I have one simple question to pose regarding Mike Huckabee's attacks on Mitt Romney's religion. How can anyone who does not fit into Huckabee's picture of a perfect Christian feel that they would have fair and unbiased representation in government if he was elected President?

There are many points of consititional propriety that could be argued, but simply and to the point, it feels when he talks about "the people" he is only talking to and about Evangelical Christians. In reality this group is a small minority of today's American population, so again, I pose. How can anyone who does not fit into Huckabee's picture of the perfect Evangelical Christian point of view feel that they would have fair and unbiased representation in government if he was elected President?

Well said, Bill. The conservative talk show hosts need to listen to what Huckabee is saying. If the republican party ignores the middle class in this election, they will lose the presidency for the next 20 years. I really believe that. We need to change the momentum that the democrats have right now, and I believe Huckabee is our only real chance to do that. Romney would lose in a land side.

"In case you haven't noticed, the "world" as you call it has started to wake up and come around to our way of thinging. I cite our recently improved relations with the Governments of Germany and France (of all places)."

——————————————————–

In case you haven't noticed, support for Bush has apparently cost the jobs of his two most vocal supporters, Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia. There is no time that Bush can go to anywhere to visit our most loyal allies without being greeted by unprecedented protests, even in places like Canada. Contrast that with the crowds that greet Bill Clinton in nations that support us.

It is with typical hypocrisy that Republicans ignor the diminishing support from the United Kingdom (as shown in elections and more and more troop reductions) and use France as an example of how well things are going. No doubt, this example is being cited by many of the same people who loudly condemned France for it's lack of supplying troops (still NO CHANGE), wanted boycotts of French food and products, and advocated 'FREEDOM FRIES". For Bush supporters, hypocrisy knows no bounds.

Rob January 2, 2008 7:34 pm ET

"Unions will ruin this country."
**********************
I cannot believe it, I actually agree with you on something….And I am a Dem.

I'm really glad to see the hysteria by conservative media and talk-radio over Huckabee. As a conservative it's really opened my eyes to the bias that exist in these forums and to the fact that some (not all) of the NeoCon criticism from the left has some merit. What's really going on with Huckabee is that he is an outsider that is challenging the GOP establishment. Romney is such a fake, yet most of the talking heads for the right are shilling for him and attacking Huckabee.

While Huckabee may not be a pure conservative according the self-proclaimed defenders of conservatism, if you compare him to the actual life and record of Ronald Reagan there are striking similarities. If Huckabee is not a conservative then neither was Ronald Reagan. The only conclusion left for true conservatives (i.e. as defined by Reagan himself) is to admit that there has been a Neo-Conservative swing within the GOP and the pundits on the right, so much so that a true conservative like Huckabee is now demonized and attacked.

George Betros

I must respectfully (and I mean this in the nicest way) invite you to get a clue.

In case you haven't noticed, the "world" as you call it has started to wake up and come around to our way of thinging. I cite our recently improved relations with the Governments of Germany and France (of all places).

Sir, I have spent the last 10 years living abroad. What electing "W" really did was put the world on notice that the U.S.A. was not going to quietly given into the wave of "global liberalism" infecting 90% of Europe and other nations.

I really question your interpritation of how "bad" our reputation was anyway. A lot of Americans don't realize that while our "Boys" (and Women) were off fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, the GERMAN Army was providing security for our bases in Germany. So while the Germans were indeed taking the low road and publiclly denoucing our efforts, on the other hand they volunteered to back fill our guys so they could go and do the heavy lifting. I watched many times as these same German security guards, would halt traffic, quickly get in formation, snap to attention and salute every single time a hospital transport loaded with war injured troops was transported onto or off of Ramstein AB. So don't tell me we didn't earn the respect of Europe and world. You just don't know what you talking about.

Additionally, I normally strongly discourage personal attacks on sitting Presidents (regardless of party), but I'll leave you alone on that for now and just share with you that I'd much rather have a REFORMED frat boy & drunk in the oval office any day compared to the previous: Unrepentant Dope Smoking, Flag Burning, Baby Killing, Military Hating, Womanizer or her husband (oops I mean wife) that we had in office before W.

You are clueless as to "W's" IQ, he is no showman and not good on camera – I'll give you that, but you have no call to question the man's intellengence since you obviously are not aware of too much yourself. Secondly, the "ex-cookhead" charge is at best slanderous and also uncalled for. To my knowledge there is no real evidence of such activity, at any time.

But while we are comparing mental and moral qualifications. Did you know that the predominate number of White House Cabinate appointees, during the Clinton I days, had to have presidential wavers for drug use or drug use convictions in order to obtain the necessary Security Clearances to do there jobs – shameful. This isn't the kind of people want in office again.

Go MITT!

I've been saying this from day one: Huckabee doesn't have a sliver of a chance of beating Hillary, Obama, or Edwards in the general election. He was the one that brought religion into the spotlight and I feel that it is going to be his downfall. His record shows as Gov. he was quiet liberal in his views. He has got one thing going for him: he is a good speaker and people like him. But he is not electable against any of the democrats.

Huckabee is still playing the "Christian" card and it will be his downfall.

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT! There are only two republicans that have a chance against the democrats in the general election: Romney or Giuliani.

I like Thompson and McCain but they don't have enought support and McCain is a hot-head.

ROMNEY and GIULIANI are the only republican nominees that have enough general support and organization that have any chance against today's anti-Bush voters.

This is a meme that has been picked up by Romney blogger-bots: Oh, Romney just does truthful "contrast" ads! (They won't call them negative ads or attack ads)

HOWEVER, Newsweek and FactCheck.org have exposed this farce:
http://huckablogger.com/blog/2007/12/mitt-romney-busted-for-mislead.html

So, let's be honest, boys. Your man Mitt began the negative ad wars and continues to fund them out of his own deep pockets.

Iowans don't need another attack ad in their mailboxes and don't need another smear ad on their local evening newscast, and that's why they'll reject Mitt Romney tonight.

I'm thankful that we have the RIGHT to check out the candidates and hopefully we won't only get one source to look at. How about get at least 3 sources for views of each-

look at what they say about themselves and their issue stands,
look at what they HAVE DONE ( their records & what they said to the news) and
look at what an unbiased (if you can find one) source says-

I liked that Rush has good things to say about Mormons on his web site. I hope people will not be moved by fear or hate (as these are not from God) (though sometimes the word in KJV is used to mean more like reverence/obey God, not fear (like be afraid of) God. How many times do we have the "fear not" messengers from God to man –of course that goes along with obeying the commandments and repenting too).

It is a comfort to me that when we do the best we can, (which includes to study the records of the candidates etc and support what we find good) we can leave the rest to God. If people are worried about Mormons (from listening to hate/fear propaganda that maybe their pastor has bought into) they should checkout Mormon.org or LDS.org.

Jesus said to love one another- he did not spread fear and hate. Look at the issues and yes, also pray about it –if that is your usual pattern to do when you need more wisdom — see James 1:5.

First and foremost, Romney to me is just a Republican version of John Kerry. He spouts out what he thinks you want to here.

I am a Democrat from Arkansas and never intended to support any campaign of Mike Huckabee. But I have to be honest in that he did his best to work with Dems in getting certain things done for the state. His tax increases were put to good use by improving the highway system that was ranking near or at the bottom in the entire US. He made some errors like the pardoning of the rapist Dumond but to his defense that case had fairness issues due to the victim being a relative of the sitting governor at the time. I believe that Dumond had more than served the average sentence for his crime.

While he is not perfect, he is a much better choice than Romney. I do like McCain the best of any of the Republicans.

Many of these comments never cease to amaze me. More than half of all these comments are just Mormon hater lines over and over again. These people are taught buy their Ministers to hate from their earliest years in Sunday school and at home. It's too bad there are so many misunderstood issues. Wow I thought this was a campaign for the white house not a Mormon bashing session.

I hope this causes a huge amount of interest then maybe people who want real answers can ask some one who really knows. Yeah! like maybe a Mormon! If you don’t really know any Mormons get to know some and then make a judgment. You don't have to join, can't we just be friends?

It would be really nice to have someone lead this country that actually knows how to run a business. For all the doubters not everyone who runs a successful company is a success because they are dishonest. Talk to some who really knows an individual. Then decide.

And PLEASE let’s stop all the anti Mormon hate mail and just stick to who you think would run this GREAT NATION best. Just vote your opinion and that will be great. Thank You

The writers have right on their side in the strike, and Huckabee should be ashamed of himself for crossing their picket line.

""January 2, 2008 8:24 pm ET

MITT for Mormons against HUCKABEE for Christians, another religious war!
This time on American soil!"""

Incorrect. Huckabee for Baptists and Mitt (and every other candidate) for becoming the president.

Romney is a phoney/sleazy used car salesman type and Huckelberry is a sleazy fairy tale salesman..They are both fighting for their "territory"..Both of them are users of people to get what they want.They are both as shallow as a kiddie pool.
Not that Hillary or Edwards are any better, they are just the flip side of these two.
None of the lot of them is fit to fart in the White House..In fact there isn't a cadidate in
either party thats really worth anything…My vote..NONE OF THE ABOVE…

Hey all you uninformed posters out there. Mitt has ALREADY been on Leno. He did the Leno show a long time ago. He is where he is supposed to be tonight. Huckelberry is selfish and insensitive to cross that picket line. Not to mention just a total idiot. I was fence sitting between Mitt and Huck…made up my mind. Huckelberry has made enough stupid uninformed statements lately to really scare me.
And those of you out there unwilling to vote for Mitt because of his faith, I encourage you do a little more research. The Mormons have it in their doctorine to support and defend the constitution of the United States. There is a lot of crazy stuff on the internet about the Mormons right now, and from what I have studied, 99.9 % of it is incorrect. The church is actually pretty cool with donations to other third world countries in the millions. They were one of the first groups on the scene with Katrina, and they teach their children respect for their elders, moral cleanliness and formal education. They set Monday night apart and call it Family Night, where they take turns giving lessons as a family about Christ, or just enjoy good clean family fun. These are all attributes that I wish more faiths focused on, instead of the KKK which was started by the Southern Babtists. Back when the LDS faith was welcoming Blacks into the fold (admittedly not offering the Priesthood until later) the Baptists were hanging members of the black community from trees, and raping their wives. That turns my stomach and I want no part of it. I would like to ask Huck where he was 40 years ago, and what he was doing to fight the injustice of the south and the black community.
Go Mitt. I find it interesting that people say he is too polished. This is what we need people. Someone who is charismatic and well educated. At least we wouldn't need to worry about some of the gramatical boo-boos we have been embarrassed by with our current sterling scholar Bush.
Wake up people. When this is all said and done…….I would much rather have someone of Mitt's integrity before the temper tantrums of Huck or Hillary.

