CNN

everyone else flies thiers ........ill fly mine..... fly it high fly it proud.....Heritage not hate....You people need to do your homework....read up on some history......

The Confederate Flag, is a mark of history. HISTORY! Keep the flag up!

The watered down version still flies in Mississippi, and it always will! It's a southern thing!

Every Capital building in the South should fly the STARS AND BARS.

why did huckabee even mention dr martin luther king today 1/21/08 in one of his vainless speeches about equality when he clearly supports segregation. The confederate flag is a dagger in the heart of blacks all over the u.s. I am black and had considered voting for him if obama does not get the nomination; so had some other blacks that I have spoken to. However, we will turn our heads elsewhere now if brother obama does not get the nomination.

Thank you Mr. Huckabee for showing your true COLORS!!!

So where did the christian man say he tell someone to put the pole? He is a genius isn't he.

You know, the flag isn't so much a symbol of slavery (which it is) and racism (again, it is) as it is a symbol of treason against the United States. Those who flew the flag were those who seceded from and made war against this country. i find it interesting that no one has brought that up.

WHY IN THE WORLD CAN'T PEOPLE OPEN THEIR EYES AND SEE WE LIVE IN A NEW SOCIETY. WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS TELLING PEOPLE WHO THEY CAN MARRY. I GUESS I MISUNDERSTAND WHAT MARRIAGE IS. I THOUGHT IT WAS WHEN YOU LOVE SOMEONE SO MUCH YOU WANT TO SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE WITH THEM, AND A PERSON YOUR HEART CAN NOT LIVE WITHOUT. WHO CARES IF IT'S MAN & WOMEN OR MAN & MAN OR WOMEN & WOMEN. LOVE IS LOVE IT SHOULDN'T MATTER. THE PEOPLE WHO SAY WE NEED TO PROTECT THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE JUST TO MAN AND WOMEN. HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE DIVORCE RATES LATELY.

SO HUCK DO US ALL A FAVOR AND OPEN YOUR EYES. WE ARE AMERICANS AND WE WILL MAKE OUR OWN CHOICES. IT'S CALLED FREEDOM IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW.

The issue to me is not whether the flag should be flown or not. The issue is about being tolerant of other people's ideas. I am disappointed that a man of Rev. Huckabee's character would talk about what should be done with a pole (flag pole) to people who have differing ideas. To me, his comments are offensive and out of character for a man of God or the President of the United States. He must have thought he was being clever, because he repeated the same comment later. They may be funny to some, but they are certainly not civil or dignified. We need to do away with bigotry and intolerance of any kind. Mike won't apologize for this statement but he should. I'm sure he is tired of apologizing for stupid comments.

Really.... it seems to me that the only ones OFFENDED by the confederate flag are LIBERALS. The LIBERALS have hijacked the flag because of their hatred of the conservative SOUTH. To most in the SOUTH the CONFEDERATE flag is simply the flag of the south and actually, the average southern "BUBBA" has more black friends than you LIBERALS. Academic history is far different than our sick popular history and the cause of the civil war is complex........ do any of you libs know what the Morrell Tarriff was? Funny thing.... the north ended slavery not because of their compassion for the slaves but because they did not want blacks in their states anymore. They sold their slaves to the South. Also, the slave traders and slave ship owners were from the NORTH. How do you think Ben Franklin got rich?

Huckabee has told South Carolina voters that he supports the confederate flag and supports South Carolina flying the confederate flag. Does that mean that he supports slavery, racism, and the southern United States suceeding from the northern United States. How does he get away with saying these things. He has so many radical beliefs. He has supports a quarantine of people with AIDS (reguardless of how they contracted it or if they are little kids), criticizes people for their religious beliefs, claims to be the new Christian leader, wants to ammend the constitution to what he thinks God's will is, and now supports the confederate flag. I don't know how he is still one of the main contenders for the republican presidential primary. I just hope people see him for who he really is. A minister running for President with radical beliefs.

Classy comment, Mr. Huckabee. I do not want a president with no filter on his mouth!!!

He is obviously PANDERING to those who base their vote on this issue.

There are many MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES to base one's decision on to to vote for to lead our nation . Sickening!

treason?

against the Constitution?

The state's joined the union by the choice of the individual state's. It wasn't something done at the will of the national government. At the time the constitution was adopted, it was commonly accepted by both the north and south states that the 10th amendment gave the states the right to leave the union. None of the states were willing to tie themselves to a union which might not be successful. The bill of rights was the list of guarantees which states insisted upon in order to be willing to join the union. At the time of the civil war, it was still commonly accepted that states could leave the union.

After the states exercised their constitutional right to leave the union, President Buchanan then Lincoln had US troops continue to occupy military bases in the new country. Eventually, enough conflicts erupted over these occupations to trigger a general war.

After the war was over and Jefferson Davis was captured, he wasn't tried for treason...in great part because the US government wasn't sure they'd win the case in court.

So can we PLEASE quit re-fighting the civil war and get back to bashing Huckabee for being an idiot?

As a Florida voter, I’ve been fluctuating between voting for Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee. When I read what Mitt Romney said about the Confederate flag, I was sickened. Then, I heard Mike Huckabee say how Arkansans would tell outsiders (carpetbaggers) what to do with the flag pole if they came to take down their flag. Hallelujah! I love him. He won my vote on that comment alone. I get to vote for a real, authentic Southerner who understands states’ rights. Yes!

Three hundred thousand yankees lie in Southern dust, We got three hundred thousand before they conquered us. They died of Southern fever, of Southern steel and shot. I wish we'd got three millin instead of what we got. HUCKABEE 2008

To all you yankees that think you know what the Confederate flag stands for, you need a history lesson. It doesnt stand for racism or slavery, it stands for our Southern heritage. So next time time you decide to run your mouth, why dont you make sure you know what your talking about first. HUCKABEE for 08!!!!

