates, but would encourage all "Americans" to show the courtesy and decency of a civilized country in affording all candidates due respect as they proceed with the challenge of trying to be the leader of a diverse and most powerful nation in the world.

Romeo Nelson

I agree.

Keep in mind......Most of the people running Huck down....Are the second tier news folks and the people who ae watching him from the backside...Just think where Romney would be with no money.....I mean he is a joke anyway.......but he would really be bad then....He needs a full staff to just keep up with what he said yesterday..

The times demand that we nominate and elect someone with experience and knowlege in our own federal government and in foreign affairs. George W. Bush is ample proof of that. That is why it would be a disaster to elect someone like Giuliani, Huckabee, or Obama as President. We love to bellyache about politicians and insiders. But the fact is, with our government broken and dysfunctional, and world events being what they are, the times demand that we elect a leader who has professional expertise and experience, not merely one with lofty or clever-sounding platitudes. So get serious, America, and leave all the inexperienced pretenders and opportunists behind where they belong!

Oh brother – if you can't read Huckabee's comments and see that he is referring to continued martial law in the future, not the present, you are not smart enough to vote and ought to stay home, and you are definitely not smart enough to report a news story.

Huckabee is well known in Canada for his foreign policy gaffes...check out youtube – search Huckabee Mercer and watch him congratulate us on saving our national igloo...way to go Mike...

This is not a big deal. Paleeze. It pales in comparison to the man's platform – especially the courage to rally the people to a national consumption tax.

Wow...shocks me how people take generic statments too literally (that includes you CNN). Let's talk about the issues this election vs. gotcha sound-bites that aren't reflective of a candidates position/voting history.

Why exactly is Huckabee being attacked? Cuz he's ahead? Cuz it works and as smart as the American Public is, they fall for negative campaigning (from both sides) every time?

Let's summarize...Hilary wasn't the meddling First Wife, now she's the "experienced candidate." Obama is off the charts on lack of experience, that's why voters like his optimist message. (but somehow CNN thinks he and Hilary, with 8 years as first lady and 2 years as a US Senator have "qualified" them to be President.) Now a 10 year Governor (Huckabee) doesn't have experience? Anyone notice the Mass Media moving from attacking Giuliani, Thompson, McCain to ignoring them? What will it take for the Media to start paying attention to the true "change agents" in the election. People hate Bush, hate the Dem Congress, equally divide Hate and Love for the Clinton Machine...Bush's approval rating is at an all time low, as is the Dem. Congress. WAKE UP MEDIA AND AMERICA, we want change! (Reasonable change, not Media nor extremist dictated change).

Blah, Blah, Blah CNN...your ratings will improve and your dialogue will be seen as geniune as soon as you start acknowleging the options to your viewers.

We're smarter than you think...

Nate,

Minneapolis, MN

To all Huckabee's defenders:

Your argument sounds familiar. It depends on what the meaning of is is...isn't that what you're saying?

Maybe, given the insight of the prior comments, what the United States needs, is a President who will focus our attention on our own nation, which we may have some hope of understanding. We have not done a particularly good job of running the world, maybe we should focus on what happens within our own borders, such as they are. There is a Republican candidate like that. It ain't Huck.

I think he has been too busy delivering paid speeches and killing birds to pay attention to what's happening outside his blinders. Do we really want someone dumber than GW in the WH for the next four years? It is a frightening thought.

Do you really enjoy being a surrogate gossiper distributing political gossip for candidates owned by Wall Street’s elite? GOOD LUCK WITH THAT! Wise people know the difference between gossip and fact.

Or, would you rather spend your spare time doing something honorable and help Mike Huckabee remove the “For Sale” from the lawn of the White House? Your choice.

Go Huckabee!

This man just can't run our country. I believe he is a good man, probably a good Christian, and maybe even better than some of his competitors, but we can't have someone who so flagrantly defies education in this and in other cases running our country. Whatever his pros, the fact is that Mike interprets the bible literally, has repeatedly shown no understanding of economics, and now clearly doesn't have any idea about foreign policy. This just isn't the man to lead us.

I live in Arkansas. This is a peek at the tip of a big iceberg. Just because he is a Christian and you want to vote for him because you are a Christian I can understand that. But folks, This is not about church. Once Gov. Huckabee makes up his mind about something he does not change it. You say well, he has a cabinet, a defense minster, a vice prez. etc....No, no, no no. It don't work that way with the Huckmeister. This guy is Jimmy Carter on steroids. You will regret this guy being president. He will get us in a nuclear war through sheer stupidity alone.

Perhaps Mr. Huckabee meant to imply the continued practice of martial law. If Mr. Romey can wiggle out of his statement of "I saw my father march with Martin Luther King" and "I'm a life long hunter" it sounds reasonable to me. I'd rather have an honest person in the White House then one who can't keep his stories straight.

At least Mr. Huckabee knew Pakistan had been under martial law recently. Maybe he was just out phesant hunting when news broke that Pakistan was no longer under martial law. . .

This is what happens when our inept administration tries to instill their ideas of democracy within a country that has so many underlying issues. This administration knows absolutely nothing about foreign policy, with the exception of trying to force their idealism on others without thinking about the consequences. Musharraf is walking a fine line of trying to appease, and keep at bay, the radicals that have infiltrated his country, as well as the unrealistic naïve ideas of this administration. If he leans too much to our right, he’ll be the next to be assassinated.

We stick our noses in where it doesn't belong way too often and this is the outcome. I also want to comment on Obama's statement regarding sending our troops over there to keep the peace. This shows his inexperience and why he needs to drop out of the presidential race immediately. I can't wait until this current ship of fools finally sets sail out of Washington. What an embarrassment they’ve been to our country.

We have over 700 military bases in over 130 countries. Only one candidate has pointed this out to the American people. Thank you Ron Paul. By the way can you even name 130 different countries? nevermind afford the $1 Trillion it costs to maintain these bases each year. It's funny how we protect Seoul better than we protect NYC or DC.

Oh, come on, Bush got elected twice and he barely knows where Texas is.

The wording of the quote does not necessarily say that Huckabee believes martial law has been in effect continuously. If I said after the Christmas break, "I will now continue school," that doesn't mean that I've been continuously in school during the break. Geez, give him the benefit of the doubt on this one. The grammar is flexible. The press is taking his words and pouring a controversial meaning into them. Do we really think that he didn't know martial law ended two weeks ago? Think about it.

Huckabee is a TV evangelist – he did not even graduate from a college- yet he did stay in a Holiday Inn last night –

I am surprised he didn't ask to lead the Mormon worshipers in prayer at the funeral.

He has the evangelicals vote hook line and sinker- but he does not have a clue about world or economic affairs.

If he is a true Republican I am Albert Einstein.

Truthfully? I didn't see any gaffe at all. It's being blown way out of proportion. Huckabee only said there is a question as to whether martial law might be continued after this assasination. In essence, CNN anchors were asking the same question this morning–might martial law be implemented again? In the quickness and lead-off remarks of that moment, I really think CNN is blowing that so far out of proportion. I guess that's why so many conservatives see a liberal bias and don't watch CNN any more. I see the liberal slant but I trust the factual reporting more. I also see the conservative slant at Fox and that bothers me just as bad. So really? I look for what I believe to be facts. And I don't think the facts support this blast on Huckabee over this one. Very very hair splitting and minor to even wind up in a ticker point I think.

The news media is making news....

anything to make a Christian look dumb...

All he said is that this is going to impact the future of their country
with the very real concern of martial law and instability.

Mike Huckabee is leading every poll....get over it!