Please don't judge Mormons on the things that Mitt Romney says, either good or bad. He is ONE Mormon, he doesn't represent us all.

I really loved Mitt's speech on Faith in America. After the religion speech, I proudly had a Mitt for President sign on my front lawn — a bold move for my liberal neighborhood. Then one of my neighbors STOLE my sign. Nice. After a few weeks though I was glad it was stolen because Mitt kept sticking his foot in his mouth. My thieving neighbor deserves my thanks and saved me from removing it from my own front lawn.

I still can't stand Huckabee and would prefer Mitt over him. I just wish Mitt would not have said he "saw his father" walk with MLK, Jr. Mormons believe in being honest and I feel like Mitt is misrepresenting us all.

MItt Romney has already appeared on Leno, a few months ago…

Why does Huckabee always seem so uninformed? Who is advising this guy??

To the extent that fantasy and pure idiocracy (i.e. religion) is allowed to influence, and in most cases, CONTROL the political process, we are all slaves to faith- based irrationality and superstition. Our founding fathers loved and embraced slavery, viewed women as little more than insignificant property, refused to let them vote and established the primacy of the MALE in all things; these are the underpinnings of our CHRISTIAN(?) country – that all men want to continue.
These are what males refer to when they state that this is a nation FOUNDED ON CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES!

Religion(s) have a totally undue influence upon American politics – and yet, they do not contribute a PENNY to the COFFERS of our NATION!

It is time to stop the religious idiocy of promoting a Constitutional Amendment: banning: Flag burning, Gay-Marriage, and abortion – abortion has sort of been decided by the Supreme Court and the practice is ever-decreasing…

It is time for a politician with "Intestinal Fortitude" to solve the Social Security CRISIS, Medicare and Medicaid issues, with a Constitutional Amendment taking away the Tax-exempt Status of ALL RELIGIONS and reap the TRILLIONS of dollars in TAXES from churches and, priests, etc., who CONTROL the politics of this great nation, but contribute not a PENNY to its COFFERS – I am not counting all the politicians who get rich catering to their superstitions…

Someone needs to protect us from this INSANITY!

IF you want to PLAY in POLITICS you have to PAY!

NO WITCHES IN THE WHITEHOUSE!

Mitt Romney would do us all a favor if he would just withdraw from the Presidential Race and just donate to charity the money he is spending from his own pockets. We don't need a President who just tries to belittle everyone around him with his constant half-truths and deceptions. The USA deserves better than him.

Politics make me nausious, listening to ignorant people fight and argue about politics when all they really don't inderstand whats going on make me even more nausious. I cringe to think that so many of you are actually allowed to vote… I personally think every voter needs to pass a political IQ test before they vote. The thought of some religious fool not voting for someone because of their religion, or some ignorant housewife voting for a candidate becasue Oprah tells them to, and all of those who read a headline and assume that our media can never lead us astray is pretty scarry. Do you know what our politics are actually about? My personal feelings about a candidate is that if he's concerned about the environment and education, wants to fight terrorists and aid in other countries struggles, fights immorality in America, and illegal immigration while supporting a tax system that not caters to me but to make the economy stronger all while doing this without their political personal interests in mind has got my vote. Seriously does it really make any difference if he strapped a dog to the top of his car for a drive or that he believes Jesus is Satans brother. Lets just vote for who will screw up the least because I guarentee your candidate is going to screw up too.

Mary

Studying American History is important, but understanding it is every bit as important. This country was not founded on Christianity. Certainly, the vast majority of immigrants were a member of a branch of Christianity. Most of the founders of the this country were Christian as well, but not all. However, even this faith was tempered with the belief that a wall should exist between the Church and State. Baptist theologian Roger Williams wrote of, "[A] hedge or wall of separation between the garden of the church and the wilderness of the world".

Thomas Jefferson (who believed in God) wrote a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association, in which he said, “Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between church and State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.”

James Madison's original draft of the Bill of Rights had included provisions binding the States, as well as the Federal Government, from an establishment of religion, but the House did not pass them. After retiring from the presidency, Madison argued in his detached memoranda for a strong separation of church and state.

George Washington wrote in 1790 to the country's first Jewish congregation, the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island to state, “For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.”

The Presidential Oath of Office, as stated in the Constitution does not include the words “So help me God”. In fact Presidents between Washington and Rutherford B. Hayes did not use the phrase "So help me God." Abraham Lincoln, although he was specifically requested to use the name of God in his oath, refused, with the explanation that it was not in the constitution. Theodore Roosevelt did not use a Bible when taking the oath in 1901, John Quincy Adams swore on a book of law. Neither a Bible nor the words "So help me God" at the end of the oath are required by law. Many of the early Presidents used a book of law, and not the Bible to take their oath. This doesn’t mean that they did not believe in Christianity (most did), but they were attempting to keep that separation between their personal faith, and their role as public servant.

As far as the original documents are concerned, yes the Declaration of Independence has the word “Creator” and “God” in it. However that document has no basis on the system of government that the founders put into place. A far more important document is the Constitution of the United States. This document is the basis for our system of government and its laws. It is to this document that you should look to for what our forefathers intended for our country. Not one time does the word “Creator” or “God” appear in the Constitution.

You appear to argue that our forefathers intended for our country to have religion in our government and schools. If that is your argument, then I have but one question. Why didn’t they? Why didn’t the founding fathers simply establish Christianity as the National Religion? It could have been done, the majority were Christian, and there was precedent. After all, the King of England who ruled the colonies was also the head of the Church. The answer, I believe, is clear. That was exactly what the founders didn’t want. It’s bad enough when you find yourself in disagreement with an earthly authority, it’s much worse when that earthly authority is also the heavenly authority.

The Founding Fathers as Christians, wanted to form a country where each and every person could worship as they pleased without criticism, commentary, or undue pressure from their representative government. They realized that all other faiths would suffer persecution and prejudice if there was a National or Official faith. And so, with the very first amendment they wrote these 16 words to protect each person’s right to worship as their conscience dictates: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . ."

With no ill will in my heart, I suggest that you celebrate this right. Worship as your own conscience dictates, without trying to mandate your faith, and let others do the same.

Ha – the picture above should have been captioned: "and the Squirrel was this big."

Chuck Windom:

I thank you, sir. I've studied and counselled with people living in Utah for over 30 years, and have to say that your observation has a certain degree of merit worth considering. Not a universal condition by any means, nor necessarily an inevitable one, but there is obviously something there.

Incidentally, though Latter-day Saints may be among the nicest and most sincere people you could ever hope to know, there is probably no other group whose members on average know less about its own actual history, origins, and teachings. Rather, many tend to settle into oblivious "comfort zones" of their own making, discarding any challenging or critical thought as an untruth, contentedly certain of nothing except for their own correctness.

And yes, this does sound very much like our friend Mitt Romney.

Huck always does the right thing?…What would Jesus do as he says. First he says there is no cross in the background of his ad. Then he says vote for me because I am an honest guy. Jesus will get you for that one. "Thou shalt not lie". Then he calls his rival a dishonest man for stating facts about his term as "Liberal Manager" of Arkansas. Jesus will get you for this one too Huck, espically if he is listening to the prayers of the woman who lost her daughter because you let the criminal out of jail! "Thou shalt not steal…a life". Then he wants to show a negitive ad, then stops it only to show it to the press and makes sure its out there so he can take the high road and say "I pulled the ad", when its already out there. Free press and the press gets sucked in, What a joke! What would Jesus do? He would not even have thought about a negitive ad, let alone given it to the press. "Thou shalt not deceive thy neighbors" …"again and again". What a deceiver. And this guy is a preacher? One can only wonder what Jesus will do when he meets the Huck, We all know what Huck will say…"Can I open a gift registery for my believers to help my cause"? Its really sad. No, Huck is really sad.

Several government buildings were used as as places of worship on Sunday after the Constitution was written. Maybe there interpretation of separation of church and state has become different that ours.

Romney is a phoney/sleazy used car salesman type and Huckelberry is a sleazy fairy tale salesman..They are both fighting for their "territory"..Both of them are users of people to get what they want.They are both as shallow as a kiddie pool.
Not that Hillary or Edwards are any better, they are just the flip side of these two.
None of lot of them is fit to fart in the White House..In fact there isn't a cadidate in
either party thats really worth anything…My vote..NONE OF THE ABOVE…

"The Constitution only deals with religion to limit the govenment from establishing a religion or requiring religious tests to hold office."

Richard West, maybe you should learn to study your text and then tell me why I cannot use such a test as an aid to help me on who I choose to vote for!

I think there is a difference between negative ads and identifying past voting history. Huckabee sure isn't going to tell people how he has voted in the past. Romney's ads display the difference in voting, nothing else. Huckabee and McCain respond by calling names, like a couple of school kids who got told on. The media sure does like to down Romney by talking about how "negative" these not so negative ads really are.

So Huckabee crosses the picket lines to trade one liners (no substance of course) with Leno (even after being informed about the writer's strike ahead of time……) then acts dumb and pleads ignorance to the strike. That seems to be his back up for every dumb decision he makes (and there have been plenty of those now, haven't there??!!)

Huckabee has lost any credibility he may have ever had with those of us who initially supported him. His attack ad – “I'm innocent” ploy on Monday was just embarrassing to watch. I know it just reinforced my concerns about his true nature and motives (there have been too many backtracks and "deer in the headlights—who me?" responses throughout his campaign). Also, Huckabee's obvious lack of substance or grasp of important facts (that as a presidential candidate should be down solid at this point) is unacceptable.

O.K…….let’s compare candidates….An evangelical pastor/entertainer (Huckabee) vs. an experienced, supremely intelligent presidential candidate (Romney). We are voting for a president to represent and run the most powerful country in the world. The future of America and the direction it is headed is an extremely important and serious matter. I want the best, most qualified person leading us, not a clownish amateur that doesn't have a clue. I can see why all the respected, true conservative talk show hosts, journalists, bloggers, etc. have come down so hard on Mike Huckabee and John McCain (have you read the list–including Rush Limbaugh's latest statements today) on Iowansforromney.com?). Huckabee's latest wacko mis-statements and publicity stunt fiasco on Monday just reiterates why I'm voting for competence. John McCain is just plain mean, a liberal and a MSM prop since Huckabee is no longer a viable glass house to put up against Hillary.
Go Mitt!