There's too much liberal paranoia in this forum. Come back with a real argument instead of spewing such lame claptrap such as "Huckabee is an evangelical nut" and is going to "destroy America". If I want a President who will divide America even more than it is now then I'd look for a far-left winger like Barack Obama.

Say YEAH if you're selling your vote to Obama!

Get back to reality next time!

The polarization of our nation continues and the bulk of Republicans seem only too glad to endorse it. Cut the BS: We all know that all of the GOP candidates might as well be from the Angy White Men Society of American and by the looks of it, this is the way the bulk of Republicans want it right now. Screw multiculturalism, this is a nation for "God fearing white folks", right? - and that's what the Confederate flag stands for, whether people like it or not. Do you folks think this will ever hold without destroying the Republic in the process? Is that what you really want?

I used to be a Republican until this murderous administration and until this divisive and ugly BS possessed the bulk of my fellow Republicans. That at this stage in our history such notions rule in the GOP is a disgrace. Want to talk about small-government, an intelligent and affordable foreign policy, about respect for the Constitution? Then I am all ears. You folks are doing the Republic a disservice by indulging in this divisive garbage. Not that the Democrats a lot better, but how many minorities do you ever see at GOP candidate events? I suppose this is just coincidence or a well orchestrated public-relations trick by Democrats, or the "liberal media", right? Consider for a moment that it is not, is this the way the GOP wants it right now. My very uncomfortable suspicion is that the answer is Yes.

I'm embarrassed for the Republican party! I can't believe this man is one of the top choices we have for president...God help us!!

And which flag was it that American soldiers died for, and that the United States citizens sacrificed for in World War I and World War II? The flag of the Confederacy? I think that Huckaby's comments and rudeness concerning the flag and the pole should disqualify him from being a candidate. How can a Christian, no matter how conservative, vote for this man, now? Christians, we need to look for a different, higher, better, more godly candidate than one who will speak, not to mention think, so violently, and with such disregard to the veterans who served our country with courage, distinction, nobility, valor, and success.

Having just gone online to check the news, I followed thru to see what the comments were on Mike Huckabee's remark. Just for the record, I am from South Carolina, proud of it, and resent the remarks being made about my state. There were many derogatory remarks made. We , the people of S.C. are not simple minded and ignorant. We will know how to vote on Saturday, based on our knowledge ( not what someone from another part of the country with different political views thinks) of what the important issues are and we are as update on these issues as anyone else. Thank you Laura, John of SC, and Lance. Yours and few others were the only ones out of 164 comments that were worth the time I spent reading. All of the others were filled words of hate, stupidity, ignorance and blubbering nonsense. I'm so glad I have a choice of not having to live along side of some of these people...They sound so unhappy and angry!!! As for the flag pole and flag of SC..what impact will they have in the infinite scheme of things!!

To Laura....... I feel sorry for your kids because you don't have a clue. All you have to do is watch an old civil rights film with Dr. King marching and you will see that flag everywhere and they weren't showing it because of there pride. My God help us all.

xavier from dc, you really know nothing of history if you believe what you just wrote. The civil war was for states rights not to keep the slaves. slavery would have been abolished peacefully here like it was in brazil in 1886. we also wouldnt have all the racial hatred we have today had Lincoln not tried to make that an issue. Go back and study this for yourself, dont just listen to what people tell you. I am Southern and I am proud of it. If that offends someone, I could really care less. Also, I speak three languages, so dont try to call me racist. I am a southern white american and proud of it. Family on both sides fought for Dixie.

Oh boy...Huckabee, if elected, would take this country back a century or two. I we ready for this? His words and actions are a detriment to Equality.

I'm appalled!!! His comment "If somebody came to Arkansas and told us what to do with our flag-we'd tell them what to do with the pole" was totally unprofessional and unchristian.

At a minimum, he should immediately apologize. I called his headquarters and left a comment. The phone # is 501-324-2008 if anyone else feels so inclined.

Obviously, You have all missed the point in Mr. Huckabees remarks. He is talking about states rights, one of many great things that our founding fathers were behind when this country was first created. Everyone is SO ready to be offended and usually do not HAVE a clue in the first place about what they are talking about.

Obviously, You have all missed the point in Mr. Huckabees remarks. He is talking about states rights, one of many great things that our founding fathers were behind when this country was first created. Everyone is SO ready to be offended and usually do not HAVE a clue in the first place about what they are tlking about.

Greetings from South Carolina. The great thing about living down here is not having to deal with Yankee ignorance on the War Between the States. To all those to whom the foregoing applies, kindly allow me to regale you with a winter song, "Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!" Oh well, take solace in the fact that at least the flagpole will be warm!

That's priceless - because Arkansas has such a great record on race relations and government intervention in the schools. Little Rock Nine, anyone?

If he's going to go the federalism route and say it's a state decision, which clearly it is, then he should go the federalism route on abortion, gay marriage, etc.

Please dont subject us Arkansans to 4 or 8 more years of Huckabee! What a lunatic!

I used to think that anyone would be better than Bush.

Wrong.

As an Independent, I was fairly excited about Huckabee's candidacy. He speaks like an honest man with true convictions. But his oafish parading of political heavyweights such as wrestler Rick Flare and actor/popular joke punchline Chuck Norris has made him into a joke that is getting increasingly tired (much like the aforementioned Norris). And now, with this, perhaps we are getting a true glimpse into Mr. Huckabee. It has been said that there are two distinct America's–one red, one blue. Mr. Huckabee is a reminder that this may be true. To defend the Confederate flag, and in the manner in which he did so–suggesting that a offender should have the flag pole inserted into his or her rear end–does not speak to Christian conduct, and suggests an extreme that America should work strongly to avoid.

