January 15, 2008
Posted: 05:25 PM ET
Huckabee is looking to compete statewide in South Carolina.
Huckabee is looking to compete statewide in South Carolina.

LEXINGTON, South Carolina (CNN) — Mike Huckabee plans to take on John McCain in the Arizona senator's South Carolina strongholds.

The two men are battling for the lead in the state in most recent surveys.

Conventional wisdom holds that Baptist minister's pockets of strength in the state lie where George W. Bush's did in 2000: in heavily-evangelical counties like Greenville and Spartanburg, and deeply-conservative areas like Lexington County near Columbia. This past weekend, Huckabee volunteers knocked on 8,000 doors in that bellwether county alone.

But Huckabee aides told CNN that the governor will be campaigning throughout the state — including multiple stops in areas where McCain enjoys his strongest support, like Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach along the South Carolina coastline.

"We've always said we're going after the whole state," said one Huckabee staffer.

In 2000, McCain won several counties along the coast thanks to the sizeable population of veterans and national security voters there. The areas have since swelled with retirees, many from out of state.

Huckabee's campaign thinks he can swing some of those voters his way. On Thursday, taking a page out of Mitt Romney's playbook, Huckabee will fly around the state on a chartered jet, hitting as many media markets as he can.

The former Arkansas governor will be watching the Michigan primary returns from friendly southern terrain on Tuesday evening, hosting a rally for supporters at the popular South Carolina barbecue joint Hudson's Smokehouse in Lexington.

– CNN South Carolina Producer Peter Hamby

Filed under: John McCain • Mike Huckabee • South Carolina


Paul from Arkansas   January 16th, 2008 9:20 pm ET

Most of you did not have the pleasure of driving our roads before Governor Huckabee fixed them. Nor did you have children in our schools that ranked 49th in the country before Governor Huckabee fixed them and moved their ranking to 8th. Most of you don't realize that he indeed got widespread tax relief for those that needed it. He did raise taxes $500 million but when he took office the deficit was $200 million. When he left office the state had an $800 million surplus. Our state is in so much better shape since Mike Huckabee became Governor. The only way you would appreciate it if you had lived in and experienced the before and after. What is even more impressive to me is that he was able to accomplish these great things as a Republican in a very Democratic state.

David Anderson   January 16th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

Jason NYC: 2500 years ago, Socrates and Plato decided that the sophists were wrong. The sophists believed there is no absolute truth, just whoever has the more clever argument wins. Socrates and Plato believed there was an absolute truth at an abstract level that was eternal. Philosophers have been arguing about that ever since.

Huckabee believes in an absolute truth. The constitution is a set of words. Great words, but just an approximation to the truth. There is no reason it couldn't be improved. After all, what are the bill or rights and the amendments about?

Jason NYC   January 16th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

You know what else is interesting? Huckabee's statement that, " …it's a lot easier to change the Constitution than it would be to change the word of the living god. And that's what we need to do - to amend the Constitution so it's in Gods standards rather than try to change Gods standards so it lines up with some contemporary view", is a tacit admission that the Constitution isn't a "christian" document in the first place. If it was, why would it need to be changed to bring it in line?

Thanks Huckabee!

David E7   January 16th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Jason NYC: You are wrong. America was founded as a secular nation, but with religious underpinnings and Judeo-Christian roots. The founding fathers were not particularly religious men, but understood that the American experiment could not succeed without respect for the benefits of religion on public and private morality. The disaster that was the French revolution proved that society will fall into anarchy when its religious underpinnings are discarded. America is in danger of having the same thing happen here. Capitalism has become detached from conscience. The rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the national debt continues to increase. Those are the conditions that brought the aristocrats of 18th C France to the guillotine. The American capitalistic system must be reformed. Only men like Mike Huckabee have the wisdom and the strength to do it peacefully.

David E7   January 16th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Mike Huckabee's comment on the possibility of an amendment to the Constiution regarding the sanctity of human life should frighten no one. The equal value of every human life is at the core of the American ideal. Everyone understands that whether or not an individual human life must sometimes be sacrificed depends on the circumstances. In war, some sacred lives must be sacrificed so that many, many others can survive. The amendment would be a statement of principle and its particular application would always depend on the context. Even in the area of abortion.