"We have gotten away from what our forefathers intended for this country. Go back to the ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS of this country and not the interpretation of the courts and see for yourself. Read the Declaration of Independece and other documents."
————————————————-
Our nation and government was set up by the LEGAL document called the Constitution of the United States. (Note: the Declaration of Independence has no legal standing in our laws). In the preamble, it lists the 6 major intentions of the people who created it: (1) form a more perfect Union, (2) establish Justice, (3) insure domestic Tranquility, (4) provide for the common defense, (5) promote the general Welfare, and (6) secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. NOWHERE does it reference having any religious intentions.

The Constitution only deals with religion to limit the govenment from establishing a religion or requiring religious tests to hold office.

Never forget that the predominantly Christian men who were given the chance to create the greatest nation in the world, CHOSE TO KEEP RELIGION SEPARATE FROM GOVERNMENT.

"Maybe you all should study your American History. "

Charles in Salt Lake City, UT wrote:

"Mitt Romney comes across as a classless, envious, spoiled brat who responds to anyone else who receives attention by "ripping into" them. This isn't just a campaign tactic — it is indicative of a deep and basic character flaw. Can anyone out there picture how this approach would play for a leader attempting to form a bipartisan consensus, or engage in diplomatic relations?"

I'm starting to see the flaw also Charles. I don't know what it is yet. Maybe some personality trait inherent of being raised as a Mormon. Is it true that Utah leads the nation in prescriptions issued for anti-depressants – nearly twice the national average.

See: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/06/03/eveningnews/main510918.shtml

Is there any clinical psychiatrists out there that want to weigh in on this?

you guys are are such hypocrites, you are so mad about the use of so called "negative campaigning" by romney, yet what are you doing right now? Negative campaigning against romney. Judging from your comments you'd be slinging even more mud about pointless things like religion, diversity in utah, and hair cuts.

I'm sick of all you hyprocites

vote for who you're going to vote for and let that do the talking

Maybe you all should study your American History. This country was founded on Christianity.. Separation of Church and State was created to protect religious freedom and not keep it out of government and schools. History books and courts have misled too many. We have gotten away from what our forefathers intended for this country. Go back to the ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS of this country and not the interpretation of the courts and see for yourself. Read the Declaration of Independece and other documents. Don't rely on what you think you know.

I must have missed when Romney completely gave up on his own campaign and just started to attack his opponents, mainly Huckabee. It's a shame, at one point, albeit early on, he was the front runner for the party and in the last month I think he's lost alot of voters with all his negative attacks and seeminly very little focus on his own campaign.

Hey Ken: (Again)

With that stuff about "Bilary" destroying "what's left of our country" (or something like that) it seems as if you might be listening to old recordings of that blowhard Rush Limbaugh from the late 90s (back before we knew he was a hypocrite pill-popper). You remember the late 90s? When we didn't appreciate how good we really had it and let ourselves get all aflutter about the Commander-in-Chief getting a little side action from a chubby intern? Comments about "what's left of our country" should be reserved for the present-day situation that has been thrust upon us by the room-temperature IQ ex-frat boy, ex-cokehead, ex-drunk current occupant of the Oval Office who has demolished our reputation around the world. The second most idiotic thing we ever did in the mind of world leaders (behind electing Dubya') was the knee-jerk overreaction to Clinton's extra-curricular activities in the first place.

Rommney is a lair, and very delusional, he has lied so much during this campain, how can u tell when he is telling the truth. If he has lied to get to be president what makes you think that he would lie while in office.
I don't consider shooting squirrels hunting.

Romney can stop worrying about all those nasty people saying bad things about his religion to try to use against him. He's become the biggest argument against the Mormon church there is. It'll be a long time before anybody who's been listening to the half-truths and vitrol coming from this man's mouth will feel like trusting whatever a Mormon might have to say about anything.

Ken

I’d like to respond to your post, since I believe I’m the one who wrote a comment that you refer to.

You write, “Mitt Romney is a leader. He does not sit around pandering but rather fights on issue. The best way to point out strengths is to compare differences. Someone pointed out that those comparisons were only part truths. In fact they a full and complete truths. You cannot cover every single detail in a 30 second (or less) TV spot. Mike Huckabee has not been truthful regarding his liberal record and that is a fact.

First, I understand that in a 30 second time slot, one cannot cover every nuance of a given topic. That being said, if one is honest they should ensure that brevity doesn’t end up distorting the facts. I will give you some examples. The text in bold is a statement from one of Romney’s ads. The text in italic is what was left out.

McCain pushed to let every illegal immigrant stay here permanently…

McCain's compromise legislation introduced last summer, which was backed by President Bush, would have required illegal immigrants to return to their home countries and pay a fine for breaking the law before applying for legal status.

Mike Huckabee…. His foreign policy? 'Ludicrous,' says Condoleezza Rice…

Secretary of State Rice, however, did not call Huckabee's foreign policy "ludicrous, she was responding to a comment he made.

McCain…even voted to allow illegal’s to collect Social Security

McCain voted to allow illegal’s to receive past Social Security benefits only after obtaining legal status.

I’m sorry, but that’s not a full and complete truths, that’s only partial truth. At best it’s brevity to the point of distortion. At worst it’s a deliberate mischaracterization of his opponent’s record. Romney’s words are not being twisted or distorted, he’s doing that on his own.

Boiled down to the bare basics:

Mitt Romney comes across as a classless, envious, spoiled brat who responds to anyone else who receives attention by "ripping into" them. This isn't just a campaign tactic — it is indicative of a deep and basic character flaw. Can anyone out there picture how this approach would play for a leader attempting to form a bipartisan consensus, or engage in diplomatic relations?

This vain man seems to do just fine when he is being praised and stroked by his fans and supporters who adore him, but the slightest wiff of the real world beyond this "Oz" seems to bring out the real Mitt Romney, and that man is half joke, half disappointment.

By emphasizing his qualification for office as a “Christian leader,” the Huckabee campaign, however, has implicitly, and some of his supporters have explicitly, promoted a religious test for office. This threatens to tear this religious coalition apart. And if evangelical Christians legitimize a religious test for public office, they will pay the heaviest price. The liberal elites have long sought to drive people of faith from the public square. They view Mormons as a curiosity, like Christians on steroids, but they loath and fear evangelicals. If a religious test is legitimate for public office, then the Democrats will drive evangelicals out of our democracy.

So will the Huckabee campaign be the stake in the heart of the Reagan coalition? It is apparent that the Democrat National Committee hopes so, as Huckabee has largely escaped their criticism. Mitt Romney, however, has been the focal point of their attacks. That is because he is a full-spectrum conservative who will reunite the Reagan coalition. This is the Republican voter’s choice, are we to unite together, or will some of us simply “go by the wayside?”

Romney is as phony as a $3 bill. I hope he finishes no better than 4th in Iowa.

Hey Ken:

GIven the near incoherent quality of your post along with your neo-lithic writing style, I would be inclined to agree with your concerns about the quality of education in this country. As for your assertion that this nation is in a "dire situation" you might want to consider that the 90's with "Bilary" at the helm, were actually great and further, that Mitt Romney made most of his substantial fortune during that time in that particular economic boom.

MITT for Mormons against HUCKABEE for Christians, another religious war!
This time on American soil!

The elite media and republican surrogates are “dancing in the street together” as they slam Huckabee every chance they can. It’s like watching someone who came from the wrong side of the tracks crash an elite social party in a well-to-do side of town.

Up with Huckabee! Down with the elite republicans and their talk show hosts attacking their own!

You gotta' love these warm and fuzzy hair-splitters who have defended Romney's recent comments concerning Governor Huckabee "taking a page from the Democrat playbook" in his criticism of the Bush administration's foreign policy. The Romney apologists insist that their man was merely insisting that "civility" be restored to public discourse and that the proper respect be shown for the incumbent, especially given all of Dubya's "hard work." Gimme' a break, Mitt. In a poll, I am sure that you would get the same level of agreement for the statement that the Bushies have an arrogant bunker mentality as the statement that the sun rises in the East and sets in the West.

Mitt would have done the same exact thing if he got invited on the show.. Instead he's just whinning to try to weasel votes away from the Huckabee, just like he tried to do with McCain. If you ask me, Huckabee and McCain have more class than Romney.

IF IT WAS HILLARY CROSSING A PICKET LINE LOU DOBBS WOULD HAVE DEVOTED AN ENTIRE SEGEMENT OF HIS SHOW TALKING ABOUT HILLARY CROSSING A PICKET LINE.
THEN WHY DID MR. LOU DOBBS NOT MENTION THAT HUCKABEE WAS CROSSING A PICKET LINE TO APPEAR ON JAY LENO'S TONIGHT SHOW.
WHERE IS JOE FRIDAY WHEN WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE NEED HIM THE MOST? "JUST THE FACTS MAME, JUST THE FACTS".

Is this what Mormons are like?

I will be the first to say that I don't know about this religion, but the only thing I hear coming out of this man's mouth is negative. I might not understand the religion, but since it was brought up so frequently, and he seemed like a religious man, is this the behavior of mormons – or is this just another multi-millionaire trying to win an election?

Mitt is afraid of Mike's national audience tonite, and should be. Mitt cannot ever appear natural and authentic…whereas Mike is at his best as a real person .
Sorry Mitt, your money is not going to buy this election. Ever notice how the word " Money" is embedded on the name Romney??

""JS January 2, 2008 6:45 pm ET

It is important to realise that a Mormon is not a Christian. Romney is not a Christian. Investigate the history of the Mormon church and you will learn what a wacky religion it is!""

Hey JS,

Huckabee believes in the trinity and is not a Christian. If you believe in the trinity, then effectively you believe in the Nicene Creed.

For those who are not aware:

Indeed no less a source than the stalwart Harper’s Bible Dictionary records that “the formal doctrine of the Trinity as it was defined by the great church councils of the fourth and fifth centuries is not to be found in the [New Testament].”3

Now, an overview of the New Testament history is helpful. In the year a.d. 325 the Roman emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea to address—among other things—the growing issue of God’s alleged “trinity in unity.” What emerged from the heated contentions of churchmen, philosophers, and ecclesiastical dignitaries came to be known (after another 125 years and three more major councils)4 as the Nicene Creed, with later reformulations such as the Athanasian Creed. These various evolutions and iterations of creeds—and others to come over the centuries—declared the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to be abstract, absolute, transcendent, imminent, consubstantial, coeternal, and unknowable, without body, parts, or passions and dwelling outside space and time. In such creeds all three members are separate persons, but they are a single being, the oft-noted “mystery of the trinity.” They are three distinct persons, yet not three Gods but one. All three persons are incomprehensible, yet it is one God who is incomprehensible. Such a formulation for divinity is truly incomprehensible.