The media needs to start calling the flag what it really is, THE TREASON FLAG. It represents, among other things, an act of treason against The United States of America, Say it with me, "The TREASON FLAG,

We shouldn't perhaps be wasting as much energy over Huckabee as some of us have been (yours truly included). After all, the guy wasn't running for the Presidency. He's just using this as a springboard for a choice part on "Law and Order" after viewers say they've had enough of Fred Thompson.

JP

Get a clue!!!!!!

Huckabee is a good choice for president.

Most of you in this blog sound like idiots. Talking the way you do.

Do this country and yourself I good service and think before you open your mouth.

Was Huck doing stand up or stumping? He usually campaigns from the pulpit…how did the congregation react to the line about the pole? Did the guy at the drum set do a 'ba dump bump' after Huck delivered the punch line?

Let's hope God's army isn't marching off now to take this nation back for Christ armed with flagpoles…yikes! Them is some strange ethics down there in the evangelical south.

I bet Huckabee does a killer impersonation of Gomer Pile. Seriously. He could throw the Gomer impersonation into his normal routine. The guitar thing is getting a little bland…he needs to punch up the act. The Huckabee crowd would eat it up. Gomer would remind them of the guy they work with, not the guy that was smart enough to lay them off.

Mike Huckabee is advocating sexually deviant behavior with such comments. As a Chistian Conservative voter, I am certainly asking myself what the level of integrity expressed by Mr. Huckabee is. This is a red flag for sure.

It appears that all of the comments left here (mostly from Yankees) have been brainwashed into the fact that the rebel flag somehow stands for slavery. This is also how the media portrays it. The fact is that we don't (as Southerners) defend the flag as a slavery symbol but as a symbol that our forefathers fought and died for and to honor their memory that the cause in which they fought for (States Rights NOT Slavery) will be remembered and honored. IF some of you would try and read the TRUE history of what happened instead of believing everything you were told and heard you would concur. We all believe the same way on the slavery issue, it is a mute point. John C. Calhoun saw the conflict coming 30 years before it happened by the Federal Government strong arming the South and tried to warn of the impeding conflict to no avail. I can say this for Huckabee, he's not AFRIAD to tell you where he stands and WHAT he believes in. For that HE WILL get my vote and my prayers.

This man if elected he will be a religious extremest.....his campaign speeches are like he is preaching from the pulpit.

You all have the spelling wrong. Its – hypochristian

Wow. Huckabee – so what do we make of this UNSOLICITED obvious support to their interest in waving the confederate symbol that speaks volumes of interest toward racism & holding on to rifts in already divided America? He just VOLUNTEERED his strong support for that kind of stinkin thinkin.

I agree with Tina from Arizona – I live in the South & I love Christ but not everyone who says "Lord, lord" is really following Christ some of them just love the way His name sounds on their campaign trail – Bush & Huckabee DO NOT represent all southerners & they certainly don't represent all "Christians" no matter how much they try to "act" like they do

Tina's closing phrase:
"Please America, do not elect yet another idiot southern Christ freak for president. PLEASE!"

I am a huge supporter of the idea of having Mike Huckabee as our Republican nominee. However, this confederate flag stuff has to stop. MOVE ON FOLKS. I don't blame Huck as he is just trying to get his base fired up and out to the polls. It's the correct political strategy. McCain did the same thing in 2000.
But this flag crap has to stop. Every election year, the flag issue is talked about by many people in my state, Georgia, and every time people decide who they will vote for because of it. If you base your decision on who you will vote for only because a particular candidate supports the display of a Confederate flag, then don't vote at all. There are many more important issues at stake.
Look, I've got a lot of roots in southern heritage. My great(x6) grandfather was the sheriff in Appomatox and owned the house where Lee and Grant met to sign the peace treaty. Many of my distant relatives fought in the Civil War on the Confederate side. I am proud that they stood up for their ideas and beliefs. However, that was in 1865. Today is 2008. Move on. Be proud of your ancestor's actions and sacrifices but move the heck on. This is a very important election, start treating it like one.

Can someone tell Mike that the Confederate flag is not the flag of South Carolina. Last time I checked SC's flag was blue with a crescent moon and a palmetto tree.

Kevin –

Your understanding of the Defense of Marriage Act is ill-informed.

The Defense of Marriage Act, which allows for states to refuse to recognize the marriages of other states carries the weight of law....but does not carry the weight of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has yet to rule whether DoMA complies with the "full faith and credit" clause of the Constitution.

Therefore, just as the Supreme Court has not yet ruled on any cases from same-sex couple who have married and subsequently were denied marital status in another state under "full faith and credit", they have also not had a solid test case to determine whether DoMA is, in fact, constitutional.

I live in the South among gracious and smart people. I can't believe that they will fall for this: squirrel frying in popcorn poppers, hunting, snowball fighting, Chuck Norris, bigotry, bad guitar playing. I think they want more presidential material to represent us in the world. Stick to the issues don't waste time telling folks to let air out of folks tires and lock them in their dorm rooms so they won't vote against him. Stick with the desperate condition of the nation and its issues.

Glad he's addressing the real issues here that are important to the progress of our country. Jebus bless you Huckatwit.

This is directed at the moderator.

You refused to post my comment...

"Wow, the anti-Christian bigots are out tonight."

Yet, there are comments that condemn the South, condemn South Carolina, hatefully use the term "bigots," mock Bible believers, and etc. Perhaps you can reasonably explain why my general comment was not posted while truly offensive comments were posted.

And, yes, the anti-Christian bigots were out last night on this comment thread – and still are. Are you one of them?

Actually, I would love to see Huckabee get the nomination. He could be another Goldwater and bring in the kind of enforced housecleaning of Republicans that the U.S. seriously needs. However, I don't think even the Republicans would be that stupid.