Those who want to use Huckabee's ideas against him are either not very bright or motivated by other considerations. It is always those who are dishonest or corrupt themselves who are the first to accuse others.

Jason NYC   January 16th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Why do some people think the founding fathers made America a "christian" nation?? Some of them often related their anti-organized church leanings in their speeches and correspondence, including George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson (who created the "Jefferson's Bible"), Benjamin Franklin, Ethan Allen, and Thomas Paine. Several of the Founding Fathers considered themselves to be deists or held beliefs very similar to that of traditional Deists, including Jefferson, Paine and Ethan Allen. "The government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion," states the 1797 Treaty of Tripoli. This document was ratified by Congress without much debate or contention and stands today as a reminder of the founding fathers' intentions.

As pointed out above, the concept of Separation of Church and State relates to the First Amendment of the Constitution and has been quoted several times in opinions handed down by the US Supreme Court.

And Mark, where do you get that the Constitution was modeled after the bible? The influences for the consitution came from English Common Law, which had as its antecedents Roman Law, Saxon Law, and the Danelaw, none of which were based either on the Bible or on Christianity in any of its forms. Locke, Montesquieu, the Iroquois Confederation and the Articles of Confederation served as important influences. Can you post a reliable, verifiable link to some facts regarding your statement?

I would rather vote for Roscoe P. Coltrane for President than Huckabee. They are both small town, simple minded, crooked, bumbling fools, but at least Coltrane never pretended he was anything else. Plus he has Flash.

PS: Cookie. What on earth are you talking about?

billy10   January 16th, 2008 9:13 am ET

Rudy is a social liberal.
Mitt doesn't know what he is.
McCain hasn't carried the republican vote in any state yet. Do you want an independent to head the republican ticket?
If the bloggers on this page could get past their anti-Christian bias they would realize that Huckabee is the best candidate to head the Republican ticket.

Greg Cherry   January 16th, 2008 9:08 am ET

Optimism,

If you are indeed a Christian, then perhaps you may be backsliding here…you are spinning some falsehoods or at the very least twisting things to fit your agenda. First, Mike is no liberal. Mike didn't create the illegal immigrant issue but it's not fair to the children of those that are here to deny them an education either. I have two kids in college and one entering next year. I struggling to get all three through school without ANY taxpayer assistance. IF there is anyone that should complain it would be ME but I'm not. Why, because it's clear to me that all Mike was doing was to do the Christian thing, show some compassion to those who, no fault of their own, be able to get an education in our state. In my church, we took in hispanics rather than castigate them. I view that as the compassionate thing to do. They are just trying to earn a living and their children shouldn't be penalized. What would you do if you were in their shoes? How would Christ treat them. So get off the Illegal immigrant issue, the REAL issue is and has always been the border security and certain employers enticing these illegals to come into our state.

As for pardons to criminals, once again, as a Christian, walking in the light, you would NOT make such misrepresentations without representing the whole truth. If you are referring to the Wayne Dumond situation, it wasn't Huckabee that pardoned him, it was the previous Governor, Jim Guy Tucker that commuted his sentence and the parole board that agreed to release him early. I urge the voters to listen to what Mike said on this issue and judge for themselves.

What about Mitt's half a billion dollars in increased taxes (or fees - oh that's right those aren't taxes those are fees says Mitt). Hmm' Lucy you got some explainin' to do. I

As for Mitt's record or non-record as it so happens, I consider Mitt as missing in action on his role as Governor when dealing with clemency issues, that is, after all a responsibility as Governor to weight every request. What about the decorated Iraq War veteran, Anthony Circosta who sought to get a gun permit to get a better paying security job and to pursue a career as a police officer. At age 13 he shot a classmate in the shoulder with a BB gun. The Massachusetts Clemency Board twice recommended pardoning him on this, instead Mitt refused. Either Mitt has no compassion or he was more concerned about being politically correct. I consider that to be malfeasant in his duty as Governor to not weigh in on ANY clemency requests. You can't tell me there weren't ANY legitimate cases that didn't warrant a review.

So before casting stones I'd suggest you check your facts.