With such a confusing definition of God being imposed upon the church, little wonder that a fourth-century monk cried out, “Woe is me! They have taken my God away from me, … and I know not whom to adore or to address.”5 How are we to trust, love, worship, to say nothing of strive to be like, One who is incomprehensible and unknowable? What of Jesus’s prayer to His Father in Heaven that “this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent”?6

It is self-evident from the scriptures that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are separate persons, three divine beings, noting such unequivocal illustrations as the Savior’s great Intercessory Prayer just mentioned, His baptism at the hands of John, the experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, and the martyrdom of Stephen—to name just four.

With these New Testament sources and more8 ringing in our ears, it may be redundant to ask what Jesus meant when He said, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do.”9 On another occasion He said, “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”10 Of His antagonists He said, “[They have] … seen and hated both me and my Father.”11 And there is, of course, that always deferential subordination to His Father that had Jesus say, “Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.”12 “My father is greater than I.”13

To whom was Jesus pleading so fervently all those years, including in such anguished cries as “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me”14 and “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me”?15 To acknowledge the scriptural evidence that otherwise perfectly united members of the Godhead are nevertheless separate and distinct beings is not to be guilty of polytheism; it is, rather, part of the great revelation Jesus came to deliver concerning the nature of divine beings. Perhaps the Apostle Paul said it best: “Christ Jesus … being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.”16

Citations:
3. Paul F. Achtemeier, ed. (1985), 1099; emphasis added.
4. Constantinople, a.d. 381; Ephesus, a.d. 431; Chalcedon, a.d. 451.
5. Quoted in Owen Chadwick, Western Asceticism (1958), 235.
6. John 17:3; emphasis added.
8. See, for example, John 12:27–30; John 14:26; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 1:1–3.
9. John 5:19; see also John 14:10.
10. John 6:38.
11. John 15:24.
12. Matthew 19:17.
13. John 14:28.
14. Matthew 26:39.
15. Matthew 27:46.
16. Philippians 2:5–6.

The walking soundbite machine has no choice than to rain on Huckabee's parade. It's all those tears he's crying over all that money he's spent for nothing.

Seriously, I like Mitt Romney. He is better than any of the Democrats and all of the Republicans, except Huckabee.

Huckabee is a smart conservative who balanced the budget in a predominantly Democrat state, Arkansas. Yes, he rose a couple of taxes, but mostly he cut taxes.

Huckabee is a communicator who doesn't rely on soundbites to answer every question. He will defend his positions in a way that Bush, and I'm afraid Romney, could not.

Yes, Huckabee supported one bill that would have allowed the children of illegal aliens who were already in high school to compete for scholarships. It didn't even pass. Huckabee opposed amnesty, opposes sanctuary, opposed the Dream Act, opposes drivers licences for illegal aliens, etc. He's no John McCain.

In fact, every criticism I hear about Huckabee seems to be blown out of proportion. I'm voting for Huckabee.

ROMNEY/ EDWARDS 08

thats the real deal

Translation:

Mike, If I'm going to be pandering for votes tonight like a $2 hooker turns tricks, I want to have company. Please don't leave me alone with these hicks that I'm trying to impress with my phony, plastic-like features.

Your friend,

Weathervane Willard

Unions will ruin this country. Bless Hillary for crossing those pickett lines.

As a Democrat, I fully support Huckabee's nomination.

Go Huck, Hilliary will have the Arkansas mafia put your gonads in a lock box.

Huckabee's policies while in office a governor were totally liberal. The man avoids every tough question regarding his track record with lamb answers like I stayed at a holiday inn – har har har. He uses religion for his personal gain (is nothing sacred to this man?).

Mitt Romney is a leader. He does not sit around pandering but rather fights on issue. The best way to point out strengths is to compare differences. Someone pointed out that those comparisons were only part truths. In fact they a full and complete truths. You cannot cover every single detail in a 30 second (or less) TV spot. Mike Huckabee has not been truthful regarding his liberal record and that is a fact.

Mitt Romney is a great leader who has a clear plan that will turn this country around to solid conservative principles. He brings something new also and that is experience in business. He has the smarts and personality to elevate our position in the world. Our country is in a dire situation morally and economically. Families are breaking down; kids are having kids (continued social digression). Education and Innovation are taking a back set too other nations. Mitt Romney is the only candidate with a real plan to get us back on track and is the only candidate who can win the general election and stop Billary from destroying what remains of our great country.

My vote is for Mitt!

Why is it that when Mitt makes a point he is attacking, and when Huckabee attacks he is just making a point? Hmmm?

echoscanr…vegas

Some questions on your post. First, cronyism means, “Favoritism shown to old friends without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office.” Since, to my knowledge, John McCain has never appointed anyone to office, why do you accuse him of being “steeped in cronyism from Charles Keating to Ted Kennedy”. The Charles Keating makes some sense, although he was never appointed to any office (and McCain has apologized for his mistakes with Keating), but Ted Kennedy? He’s a Liberal Senator from Massachusetts, how could cronyism ever enter the picture? Second, “an in your face immigration attorney”, what do you mean? And the “20 plus million was 6” doesn’t make any sense.

Why is Romney running these negative campaignes?? It just shows what a dishonest man he is. What would Jesus do?

It is important to realise that a Mormon is not a Christian. Romney is not a Christian. Investigate the history of the Mormon church and you will learn what a wacky religion it is!

Peter,

I would like to make a few responses based off your post:

Romney really is a man of integrity.

An interesting statement, is Romney the only man of integrity? If yes, what do you base that on?
Romney's religion has bettered the lives of millions of adherents who are because of their membership (statistically speaking) healthier, happier, more racially tolerant, and more ardent followers of Christ.
First I would like to see the statistics you speak of. I have family and friends that belong to the LDS and they are good people, but I don’t know that they are any happier or healthier than anyone else I’ve met. And racially tolerant? 61% of the residents of Utah are Mormons, and the state is 95% white. I’m not saying that this is Mitt Romney’s fault (it’s not), but those statistics don’t exactly scream “diversity”.
Pointing out the factual differences between Romney's candidacy and other candidates is NOT negative campaigning.
You are correct, but how one point’s out those differences can be negative, and with Mitt Romney it frequently is. Many of his ads where he contrasts himself with his opponents stretch the truth, or leave out pieces of information. He doesn’t just lay out both records in their entirety, and then let voters decide. It’s akin to lying by omission, and I would consider that to be negative.
Romney is one of the few candidates with strong conservative credentials in the areas of social, economic, and foreign policy.
As far as his economic policies, you may be right (I don’t have the first clue). As to his foreign policies, his experience is a businessman and Governor of Massachusetts, neither of which has given him a platform to demonstrate much of anything on foreign policy, conservative or otherwise. As to his social policies, his conservative credentials appear to be recent for the most part. When one compares his statements as Governor (of a largely liberal state) they appear quite different than his statements now. Now I’m the first person to say that a candidate should be able to change his mind, especially when they are willing to say that their past position was wrong (as I believe Mitt has done). I do however question the timing. His recent “conversion” on conservative policy issues appears to have occurred largely around the time of his Presidential bid (which also makes me question you’re statement about Mitt Romney being a man of “integrity”). I’m not saying that he hasn’t genuinely changed his mind, but the timing of that change is bound to cause skepticism. Much like Mike “Here’s a negative ad that I made, but that I’m not going to run because it’s negative” Huckabee.

this is mostly the media playing up Romney as a bad guy, they and other news stations have been doing it since the start of the election. It's funny to see how they try to make candidates appear a certain way when in reality, its the complete opposite. Fox news is a little more credible in my opinion. Romney is an excellent speaker who always gets his issues across, its the media who only listen to the one liners that are mostly taken out of context.

Romney 08′

Blogger Anette says Huckabee is a bigot and she is going to vote for Mitt the Mormon. I thought the Mormon Church is the church that did not allow blacks to serve in a church office until 1995 and whose founder Joseph Smith had revelations from god that the dark skin of blacks and indians were a curse from god?

for the confused, here is some facts:
just because someone goes to a church does not make them a Christian any more than sitting in a garage makes you a car, or sitting on a horse makes you a cowboy. Believing in more than one deity makes you definitely not Christian. That does not make them a worse person, just different. Embrace your difference, since we are supposed to be tolerant AND intelligent. If you are going to discriminate, at least know the facts please.

CNN is like an over reacting girl, saying that Romney is ripping Huckabee. It was just a quick comment, why didn't they cover Huckabee's comment about about the Mormon faith, or even his comment about the Catholic faith. Now people go on thinking that Romney is a horrible person, attacking others all the time, just like CNN would have you believe. We need to grow up and form our own opinion and not be swayed by little news articles. And on Romney's flip flopping issue, don't you wish our current President could admit when he is wrong and change his stance on something, like maybe the war. We would be in a lot better situation right now if that were the case.

Name-calling? Come on Katy, you're better than that.

The more I hear what comes out of Romney mouth, the more I dislike the guy.

"Mike Allen January 2, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Carefull Mitt, your horns are starting to poke though your five hundred dollar hair cut. I hope Mitts ugly attack ads that he has spent millions of dollars on reap for him what he is sowing."

Ugly attack? What a joke. Your religious attack and wealth-hating comment is even more of a joke. (here’s an attempt at your style) Huck preached for filthy lucre, just like all Baptist preachers. The members of his past congregations should be the pissed-off individuals because they are the individuals he stole from. (how about) Huck believes in a schizophrenic god, maybe he’s schizophrenic too. (one more time) Does the US need a president that thinks any citizen that is not Baptist is going to hell? Huck keeps using religious symbols in his campaigning; therefore, he brings religious scrutiny into his campaign.

Anyway, I don’t agree with the teachings of the Baptist Church, but I’d vote for Huck if he represented what I stood for and stated he would lead the country in the direction I believe that the country needs to go in. The same goes for the other candidates.