If I were the President of the U.S. and heard about any state flying the Confederate flag at its state house, I would phone the governor of that state and give him or her 24 hours to lower the flag. If the flag were still flying 24 hours later, I would dispatch a large band of Marines with chainsaws to cut it down. Almost certainly it should be unconstitutional to fly such a thing on public property.

Anyone defending the Confederate flag is a treasonist and terrorist at heart if not in action. The confederate battle flag (it's not the real flag of the Confederate states) is a flag that was flown to inspire those who sought to kill U.S. soldiers during a war. Thousands upon thousands of our men in uniform gave the ultimate sacrifice to prevent that flag from flying and to free an enslaved people, as well as keep this great nation together. It is the flag of a stated enemy of the United States. It is the flag of a group that sought to keep the right to enslave humans. It is a flag of a group that sought to destroy the unity of the the greatest nation on earth. I rank anyone waving that flag with al quada, Hamas, and any other group that sought the destruction of the U.S. of A.

ji john wrote:

"What a Dizzy Day! Obama, a Democrat, decides to say that Ronald Reagan was right for his time, and Mike Huckabee defends the flying of the Confederate Flag. Wow! Change your water. There's something wrong with it."

It's becoming more and more clear that Obama is an empty suit that will unite the empty suit voters right in the middle between the elephants and the donkeys.

He calls it change.

That was done by Reagan and Bill Clinton: under their leadership, the groundwork for the new brash american imperialist adventures was laid.

hope for what? more of the centrist garbage?

Obama is either liar or idiot, based on what is known through his words so far.

Huck wants to tell women what to do with their own bodies.
Huck wants to decide who can marry.
Huck has no problem with telling peoples of other nations how to live in their own countries.
Huck wants to change the Constitution to fit his own views.

The Huckster will move mountains when it comes to supporting the white right.

Huck you are worse than a fool, I might feel sorry for a fool.

Huckabee is mentally impaired. He needs treatment; not the Presidency.

A pathetic way to get the "Bubba" and "Get r done" vote.
Ewwww!

Well Mike, you certainly just loss my vote. It is disappointing to know that you will say anything at the last second for a few votes. Obviously, you are not a man who will represent all citizens of this country, but will say or do whatever needs to be done for your best interest. As a Christian, I had high hopes for you but your blatant disregard for the pain the confederate flag represents to others shows that you are either racist or an opportunist who will go which ever way the wind blows. Whatever the case, we certainly don't need a divisive person like you in the White House.

Go Obama!

Way to pander to a group of your constituents who sees no problem with a symbol of the Old South, which, by the way, embraced slavery then segregation. Now we know a little more about who you are, Huckster.

If he's anything like plenty of other preachers, don't be surprised if he bends over after he hands you the pole and tells you to stick it!

mark : You posted –
"You commentars need to find God. You will be condemned in the end. If God wants him to be a President then it will happen."

This post just reinforces the dim view many Americans have of "christians."
Mark, do you think you can pray to God to increase your IQ by a substaintial amount? If so, start praying.......

As for Huckabee's Confederate flag remarks, who is surprised? The man is a bigoted, racist, homophobic kook. Time for him to get out of politics and into the pulpit of hate where he can hang out with pigs just like him.

Huck, lets see how many true Republican support you. Fox don't like you and now you pull this. Boy...........you sticking your foot farther in mouth and back into AK. Keep up the good work.

o boy the "flag" issue,....
anyone ever notice the state flag of HI ?
seems there is a defeated nation on that flag too,.. check it & see

no one complains about that

and by the way why doesn't one single person EVER complain and ban our flag we have that flown over our country while slavery was was under it for what about 100 years before the Confederate flag flew

talk about hypocrisy

You consider the Civil War "a loss, not a win"? "Nothing in the Constitution implies that individual states are committed to association with the UNITED STATES?" "Only 4% of Confederate forces owned slaves?" (When have the wealthy ever fought their own wars?) And the sour grapes kicker: "If the South had available the same amount of financial resources as the north, the stars and bars would be flying over all your heads today"?

What if Al Quaeda had the same amount of financial resources as the United States?

Wow. I always thought "traitor" was mostly just a partisan buzz-word used to curry favor with self-righteous "patriots", but perhaps the threat is more real than I knew.

Fortunately these few voices are drowned out by a lot of smart, thoughtful and funny posts from BOTH Northern and Southern parts of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Let's hope those are the voices that determine the course of this election too. I'd love to see voters have some thoughtful debate about important issues instead of threatening to shove flag-poles up each others *****. Oh wait, that was a candidate.

As always people take something and assume that they associate a certain meaning with the symbol that it is the only one that matters. People need to consider the fact that the confederate flag is just as much a matter of personal pride in the fact that the South practically beat an army backed by a much larger population and with much more financial backing. If you actually think that the majority of Southerners look at the Confederate flag and visions of slave ownership and racism dance in their head your just reinforcing the fact that your as much a bigot and as ignorant as the people who you without any factual backing broadly paint as racists.

The Germans have erradicated the use of the swastika but racism still exists today. Even if the confederate flag solely stood for what the loons on the left try to label it ass getting rid of symbols doesn't eliminate racism. It will continue to exist with or without the symbols associated with it.

This is one of the top 10 candidates in the country for President? Give me strength...

You know Mark some how I'm not very worried.

Great idea coming from someone who wants to lead a nation. I say let them fly their flag all they want as long as they are willing to never take a dime or help from the federal government. No wonder Mitt left the state to campaign elsewhere. If you have to stoop to these kinds of stupid speeches to get a few votes welcome to them Huck. Sorry folks out there but this doesn't reflect well on your good state. If I lived there I'd get out and let people know that you aren't all red neck flag waving confederates who have never moved on past the civil war.

What a spectacularly STUPID thing to say.
He is completely unhinged.
I can see him using those kind of words with world leaders – OMG.
Thankfully he stands a snowballs chance in hell of getting the nomination.