Cookie Spurs Mercy   January 16th, 2008 8:27 am ET

Hello, come on John Mac cain don't let Michgan get you down. You shoulder on like a good soldier. Oh, S.C here comes your man with strong conviction. Today Iraq as we know it, is not running around with terrorists, b'cos strong leader like Mac cain believeing in that Surge in army troops, cut and run. Hello, where is the man Obama ? Now that he got it wrong ?? Obama would properly said 2 Copy someone else work is like Remaking a movie. 2 Copy is Re-engineering. 2 Copy is songs is Translation of words. (Jiao-Bian) is 2 tell the people truth. So typical Asian behavior that wrong is right, right is also wrong there is no different. I think Obama the man of both Divison and Unting a very confused Unamerican person. Immediately after 9-11 any american would go for war without questioning it, even if it is the wrong call. That is call Patriotism and Loyalty. We reply back with force, we are still strong.

William Pruett   January 16th, 2008 7:08 am ET

So Mike is going to take on John in South Carolina. I sincerely hope he does, because while those two go at it, Fred Thompson is going to steal the show, and put the MSM on there head trying to figure out where they went wrong on this one. When are the journalists in this country going to wake up, and figure out that the American people are tired of sensational journalism, and we are hungry for the good old down home facts. Instead of trying to fan the flames of a race, or class distinction, just try reporting the truth. They say no one will listen, well when you get it wrong as many times as the MSM has lately, the people start to question the validity of what you are reporting, and they will stop listening. Go Fred!

Optimism   January 16th, 2008 2:03 am ET

Congrats to Mitt and MI … Our Country needs your solid moral character, experience and optimism.

Note - Mitt Romney is no Flip-Flopper. True he has taken positions in the past which he which conflicted with his moral fiber, but he learned, repented and made a permanent life confirming change. So he Flipped (change of good is good) but where did he Flop? I see no evidence that would convince me that the changes were not sincere and I have not seen Mitt ever take a position in which has reverted back (thus he is not a Flip-Flopper). However, Mike Huckabee on the other hand is a true Flip-Flopper. He has changed positions like the wind over the past few months during his campaign (you can also say the same about McCain).

Huckabee has a track record of which is not becoming of an honest man. He is full spectrum Liberal with the exception of his social beliefs. If you look past the surface at his record regarding increased taxes (without approval from his constitutes), immigration (pushed to provide benefits to the children of illegals) and giving pardons to criminals (the list goes on) you would surely not support this man (emphasis on man – he is not your God or Savior). In the social arena Huckabee has played Religion to the extreme by pandering to Evangelicals (specifically) using dirty tactics to make it happen. One good example of this extreme is how Mike Huckabee meets directly with Evangelical Church leaders (e.g. Ministers) asking them to pursue votes on his behalf from their congregation (the flock). He adds little cavities like “do this as an individual (wink wink) – not as a (paid) Minister” but please do abuse your position and use church directories/lists, etc. Not only is this unethical (down right slimy) but from a tax code perspective it very much breaks the law. He does not answer questions but dances around them regarding his past record, he lies (has been caught up in many for all to see on national tv), he does not reflect either the values or the vision of the Conservative Party (a.k.a. Republicans). Mike Huckabee has no chance of winning the nomination I promise you this. I understand that we comes across as a nice guy (and I am sure in many ways in his personal life he is), but in the end Huckabee’s unrighteous objectives have become frightenly clear to the rest of the nation (this includes many Evangelicals).

As a Christian I invite others to take a closer look at what Mike Huckabee truly represents (not just his soft spoken surface). We are not electing a Minister and Chief but rather someone with principle and moral conviction who has the experience, skills and smarts to make it happen. Mitt is that man to me. We need our economy turned around and fast as without a strong economy we are weak as a nation and will not have the ability to govern our destiny. Mitt Romney again is best equipped to get our house in order and rebuild our nation to a position of financial strength. So I invite you to grow past your bias and also learn more about the person Mitt Romney, I guarantee he shares many if not all of your conservative values including social.

Greg Cherry   January 16th, 2008 1:14 am ET

For you guys bashing Mike, why can't you guys have a decent dialogue on issues without resorting to "cheap seat" name calling, something I would expect from die-hard liberals.

If you are looking at Mike and where he stands on issues, he's been very forthright with you and his website is very clear on all of the issues and where he stands. It's your prerogative to disagree but why not do so in a civil manner.