Moreover, I’d be upset if I he said or did any of the following: Pardoned 12 murderers, (stated) I have no foreign policy experience, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night, pardoned other individuals because their preachers said that the convicts were simply good people, trying to pass into law tax-based in-state tuition for illegal immigrants (Huck, how about prosecution/deportation), and so on and so forth….

Huck isn’t a “bum” as he has described himself. I view him more as a “boob,” meaning “a stupid awkward person.” –Webster (I suppose that’s a jab at Huck)

Huck knows exactly how objectionable his record is and he is quickly offended when individuals remind him of it.

Simply, vote for any republican candidate besides Huck. If Huck is the nominee, then I will consider voting for a Democrat for the first time.

I guess Mr. Romney has forgotten the words "red eye flights"…..

Mccain. Steeped in cronyism from charles keating to ted kennedy. a real opportuninst. An in ur face immigraion attorney. I remember when 20 plus million was 6. he's still playing that " trust me" card all open borders pro's carry.

Huckster. A real hustler, reminds me of the guy hanging around the pool hall all day n night. a player who'll say anything to any camera.

I'll take mitt's resume over john's or huck's anyday, not withstanding foreign affairs on johns behalf.

John played his "trust me" cards some 20 years ago and look what its gotten
us and Huckster .. well,, he still looking for that unsuspecting crowd to hustle, better watch out iowa.. here come the player..

I'm supporting Mike Huckabee 100%. There is no other candidate that has the executive, credibility and communication skills that Mr. Huckabee possesses!

Huckabee for President in 2008!

Mitt Romney is like George Bush on steriods. I hope people wake up to his plastic smile and empty promises. Since he's a neocon republican we can pretty safely predict that he doesn't stand a chance this time. Too many people have awakened to the damages caused by the Republicans. Generations may pass and a third party may take power before we as a country allow the republicans another chance.

I think John McCain said all there is to say about Mitt Romney when he said
If you fight with a PIG you both get dirty and the PIG likes it.

A question. I keep reading these posts about how these different candidates are using "personal attacks". To me a "personal attack" would be if one candidate called the other stupid, or ugly. But there are also negative attacks, where one uses sarcasm, half-truths, or deception to score political points. I've seen both Romney and Huckabee use negative attacks, and I'm fairly certain that the Jesus & Satan brother comment would be construed as a personal attack (-1 to Huckabee), but what personal/negative attacks has John McCain used?

Personally, I'm an Independent and currently I lean Democratic. The other post I see a lot is how Romney / Huckabee / Giuliani is the only Republican candidate that can beat the Democrats. For a moment let's not consider the how absurd it sounds to suggest that choosing a nominee based on their ability to beat the other side is the most important factor, and not what they would do once they had won said contest. Let’s just examine this statement logically. Our current President does not enjoy a popular approval rating, outside of his own political party (and he has his detractors there as well). Ergo, whoever wins the Republican nomination will be faced with an important choice. Do they campaign with the President? If they do, they risk being linked with a President whose current approval ratings are hovering around 35%. If they don't then they send the message that they don't want to be seen with a fellow Republican President, lending ammunition for the Democrats to use. It's a bad spot to be in, just ask Al Gore cir. 2000. In one way it will be worse, Bill Clinton left office with an approval rating of about 65%. There wasn't a war going on, the economy was booming, gas wasn't $3.00 a gallon, and the housing industry was growing, not imploding. Bottom line, the Republican nominee will face an uphill battle since many voters will be looking for "change".

The one Republican candidate who could feasibly not fall victim to that is John McCain. He was and still is in favor of our involvement in Iraq (his son is in the Marines and is in Iraq), but he has also criticized the Administration for it's handling of it. He is aggressive on the war on terror, but has taken a firm stance on torture. He is a staunch Republican, but has a long history of working with Democrats. In essence, he can take the type of nuanced positions that make Mitt Romney or Hillary Clinton look like “flip-floppers” (which has somehow become a bad thing).

If the most important factor in electing the Republican nominee is who can beat Hillary Clinton (or Barack Obama), then the race should already be decided. There is only one candidate who consistently wins the hypothetical match-ups in every poll, and that's John McCain. If John McCain wins, he pulls the Republican voters (because few on the right want to see President Hillary or President Obama), but he also pulls a lot of Independent voters. If McCain's the nominee, he gets my vote. And that's from a Democratic leaning Independent.

More anti-Romney allegations with absolutely no substance. Critical thinking skills are hard to acquire, but I recommend them highly. Go to school. Make something of yourself. Live the American Dream. And try not to pull others down along the way…

Mitt Romney is the man who is fit to lead this country, and all of you haters out there are just a bunch of bigoted, Southerner cry babies who can't take the fact that he's a good man. He's not attacking on a personal level like the Huckster does. Romney is pointing out differences in policy and personal judgment. That's what belongs in politics, not personal attacks.

For all you anti-mormon Southerners out there, I guess I'm not surprised that the racist south is also the same group of people that hate mormons. You people just never change.

The big "L" on Romney's forehead can now be seen from outer space.

Mitt will do anything to win. He lacks integrity or character. He thinks he can slam people and buy the lection with his personal wealth. Not in my America! He's desperate and it shows. I would elect him dog catcher!

Romney's running a mudslinging campaign; particularly targets Huckabee. Why? He knows he's no match for Huckabee, whose Christian principles are exactly what we need for the nation.

Huckabee 08!

Good! I think it's nuts that Huck would rather be on the Leno show than win his nomination. He seems like he's just trying to be so nice, and trying to be so popular like this is some kind of high school game. Huck, if you can't hack it, chuch and huck should get the . . . . "fetch" out. Huck just wants to appeal to so many. I find it funny when people say that about Romney, when he's held a religion that so many find unflattering. You don't see him converting to another do you just to win votes! Romney is a clear leader and more than ever, we need help in the economy.

Maybe Huckabee is really auditioning for a Baptist televangelist. Huckabee is a religious bigot and a sick puppy and I don't fall for his "charming" talk.

Mitt Romney 2008!

I dont think mitt is "ripping" on people like cnn is saying. mitt romney for the most part is just trying to distinguish himself. somehow thats "ripping" when mitt does it

Mitt will say anything to create a headline. he is the john kerry of the group. Everyone should know that fox and abc plan on not inviting ron paul to the debates. wow. so much for being a republic.

"How does this constitute Romeny "ripping" Huckabee? This is good natured stuff compared to attacking one's religion, as Huckabee has done to Romney. The press, which everyone knows votes 90%+ Democrat, knows that Huckabee doesn't stand a chance against Hillary so they do their best to cast his main opponent (Romney) in a negative light. And unfortunately, it works. There are enough people out there (many who have posted here) who base their opinions/perceptions on the headlines that are spoon-fed to them. Romney is clearly the most capable leader. Look how he turned around Bain & Company, a premier consultancy, and created Bain Capital, a top tier Private Equity firm.

If anyone's religious background should be scary, it's Huckabee's as a baptist preacher. The fact that Huckabee the Baptist can't tolerate Romney as an active, self-professed church-going Christian makes you wonder how Huckabee's going to deal with others who do not believe as he does.

But none of this really matters, since Huckabee doesn't stand a chance as a legitimate presidential candidate, whereas Romney does (if he can gather enough steam in the first few states)."

Finally, someone with a brain.

Please read on for the most boring, non-scandalous post ever…

Romney really is a man of integrity.

Romney's leadership experience really has proven him to be incorruptible, principle-based, and effective.

Romney's religion has bettered the lives of millions of adherents who are because of their membership (statistically speaking) healthier, happier, more racially tolerant, and more ardent followers of Christ.

Romney doesn't impose his religion on others and respects all people whether they believe in God or not.

Pointing out the factual differences between Romney's candidacy and other candidates is NOT negative campaigning.

Romney is one of the few candidates with strong conservative credentials in the areas of social, economic, and foreign policy.

No, I don't work for his campaign; I'm just tired of reading garbage postings from the misinformed who know who they are if they read this far.

Attacks? comme on people….. DO A LITTLE RESEARCH ON WHAT HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT MITT ROMNEY. HE'S NOT ATTACKING ANYONE. CNN YOU REALLY SCREWED UP THE HEADLINE ON THAT ONE. So a person's religion and core belifies can be spat at but a person can't say anything about a person's where-abouts on the eve of the primaries, SOME AMERICANS WE ARE. NICE ONE PEOPLE… Mitt hasn't turned me off at all, just proven to me to be the most rational and level-headed.

ROMNEY FOR '08

Those who diatribe against Mitt for his alleged “attacks” shows that they don't understand the political nature of elections. There are differences between candidates and there are multiple ways about trying to show those differences. One way is to have ads that share your ideas. You also have ads that show somebody else’s' ideas. Alone, neither are very good in widening the gap between you and your opponent. The best method to show the difference between two people is to share facts from both sides. Mitt does both. So does Huck. In fact, Hucks bizarre trickery on Monday confirms that he is playing both sides of the game. A game which both are playing magnificently well. Too bad people get sucked up into the game when they don't really understand the rules.

It is getting closer to the big day and so many of you are still very confused. I am a Mormon and I am voting for Mitt.No, not because he is Mormon, but because he would be the best President. Yes, his values are in line with mine and I really like that. Mitt has a big following from the members of the Mormon faith, not the literal church itself. If Harry Reid, also a Mormon, ran for President he would not get the same backing because his stance on moral issues would be questioned. It's not a Mormon thing, it's a Mitt thing. Mitt has been accused of bashing the other candidates, not true. He has brought stances on issues forward. I think it's a justice to the American people to know the stances of potential Presidents. If you want to see bashing take a look at the Democratic election, that's bashing. To many of you who may read this blog I want you to know I am thankful to be a Christian. I am thankful to know that no matter who the President is come this November I know who really is in charge. With Him on our side we are all winners in this election.

Romney needs to tout his own credentials rather than bash on his opponents. He doesn't exactly have the greatest record either. The caucuses are pretty much all but decided, voters may say they haven't chose a candidate yet but chances are they're leaning towards someone. Plus Huckabee's still got staff in Iowa working around the clock. By going on Leno, the first night it's back, he's going to get a lot of national attention, not just Iowa or California. In a few hours Iowa is over and the rest of the Nation begins, it's a smart move on the Huckabee Camp's part in my opinion.