Wow If I vote for a Hill billy now its going to be Ron Paul, I like him because he's crazy as hell...

And I don't think Jesus cares because he's black and more concerned about the inner city, trailer parks, people on jerry spinger and morry than a stupid Flag..

I am a Christian Conservative and I have voted in every election since I turned 18. Mike Huckabee is MY VERY FAVORITE CANDIDATE EVER!! GO HUCK GO!!
* We need a president who is real....not a talking political bobble head.
* I want a president who will tell someone "where to stick it"
* There is nothing anti Christian about that. Its what I want him to say to Bin Laden. (and HIllary)
* I dont give a CARE if anyone in this country flys any flag that stemmed from AMERICA's HERITAGE. Did you ever consider the fact that the confederate flags meaning has changed over the years? That is stands for Southern Pride instead of Bigotry? People are too ffended!!! Get over it.
*The Southern People have a right to preserve there heritage. This is a problem?
Maybe you should come over to So. California, because unfortunately NO DEMOCRATS seem to care they are FLYING MEXICAN FLAGS ALL OVER THIS PLACE in all neighborhoods..but I dont get to be OFFENDED about that, otherwise I will be racist ...
*This country was founded in GOD WE TRUST. The same god that huckabee worships. Why should we change that now? and we are the best country in the world.. so I guess it is working..? well it was until everyone starting the crusade on RELIGION.
*WOMEN SHOULD OBEY, LOVE, RESPECT their husbands.
This does not mean men should walk around and order women around. It means as a wife, we should respect, listen, care for, and LET THE MAN be a man.
It means we should raise our OWN children, let out husband be our providers.
It means we should be good mothers and do what we can to keep our children out of daycare, out of social programs. Men are supposed to be our protectors, our providers, we as women should also be respected by our husbands and treated good, but all the women out there working, dropping kids off at daycare for 12 hours a day, making men be stay at home dads (unless they really really want to maybe) is negatively effecting the generation of children they/we are producing.
Women need to be at HOME to care for, counsel, teach, learn from and ENJOY their CHILDREN.

I believe in MIKE HUCKABEE. I BELIEVE IN MY FAITH and CHRISTIANITY.
I believe in MARRIAGE for childrens sakes. I believe that we are not hear to judge others, but we also have a responsibility to teach Children what is right and wrong. I believe in educating yourself to be better for you, your family, your children, your country and your God. I believe in freedom that our soldiers are fighting for in IRAQ. SO that MY 10 YEAR OLD SON DOES NOT HAVE TO FIGHT THESE TERRORISTS IN OUR COUNTRY WHEN HE IS 20.

As far as the fair tax. .... we lost our home in foreclosure, after 3 job layoffs where we live. The economy in So Cal is failing, (due to illegal immigrants using our education systems, hospitals, medi-cal, welfare, grants, not to mention taking our jobs.) I mean when was the last time you saw the local neighborhood kid learning how to be a hard worker by mowing lawns in the neighborhood?
Oh.... wait... the illegals will do it for $10 cheaper than the neighbor boy.. so little Johnny wont get to learn the valueable lesson of work ethic, hard work, money management, but he will be a loser especially if his MOM AND DAD work all day and there is no mother around after school to guide and supervise these kids.

I HEART HUCKABEE..........
Save this country from all the evil doers!! In the world and in the USA!!
Seal the BORDERS!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!! ENFORCE IMMIGRATION LAWS!!!
I do NOT want my taxes to pay for mexico's children. I want them to pay for my countrys children.
If I want to help Mexicos children, I will go on a mission with my church.

The scary thing is there is a certain amount of people that agree whole heartedly with him. Maybe that next Civil War will actually happen if a knot head like Huckaboo gets elected.
I think the south has to finally realize that YOU LOST THE CIVIL WAR and throw Huckaboo out of every state he travels too but his own (arkansas deserves him)

The scary thing is there is a certain amount of people that agree whole heartedly with him. Maybe that next Civil War will actually happen if a knot head like Huckaboo

The illegal Mexican community just notified us , they will hang their flag anywhere they want and shove the U.S. pole up you know what!

Let's see how this goes over.

This guy is something else. You talk about working a crowd. If anybody buys what this phony is selling, give me a call, I got some knock-off handbags to sell you.

Huckabee is a good man with great new ideas who cares about the average
American. And he has more Integrity then anyone in both parties.

Robert – "If you think that homosexuality is natural, I challenge you to conceive a child."

I wasn't aware that conceiving children was a requisite part of marriage. Does that mean the millions of couples who choose not to have children are not actually married? Interesting interpretation of the word, but sadly ignorant and incorrect.

While the right to fly this flag is present, its distasteful and a disgrace. The Civil War was admittedly about much, much more than slavery. However, its undeniable that the flag represents the brutality and oppression of slavery as well as a country that SUPPORTED the horrible institution. If nothing else, it represents a period of extreme disunity within the country, which is not something that should necessarily be displayed with pride.

and the comment by Huckabee of what to do with the flag pole is extremely classy. Thats exactly the type of thing we as a nation would want to be reflected upon Americans. Bush didn't do enough to embarrass US citizens and make us out as ignorant fools. Elect Huckabee and expect more of the same stupidity.

Mike Huckabee would cement a Democratic win in 2008. The Dems could put up a real donkey against him and win big.

I hope he's the GOP nominee.

Wow...as a black christian I am offended that Huckabee would say such a thing and then say vote for me.....he must be trying to get the black vote....lol

I propose a new approach to the national debate on the Confederate flag:

Let us all, henceforth, agree to never again argue that the flag does/does not represent slavery and racism. Yes, we can still discuss that it represents certain constituency that wanted to preserve the institution of slavery (and thus, we can reasonably argue, was probably inherently racist), but let's dispense with the notion that the flag directly is a symbol of this. I think it should be clear at this point that one side is content to say (and with honest conviction, I believe) that the flag to them does not represent slavery - that it perhaps represents southern heritage, or something else a little more innocuous.