Speaking as an Arkansan, I have a great deal of respect for Mike and fortunately for me, someone that I can see and witness with my own eyes and pocketbook the results of his governance. I whole-heartedly support him on his record not only on his moral record but on being a true patriot and a conservative. I challenge ANYONE to check the facts about Mike's record. You will find he is as conservative as they come by but fair and effective.

While I have respect for McCain as a war hero and give him his due for his continued service to this country both in the military and in Congress, it should be clear to everyone, John doesn't have the energy, passion, and fresh ideas to challenge Obama should Obama become the Democratic Nominee. Everyone assumed that this was a race against Hillary. I fervently believe this will be a battle against Obama and it will require someone that can be seen not only as a conservative voice within the Republican Party but someone that can garner just as much excitement and fervor as Obama and that has new ideas that challenge the status quo inside Washington (The Elites and Politicrats) and that can draw votes from across the isle (Reagan Democrats and Independents).

I don't see this in Mitt, the results don't show it nor does his record as Governor indicate to me someone that knows how to govern - the results would indicate the opposite.

As for Fred, while he comes across as measured in his response, he comes across as scripted in his rhetoric and attack points something I would expect from an actor but after all is said and done I'm not sure I've seen ANY substantive legislation he has authored that would give me any hope that he could bring something new to the table that dramatically alters the "business as usual" Congress we have been seeing. Instead, his record as a lobbyist concerns me - took much of what I see wrong with Bureaucrats in Washington. I challenge people to show me something substantive. In reality, after hearing him personally attack Mike and being disingenuous about the the points he was trying to make against Mike which totally misrepresented Mike's record, I wrote him off much like I did Mitt when he was attacking Mike with similar tactics.

I would like nothing better than to see the Fair Tax Plan implemented so we could do away with complicated tax laws, bloated bureaucracy, and an antiquated system that penalizes personal income growth. The Fair Tax Plan is truly FAIR and I would like nothing better than to deprive the Congress from the very thing they use to effect our everyday lives and use as more fodder for class warfare. Before you cast this off as hair-brained I suggest you read the book or think through what the plan does and you can see why Mike is promoting it and why it is truly game-changing which is why both Wall Street and Washington want to vote for business as usual. They want nothing more than to continue their gravy train.

Norman   January 16th, 2008 12:59 am ET

So, it's o.k. for Bishop Romney to scarf all the mormon votes in Wyoming, but, wrong somehow for Christians to vote Christian Minister who has spent more time founding and running enterprizes and in government than he has as an exemplary minister. Rich bishop Romney's enterprizes were $$$$$oriented. Huckabee's enterprize in the public nonprofit service. "Are not these rich people the ones who haul you before the magistrates in persecution for practicing your Christian faith." James said this. I believe it. What do you believe? LBJ's 501c3 rules prohibit our pastors from politicking, and they are our spiritual leaders and brain trust. What can a righteous pastor do for the country but go right into politics himself. Perhaps the worldwide persecution and even holocaust against Christians will come to us if we don't beat the republican establishment into submission now and make them give Christians a place at the table.

Chris   January 16th, 2008 12:36 am ET

Look at the comments from the so-called Christians on this message board–just backs up what I said-they are fundamentally no different from fundamentalist muslims in other countries–they truly think what they believe should be law . And history is turned on its head. This country was founded by people who came here to GET AWAY from religious zealots like you-that's why a guiding principle of the Constitution is SEPARATION of church and state–unlike IRAN, Saudi Arabia, etc. Wake up, republicans-your party contains a huge number of folks who are at heart unamerican and undemocratic.You need to repudiate them. Do you really want someone who believes that dinosaurs roamed the earth 5000 years ago and who believes that the "end times" are coming with his finger on the nuclear button? It's silly, really.
And show me where in the Gospel Jesus said one single word about gays or abortion.You can't. But I could show you plenty of Jesus' own words talking about tolerance, compassion and help for the poor, and turning the other cheek versus bombing the hell out of anyone who disagrees with you. Again, the Christian rightwing of the republican party is unamerican and hypocritical. And they really don't even reflect Jesus' own words…..

Donald Leavitt   January 16th, 2008 12:29 am ET

It looks like Hillary will prevail against probably Romney or McCain. McCain might have a chance to beat her. She will win delegates and states in the industrial East.