Fanta,
Not true. Mitt's ad are the standard attack ads with Democratic style. Attack with a touch of truth. He twists facts and myths together. Hsi ads accused Huckabee has a weak foreign policy and that Condi Rice called Huckabee foreign policy Ludicous. No, Condi rice said Huckabee accusation of Bush has a buner mentality is ludicous, not Huckabee foreign policy. I live in Ewing. If you were to say that it is important for republicans to win the southern states such as where Richard is living… Well, I will say you are ludicous to claim I live in the southern states, but that is not to say your statement about winning the southern states is ludicous. Romeny continously makes very dishonest claims. He accused McCain want amnesty for all illegal immirgant and allows all illegal immigrant to become citizens. First, Romney supported the bill before he against the bill. Second, it is not an amesty bill. Second, under the senate bill, the illegal immigrants need to pay a fee, pay all the missing taxes and apply for a working permit. If they want to become US citizen, they need to learn English and will be put ona 12 year probition. How is that amnesty? In the case, the illegal immigrant lived in US less than 2 years, they will be deported back and they have to reapply to come over here. It is not an amnesty bill. Is McCain allowing illegal immigrants to have a chance to become citizen? Sure. But nothing like what Romney suggested.

Media are saying that Mitt Romney has the most efficient campaign strategy…..then what does that manifest? Good leadership !!! McCain mismanaged his campaign finances —-you figure out. . .

Ok folks, anybody who thinks Romney was doing anything more than having a bit of fun with the media is simply kidding themselves. Fun at his opponents expense I agree but light hearted fun nevertheless.

Also folks, if you think this is negative campaigning then I'd like to know where you were for the last 20 or 30 years. This aint nothing. Romney has been a gentlemen compared to what we've seen int he past – on both sides of the political aisle. Its getting a little more hype on CNN and FOX than usual but trust me this aint nuttin' – and it could get alot worse before its all over.

Lastly, wouldn't it be nice to have a political discussion, about a political news article without bringing up Mitt's religion. It would be nice if some of the American electorate would grow up, a little. Besides folks you don't want to start a tit-for-tat discussion about evangelists or SBC's – their records ain't been none too good – especially lately.

Carefull Mitt, your horns are starting to poke though your five hundred dollar hair cut. I hope Mitts ugly attack ads that he has spent millions of dollars on reap for him what he is sowing.

Ads designed to point out the policy weaknesses of your opponents, i.e. candidates for the highest office in the land, are not "attack" ads. That's silly. People have a right to know that Huckabee does not have a record of fiscal conservatism just like they have a right to know that Romney is the worst kind of political opportunist. Neither is deserving of the Republican nomination.

Among GOP candiates, Mitt Romney is the only one who is morally capable, good value system, experienced leader and an efficient manager.

I love how the anti-Romney camp trots out the tired and desperate generalities – "he's a liar," "he's a Mormon," "he's rich," "he attacks other candidates."

The truth is Romney's ads compares his stance on the issues to the other candidates' stances and asks the viewers to decide. He gives information and doesn't personally attack any candidate. In contrast, the Huckster calls him a "liar," makes and the "retracts" a negative ad, pretends he knows nothing about the Mormon religion, puts his foot in his mouth every time he opens it, and he's the one being attacked by Romney? Give me a break.

If I had the money Romney had, I sure wouldn't pour it into politics. I wouldn't be put under a microscope like him either. He is running because he believes he can make a difference. More than I can say for the Huckster who charges for his speeches. Huckabee's a joke and it's an embarrassment to Iowans that they are even considering voting for this guy.

Media is magnifying the so called "negative ad" campagin of Romney when in FACT he is just trying to clarify and present the real issues. Bigots everywhere !!!! Go Mitt!

Rac,

I am not a Huckabee supporter, but you really clueless or rightous deceiving to accuse the Baptist church will take over the White House when Mike Huckabee is elected. Should we also think the Mormon church takes over US when Mitt get elected? Mitt has a much closer relationship with the LDS church than Huckabee with the Baptist church. Huckabee is what people call a christian left. There was a huge fight in the Baptist church between the left and the right. Huckabee essentially sided with the losing Christian Left side. The current Christian right leaders dislike Huckabee. How many Evangelical leaders back Huckabee? Pat Robertson endorsed Guiliani. Robert R. Taylor, dean of Bob Jones University, backed Romney. James Dobson nor Richard Land refused to endorse Huckabee's at this very critical moment. The whole idea that the Baptist leaders will invade the White House because of Huckabee presidency is ridiculous.

Mitt's ads have not been attack ads. Mitt is simply pointing out the difference between him and his opponents. Mitt is focused on the issues. McCain and Huckabee keep responding with personal attacks rather than defending their positions.

Mitt is the best GOP candidate out there right now. If you want something to get changed in Washington, Mitt is one you want.

I think from the very beginning that Romney has talked about the issues and I like what I hear. He is still talking about the issues and how both him and his opponents differ on those issues.

Everyone seems to think that he is not a Christian, because he is a Mormon. I think that he lives a Christian life. The scriptures say, "By their fruits you shall know them". From all that I know of Mormons, they serve their church without pay and because they love Christ. Romney seems to do the same. I really liked his speech on Faith in America. We need more Faith in this Country and in God. As a retired Marine Corps Officer, I love my County and everything that America traditionally stands for. I think that Romney does so too.

He has my vote. Go Mitt.

I am “dancing in the street” watching the elite media slam Huckabee every chance they get. It’s like watching someone who came from the wrong side of the tracks crash an elite social party in a well-to-do side of town.

Go Get’um Huckabee!

To E.Elliot — I know. I just felt it needed said. I'm a writer, not a WGA member as I don't fall under TV/movie writing, but I personally know people — both writers and crew members– being affected by the strike and it's really bothersome that it's getting overshadowed. Granted, it's not a "big" or "hot" issue, but it's still an issue. Oh, also, I'm not a sir.)

Mitt truly cares more, he knows more, he's DONE more and he'd be a far better candidate to compete with any Democrat. Mitt all the way!

Chris:

I see it opposite. I see Huckabee as the defensive, emotional, inconsistent and whiney one. Romney just comes off as cool, collected and composed. Romney has not said anything that PERSONALLY attcks others, just records. He seems confident and in control. Dare I say…like an CHIEF EXECUTIVE.

McCain and Huckabee seem wounded and insecure. This is not the attitude we need negotiating with Iran. If Mike is so "offended" by these traditional contrast ads, what kind of MELT DOWN can we expect when he gets hammered by the people who really want to bring down America??

Anybody think that Romney will reach more people in Iowa with comments like this than Huckabee will on Leno tonight?

Chris you know very little, I grew up with black mormon families the men coould not hold the priesthood. As far as checking up to see if you pay tithes simply not true. Members are encouragesd to visit but just to check on welfare fiances are not discussed. If you want to look at a churchs history with african american look at this:

The Southern Baptists are the largest and most reactionary christian denomination in the USA. They split away from the Baptists in 1845 over slavery, because they thought that slavery was okay. After the civil war, some Southern Baptists founded the Ku Klux Klan. Intense hatred against blacks was to remain the trademark of the Southern Baptists for another century.
In the 1960s, the Southern Baptists supported segregation laws and opposed the black civil rights movement. In 1995, the Southern Baptist Convention issued an apology to all African-Americans and asked for their forgiveness. At the 1999 convention, after SB membership had dropped for the first time since 1926, Southern Baptist Convention President Paige Patterson unveiled a new, agressive missionary campaign to target the inner cities and minority populations, except gays and lesbians.

Furthermore, after all that has been said for or against Huckabee and McCain, it is irrelevant. THEY CAN'T WIN. Period.

As of this afternoon Hannity, Rush, Ann Coulter and every other conservative voice out there is HAMMERING Huckabee and McCain. This has to do with electability. They know that Romney is the only one who stands a chance against the Dems in November. Think about it. Don't vote for Huck/McCain and send Hillary into office.

Mitt Romney consistently attacks others when his own record can't sustain him.

As an independent voter in Massachusetts I can tell you very clearly that Mitt Romney is not fit to lead our nation.

Romney has flip-flopped on almost every issue: abortion, gay marriage, immigration (not so long ago he labeled McCain's immigration policy as sound and certainly not amnesty – now he labels McCain an amnesty supporter), gun rights (how do people get away with saying they've been endorsed by the NRA when they weren't?),…he had even resisted being labeled a Reagan or Bush republican previously (which now he consistently identifies with)…just who are you really Mitt Romney?

Oh, and tax cutting? He didn't pass one substantial income tax cut in our state and managed to increase fees on a variety of issues, raise gas taxes, and closed corporate loopholes (read: overall taxes went up in our state by the time he left office). The changes he did initiate led to local municipalities needing to raise taxes and many school districts cutting music, art, gym, and yes, even busing of students.

Take it from someone from those of us in Massachusetts who know Mitt Romney: Don't vote for him!

Why is Huckabee out in LA mingling with the Hollywood libs and chatting it up with Leno?? Wow, what a MONUMENTAL mistake on the eve of the election. He is not even IN Iowa. Iowans will feel second class for sure.

Mr. Romney, and all other candidates for that matter, should spend less time talking about what other candidate have done and spend a little more time telling Americans what they will do for them. And I'm pretty sure that most people in Iowa 1) have a television and 2) that television gets NBC. Not to mention he's reaching a wider audience than just Iowa, so stop crying Romney. Just focus on sharing your message with Americans, and allow Huckabee to share his.

While I agree with Mitt Romney on virtually every major issue, I can't recall a presidential candidate – other than Al Gore – in recent memory who seemed so personally tin, phony and petty. Gore did not drop his pathetic contrived campaign persona until he had to give what was a tremendous concession speech. It was a case of too little too late. I wonder … will we get a similar speech from Romney this summer?

Huckabee would be a DISASTER for this country because the Baptist church would have the White house. I beg all Iowans to vote for Romney, and New Hamsirites to vote for Romney. Most of you guys are just plain scary! You'd make me wonder about America but I know you are a small uneducated, uniformed minority.

I think Romney looks the part…of a game show host! Enough of the attacks! I like Mike!

romney is the GOP's Hillary Clinton with his tart cricisms of Huckabee and McCain. so girlie.

I am tired of CNN using words like "rip", "attack", or "bash" to describe what Gov. Romney is doing. It's ridiculous. Can't a candidate compare his record to the history of other candidates?
All we want is fair media coverage…

Chris:

You are clearly not familiar with Mormonism. Try again.

Willy:

You are a fundamentalist evangelical who can't stand losing to a Mormon. Furthermore, if, in fact, Mormons were getting the White House, it would be 200% better than another evangelical bent on Middle East armageddon.