So, let us instead frame the discussion as one of national allegiance (and its compliment, treason).

I think we can all agree that the Confederate States of America did indeed choose, of their own collective free will, to secede from and thus enter into war with the United States. At that point they became the enemy of the United States. The Confederate flag was, undeniably, the symbol of the C.S.A.

Earlier posters have already started pointing this out.

I think a strong argument can be made that the Confederate flag is, most immediately, the symbol of an enemy of the United States - one who sought first to break up the United States and then to defeat them militarily.

Huckabee is a complete turkey, confederate flags have no buisness in the United States. They are a symbol of rascism and intollerance, in fact you could say the same about Huckabee.

As a Huckabee supporter, this is slightly troubling. Then again, if he pulls this off, he will have won two of the three contests you NEED to win in order to win the nomination, historically. I like his other stances, though, is the attachment to this candidate, for me, is not about policy. It's about the fact that he knows what it's like to stand in line at Wal-Mart, and he's talking to the guys like me making $35k that like the idea of getting rid of the payroll tax. And even though it's very unlikely the Democrats will ever let him abolish the IRS, at least he could probably get through something just as good: unlimited IRAs. You can't dispute that he improved Arkansas's schools, roads, lowered taxes.

So this is not enough to make him lose my vote.

if huckabee wins south carolina, it will be the greatest thing that could happen to the GOP ! why you say ? well, i will tell you why !!! romney wins in nevada, huckabee wins in S.C.>>>>> romney steals delegates in nevada because no other GOPer is campaigning there!! huckabee, although winning S.C. has absolutely no chance to win FLORIDA ! mccain after spending all of his money in S.C. and losing will absolutely lose all momentum and he will get walloped in Florida..AND, in the process, mccains votes (that he took from rudy), will flip-flop back to rudy and the votes that thompson would have(he will drop out after S.C.) will go to romney !!! wow, whew, thank goodness !!!! from the florida primary on, it will be romney versus rudy !!!! thank the high heavens !!! huckabee has zilch chance on tsunami tuesday to compete with those two guys... at least the REPUBLICRAT (Mccain) will be nixed and the theocracy will be quashed !!! IF, and i say IF rudy wins florida, he wins the nomination !!! because the only person that took voters from rudy was mccain so rudy will get them back !! frankly, if its rudy versus romney, it will at least stop me from convulsing while worrying about a theocracy or a REPUBLICRAT in the white house... is it mcgold-feincain,oops its mccain-feingold or what about the mccainnedy bill, o wait, how about amnesty for 12 million ILlegal immigrants......i must say, if you are an absolute republican, then mcainmesty shouldnt be even in your subliminal, much less your concious...

Casey with the money quote:

"""I'm switching to the Democratic party…they may not all agree but they are somewhat united for the better of the country."""

Welcome aboard Casey. That is the kind of positivity this country clearly needs, not this "tell you where to stick it" baloney. I encourage more Conservatives to rethink their ideology and join the Democrats in November.

A government Of, By, and FOR the people. Let's not forget it, ever again.

I guess Mr. Huckabee believes strongly in the 11th commandment...do as I say and not what I do.

Way to go Huck! You got my vote!!!

You commentars need to find God. You will be condemned in the end. If God wants him to be a President then it will happen.

I disagree with comments that Huckabee is hypocritical. He clearly doesn't see this as a moral or ethical issue, so supporting SC's "right" to fly their flag does not go against his Christian value system. You may feel that this IS a moral/ethical issue and so disagree with him, but you can't call him a hypocrite.

How many of you are ok with having Black History month? How about celebrating the latino heritage? This is about people having pride in where they come from more than it is about racism. The Confederate States tried to be independent from the United States because they believed in the states rights to govern their people over a large central government saying what everybody should go (the true reason for the succession from the union). What I'm always amazed by is the hatred this brings out in those who oppose the flying of that flag and the right a state (as part of their state flag) or individual should have to do that. I'm willing to believe these same people that are opposed to the Stars and Bars are not opposed to the numorous Native American tribes flying a flag symbolizing their tribe and I'm sure the majority of these people had no problem with the illegal alient marches flying the Mexican or other central american flag. So why this? And please, do not try to associate this with Nazism.

I've been telling you people since Huckabee was in Iowa for so long that this guy is a fraud of a Christian and a joke of a politician. I saw right through him, clear as day.

Mikes actions and words while here in Iowa were not genuine Christian actions and words at all. He used jokes constantly to fill in the gap of his lack of knowledge about issues. His temper flared often toward Mitt Romney and Mike DID attack Mitt several times with faith-stabbing comments. Mitt never ONCE attacked Mike on anything but his political record. Not once!

I believe Mike's in over his head, he does NOT have the Intelligence nor the Integrity to be the President of the USA. After these flag/pole comments, I have a hard time believing his faith is authentic either and that's his platform!!!

Huckabee is the kind of sad Christian that has given themselves a bad reputation throughout recent years with their Megalo-Churches where they think bigger and louder has got to be better. I'm tired of it, it's unfortunate that Jesus has such hypocrites representing Him and His teachings. I personally think He deserves much better.

Really, if you're a true Christ follower, you would ask yourself What Would Jesus Do? Certainly NOT what Mike Huckabee has been doing the last several months throughout his campaign.

Larry,

As a Christian, Huckabee is a disgrace. However, don't let his shameless pandering diminish a serious issue like secession. Are you aware of the Hartford Convention? Here is a link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hartford_Convention.

Wow this is real evil here. He just lost my vote. On a issue that really is only pandering to his audience. The movie Zelig comes to mind.

Will he turn it a Jew at a Temple like Zelig did?

Give. Me. A. Break.