Go Huck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

We already have one dummy in the white House, we don't need another.

He might not know much about foreign affairs but rest assured he knows how to increase taxes. Go tax hike mike!!

With the poor spelling, bad English, and crass reasoning in these responses, I can only conclude that the internet crowd is insufficient to judge the governor. It's as if verbiage plus a few scraps from the daily news are equal to wisdom. Small chance.

In this day and age it shouldn't and apparently doesn't matter to the american public that this or any other candidate has a minor slip up or any knowledge in foreign policy. The proof of this was the election of the current president who had no knowledge of foreign anything when he ascended to office....remember? That's where Dick Cheney came in. So surely republicans aren't trying to hold Mr. Hucklebee to any sort of standard of expertise and credentials. To make matters worse, the democratic field doesn't have anyone either! Hillary? being first lady is not experience, no more so than my being in an airport on a regular basis makes me a pilot. Wake up people and stopped being duped by the establishment of both parties this ain't a football or soccer game where being on the winning "Team" or side is the reason to vote.

Huckabee is too busy attacking Romney's Mormonism and defending his own crass Holy Glowing Bookcase Christmas ad to pay attention to world events – after all, what does Pakistan have to do with "the war on secularists" and taking "the Nation back for Christ"?

Yeah, and now his "handlers" will come out and "explain" the old Huck knew the complete facts – only the media "misintrepreted" him. Hey! Geo Bush has dozens of these clean-up artists on the payroll (God knows he's needed them) so perhaps they can come and work for Huckabee, should he win that big brass ring.

Oh, for god's sake, people! Could you PLEASE be patient? Especially you Republicans!

Wait until AFTER Huckabee edges out Romney in Iowa and New Hampshire, effectively ending that pretender's shot. THEN go after Huckabee and point out how basically unelectable he is. That will clear the way for someone else who has been patiently (and wisely) waiting in the background to step forward and and assume the mantle of the true conservative that he is.

Fred Thompson. Experience, savvy, and consistency.

Duh!!!!!
This man is considered a serious candidate for the Republican nomination??? That's all we need another ignorant person who know nothing about world affairs beyond the shores of this country. Its almost as bad as a previous Republican not knowing that Eastern Europe was under communist domination during a Presidential debate!!!
If this the best the Republican can offer??? Nothing, but candiates that have no ideal of what's going on in this world??? No wonder we keep screwing up foreign affairs with people like this.
Go home and do your homework!!

I'm voting for Romney, but come on it's the holiday season, everyone give the man a break and let him explain what he really meant by his comment.

janice, I noticed that too!!! And no one else did? Tell me Pastor Huckabee, what does America have to apologize for? Did an American pull the trigger that killed Bhutto? Did an American blow themselves up? Which American needs to apologize? Maybe our troops overseas need to apologize? I guess this one was the fault of Bush's arrogant bunker mentality too, right? You sir are not presidential material. Go make a workout tape and sell that on e-bay if you want something to do.

For Christs sake he is human who cares if he made a small error in knowledge. Even the most gifted intellectuals dont know everthing about everything.
the only thing that really matters in this upcoming election is to make sure you dont vote for a corporate funded puppit.

America if it is to survive desperately needs leadership who can so no to corporate interests and yes to the common good of its citizens. Huckabee shows promise in this aspect. Remember the most brilliant man is completely worthless if he has sold his soul to big business.

i'm wondering why huckabee feels our 'apologies' are necessary to pakistan!???

"Critics" jump on Huckabee Pakistan gaffe" The only "critic" is see in this article is Rebecca Sinderbrand. Another CNN Huckabee attack add!! Don't you know the average reader can see right through it!!!

"Pakistanis? Honestly, I don't know much about that. Don't they reject the real God and believe in Allah and Mohammed?"

– Mike Huckleberry, Runnin' for Prez-dent

I can not only find Pakistan on a map,I also understand that the entire Republican party combined has the foreign policy intelligence of a gnat and that the only "relations" that the conservative extremists are concerned with are of a sexual nature.Their so-called domestic and foreign policies are essentially the same thing...If they're not american citizens,straight,married or celibate,employed and whatever THEY deem to be Christian...then,domestically they should be kicked out of the country or left die and internationally,kicked or blown off of the planet!
Unless they are an elected politician or even some evangelists,then the whole sexual issue doesn't seem to apply.Jim Baker and Jimmy Swaggert to name a few from the christian evangelical "sexual rules don't apply to me" file and..well there are just far to many to list from the elected official "exceptions to the rules" part of this list.
Bottom line is not a single republican candidate is qualified to be president of our country at this time in global history.It's only a miracle that Bush hasn't already brought about World War Three, and if any of these republican foreign policy "midgets" are elected then I am quite sure that he will finish the job of starting it.

The bottom line is that Huckabee is inexperienced and sloppy. If you know, as a candidate, that you severely lack international experience and expertise, why are you not getting DAILY briefings on international affairs to close this gap immediately? This is just sloppy and America deserves far better.

I don't know. I think his experience is lacking, but I think maybe too much is being made of this. It is not like he thought she was still Prime Minister. I remember thinking something like, "When where they NOT under marshal law?" Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is a dictator w/ a lot of animosity directed toward him from his own people. That country is extremely shaky. Couple that w/ campaigning 24/7 in the freezing cold and being immersed in that... I sort of feel like several of these guys could have made this gaffe, and they are sitting back thinking, "Wow – I am glad that was not me," but they are still happy to exploit it.

I'm amazed at all the e-mails condeming Mike Huckabee for being a Christian. It just shows how far we have gotten away from God in the USA. Be for warned people of the end times and be careful who you do pick to be our next leader. Mike Huckabee could restore the Christian belief we have in a leader and is exactly what our nation is in desperate need of. I'm voting for Huckabee because he is a solid Christian man and I believe could help lead this nation back to what I believe in.

Oh, gosh! Huckabee made a mistake in thinking that Pakistan is under martial law. How would anyone notice if Pakistan were not under martial law. For those of you who believe that the National Intelligence Estimate is a definitive source of intell-related information, look at the third word of NIE: ESTIMATE. Intelligence agents are notorious for not assigning any type of quantifiable metric against any intelligence product. The mantra in the US Military is: "how can you tell if an intell officer is lying? Their lips are moving."

fascist

Forgot to mention...

I'll bet that MANY of the respondent's to this report (as "Pete" says) ALSO "...couldn't find Pakistan on a marked map" and have NO CLUE as to the origin or status of that country.

"Bernard" is correct. Those who fail to FULLY RESEARCH and UNDERSTAND *** ANY *** topic that appears on a single media website are all the more foolish – both in their commentary and the ability to cast a meaningful vote for a leader.

Of course, ranting and raving, ad hominem attacks against the person and simplistic responses (i.e. "He is really ignorant."; "Why cant Huckster just stay in Arkansas and leave this country to the sane people?") offer no talking points to enroll others to a particular point of view and show no depth (or ability...) to reason out an issue. My commendations to those of you who've taken the time and effort to make SERIOUS political points and rationally express your POV.

It's people like yourselves that would serve us better if YOU ran for political office than politicians who (like some of the commentary) simply use up public air (or webspace) for meaningless sound bytes.

Huckabee is a pseudo-'christian' bonehead.

His remark in Iowa speaks volumes of his character:

"This is what happens when you get in my way." (Referring to a pheasant he had killed)

Be afraid: BE VERY AFRAID.

I liked Fred Thompson's response to the assasination.