Michael Ullrich   January 15th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

Hello Ron Paul the answer to all your concerns…. The most honest has never voted for anything that didnt follow the constitution. He is not a flip flopper. He stands for what he believes in. He is for the right to bear arms. He wants to get rid of the IRS. If you research Mike Huckabee he has raised more taxs than he says he has. Mitt Romney is also for raising taxs. How could you not vote for ron paul he has never raised taxs.

Mark   January 15th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

I am not a Huckabee supporter, but for those people who really do not seem to know, the Bible is what the framers of the Constitution used as their primary source and model. They used ideas from several places, but the Bible was the main source. Probably the writings and concepts laid down by John Locke came in at a respectable 2nd place. We really do need to start teaching history in schools again. Sad.

David, Oregon City   January 15th, 2008 11:36 pm ET

Fred Thompson is trying to hide his weak accomplishments by expressing himself forcefully against Huckabee!

JC PEREZ - FL Undecided   January 15th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

Romney = Outstanding Spiritual Values
Romney= Change of Hearts [ Fact: From Pro-Choice to Pro-Life ]
Romney = Great Accomplishments.
Romeny= "Illegals Out!"
McCain = Great Warrior "Don't Know if he has any spiritual Values though"
McCain= Fact: No to Bush's Tax Cuts
McCain= "Don't Mess with Us!"
McCain= "Amnesty ?"
Huckabee= Outstanding Spiritual Values
Huckabee= Fact: Cut Taxes, but forced to increase taxes by the state courts.
Huckabee= Supports the FairTax- Eliminate the IRS.
Huckabee= Scholarships to the children of parents that committed a crime as long as the children were exemplary and accomplished members of the community.

In Sum, all 3 have mayor defects. But only one supports the FairTax. From reading this posts, it almost seems as if most of you are OK with the tyrants at the IRS. I've been reading FAIRTAX.ORG. FYI, recently the IRS asked me and my wife to submit proof that our childrent were in fact ours! Asked us to get notarized statements from Dr.s….Hummmm.

RightWing   January 15th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

Huckabee is the only trustworthy canidates. His actions are deeply seated by his religion. While some people find his religious fanaticism scary, Huckabee is the only one who has brought refreshing new ideas to the country, while upholding family values. Supply-Side economics never worked. Huckabee has a new tax solution that will bring the U.S. back to the vital center. His plan will help small business as well as the poor and elderly. Admitely Huckabee will lose some of the conservative vote for his new economic plan but he will come into the elections stealing a fair amount of the vote away from the Democrats. At the same time that his tax plan helps the poor, he is also expanding the economy by increasing successes in small business.

Roy Lay   January 15th, 2008 10:47 pm ET

I wonder if Chuck Norris' endorsement hurt Mike Huckabee any. Or am I the only one who noticed that Norris does the TOYOTA commercials. If you want to win in Michigan, You don't want a Toyota fan in your camp!

mike kaplan   January 15th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

"Rifle" (nice name, dude), you're nuts.

Yes, I accept homosexuality as a lifestyle, as do a growing majority of Americans. What I don't accept are religious nutcases who are arrogant enough to think they know what God wants, and who think they have the right to impose their views on the rest of us. Thankfully, I don't think most Americans will accept it either.

Rifle   January 15th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

Those who are criticizing Mike Huckabee's comments on changing the constitution to more conform to God's Word, consider the following….

Deaths from the 911 attacks multiplied by 15,000 = 45 million

The number of soldiers killed in WWII = 25 million

The number of Jewish people killed in Nazi death camps = 6 million

and

Unborn babies terminated since Roe v Wade…..45 million and counting.

Those who accept homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle please read Romans chapter 1.

As Mike Huckabee has said, we need a constitutional amendment banning abortion and another amendment defining marriage as a covenant union between 1 man and 1 woman. This nation is spiraling rapidly in its sin.

Many will laugh at and mock this as Noah and Jeremiah were mocked in their day. And then the laughter stopped.