Bob,

Your history on the War Between the States is correct. I don't know what Ron Paul Supporter said, but you should know that Ron Paul defends the right of secession. Not because he is a closet racist or to get votes, but on principle. Huckabee is a big government conservative trying to get votes by trying to wrap himself in the Confederate Flag. Ask him if he supports the right to secede. Then you'll find out where he really stands.

"his is one example of why the Ron Paul "federalist" approach simply doesn't work. 1) Full faith and credit is essential for us to operate as a nation, 2) Nullification (the right for states to veto federal law that they don't like) was struck down in the 18th century and…well….3) we fought (and won) a Civil War to demonstrate that the union is more important than the individual states."

Re "Full faith and credit is essential for us to operate as a nation."

That's not clear. It's a big country encompassing a wide range of cultures, but your extreme interpretation of the clause more or less demands an enforced uniformity that ignores the very real differences in those cultures.

Re "Nullification (the right for states to veto federal law that they don't like) was struck down in the 18th century."

An act that utterly repudiated the compromise to which anti-Federalist delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 agreed. Yes, the Federal Government agreed with itself in the 18th century to ignore the individual interests of the States, but that in no sense implies that the act was in any sense consonant with the intent of the signatories of the Constitution.

Re "We fought (and won) a Civil War to demonstrate that the union is more important than the individual states."

You, John G of New York, NY, may think of the outcome of that war as a "win;" I, a Southerner, think of it as a loss. And, no, it didn't "demonstrate that the union is more important than the individual states," it demonstrated that a bigger country successfully invaded, conquered, and subsequently occupied a smaller one.

Nothing in the Constitution either states or implies that the individual states were or are committed in perpetuity to association with the United States. The so-called "Civil War"–it was nothing of the sort in any sense of that word–was morally indistinguishable from, for example, Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 or Germany's invasion and occupation of Poland and France in 1939 and '40.

I haven't noticed any of the Original 13 states insisting on flying the British flag over their state capitols – even though that was a much bigger part of their history than the Confederacy ever was. Any thoughts on just why that might be? Perhaps you could then connect a few dots....

Mike Huckabee now has the Confederate flag as his symbol. I'm sure God is proud of him now.

I've heard of preaching to the flock but this is taking it to a different level.

No government building anywhere in the Union should ever display the confederate flag. EVER. It is a symbol of rebellion and insurrection against the Union by TRAITORS to the Constitution. Free expression by private citizens, is of course Constitutionally PROTECTED.

I hear that SATAN likes to fly the Confederate flag to. That is, when he takes a break from flying the Nazi flag....

It is amazing how ignorant most people are of history. Slavery was wrong. There is no debate about this. However, the war of northern aggression was not primarily about slavery. In South Carolina, the most ardent Confederate state, only 4% of Confederate forces actually owned slaves. Many Southerners hold dear to the Confederate flags because we know if the South had available the same amount of financial resources as the north, the stars and bars would be flying over all your heads today. Slavery still would have ended eventually as many southern leaders were already working toward that end. And there would be a central government that was far more respectful of states' rights and far less intrusive into the lives of its citizens. Who isn't for that?

What's the biblical quote, a pole for a pole, or was it an eye for an eye?

Hey Ron Paul Supporter, what the heck does this have to do with religion? It is a state decision that needs to be decided by the people of the state. The flag symbolizes many different things, but always remember that 258,000 American soldiers died on the battlefield under that flag. Many of the 750,000 to 1.2 million confederate soldiers' families are US citizens; the flage does not just have negative ties to it. Remember, the Confederate States of America did not secede from the Union because of slavery, the seceded because they felt that they were not getting fair representation or support from the federal government as compared to the northern states. Lets just all get along and vote for Huckabee in 08!!

What a Dizzy Day! Obama, a Democrat, decides to say that Ronald Reagan was right for his time, and Mike Huckabee defends the flying of the Confederate Flag. Wow! Change your water. There's something wrong with it.

You don't like people from outside the state coming in and telling you what to do with your flag," Huckabee said at a Myrtle Beach campaign event. "In fact, if somebody came to Arkansas and told us what to do with our flag, we'd tell them what to do with the pole, that's what we'd do."

Anyone else find it funny that he doesn't like to be told what to do with the confederate flag by an outsider but he has no qualms about creating legislation limiting the rights of gays, lesbians and transgendered folks and limiting the choices of women?

Well, Mr. Huckabee, I know you think you're the best candidate for our president, but please kindly take a good look at yourself in the mirror and tell me if America needs another self-righteous bigot in our white house. We need someone who looks out for the whole country, is the president for all americans, who doesn't play the partisanship game or pander to a single religious group. We need someone is honest, intelligent, accountable and thoughtful leader, who is above the polical games of washington, who knows that the rights of one person cannot be trampled upon by another's beliefs. We are better than this and so are you.

God Bless America. Obama '08

It's astounding that, at a time war, a GOP candidate for President is defending the use of a flag that was flown by traitors to this country as they took up arms against the United States and sought to bring it down.

The history of the Confederacy is the history of treason and traitors, and the flag represents treason and traitors.

Anyone who supports traitors and treason is unfit to hold the US Presidency.

That flag is a symbol bigotry and treason. Some may say that the confederate flag is a symbol of their heritage; that heritage is one of hate and ignorance. Clearly, this is yet another reason for voters to look away from Huckabee as a candidate for the presidency. His stance demonstrates an ignorance that should have died with the end of slavery.

Funny... I don't see the word "confederate" mentioned anywhere before in his quotes. Hmm, just perhaps... the media spins things as the media does. Two tid-bit sentences aren't enough to say the who story. Sorry.

Robert, you are living in the past.

Stephen,

Regarding your comment: that's exactly why Huckabee cannot and must not be a President of the United States. Being a pastor or a preacher is one thing and being a president of the country is totally different.