Once again..the anti-hucks are on the fritz.
Are any of these the reasons why perhaps?
1 – He has spent so much less than the other candidates and is still in the game?
2 – He is a Christian who has convictions based on the bible (which some refer to as the Word Of God?)
3 – Believes in THE 2'nd amendment like our founding fathers in which it is legal to hunt for food?
4 – You just have that strong desire to have higher taxes and a government ran country and you are afraid if he wins you will not get that?
5 – He is for ending the IRS and providing you more money each pay check?
6 – You didn't get that "Happy Holiday" gift you asked the Holiday Man for?
7 – All of the above?

If any of you do would not like to have more money in your wallet, get God back into America to when we once had it in our Schools, Government facilities et all, better education system, maybe have the ability to say Merry Christmas to someone and MADE IN AMERICA label back then please either go to a different country where you would obviously be better off or do more research on the man and his visions and do not be led by Media outlets and the rumor/gossip mill.

He is the most articulate speaker I have heard
He does not dodge a question
He is honest
He plays the guitar
HE HAS CHUCK NORRIS!

Huckabee has once again "opened mouth, inserted foot,' and spoken with little or no regard for what he is 'mouthing to the public.'
Does any American want this man on stage with American Foreign Policy at stake?
Think not. Huckabee is Not qualified to be President of this Naiton. He is in the same category as Hillary.

If you are not convinced that this guy is a real buffoon, then this ought to solidify things. The President is someone who knows what is going on in the world. This guy clearly is living in a bubble. He is not a President.

"Minor gaffe" MINOR GAFFE!!!!!!!

There are NO minor gaffes in this kind of thing!!

Either you are up to speed or you are not in the boat.

My son is a Marine Reservist and I DO NOT want someone as POTUS, that doesn't even know if martial law is taking place in a country where he may have to go one day and put his life on the line.

Senator FRED THOMPSON is the man I'd go to war under {BTW I have answered the call before and would do it again, under President Thompson}.

STAND TALL

Grant

Doesn’t really matter because most Americans will have no idea what he is talking about anyways. Pakistan? Martial Law? What’s that? Now if it was a gaffe about Britany there would be an uproar. And is this a comment board or a place that you can prove how smart you are with your comment?

Doesn't really matter because most Americans will have no idea what he is talking about anyways. Pakistan? Martial Law? What's that? Now if it was a gaffe about Britany there would be an uproar.

I don't think anyone here can honestly say whether Huckabee was inferring that Pakistan is under martial law now or whether martial will continue to be used in Pakistan in the future as it has been in the past by President Musharaff. Attempting to interpret the comment is purely academic regardless. It is very clear that Huckabee is not well-versed in foreign affairs but then again, many of the same critics who have been assailing him as a buffoon who will continue GWB's international missteps are often the same people who will vote for a Democrat because they believe our focus should be on domsetic, not foreign, affairs. If that is true, then Huckabee's obvious weakness in this arena could be alleviated by naming a competent, experienced, skilled Secretary of State.

Hukabee didn't make a gaffe here. Besides, Pakistan just lifted Emergency Rule days ago. Obviously, the lifting of Emergency Rule was connected to this assassination plot

meant to say video clip not ad...

I'm not sure what the big to-do is over Mike's comments in his response? The comments posted here seem to be very vitriolic, something I would expect from a bunch of diehard liberals that would rather attack the person rather than what he said. I see nothing wrong with the ad and even if Huckabee wondered aloud whether there will be a continuance of martial law (an inference that they may re-impose such a measure which last I checked, means a continuance), there is absolutely nothing anyone can use to measure Huckabee's ability (or lack thereof) to make judgement calls on foreign affairs. Clearly, these responses are emotional and baseless diatribe.

I took Huckabee's remarks to mean that Pakistan might or might not go back to martial law. Is this a case of the media trying to play "gotcha"?

Is Huckabee another one who is too busy to read the papers? Do we need another president who doesn't read newspapers, and relies on a 'higher authority' to guide him?

well, by all means he will get elected. The republicans love those candidates that haven't got a clue of anything in their head. Et la Bush

Give Me a Break !!

The *** CURRENT *** President of the United States was asked in an interview before his FIRST election to name the LEADER of Pakistan and all he could answer was "the General" !! This IDIOT had NO previous foreign policy experience and suggested that his "talks" with the leader of MEXICO – a Texas border state – fully qualified his foreign policy experience for national office !!

Besides, the latest reports cite that violence and chaos has broken out in Pakistan which would give Pervez Musharraf EXACTLY the situation he would want to bring martial law back in force.

Come on CNN, be FAIR and BALANCED ! Remind us about PREVIOUS Presidential contenders that have made erroneous statements.

*****
Bhutto's return to the country after years in exile ... had been a cornerstone of Bush's policy in Pakistan, ...

Joe Biden of Delaware, ... "I am convinced Ms. Bhutto would have won free and fair elections next week".

Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pennsylvania, said in a telephone interview from his Islamabad hotel room that he and Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-Rhode Island, were to dine with Musharraf and meet later in the night with Bhutto.
*****

Considering the above leaders had such high stakes in Bhutto's election outcome and the fact that ISI, President Pervez and NIB had simply no clue to her security and safety, Mike Huckabee's comment cannot be labeled a gaffe.

The faux pas I noticed in Huckabee's remarks was that he APOLOGIZED for the United States for this occurrence! This has to be one that wasn't our fault.

Good God this candidate is nothing more than a pretender.

Listen Huckabee supporters: Give it up. He'll get KILLED in a general election. But even so, we cannot rule out the slim possiblilty he may eek out a win (probably only if Obama is his opponent, by mounting a smear campaign against his supposedly "Muslim" background).

Huckabee is a pretender, practicing identity politics. Give it up Huck, you are a joke.

"the United States’ first priority should be to find the responsible parties."

Did I read that right??? Did Mike Huckabee just say that it's the responsibility of the United States to track down the assassin of a former leader of Pakistan? Can someone explain to me why that's our responsibility?

Furthermore, maybe if we spent our time and money looking for Bin Laden instead of attacking Iraq for the last 5 years, Bhutto would still be alive.

I am not a Huckabee supporter (actually a democrat) and this "gaffe" story is beyond silly to me. This "shocking" error could have been a simple mistake in wording. Had he said "whether or not there’s going to be [renewed] martial law" there would be no story at all. Either the threshold for a "gaffe" has went down considerably or CNN (and the other networks) are manufacturing news stories just prior to a vote.

This is one reason why he is known as CHUCKLE-bee in Arkansas. He has no buisness being in politics, much less President....As a Republican, he is a "no go" as an Arkansan, he is an embarressment. Did you see the "hunting" footage on him today......."this is what happens if you don't vote for me" line, as dead pheasant are laying at his feet. Good lord......he's a goof.........McCain is the only way to go for the Republicans......

huckabee did not mispeak with Musharaff in charge he is going to declare marshall law and suspend the elections..other people are just nitpicking huckabee because he is the honest canidate

Stop this nonsense. The only mistake made was one of tense. It is obvious what he meant to say.

Amazing...everyone thinks that just because one is a Christian & believes in the Bible that makes them incompetent in world affairs. Guess both Clinton's would be incompetent as well, Reagan, Carter, need I go on? All of the candidates have gaping holes in various areas – no one can know everything, that's why they have a cabinet, Secretary of State, to advise. People that are close minded will find fault in anything if you look for it.

HERE RESTS MICHAEL HUCKABEE: BORN IN IOWA, DIED IN IOWA

Did we forget that he is human and oh, by the way, did you also notice he mispronouced "Bhutto" ? He never had my vote to begin with.