Be not deceived, God will not be mocked.

steve wilmington   January 15th, 2008 10:13 pm ET

Fred Thompson needs to get out of South Carolina. He will be taking away votes from Romney. Huckabee is a religious loon…people like his character, well, we all liked GW's character…look where that lead us…he loves illegal aliens….Mike Huckabee loves illegals, basically made Arkansas a sanctuary state. Huckabee has no credibility in the business world, he failed in Arkansas as the economy worsened with higher taxes when he left. Huckabee needs to go. Thompson and McCain need to move to Florida to sit on the sand sipping Corona's….they are retirees…old useless cronies.

Steve   January 15th, 2008 10:12 pm ET

I misspelled economy….

mike kaplan   January 15th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

Jose, from Florida is impressed that Huckabee speaks his mind and is consistent.

But what good is speaking one's mind and consistency when it is a mind that says things like this:

"I have opponents in this race who do not want to change the Constitution," Huckabee told a Michigan audience on Monday. "But I believe it's a lot easier to change the Constitution than it would be to change the word of the living god. And that's what we need to do — to amend the Constitution so it's in God's standards rather than try to change God's standards so it lines up with some contemporary view."

"Some contemporary view"? Our Constitution, the basis of our laws, the thing that has made our country strong? The basis of our entire system that has kept this country together for 200 years is just "some contemporary view"? How astonishingly ignorant. Anyone who reads this and isn't disgusted with Huckabee's arrogance, and his complete ignorance of our history and of the value of our very secular constitution is a moron. You people who listen to Huckabee propose to, in effect, throw away 200 years of history and make this into a religious, theocratic state (like Iran) and say "Go Huck"- we have a constitution specifically to protect the rest of us from people like you. And Huck.

Jose, Florida   January 15th, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Huckabee speaks his mind and is consistant. He doesn't bring a wave of negativety with him. Romney is a flip flopper in the mold of John Kerry. Romney can have strong liberal views when necessary, and when the polital winds change so does his views.

Huckabee will win the GOP primary.

Samantha   January 15th, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Sandlapper "Separation of Church and State" is more than a letter from the Danbury Baptists to Thomas Jefferson it's identified with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. I'm sorry to inform you but no one has hurt the reputation of Christianity in the United States more than Christians. When the majority of Christians don't practice what they preach people tend to lose a great deal of respect for you and I believe that this is what has happened to modern day Christianity. I have no problem with Huckabee other than the fact that most people vote for his solely on the basis of his religion or his plan to impose a 23% sales tax and do away with the IRS. I’m not fond of the IRS myself, but when the nations unemployment rate shot up 5% in December as job growth stalled, what jobs going to be able to provide for all the people that will be unemployed due to wiping out the IRS?

Trang, Fremont, CA   January 15th, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Mike Huckabee,

This morning, I saw you speaking something like … bringing God's Law. I think you are a decent man, but I think this will frighten many people.

I am not afraid but I am concerned. See my God is a loving God, who are forgiving, loving, and that's the God I am trying to follow. But there are those who would punish in the name of God because they think the 'other' do not follow God's Law, now that would be scary.

What is God's Law anyway? I think one of them is … Thou shall not kill. Boy, we have messed that up pretty good, don't we.

Dorrel Harrison   January 15th, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Go Mike ! Mike Huckabee has placed his efforts on those Americans who want to really be a part of the goverment; those who are the grassroots of our great nation. Mike has the vision and the know how to work w people to get the job done. Let's bring government back to "we the people" by electing Mike Huckabee President in 2008!!!

Lori   January 15th, 2008 9:25 pm ET

"Mike Huckabee is the best candidate for President. He is consistent on moral values, honest and strong. The one we can trust."

WRONG. Where have you been? He is a cheap charlatan.

Mark   January 15th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

Go a head Huck, mount up on the wing's of an eagle for God and HIS GLORY. Come on all you quiet, "don't rock the boat" Christians, let's put a God-fearing man in the White House for a change.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wixked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chro 7:14 KJV

MDo   January 15th, 2008 8:53 pm ET

Mike Huckabee is the best candidate for President. He is consistent on moral values, honest and strong. The one we can trust.

Bill Culver, Covington,LA   January 15th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

MARIO…….Huckupbee is not a "washed up hasbeen" he is more of a washed up never was, or wanted to be.