A vote for Huckabee is a vote for fundamentalist evangelicals. A vote for Huckabee is a vote for incompetency and ignorance! It is a vote for the pompous South who think they run this country!! It is a vote for a guy whose best work is behind a guitar!! He hold events with CHUCK NORRIS (that really adds credibility to U.S.'s position around the world). Don't do it Iowa or New Hampshire!!! You are better than that. Huckabee would be an absolute disaster!!!!!

Brian, unfortunately Romney cannot speak much of his plans or policies because they are just more of the same, policies discredited by W and acting Presidnt Chaney. And for CR in California – anti-union statement? Sir, they are republicans. They have tried to destory unions in this country for a hundred years. I do not even know that Ron Paul for his other virtues is any different on that count. Hunter? I could stand him if he would stop the bible thumping, it's near as bad as Huckie's. The position he takes on China is refeshing and accurate. Same for the position on the 12 million criminal immigrants. But did anyone notice today that Nader came out for John Edwards? Nader may be the last, most honest perosn in the Country. If only Edwards would change his immigration position he could have my vote. Same applies to any democrat and the "late" Tancredo.

In no way are his comments "ripping" on anyone. the headlines recently on cnn.com are all about getting attention at the expense of the truth. Also anyone who attacks a canidate just because of their religion needs to take a few history lessons on what this country stands for and why is was formed.

Romney's is trying his best not to cry as he prays for a win in Iowa. Because when he gets back to New Hampshire he will be coldly recieved. The man hasn't an honest bone in his body. And most of New Hampshire has come to that conclusion.

He smiles and speaks eloquently for the public, but what comes out is pure politics. And typically nothing he says is truth. He spins his record. He spins the facts on other candidates. When he isn't spinning, he is making up fantasies like when he saw his dad march for Martin Luther King. The man has shown his colors to the people of New England and no one is buying his act now.

Telling it like I see it,
Wynter
Loudon, NH

Are you kidding me Mitt! My Lord stop the attacks! I've YET to hear what you think about anything, except your complaints about Huckabee and McCain. Are you REALLY running for something? Shouldn't you be selling yourself, your plans, your agenda? "God don't like ugly!" Didn't your mama ever tell you that?

Candidates need to show how they differ from other candidates.

Mitt Romney's contrast adds have been just that, contrasting his record with the records of other candidates.

Mike Huckabee and John McCain have responded by ATTACKING. And, not attacking his record, but making personal attacks.

This has shown me who is the kind of candidate I want to support, and it's not Huckabee or McCain.

I agree with Brian from Buffalo, Romney has turned me off with his attacks. Mitt, you were doing fine, why did you mess it up?

I am so sick of the phony televangelist Huckster. Where's his "gravitas"? Romney has every right to talk about the issues and about his opponents' horrible records on crime, immigration, taxes, spending, corruption, etc. Isn't that what elections are about? Only Romney has the combination of experience, character and competence to win the election and turn America around!

I'm beginning to like this guy more and more. If he truly wanted to appear on TV he could have bought himself a station. Instead he was out stumping. Exit stage left Huckabee.

Edwards/Romney '08

MITT'S RIGHT.

HUCKABEE HAS ASKED IOWA VOTERS TO BE LOYAL TO HIM, AND KNOW HE'S ABANDONING THEM ON THE NIGHT OF THE CAUCUSES SO HE CAN BASK IN THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF LA

Huck's a bozo!

I love how the Huckabees all think Romney has done nothing but bash his opponents. He brinigs up issues he points out Huckabee's record. He does not make personal attacks on Huckabee like Huckabee does. Romney could go negative and show how Huckabee has been named one of the ten most corropt politicians by Judicial Watch. He is one of only two republicans on the list. Huckabee and McCain are both attacking Romney because Romney is running a strong campaign in both states while Huckabee and McCain only focus on one state. Then Huckabee supporters attack Romney because he has been very successful. I have always taught my children that if they did well in school and worked hard America would allow them to do anything. I guess you are more of an American if you set up a gift registry when leaving office and take money from others while governor. And let's not forget the shameless religious bigotry he has shown to both Mormons and Catholics (he attacked Brownback as being Catholic when campaigning in Iowa)

Romney is the real deal. Try to keep an open mind and form your own opinion and listen to MItt as I did for the first time recently. Huckster and McCain are not even in his league for ideas. If Mitt was weak the Dems would not be on these boards bashing Mitt too in our primary. The Dems would love the Huckster to win in Iowa and McCain in NH.
Mitt and Rudy will make a great ticket in 08.

Wait, isn't Mormonism the one that didn't allow african americans in until long after the civil rights movement started to leave them with the other fossils? Isn't that the one whose leader, before his days of unsuccessful government coups, claimed proof of divine mandate then refused to anyone? Isn't that the one where people come a'knockin' on your door to make sure you're ok, and oh that you've paid your tithes, if you didn't show up that sunday? I think I'm familiar with the LDS.

But that is all beside the point. You may want to read the last months news with who attacked who first for being soft on immigration. Romney is a terrible candidate, regardless of what terrible religion he follows.

Romney would be a DISASTER for this country because the Mormon church would have the White House. I beg all Iowans to vote for Huckabee, and New Hampshires to vote for McCain!!

Letterman is better than Leno anyways. Looks to me like Huckabee has a problem with concentration and fortitude. They would have agreed to a different date for him to appear if they would have asked, free advertisement if he doesnt get ripped on too bad by Leno. Romney is in it to win it.

You guys complain all you want. When it comes down to it, it's going to be Romney vs. Obama. Romney has resources and credentials and has been the only candidate consistently in the top two (remember when it looked like a heat between him and Giuliani?) Huckabee doesn't have the leadership skills and can't shake the preacher image, McCain is too old, Fred Thompson is asleep, and Giuliani is too divisive. As for Clinton, people will eventually realize that it would be like voting for Bill again, only with less saxophone, and if you don't remember, that didn't turn out to well, either. I look forward to the Romney-Obama debates: they'll be the best we've seen in at least 20 years.

I'm sick of negative campaigning. In my opinion it just makes the speaker look worse.

having said that, I can't stand Mitt Romney in general. Maybe I would like him if I met him in person but I think his politics are totally skewed and he seems untrustworthy. I sort of feel like he is trying to con America with his charm.

Could just be the media's spin on things though, who knows?

Mitt is a Mormon. The mormons preach about God and Love but Mitt with his anti-immigration posture has proven that he dispises Gods own children. Where is the Love that mormons speakes about?

Huckabee must think Iowans really hate union workers, since he's left Iowa for the purpose of crossing the Writers' Guild of America picket line at the Tonight show.

http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/2008/01/dumond_pressure.aspx#comments NEWS RELEASE MOTHER OF WAYNE DUMOND VICTIM DEMANDS GOV. HUCKABEE RELEASE ALL OF HIS GUBERNATORIAL RECORDS REGARDING WAYNE DUMOND Ms. Lois Davidson issued a statement today through a newly formed 527 group named Victims Voice calling on Gov. Mike Huckabee to release his gubernatorial records regarding Wayne Dumond before the Caucus Elections on January 3, 2007. Ms. Davidson was surprised to learn of other victims who had written Gov. Huckabee warning him of the likelihood of Mr. Dumond committing repeat offenses if he were released. These letters were not in the records at the State Parole Board because they were letters sent directly to Governor Huckabee's office. These letters were made public due to the reporting of the Huffington Post(1) who obtained a copy of the letters from a former employee of Governor Huckabee. Ms. Davidson would like to know if any other letters were sent to Gov. Huckabee from former victims, prosecutors, victims advocacy groups or any one else. Ms. Davidson would also like to see copies of any internal memos that may explain the rationale for Mr. Huckabee's decision to support the release of Wayne Dumond. Additionally, in light of a recent report by National Review and others regarding Mr. Eugene Fields, whose sentence Gov. Huckabee commuted after Mr. Fields donated a substantial amount of money to the Republican Party of Arkansas(2); and the revelation that Wayne Dumond's wife's boss held a recent fundraiser for Gov. Huckabee(3), Ms. Davidson would ask Gov. Huckabee to release the donor lists to all of the "funds" which he received compensation from (Action America, Next Step Foundation, Twelve Stop Foundation, etc?).

Huckabee Unveils Negative Ad In Order To Condemn ItThe Washington Post reported yesterday that Mike Huckabee "took an unorthodox gamble in his bid for the presidency Monday, unveiling an attack ad against" Mitt Romney "and then immediately pledging not to run it in the hopes of appealing to the better nature of Iowa voters." Huckabee appeared "flanked by posters his campaign produced to question Romney's credibility" as he "decried gutter politics in America but then directed the attention of scores of reporters and television cameras to a movie screen, where he played the 30-second hit piece on Romney's honesty and record." Said the former governor, "I pulled the ad. I do not want it to be run at all." However, the Post noted, "the ad was being played on national television and had been posted on blogs and other Web sites — without costing his campaign a penny."The New York Times also said "the circumstances of the commercial and the nature of free media, particularly now with YouTube, make it likely that the advertisement will be viewed far more often than if it had simply run. There is a long history of news coverage guaranteeing a commercial publicity that money could not buy."Fox News' Special Report reported Romney "pulled no punches, ridiculing Huckabee for announcing to a roomful of reporters yesterday that he decided not to air a tough attack on Romney right before playing bits and pieces for all to see." Romney: "I don't think Governor Huckabee was able to fool the media. … I don't think he'll fool the people of Iowa. It's like saying 'I'm not going to call my opponent any names but if I were going to call him names, here are the names I would call him.'" Fox went on to air what it called " the Huckabee ad you were never meant to see."The CBS Evening News asked Huckabee whether he regrets showing the ad. The former Arkansas governor said, "You know, at the time I thought it was an important way to prove that we actually had it. Probably if I had it to do over again I wouldn't have shown it." Sheesh how much will evangelicals swallow in Iowa, before they see this guy for what he is. "Oh I only said in passing ", to a New York Times (One of the biggest LDS misnomers) Reporter no less, that I wondered if Mormons believe that Satan is the brother of Jesus. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJsxNwAmLT4 And then let's see I will (ala "I will not air this ad, but this is what it would have said" in front of the essentially the whole nation) not unring that bell by announcing on a national debate that I will apologize to poor Mitt for my "Satan's brother slip of the tongue. Let's not forget the fact that he is counting on more freebies by having his network of evangelical pastors get his constituancy out to vote during the caucuses. Does his suspicious record of taking so many gifts, and those gift gives strangely coming into nice appointments back in Arkansas seem to add up now? This guy is the biggest "Earned Media, gift taking, religion peddling Huckster's to come down the pike in many years. He makes Jim Bakker look like a choir boy. If Iowans back him it will really go a long way in handing the white house over to the Democrats next January. Every republican pundit says his past will be undoing in a general election, but don't tell that the evangelicals backing him now, to them he's the second coming. Oh well, you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

This is one of the first times Mitt has taken any kind of a jab at an opponent and it is a very light one. His so-called "negative ads" highlight policy differences. It's not negative campaigning to tell voters how other candidates have come out on various issues–that's just campaigning. Huckabee and McCain, in calling Mitt dishonest, have been the ones throwing the low blows. Romney attacks their record and they attack his integrity–that's dirty politics. Huckabee went even further by poking fun at Romney's religion in a recent New York Times interview.