Once again Huckabee shows he is does not stay current on important foreign affairs. Anyone this ignorant is not remotely qualified to be President of the United States. Huck, for the good of candidates who have a real shot of beating the Dems, drop out now!

Huck should hire that teen beauty queen from South Carolina.

To the author of the subject article,

Can't you find anything better to write about? This is nickel and dime! What's next in your agenda-John McCain putting his belt on left to right or right to left? You people need to focus on more important and substantive issues which may impact the state of our country and stop "looking" for issues that do nothing more than generate non-constructive comments from all the so-called "educated" readers. As for all the "educated" readers with their respective comments, take a good look at "your own back yard" before you begin to criticize others.

Lastly, to the readers who may be wondering-I have no preferences on any of the presidential candidates, but would encourage all "Americans" to show the courtesy and decency of a civilized country in affording all candidates due respect as they proceed with the challenge of trying to be the leader of a diverse and most powerful nation in the world.

Romeo Nelson

He may be clueless about foreign policy. He may have a questionable record on law enforcement. He may even be generally unqualified to be president. But hey, at least he's not a Mormon. Picking the wrong religion seems to be the only unforgivable sin in the GOP primaries. Thank God I'm not a Republican.

"He is really ignorant."

Agreed.

http://iblognews.wordpress.com/

Hey liberal idiots try reading his exact quote not the Clinton New Network spin on his words. The real truth is that Hilary is unqualified and a compulsive lier and Obama wouldn't receive any notice if he wasn't black. People who vote with their emotions and not their brains should not be allowed to vote.

It's no surprise that Huckabee made such a comment even though had he watched the news on CNN or read a newspaper this blunder could have been prevented.

How is it that these candidates can live in a box and want to be the leader of our country and be so ignorant? Perhaps the answer is because the people supporting them expect nothing more themselves.

The days of the U.S. playing a leadership role on the world stage is over as a result of the current administration. The sooner our elected officials understand the U.S. is not the center of the universe but just a part of it's fabric, the better off we'll be. Hopefully once again some respect will be shown upon not only it's elected officials but the people they are supposed to serve as a whole.

The above needs to be understood by all Americans and to realize freedom isn't imposed by war and invasions and that respect is earned.

This will be quite a challenge considering the current administration may be the most corrupt in the history of mankind. And all the while with smiles on their faces as they've lied through their teeth to a trusting all be it ignorant people.

These is something to be learned from world history, and one religious fanatic is no different from another regardless of which book you believe in.

I think he was referring to Martial Arts, i.e his campaign pusher Chuck "I get the best workout in my life with a bowflex" Norris.

Look, I just think I want a president who reads the news as often as I do and not every other month.

at a time like this it would be easy to say the wrong thing. and as a democrat i will defend mike for what he said i have always voted for the man not the partyt and i think mike is a good honest person. there are a couple of republicans that i like mitt is not one of them. and there is only one dem. i would vote for and that is not another clinton.. my first president was hover. so i go back a few years. this will end up a very dirty election and i thought i had seen everything. just wait until the real dirt comes out, most of which will be lies but somw will belive it.

This guy is a less intelligent version of George Bush. If the gets the nomination, I will either go with 'none of the above' or the Libertarian candidate. I'd rather have a Democrat elected (including Hillary) than Huckabee since I suspect he'd pretty much do about the same level of damage to the country and if the damage is going to happen anyway I'd rather have the Democrats blamed.

In the interest of full disclosure ... I'm supporting Fred Thompson and certainly won't be happy with any of the other Republicans but Huckabee is the only one that will guarantee I won't be voting Republican.

FRED....

You are somewhat correct in that the word "continue" can either mean to "keep going" or to "start again". However, in order for it to mean the latter, the condition that it is referring to needs to be the standard, not the exception. for example, if it has been raining for days and days, it might be appropriate to say that the rain might "continue" after a brief clearing. However, if there has only been a brief shower, it would be ackward to refer to the rain as "continuing" once it has stopped.

The same applies with martial law in Pakistan. If, in fact, martial law had been in place for months and months...then had stopped...it might be appropriate to refer to it as "continuing" if you were concerned about martial law being imposed again. However, since martial law had only been in place for a few weeks, it is verabally ackward to refer to it as "continuing" once it had been lifted.

Considering how verbally skilled Huckabee is, I am inclined to conclude that he was not aware that martial law had been lifted and, in fact, was using the "keep going" definition.

I think the American public will also conclude the same thing.

Pakistan was recently under Martial Law, and the Assassination of a prominent leader would give Musharraf credible reason to restore it.

One might reasonably say he would be continuing matrial law at that point. Considering our current President's gift for misuse with English, and a press that tended to ignore it when his popularity was high, this whole 'gaffe' seems miniscle.

It seems that news can be created where it might not otherwise exist. Atop that, we really do ourselves no service by desiring leaders who can speak off the cuff and then pretty much mocking them for the tiniest details.

He made a bad choice of words when saying the U.S. needs to consider “what impact does it have on whether or not there’s going to be martial law continuing in Pakistan.” He should have said whether or not martial law will be reinstated

BIG DEAL!

The man is ignorant and unprincipled ,and truly scary, leading in the polls here in Georgia. I'm old but I can remember when being an American made you proud.

ALL OF THE CANDIDATES WORRY ME. I AM A REPUBLICAN BUT DON'T SEE ANYONE I CAN SUPPORT.I KINDA LIKE OBAMA THOUGH. WOULD VOTE FOR MICKEY MOUSE BEFORE HILARY,I MEAN WHAT IN THE WORLD QUALIFIES THIS WOMAN TO BE PRESIDENT? WOULD WE EVEN KNOW HER IF SHE WAS NOT MARRIED TO THE SLICKMIESTER AND WORST PRESIDENT SINCE JIMMY CARTER??

What a hoot to see the loyal GOP line up to defend "the Huckster" .... he isn't paying attention to international affairs – didn't know about Iran and their non-nuclear program and now, after two weeks, didn't know Pakistan was not under martial law ...

What does he know? He knows the earth is only 6,000 years old and women should graciously submit to their husbands, how to post a gift list and how to pardon thousands of criminals.

Sorry – we've had 7 years of ignorance trying to lead the country ... we can not
afford another four years of a president not knowing his ear from his elbow ... if he was informed, all you foolish people would not have to explain to the rest of us what he really meant ....

Didn't he play "Goober" on the Andy Griffith show? – I'm almost certain!

Big deal. GW Bush is idiot and he still got reelected. So can Huckabee. it simply reflects the stupidity of voters, really!

R-

Pure Huckababble ! It is great to live in a country where any native citizen can become President–it is truly regrettable that some of them try.

Huckabee is – for many reasons – not a candidate I would like to see become President, BUT – to claim that his comment: "whether or not there's going to be martial law continued in Pakistan" "seemed to suggest" that he doesn't know that martial law was previously lifted, is NONSENSE. The phrase Huckabee used can very correctly be understood as a wary musing as to whether or not Musharraf will deem it necessary to suspend the constitutuion, once again, as a direct result of the assasination of Ms. Bhutto. He may well be consigned to the dust-bin of history, but it shouldn't be because of a REPORT that Huckabee "appeared to make a minor gaffe" and that his comment "seemed to suggest" something that existed only two weeks ago! This is worse than Jr. High gossip.

yOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING. Huckabee is being criticized for telling the truth about not being up to speed on one of over 200 foreign country's current domestic policies. He should have just lied like Hillary does, and told reporters he knows everything. It's not like Hillary's pathological lies have ever been documented – right? No, wait, they have, but we don't care about the REAL Inconvenient Truth, unlike the hoax called "global warming," we want lies!