JackieR   January 15th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Why does no one seem to notice that Huckabee is the only candidate who actually answers the questions put to him? He does not use the time to blow his own horn or soapbox. He answers the questions in a straight forward manner. With all of the evasive misdirection in politics Huckabee is a refreshing change! GO HUCK!!!

Believer, Durham, NC   January 15th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Huckabee just said something that many in this country I think would find treasonous:

"I have opponents in this race who do not want to change the Constitution," Huckabee told a Michigan audience on Monday. "But I believe it's a lot easier to change the Constitution than it would be to change the word of the living god. And that's what we need to do — to amend the Constitution so it's in God's standards rather than try to change God's standards so it lines up with some contemporary view."

So, as a Christian how am I supposed to know that he will change the constitution to how I view the Bible? And when he places his hand on the Bible and swears to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, but yet wants to change it so that it is more like the Bible, doesn't that send off any red flags in anyone else's mind? Is it just me? Is this guy wanting to start a Theocracy in America?

Mike, you scare me on a daily basis.

FAIR TAX,LA.   January 15th, 2008 8:39 pm ET

FAIR TAX ALL DA WAY!!
GEAUX HUCK!!
BRING IT HOME BABY!!!!!!!!!!!

sandlapper   January 15th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Mike Huckabee is a great candidate for President. When we lost prayer in our schools, we started to the bottom of the pile. We are the greatest nation still on earth, but we are no longer the strong Christian nation we once were. There was a time in the early days of our Country that one could not hold office, without taking an oath on the "Christian" Bible and swearing that you were a believer in Jesus Christ.
The only place the Quote " Separation of Church and State" is found by the way is in a letter from the Danbury Baptists to Thomas Jefferson. Mike will win in South Carolina
because we want a "Christian President" and he is the only one that fits that bill.
Up until the late 1800's, 75-80% of all Supreme court decisions were direct quotes from the Bible and the balances were indirect quotes.

Jim in Orlando, FL   January 15th, 2008 8:07 pm ET

Simply amazing ! The Republicans are blessed with having 3-4 men running who may be politicians, but also have a pretty good track record of character and honesty. Huckabee is one. Flip flops ? Sure, but everyone gets a couple if it appears to be a change of mind over a reasonable time frame, and not all political expediency. Issues we disagree with ? Yup. The Dems have two honest folks running as well (sorry, but Hillary is the epitomy of being two-faced and lacking character). And yet, what we see in these forums is that to support one candidate seems to mean you have to slander another ! Kudos to those who post here in support of their candidate, and not exclusively against another.

Tim   January 15th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Washington needs some new blood. New ideas with a different perspective would help.

Mitt Romney is offering just that. John McCain's pessimism will not help the United States regain its lead in technology and manufacturing.

We don't need "We can't" attitudes. We need vision. We need hope. We need Romney.

rj   January 15th, 2008 8:05 pm ET

illegals cost us 2 million a day….war..1 million a day.get rid of 'right to bear arms.??..fred thompson save us.. go fred thompson ..the real conservitive

Chris   January 15th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

Huckabee is a charming man who at least is semiconsistent with his nutty religious views, but really–he and all the Christian politicos are just the U.S. version of radical Islam–"believe like we do or else you are evil"–and they'd like to pass laws to make their beliefs law. No different than the ayatollahs in Iran. Hey Republican Christians–believe what YOU want and live by it–and let me do the same!

E Cruz, PA   January 15th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

I am a Democrat who supports Mike Huckabee. I am totally sold on the Fair Tax issue and down with big government, IRS. Death and taxes, yeh? How much does the IRS and all tax accountants and lawyers cost us???

richie   January 15th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

YES
YES
YES

McCain WAR PAIN   January 15th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Romney = Economy

McCain = War Pains

I need a job not a war.

I love it when Romney said JOBS JOBS JOBS

Huckabee I'm not sure whats he running for?

dcoltonbrown   January 15th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Its sort of funny the way fellow GOPers have fallen into the liberal trap of only referring to Governor Huckabee as a minister. It is shameful when fellow Republicans follow liberal talking points expoused by the liberal media.

I guess there really is no difference. If all else fails, attack Christianity and call Huckabee a liberal while ignoring positive results.

Of course, all candidates have to be in the mold of Ronald Reagan. Does this include the trickle down theory?