Okay I'm not voting for either of these guys so I don't really care what they say about each other HOWEVER, if Romney was going to make a point about Huckabee's appearance on 'Leno', he should have at least mentioned the fact that by crossing the WGA picket line to make his appearance, Huckabee is (whether he wants to admit it or even realizes it) sending out an anti-union message. The writers are not the only ones affected by the WGA strike — it also affects thousands of crew members and small business owners who rely on these productions to go on for their livelihoods. THAT is what people should be upset about (and yes, while some writers DO make $200K a year, that is more the exception than the rule). /end soapbox

How does this constitute Romeny "ripping" Huckabee? This is good natured stuff compared to attacking one's religion, as Huckabee has done to Romney. The press, which everyone knows votes 90%+ Democrat, knows that Huckabee doesn't stand a chance against Hillary so they do their best to cast his main opponent (Romney) in a negative light. And unfortunately, it works. There are enough people out there (many who have posted here) who base their opinions/perceptions on the headlines that are spoon-fed to them. Romney is clearly the most capable leader. Look how he turned around Bain & Company, a premier consultancy, and created Bain Capital, a top tier Private Equity firm.

If anyone's religious background should be scary, it's Huckabee's as a baptist preacher. The fact that Huckabee the Baptist can't tolerate Romney as an active, self-professed church-going Christian makes you wonder how Huckabee's going to deal with others who do not believe as he does.

But none of this really matters, since Huckabee doesn't stand a chance as a legitimate presidential candidate, whereas Romney does (if he can gather enough steam in the first few states).

As a resident of Massachusetts I know first hand what Mitt Romney is all about.
If I were a Republican voting in Iowa John McCain would be my choice. Mitt will promise the world and deliver nothing and the last thing we need is a Mike Huckabee type. Get it straight America……….SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE. Our forefathers had it right and we do not need to go down the road of religious extremists. Look at the mess in the middle east and anyone can certainly see that.
Thanfully Mr. Bush and his gang are on the way out. Now if we could just convict them and send them to jail.

If you want to talk about bashing people you should look at Huck & McCain. They are the only ones bashing anyone. Look at what is really going on in Iowa. Romney keeps it to the issues and others cant handle the issues just try to attack Romney. I think it is discusting! Especially Huck everything he does is calculated and negative and the only thing you would think he is doing is running to get the highest church position in the state, He is very Pharasitical.

As far as Romney goes he is the only one with a real plan wthen it comes to immigration, economy, taxes, war etc….

As far as his church goes, I get so sick of people bringing up his religion. There is nothing wrong with the Mormon church and any one that knows anything about the church can testify to that. People who keep on bringing it up would do well to remember the little commandment from the Lord- "THOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS"

Isn't Huckabee a Baptist, he's probably bible thumping in LA since he can't win in Iowa.

I'm voting McCain in '08, because I want a President who actually has the integrity, experience, and vision necessary to lead us into a better future. I don't really care if you can play bass or if you can engage in verbal jousting. My name is Paul and I approved this message.

Mitt the pig…loves to jump in the slop, with his polished exterior. Scratch the surface you'll find the true Mitt. I think he's out to prove he can win because he lost to Kennedy in a Senate race in 2000. Fool

Mitt Romney is a liar, cheat and generally freaky.

Mitt Romney is such a piece of work. But here's what I think we should do. Why don't all of the candidates step aside — Republicans and Democrats — so that Mitt can be president, as he feels is his right. Seriously, I think Mitt would want it this way.

I can't stand Mitt Romney! His whole family looks like they took time out of their busy golf schedule to go stump in Iowa. He always looks like he just walked off the golf course. C'mon America! Aren't we sick of this entitled, white bread, do-nothing-but-line-their-pockets candidates? Geez, Republicans, mix it up a little bit!

Romney is too overly concerned with his opponents instead of with himself. He is constantly attacking Huckabee or McCain or whoever is near him in the polls even going after their celebrity supporters. Huckabee is trying to get National recognition because he has already done pretty good in Iowa when you look at how much money Mitt spent in Iowa compared to Huckabee (some say 20 to 1). No one has invited Mitt to speak on their social shows. That is a for a reason.

I think the show is a wonderful way to reach everyone who can not make it to one of the meet ups. Its a wonderful sign when the first day the show is back on, Mike is the guest!

I'm guessing the IA caucus on both sides will look very similar to how it wound up 4 years ago for Dems–choc full of surprises. Howard Dean was the presumptive nominee, (a golden boy who, thanks to the internet, had a boatload of cash) and at the 11th hour–probably around the 59th minute, too–Iowans had a collective epiphany, and realized the problem was simple–Dr. Dean was not electable. Sure, his core message resonated with committed believers, but it dawned on them that what they valued–and what Dean brought– wasn't necessarily gonna' "play" across the rest of the country (And while Kerry lost, I think most would agree that he had a better showing than Dean ever would have–Reagan vs. Mondale, anyone?). I certainly have my opinions politically, but to this point, I cannot get excited about anyone in the field, especially when the race for the WH has come to be more about "electability" and far less about fitness and qualification to lead the nation. We're not electing the yearbook editor or the homecoming queen. This nation needs and deserves better than such an attitude from voters, and it's my hope that I can cast a more impassioned and "believing" vote for a nominee come 11/4.

Does Romney even have a platform or does he just verbally bash his opponents? Truthfully, I'd rather not see either Mitt or Huck here in CA…they'd probably just Bible thump and insult the states moral values.

Mitt only wishes he were invited tonight. Unfortunately, he can't buy an invitation to this event.

It's amazing how the Romney campaign brings out many different prejudices out there – the anti-religion types, the anti-Mormon types, those so taken by the brainless "flip-flop" stereotype that clouds the complexity of political life (one use soo effectively against Kerry). Come on people, if you really have a gripe with Romney, reflect some thoughtful criticism in your comments without reverting to simplistic political soundbites and overt prejudice. But perhaps such is the nature of politics – not even Obama's rhetoric has risen above this dribble.

The attack on Huckabee is a feeble, final attempt for Romney to take down the front runner in Iowa. Yes, perhaps Huckabee shouldn't take the caucus for granted, but at this point, it would be a shock to most people, if Huckabee did not come out on top in Iowa. Romney accuses Huckabee of trying to win over the California vote by appearing on The Tonight Show. The Huckabee campaign is smarter than that. The Tonight Show is watched by Americans across the nation, not just in California. What many people saw as a weakness to the Huckabee campaign, is that not many people know him or know his name. Sure many people know him if you focus on the Iowa caucus, but not everybody follows the Iowa caucus. Appearing on The Tonight Show will give him a national audience and will help him in future primaries and caucuses.

Atleast unlike most republicans, John McCain can think for himself and doesn't look and act like a robotic puppet.

I want to congratulate you Romnsfield….wait, that was the other Bush supporter. I mean Romnsfield. Tell us again how you have been a hunter you whole life and how you never pardoned anyone, even that brave military person that spent time in Iraq and whose only crime was shooting a bb gun at someone while he was a child. Tell us again how your attack ads are really the truth even though everyone knows they are full of lies. Tell us again just what you have done for this country. I seem to have missed that. Tell us again how all of you sons are doing community service by campaigning for you.

Perhaps I've been too harsh Mitt, ok, here is an easy one…..Diamonds or Pearls?

Romney is using his typcial negative campaining style. Appearing on Jay Leno has nothing to do with Huckabee's ability to lead our nation. Boo hoo Mitt, waaah!!

What a loser. Frankly, I hope this guy wins the Rep nomination. I can't wait until Senator Clinton rips him a new one!!

I'm Mitt Romney and I approve and disapprove of this message.

Pandering to the voters….. very Presidential, and I honestly mean that.

In about a month, he will be pandering to those LA voters telling them how Iowa does not deserve to be first in the primaries. Politics as usual…. thats why I am for Ron Paul or Barack Obama, lets get some different opinions for once.

Great, a pandering ken doll and cult member.

Should be no stretch for Cruise to play him in the t.v. movie.

Instead of worrying about Huckabee's appearance on Leno, Romney should focus more on trying to limit his gaffes and creating a more positive image of himself. May I suggest a Romney guest appearance on HBO's 'Big Love'? Just a thought.

Romney brings up a good point here. Where is Huckabee? Seems to me that he is more concerned with getting in front of the camera then he is about connecting with the people in Iowa. Huckabee is such a fake conservative. His records is simply horrible and he knows that he doesnot stand a chance of beating any of the democrats in the national election come November. Romney is the real deal here and he is the only one that has the strength and character to beat the democrats. Romney has my vote, because he is the best man for the job. Go Mitt!

Mitt Romney,

You run your campaign as you like and let Huckabee runs his campaign as he likes.

Well, frankly my focus is on the caucuses here in Iowa. I think Mike is more concerned about the caucus in Los Angeles," Romney told voters at Bettendorf Middle School. So my focus is on getting folks out to vote in the caucus and connecting my message with the people of Iowa. . .

How does Peter Hamby construe this as "ripping" somebody? It makes a good headline, but it isn't "ripping" into Mike Huckabee by any stretch of the imagination. It's critical but I've heard worse!

Romney has really turned me off to ever voting for him because of all these attacks he's doing on the other candidates. I can't remember the last time I saw an add with talking about the issues and what he plans to do about them. His whole strategy is "Don't vote for the other guy, hes done this and that", Unfortunately he hasn't said why we should vote for him.

Romney/Hunter 08!

Mitt's just jealous that he wasn't invited to appear. Like anyone gives a rat's rump what Mitt Romney thinks……