Come on Mike, take a page out of the Hillary Playbook, and be everything to everyone. You can speak with a southern, black accent in a Southern Baptist Church, and you can tell a Boston, Irish crowd you think there's some "Irish blood" in your family.

How dare you tell the truth Huckabee! The people don't want the truth, they want a lie because it makes them feel better.

We already elected a Pres who didn't have any international knowledge, and see what happened.

Let's do it again, maybe this time it will be different.

Huckabee has no clue about foreign policy. He's from Arkansas! He'd better learn quick. Iowans are smarter than simple social conservatives.

I am currently an undecided voter, and I must admit that this comment from Huckabee has underscored my concerns about his knowledge of foreign policy. I was under the impression that presidential candidates are surrounded by a team of staff who are paid to make sure the candidate is up to date on current issues and briefed on how to comment? Even if Huckabee himself is unable to find Pakistan on a map (which is a major issue) shouldn't at least one of his campaign advisors, speech writers or interns be able to help him out?

Mindy Chatsworth...
Do you realize the number of people in the country who do not believe we evolved?
I do not personally believe that. I look around at this vast universe and cannot understand how anyone can think it all just happened as an accident.

Less hunting, more learning, haha. Read a newspaper Huck...

Huckabee has made a very good point. Pakistan is under a martial law. Musharaf is a great dictator and hardcore side taker. America needs to open her eyes, ears and everything it takes to closely monitor this guy.

He cannot be trusted – where is Osama bin Laden? Why he has not being apprehended since. I think Huckabee is 100% accurate in his observation. Musharaf must go!

"whether there is going to be martial law..."

I don't see a problem with that comment. It clearly could be a reference to a future martial law if the unrest continues.
'

From this and the Axelrod story, I think the media is REALLY reaching for stories.

I think that his words could be taken either way. When I read it, I could have just as easily taken "continued" as "starting back" or "being reinstituted."

Tht is the problem when a candidate who does not read, or has a short memory, or whose mouth is faster than his brain.

This continues to prove that the "Huckaboom" was filled with a lot of hot air. This Christian has seen past his rhetoric and pandering for some time.

Campaigning, Christmas, Iraq, Chinese toys, immigration, gas prices....

All these thing's are bouncing around in all the candidates heads. I'm happy the guy knew that martial law HAD been in effect recently. Like someone pointed out, half the country (generous estimate) could not point Pakistan out on a map. As far as foreign policy goes, that's what advisors are for. The President needs to be an "expert generalist" when it comes to situations like this. He should know exactly who to call when something such as this takes place. To have first hand knowledge of the political situation in every country in the world (that is 100% up to date) would be nearly impossible.

Just my opinion though, feel free to bash it =)

FYI-Not a Huckabee supporter.

Huckabee expressed concern about how the government will react. Will they impose martial law (again) or not?

GMF got it right. CNN got it wrong.

Isn't this the same guy that wasn't aware of the NIE report on Iran, joked that his foreign policy came down to his staying at a "Holiday Inn Express"? Sorry, the joke is on you this time Huckabee. Too busy doing the NRA photo op pieces with the orange hat? Why again should we trust this guy to be one of the most powerful leaders in the world?

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/21/opinion/main3639261.shtml

That's great, another clueless Bush like in the whitehouse.

Why cant Huckster just stay in Arkansas and leave this country to the sane people?

Huckabee doesn't need to respond to not knowing martial law was lifted in Pakistan as early as two weeks ago. America needs to respond by not endorsing Huckabee. We don't need another misinformed or uninformed president. Huckabee has proven he has no interest or knowledge of international affairs now or in the past and personally, I myself don't talk to people who don't know what's going on in the world around them and don't care. Those type of people live in their little comfort zone and Huckabee is one of them.

Musharraf is going to now blame this on his having lifted martial law – and Huckabee is clueless.

So are his followers.

"The gaffe can be understood and is not shocking in a nation where the vast majority of people couldn't find Pakistan on a marked map and in a field of politicians who could likely not find it on an unmarked map."

Oh, by all means, it's okay, then. And it's okay that many Americans can't find the United States on a map, and that one-fifth of us think the sun goes around the earth. Just peachy.

Oh, and if you are one of the people that believe that math is needed to prove anything, but God is the only thing that can't be mathematically proven, you're wrong. There is another thing that can't be mathematically proven, and that is love. Why do you think people can't hold relationships together? It's because people can't comprehend or find the exact solution to love. Maybe God and love go hand in hand, and maybe, just maybe, God and love are bigger than mathematics, and therefore, mathematics cannot prove either. Ever think of that?

Let us have a REAL president for a welcome change!

****Ron Paul for President****

Huckabee will soon be just a faded memory! A flash in the pan!

First, the comment about the dead birds representing those that do not vote for him. Then the comment at the debate about the "degree in theology". Now this.

I can see how people mistook what he said, and he might have been very aware of the current situation of Pakistan. But he sure seems careless with his word choices. And what is really so different about his plans anyway? What will change? The corporations will still control policy and dictate your future to you, which is fine if you don't mind the march back to peasantry. Remember the most useful slave is the one who thinks he is free.

This guy has no chance, and if he did win the primary it is all but over for the republicans. Romney and Huckabee are so status quo, big government, corporatocracy neo cons, and yet they are pushed as they are the only choice. They are no real alternative to the pro-socialist democrats, and either would easily loose to Obama or Clinton. Sad really.

Vote for real change, Ron Paul 2008.

I'm not a fan of Huckabee, and I would agree that most of the candidates (not just Mr. Huckabee) have very little clue about current world affairs, BUT I agree with GMF, CNN's interpretation of the statement suggests they are in need of a good story and they are spinning this one in a way that serves their need. I don't think Mike Huckabee needs to respond to CNN's request for comment on the issue, its just not worth any of his time. If Hillary Clinton had made that same statement, we all would known what she meant. This story is not worth the time that any of us have spent responding to this idiocy. Mike Huckabee has made plenty of ridiculous statements, but this just isn't one of them.

Quote from GMF:

Critics=CNN. People who can actually read and understand nuances in the English language know what Huckabee meant. I suspect CNN knows, too, hence the "seemed to indicate" proviso.

GMF, not sure what "nuances" you saw in his statement, it seemed pretty clear to me that he implied that Pakistan was still under martial law – he actually used the term "Martial Law". I don't see any other way to interpret this statement, do you??? I don't care who the "critics" are that pointed out the error, a mistake is a mistake, and this is a BIG one. If you are running a serious campaign for the presidency, you had better know what's going on in the world, ESPECIALLY in Pakistan. I haven't decided for whom I will vote yet, but it certainly won't be this guy.

The scary thing for me is the intolerance of Christianity that has developed among democrats. The history of hatred among democrats, i.e. blacks, Japanese Americans, Japanese citizens ( A Bomb), Cubans, Germans, Vietnamese, etc., is well documented. Now they turn their sights toward Christians. Scary as hell.

And why do you all criticize this man because of his belief in creation? You do realize that evolution and science are 2 completely different things right. I bet you all still think Lucy is a distant relative to us. News Flash. Lucy is no longer part of the evolutionary theory. Ever hear of Selam? Selam is Lucy's child, hypothetically speaking. Even she was found to have only ape characteristics, with none of humans. Read up on Lucy's feet. Those feet are what was supposed to show she walked upright, as were tests in the ear canal. Tests have showed she did not walk upright, and Lucy never had any foot or lower leg bones found. And most scientists don't even credit Big Bang with happening anymore, because creationists have made a very good point. The point is:

How can we say that God can't create all of this? The truth is, that if we went to Mars today and found a skyscraper on Mars, we would automatically assume that it was created by human/alien intelligence. But if we see a simple cell, the basic building block of life, we assume it came about by chance, when we can't even build it ourselves. If we're the most intelligent things in the universe, and we can build skyscrapers, submarines, computers, and everything else, why is it that when we find something that we can't build, that we assume chance made it. Chance has no intelligence at all. Wouldn't it make more sense to believe that something even greater than us, much more intelligent than us created that which is impossible for us to create? Creationists believe so. Evolutionists believe that something less intelligent than us created what is beyond our ability to create......I find that hard to believe.