Y Doucette, NJ   January 15th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

Huckabee is the only one clean on the Iraqi mess! The only one aligned with our founding fathers' vision for America. America first, not the interests of Europeans and others; he is the only peace candidate! He is the only one who puts American protection first! Go Huckabee!!!

Lev Klinemann, CA   January 15th, 2008 7:21 pm ET

NO TO HUCKABEE
NO TO CHANGING OUR CONSTITUTION
NO TO A RELIGIOUS GOVERNMENT

Darth Vadik, CA   January 15th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

This guy (Huckabee) just said that we need to change the constitution and make it resemble to "God' Laws".

This is the CREEPIES thing I have heard Huckabee say, and that's including the story of his son and a stray dog.

GOD BELONGS IN OUR CHURCHES, TMLPES AND MOSQUES, NOT OUR GOVERNMENT.

R D Miller & IDAHO   January 15th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

I am sure getting tired of main stream media, All they want to report on is what they always report, same old junk. It would be nice if you ( the Media) Would focus for once, on ISSUES instead of RELIGION, RACE, GENDER, for once. The more inportant issues, such as how candidates stand on the North American Trade agreement, Taxes, Boarders, Economics, And for once I would like to see it done in an = manner for all canidates, Your broad casts are extremely one sided in coverage. I would like to also remind you Mike Huckabee is a contender, it is not just a Mitt / McCaine race, As a middle class Independent and educated on the issues that matter to me. Tax's, Spending, Boarders, and Military Issues. I support Mike Huckabee. I am dismayed at how you (the Media) seem to leave him out in most major mentions of any race, I like to put CNN on notice, its not going unnoticed, In the end Huckabee, I believe will prevail, There is more to him than an evangelical base, I myself am not religious at all. I like his platform especially on the issue of taxes and government spending. why dont you try investigating that for a change! Don't make me report on the issues, Redknecks and reporting looks kinda like Country Fried Home Videos! All I ask is give him a chance it is important that more than just his personal beliefs are put out there for everyone to see.

John S. Maine   January 15th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Reverend Huckabee will be praying I ment pandering for more votes in his south Carolina Revival after dismal results in Michigan and New Hampshire Losses.

Its time that Reverend Huckabee retires to the Seminary and leave the presidential race.

Joan   January 15th, 2008 6:35 pm ET

What's happening in America? I am confident there are two things I will not trust the public schools to teach my children, 1. Sex Education 2. Government/Economics.

It scares me that so many citizens have very little understanding of how the government and economy work. I'm worried that the basic principles of conservatism are only secondary to surface issues and cliche put-downs.

Here's an insightful article for voters who believe in principles….

http://www.aim.org/aim-column/why-conservatives-are-losing/

D   January 15th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Democrats will win in 2008 if Huckabee is our nominee. Instead, we need a balanced candidate. We need a candidate that unites the Republicans. That candidate must bring the fiscal, security, and social conservatives together. It’s the only way we can win.

Huckabee brings only the social conservatives.

Giuliani brings only the security conservatives.

McCain brings security conservatives. But the Republican base despises him, for good reason.

Mitt Romney can unite all 3 wings of the Republican Party. And he is the smartest candidate.

Please consider Romney’s qualifications. He graduated as Valedictorian from BYU. Romney then graduated in the top 5% from Harvard, earning an MBA with honors. Mitt Romney does not drink, smoke, or swear, He is a wholesome family man who married his high school sweetheart. He is a successful businessman. He founded one of the nation's most successful venture capital and investment companies. They guided many struggling companies to success. He turned around the 2002 Winter Olympic Games that had been sinking with $379 million in debt. The games ended up with $100 million in profit and Romney donated all his salary to charity.

As the successful Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt implemented a health care plan that covers all residents and costs less to the state than before it was started. He would bring that blue Democratic state to the Republicans in the general election. Most of all,

Romney knows how the economy works and how to bring our jobs back! No illegal aliens will be given amnesty with Romney in the White House. They will be sent home.

The Democratic National Committee fears a Mitt Romney nomination. That is why they rally their operatives in the media to pump up his rivals. Don’t fall for it.

I really believe Mitt is the best man for the job!!

Mario   January 15th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

Hickupbee, he is just a washed up has been, no way would I vote for this lib trying to convince everyone he is a republican, just another lying politician.

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