Cheezebob please clarify this statement:
"we all know how dangerous uneducated "religious" people can be for president"

Are you implying that if someone is a Christian then they are "uneducated"? I would argue the contrary. Tell me which one is more logical, believing in a Sovereign, Creator (ie. God) or a statically impossible fairytale (ie. evolution)?

I'm no, genius but I consider myself quite educated. I have a Bachelor's degree and work in a technical field. One of my "hobbies" is studying Creation Science, not just reading articles, but in-depth study of micro-biology and geology. Critically analyzing both secular and Christian Scientist papers on their findings and assumption.

So, just because I believe in God and Jesus is the Lord of my life doesn't mean I'm uneducated. Just because I can see the flaws in a fairytale (ie. evolution) that require "billions of years" to cause something (that is statically impossible) to happen, doesn't prove I am uneducated. Actually, it proves the opposite. It proves that HAVE educated myself.... in the TRUTH.

Give the man a break. Christmas was a couple of days ago and he had been on the campaign trail for the weeks leading up to Christmas. Martial law was only lifted 2 WEEKS AGO. TWO WEEKS. Heck, I'm impressed that he even knew that they were under martial law. Presidents (whom ever they are) typically don't keep up with the "up to the minute" happenings internationally. That is what his Staff and advisers are for.

Yet another dim-witted southern governor who wants to be president.

Did anyone read what he actually said. Not only is what he said completely correct but the media is once again trying to spin ANYTHING a politician says into some sort of attack.

Here is the quote:

"But the most urgent thing to do is to offer our sincere sympathies and concerns to the family and to the people of Pakistan, and that’s the first thing we would be doing other than, again, trying to ascertain who’s behind it, and what impact does it have on whether or not there’s going to be martial law"

Please notice the WHETHER OR NOT THERE's GOING TO BE MARTIAL LAW

Here is what the press hears:

Pakistan is under a state of martial law.

He did not state that there is currently a state of martial law in the country, but whether or not todays actions are going to result in Martial Law. That being a primary concern of the USA.

People wake up, just because CNN or any other news agency spins a quote around does not mean that their spin is correct. READ it for yourself and get the meaning. Relying on yellow journalism to inform you of what really is happening is not the smartest concept in the world.

Good Job CNN...for twisting and spinning yet another story to make it more glamorous than it really is. I remember when CNN actually reported the truth, not its own political agenda.

I see this as no big deal. I'm no fan of the Huckster, at least he knew Pakistan had been under martial law recently. This is just nitpicking.

Bush didn't even know Musharraf's name when asked "who that general in charge of Pakistan" was in 1999. I trust Ron Paul on foreign policy more than any of the other clowns running for office – his nonintervention is much more rational than just continued belligerence.

Reporter: "Governor, what is your reaction to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto?"

Hickabee: "Oh, no! He was one of my favorite soccer stars!"

Maybe he meant "martial law resumed," after its brief pause. I would imagine a return to martial law is a strong possibility.

How can anybody suggest that Huckabee did not know the martial law was lifted weeks ago? What he is saying is that before considering whether martial law should be reintroduced, that we should first of all send our condolence to the people of Pakistan. His statement in no way indicates that he did not know that martial law has been lifted. Why is Huckabee being attacked for every statement he makes? The media should the American people to vote their conscience and stop creating bias in the minds of people. Let the people be the judge of these candidates.

Another politician who doesn't read...

I don't get it. Don't you people know how to read. Where I come the word continue can mean one of two things. It can mean keep going, or it can mean start up again, which is pretty much the same thing, and I can guarantee when Huckabee responds, that's what he's going to say. Say for example, a war ends, and it's been peaceful for two weeks. Say a bomb was just dropped. Now, someone could say, "the violence may continue" meaning start up again. It's like saying, a man was smoking all his life, and just quit two weeks ago. Now that there's a cigarette in front of him will he continue smoking, or stay smoke free. If you read in context, and not just in fragments, that's what he was referring to, "starting up again". I clearly think you people like to bash others just for the sake of finding something to be critical of. Don't you all have anything better to do? I haven't seen anyone here giving any support of other candidates. Just anti-support of Huckabee, who is the only one speaking the truth, and you all know it. If you even know what martial law is, it's pretty much like a form of a "state of emergency." Knowing that, yeah, martial law could start up again with all this. Huckabee is right, believe it or not.

doh! was that Homer Simpson or Mike Huckabee, they are one in the same except mike huckabee is a little more polished, but what an IDIOT! how could someone running for the most POWERFUL position in the WORLD not be up to speed on politics! what a moron, he would be like Bush and not realize we had a hurricane for weeks (like Katrina). There are some of your average citizens like me that seem to be more up to date and I'm not running for President. Why do we only get MORONS on both the Democratic and Republican parties? can we please just give washington an ENIMA? and start all over. AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

December 27, 2007 4:15 pm ET

Pete:"The gaffe can be understood and is not shocking in a nation where the vast majority of people couldn't find Pakistan on a marked map and in a field of politicians who could likely not find it on an unmarked map.

If that is all they can come up with, then he has little to worry about."

WOW – It's this kind of mentality that led people to elect our current president. Americans needs to have much, much higher expectations for the next leader of the free world, or we're all in big trouble. Pete, do you really believe most politicians can't locate a country on a map which terrorists are believed to use as a home base and varifiably possesses nuclear weapons? And that it's nothing to worry about if they don't know it's current state of affairs? If so, I beg of you not to vote in the next election.

This is not a "gaffe" that "can be understood." It's proof of ignorance and under-qualification for the most important job on the planet...

And you know good 'ol funny-man Huck is about to explode wanting to make a joke with Bhutto's name.

GMF is right on with this one. I read the quote several times and I'm sure Huckabee is unintentionally saying "continue" when he means "re-instate". So why is everyone in an uproar? Anyone who's NEVER said the wrong word when surrounded by hundreds of people and all sorts of media raise your hand...

Good comment, GMF.

Critics=CNN. People who can actually read and understand nuances in the English language know what Huckabee meant. I suspect CNN knows, too, hence the "seemed to indicate" proviso.

I'm sure this comment will never see the light of day on CNN.

Lazy and uninterested in world affairs. Shocking. Presidential material? Remember Reagan? He is still idolized. And he called Ferdinand Marcos a friend of democracy and approved the sale of guns to Iranian clerics to raise money for the Contras in Nicaragua. Huckabee's gaffe will make no waves. Once he is elected, then he can make some real doozies. And many people may still not care. Hey, the NFL playoffs will start soon. Who cares about Pakistan, wherever the hell that is?

Doesn't he have speech writers for this stuff....

The gaffe can be understood and is not shocking in a nation where the vast majority of people couldn't find Pakistan on a marked map and in a field of politicians who could likely not find it on an unmarked map.

Man, I sure hope you're joking, because if a candidate doesn't recognize geographical boundaries how can anyone expect him to know the state of geopolitical affairs?

Really, dude, expect more out of your candidates. Huckabee might know about how to run a state, but that says nothing about foreign policy. So far, he's shown he's just not up to the job.

Good grief Huck, just say 'no comment'

Awe, c'mon. The guy was busy shooting slow-flying, defenseless birds for photographers. You can't expect him to know something like the state of government for one of our closest allies in the War on Terror.

Haha, sometimes you have to be amazed at the ignorance of some people. And I shudder at the ignorance of a Presidential candidate like Huck...
As a Pakistani, it doesnt surprise me this is true though. Ive had people ask me if Pakistan was next to Iraq, in the Middle East?
Now thats pretty freaking ignorant, wouldnt you say?

I'm no Huckabee supporter, but I'm trying to find where the "gaffe" is in this statement. GMF is absolutely right: it's a question about how you interpret the word "continued." Looks like the Romney campaign has friends (or gullible dupes) at CNN.

Gomer Huckelberry demonstrates once again his woefully inadequate bible school education and lack of attention to what's going on in the world. He can be slick at times but lacks the ability, experience and knowlege to be president.

Suggestion for Huck – Less hunting, more learning. Who knows, maybe in a decade or two, he could know enough to be competent to hold national office.

The problem is Huckaboo is not this blip on the radar. This comment is the least of our problems. Remember, this is a man who does not believe in the scientific theory of evolution. He thinks that God created man and who cares about facts and real knowledge. That is the kind of blind ignorance that this man offers as a potential Republican presidential candidate. The scary thing is that there are a lot more people just like him out there. Some may find this highly amusing. I, on the other hand, do not. I find it truly frightening that this man can discard a body of scientific information and tell us in the 21st century that we did not evolve.

Whether or not he has the requisite knowledge of foreign policy issues is the least of our concerns. His blind faith in the bible to the exclusion of all other sources is what makes me terrified that this man could even possibly be considered for the highest office in our land.

Come on Huck Finn I'm starting to wonder if you even pay attention to current events. And don't give me that you are extremely busy routine and play it off with some wisecrack. Even I knew that martial law had been lifted and that Iran had suspended it's nuclear weapon ambitions. I am a democrat but if you guys did win I was thinking you would be the most honest now I'm wondering if you have the competence to handle the job.

What's the problem? There's nothing to worry about. The Guv spent last night at a Holiday Inn Express.

Sure, many Americans couldn't find Pakistan on a map – but they're not running for president. This buffoon makes the inexperienced Obama look like an elder statesman.

THIS MAN WILL BE NO MORE THAN A DISTANT MEMORY 90DAYS FROM NOW,PEOPLE WITH A LITTLE BIT OF FACTUAL/RESOURCE WHO PULL MAX. EXPOSURE/MORE OFTEN THAN NOT LAND UP LIKE THE PHEASANT/PLAYED OUT>>>>>>>>>

Whichever candidate we ultimately elect as President, we should learn from our experiences of the last seven years. Consider the reality of international politics and the threats posed to the United States from multiple quarters. Can we afford to have as President someone who relies on advisers to shore up a weak knowledge of international history and a lack of experience in negotiating in culturally and politically delicate situations? We have stellar experts in this country who are widely traveled, have experience in negotiating overseas, speak multiple languages, and command respect beyond our borders for their knowledge of international history and politics. Why are we settling for a field of candidates who by and large have little or none of this? A former mayor. A senator with several years in Congress. A businessman turned governor. Look at the field. Look at their CV's. Are you impressed? If you were running the search committee and the job description were to "run the United States of America with successful domestic and international policy", would any of these candidates leap out at you as eminently qualified?

How many of these candidates have taken the Foreign Service Exam? What did they score? Which of them has lived abroad? Which of them speaks a foreign language or two? Which of them has in the course of their work experience been put in situations where they had to try to understand how people from other cultures are thinking? Which of them in the course of their work has had to base a decision on how people from other countries might perceive our country as a result of this decision? Any of them?

If Mr. Huckabee misspoke about martial law in Pakistan, that is a bothersome minor detail. Better we judge him along the criteria above. As we should all of the candidates.

I'd kind of like my president to know more than I do on foreign affairs. I can *somewhat* understand the lack of awareness on martial law in Pakistan but the lack of awareness on the Iran nuke report is mind-boggling. People, we need someone more than a friendly guy who knows how to bag a pheasant as our president.

This guy will be so much fun to watch if he gets the nomination.

Running for president is a full-time job these days with lots of overtime; but part of the job (of running for president) is keeping up with what is going on in the world around us.

If noone is briefing Huckabee on things like the end of martial law in Pakistan, what else doesn't he know about?

Huckabee has some positive qualities no question, but the world's too dangerous for ignorance to be dismissed as 'just a slip of the tongue' or 'just CNN and Fox picking on Mike' as some commenters wish to do.

Not that Huckabee has time to stop for a cram course on international politics, but he needs to make time to prepare for the job he is auditioning for, or there's not much point to his running.

Lee

Oh brother... we all know how dangerous uneducated "religious" people can be for president. Please Huckabee supporters, THINK about what you're bringing on our country

GMF

what the heck did he mean?!? did you see something between the lines!? do you have another translation of what he meant "in his heart"?? because i read that he thought pakistan was still under martial law.

He is such a dope!!

The thought that this lunatic could possibly be elected to lead the free world makes me cringe.

Isn't it about time we elected someone who had ALL their brain cells engaged?

Huckabee's rise in popularity, apparently primarily due to his conservative religious credentials, is a worrisome indication that this country could persist in the Bush's administration's demonstrated policy of religious beliefs trumping competence. Other than the particular brand of religion, how is this so different from the theocratic state in Iran?

oh Lord, not another Bush in the making, please............

Pete

look at you comparing huckabee to the idiots in the country who cant find pakistan on a map and you will still vote for him. how about instead of saying "its ok, because the rest of the country is stupid as well" why dont you vote for someone thats capable of lifting this country OUT of its ignorance!?!?!?

This report is ridiculous; note how the writer him/herself attempts to distance him/herself by saying "critics" jump on this "gaffe"...

...if just 2 wks ago martial law was lifted, it is very probably going to at least temporarily be imposed now, and the big question and important issue as Huckabee rightfully noted is whether it will continue on when elections are to be taking place and what our position is going to be.

As spoken human language is used, there is nothing wrong with the generalization/comment that the big issue now is whether "trying to ascertain who’s behind it, and what impact does it have on whether or not there’s going to be martial law continued in Pakistan"...

iow, is there GOING TO BE (future tense) martial law CONTINUED (as has been the practice as of late, probably will be now, and will it continue indefinitely to stunt democracy continuing there).

Reporters should be a bit more careful not to jump on the latest Romney press release.

This is not surprising. Who here honestly thought a Baptist minister from Arkansas would have any valid input on this tragedy in Pakistan? These politicians just see this as another opportunity to hold a press conference and get their face in the old media and embarass our nation.

HE ACTUALLY SAID " OUR APOLOGIES GO OUT TO THE PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN"
APOLOGIES FOR WHAT?

CNN, come on, there are other guys running for the republican nomination also. What is it with the Huckabee fetish you guys have all of a sudden? Is he that much of shoe in? Does he frighten librals that much? Could it be that he is awakening the sleeping giant of the moral majority? Anyway, quit reading this, Huckabee is probally sneezing or somthing so go cover it. He is the news right?

so typical. worry more about whats going on in the afterlife then whats going on here on earth. Maybe if he paid a little more attention to the state of affairs in THIS world his facts would be straight. two weeks is a long time.

"Oh my. I think Governor Huckabee is very good man in his heart and he is one of the best speaker — certainly the best speaker in this election."

I really hope this is a joke. Ron Paul is the only candidate from both sides that speaks the truth. You all know this, but you want someone who is going to continue the war-mongering, which is ridiculous and destructive. Watch your dollars become worthless by the day, and your products become too expensive...oh, but that doesn't matter, Pakistan and the rest of the Middle East matter!!! Who gives a crap about the problems facing our own country, right?

Huckabee is witty and 'innocent', but he would be a disaster as leader. He lacks experience, leadership and balance. He has already upset Mormons and Catholics with his 'innocent' remarks. Religious persecution and further polarization is what we can expect under him.

Give the guy a break. He was setting up his manger scene when martial law was lifted. You can't expect someone who's had his head in the ground for most of his life to know every little thing that goes on outside of the bible belt.

Finally ! The rest of America will see what we the people of Arkansas have had to put up with for the last 8 years!

At his best Mike Huckabee is inept and just plain ignorant. At his worst he is a "holier than tho" snake who is able to manipulate those folks with enough gullibility to think that he will save them from the hoardes of "evil doers that lurk just outside the door"

Hopefully the members of the Republican party will have enough common sense to come out in droves and vote for anyone other than he in the upcomming primaries so that he will withdraw from the race. If not it will be left up to the American people to elect which ever of the Democrats gets the nomination or perhaps we could simply try it without a President for the next four years, we certainly couldn't come out any worse off!

Hey, GMF, giving Huck the benefit of every doubt, this comment is, at best, confusing and vague. That is entirely different from "nuance," which implies that there is some sort of hair-splitting going on that the unwashed, stupid masses just can't understand. If you want to say that Huck didn't mean it the way it came out, that's one thing, but there's no "nuance" here - just word-mangling at best, ignorance at worst...

Huckabee is showing that he is a one trick Christian pony. I know that we have had elected people with less international experience (George W Bush for starters) and look at what he has done to America's reputation.

If he is going to speak, he should be briefed. Partially because of the arrogance/ignorance of Bush we live in a dangerous world.

He is really ignorant.

Ah, the Huckster... The Earth is 6,000 years old and he's going to put Chuck Norris on the border to deal with immigration. The guy's a flaming idiot– and so are his followers– with no clue whatsoever about foreign policy (and probably can't find Iowa on a map). I only hope he gets the Repug nomination because he'll be, by far, the easiest to demolish.

Sadly, this is typical of Huckabee, given his very limited knowledge of international affairs. It matters little, however, because there is no chance of the country electing a Baptist minister as President. None.

How could Huck know what was going on in Pakistan? He's too busy giving for- pay speeches to pay any attention to pick up a newspaper.

Pete December 27, 2007 4:15 pm ET

The gaffe can be understood and is not shocking in a nation where the vast majority of people couldn't find Pakistan on a marked map and in a field of politicians who could likely not find it on an unmarked map.

If that is all they can come up with, then he has little to worry about.

This dude is RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT... he needs to keep up with the news, he needs not know WHERE Pakitsan is (next to india)... Its not understanble that this man doesnt know what is going on with a country that 1) has nukes and 2) is influencial in Mid East policy of this country... PETE you need to expect more from your leaders. At expect that the READ the news..., after Bush do you really want MORE ignorance to world issues?

This goes along with his Cuba statement:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C50e4aN0xU

This guy is not Presidential material.

Your news department should read and find exactly what he did say...Not what Fox News said he said..

Huck-a-wanabe he is probably getting his briefings from the GWB…

This is the best the GOP can give you?

if you did not have enough in the last 7 years – there you go…Mike is your man.

CNN's reaction – "Yes! now we got him. He misspoke."

Give it a rest. You just can't stand that a possitve leader may actually make it in politics. It's just sad really.

As an independent, I voted primarily for Republican in the past, but I will vote for Democrat in 08. This country deserves a change, and the Bush administration has ruined everything the past 8 long years. We sincerely miss the good old times in the 90's when our beloved country was highly respected in the world.

May God bless America!

if this is a direct quote:

"...and what impact does it have on whether or not there’s going to be martial law continued in Pakistan"

then what the heck is all the hub-bub about?
He seems to be foreshadowing what I believe we could all assume to be a natural progression of events which is to reenstate martial law in Pakistan.
Time may bear Huck out on this one, and those who make a an issue of the comments are going to expose their petty politicking.

As a Evangelical Christian, I admit that I love Gov. Huckabee's social conservative positions, but his foreign policy gaffes are beginning to worry me. Everybody makes mistakes but this is getting a little embarrasing.

If you look at his record, it appears that he has no military experience and little if any foreign policy experience. Earlier in the campaign he didn't seem to know what was going on in IRAN (NIE Report) and now he doesn't seem to be keeping track of the situation in Pakistan. That's two very volatile and dangerous areas of the world, and two areas that voters expect the candidates to be familar with.

Maybe if Huckabee is elected when can put him through some training sessions on history and foreign policy to get him up to speed.

I not a Huckbee friend or foe but why would his campaign be interested in responding to this totally unworthy news article. There's a lot more important things going on the the campaign than this – cover them. Soon candidates will be scared to appear in public without scripted speeches. We want a human as our next president not a robot. Focus on the issues not the odd socks!!!

Maybe if his "massive grassroots support" put their money where their mouth is he'd have enough money to buy a competent foreign policy expert to advise him.

Travelling abroad in support of Wal-Mart & Tyson Foods isn't exactly "Foreign Policy" experience.

Is Huckabbe a Bush Wannabe?
We don't need more illiterates in Washington... No How, No Mo, No Way !
Keep him out till he gets an education.

Critics=CNN. People who can actually read and understand nuances in the English language know what Huckabee meant. I suspect CNN knows, too, hence the "seemed to indicate" proviso.

I'm sure this comment will never see the light of day on CNN.

Oh my. I think Governor Huckabee is very good man in his heart and he is one of the best speaker - certainly the best speaker in this election. However, his international knowledge is very lacking. He does not appear to have much understanding of interational affairs. What is even worse is that he does not even try to keep up on international news. Pakistan is no longer under martial law. Anyone should reconsider voting for a president without interests in international affairs at this very hour.

Huckabee is such an idiot. We need someone for President who is mature, focused and not hyping religion. Otherwise we'll be in a religous war around the world – which is a HUGE step backward for democracy in the United States.

Huckabee sucks

Another fool amateur from Arkansas

Huckabee stop running for president and putting on this charade

This is just another example of media bias. Did they ever report when Rep. Corrine Brown, D, of North Florida was asked about the situation in Fredonia (a mythical place made famous by Groucho Marks) and her resonse was an emphatic "terrible just terrible"!! No, of course not! Because they hide the foibles of their own and magnify, if not distort, the minor errors or non-errors of their opponents. For this reason, these media persons are hypocrites and wicked persons of the worst sort!

Oops, uh, hey everyone I'm still a Christian!

Gore/Edwards '08

I think politicians are who are ignorant about international issues should not comment.

The gaffe can be understood and is not shocking in a nation where the vast majority of people couldn't find Pakistan on a marked map and in a field of politicians who could likely not find it on an unmarked map.

If that is all they can come up with, then he has little to worry about.

It's not a minor gaffe. I'm a housewife and I knew Pakistan's martial law had been lifted. This guy is NOT on top of anything except appealing to fellow evangelicals. And if they vote for him simply because he is evangelical, they are being really irresponsible. This candidate is weak on crime, taxes, immigration, foreign policy,,,anything that really matters to a true Republican. Please people, wake up!

Chuckabee makes me ill.