Huckabee if anyone like you get elected to be president of this country than anybody that votes for you must have been isolated and does pay any attention to what is being said by you. I feel very sad that the minority of a religious group was allowed to take control of a major political party who had such great people as Teddy Roosevelt, Abe Lincoln and Ike Eisenhower in it. These people would think that the regular members should rebel against this group and retake the party for the great party it was in the past history of this country.

"f they want a to be a racist state let them. Just cut off all the federal funding to the state until the move out of the 1920's and into the 21st century."

Certainly, cut off all Federal funding. Of course, that, in propriety, involves cutting off all Federal taxation of the state. While we're at it, lets cut off all Federal "benefits" and, concomitantly, all Federal obligations.

Which is exactly what the people of the south wanted a hundred and fifty years ago.

If we stop the fighting amongst ourselves and take a good look around you might see that someone is trying to make slaves of us all.The Mult-National Corporations are planning to make us all slaves.Its all about cheap labor!Using China for it or bringing them in,we are all guilty by complicity when we buy the product.Nothing has changed since the Civil War,just the wording.

Huckabee:

You are a HYPOCRITE and a PANDERER. You are not only mocking your own faith and your own beliefs, you are mocking our God's Holy Name and entire Christianity as whole. SHAME ON YOU.

South Carolina – I hope you are smarter than that. Huckabee is NOT fit to be the Republican nominee (forget about being president of the United States – he will never get there).

Sick man...he just wrote his own political obituary with this one.

Whether you plan on voting Dem. or Rep. (or something else) in November, let's make sure we vote for an *American* – not a fanatical nut. Our kids are counting on us.

- a Pennsylvanian

I am disturbed that Huckupyours would use such a filthy parable not just once but twice in public or private. I bought his book "Kids Who Kill" to see how this man thinks. Realizing that his son was torturing a dog the same summer that the book was published gives me dark insight. This man is not well. He thinks in terms of sadomasochistic torture just like his son did with that poor dog.

I think it is clear that he has distanced himself from a huge majority of Republicans (and other humans) with this radical spew.

Go to jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.

Goodbye Mr. Huckabee. Sorry I listened to you for so long. I wish I could get a refund for the book and your preaching for money.

I am not for Thompson but I hope he beats Huckabee to restore some honor to South Carolina. Romney picks up most of the fallout, perhaps even enough to pass McCain and get another win.

Wow, the anti-Christian bigots are out tonight!

How disgraceful! That flag is the flag of the enemy. Obviously, Huckabee's loyalty is to the confederacy. Those hillbilly traitors killed American soldiers. Huckabee is unfit to serve as Commander in Chief of the United States armed forces.

im still im thinkin he played "Goober" on the Andy Griffith show!

Beautifully said, Robert. Some will never understand because they twist the meaning of the Confederate flag to only apply to slavery and by doing so breed more contempt and hatred. Gov. Mike is right. Southern states should make their own decisions on whether to fly the flag. All this politicial correctness is rediculous. The Civil War didn't happen in any of our litetimes. Those it did happen to are dead and don't care anymore. Sheeesh. Either get a thicker skin or just get over it.

Mccain has been the nastiest of all candidates on the GOP side, and Huckabee ranked second. Huck is a minister that gets paid to preach, he earns a living from it. Huck is so good at condemming everyone but himself. He has lost my vote when he played the religious card against Romney, I believe in religious freedom, I think for Huck to put down another candidate's religion is wrong. Now we can all see the real face of Huck. Just a paid minister with a smooth tongue and a nasty mind as well.

Romney is the one,

Robert, you are exactly right. I am from the south and although I do not fly the confederate flag, a lot of my ancestors died fighting under that flag. Maybe some had no choice, maybe some that didn't even own slaves were fighting to keep the north from taking all they had, their homes and lands. Not every southern family owned slaves, my ancestors sure didn't...they were working the fields beside the slaves. I want someone to tell me why the southern people that want to fly their confederate flags (in good taste) are labeled bigots and racists and rednecks but any american citizen who is "offended" by the flag or heritage of another country is supposed to keep their mouths shut and not say a word. Why can we ostracize our own citizens, telling them they cannot display their heritage, but God forbid we say anything to someone from another country? Where is the logic in this?

The Confederate flag is a symbol of only one thing:

Treatment of a people, Africans (at the time) that ranks with the Holocaust in Germany.

Where they get it being a "symbol of Southern heritage" is beyond my comprehension. Southern insanity, maybe, but not "heritage."

The slavery of hundreds of thousands of innocent black people, men, women, and children, is the darkest stain on America's history.

And what is appalling the most to me is that it wasn't that long ago! My great-grandparents were still living at the time of emancipation!

Ok people....BIG difference between wanting to ban abortion and talking about a flag! Mike isn't telling women what to do with their bodies....they can do whatever they want. He's saying you don't have the right to kill another human being which I strongly agree with. A fetus is NOT part of your body, it is a seperate human being and nobody has the right to take another life regardless of who's uterus it's growing in.

I have read a bunch of things on here that are simply ridiculous. Do your homework before getting into discussions. A lot of what is said here is not factual. Taking one or two lines out of an entire speech and leaving out the rest isn't right. Huckabee didn't say woman must obey their husbands and then leave it at that. He said that marriage is not 50/50 but 100/100 and that BOTH husband and wife are committed to each other equally. It's so funny to me the way people will take what they want out of a speech/conversation and simply turn it around to say what they want it to.

I have nothing against gay people at all and what they do behind closed doors is none of my business but to allow them to marry like a man/woman is getting a little out of control. Marriage is between man and woman, always has been, always will be. People of the same sex can't make children TOGETHER because they weren't meant to.

Huckabee has good values and I think it scares a lot of people. When I watch and hear him I believe what he says. With every single other candidate I feel simply like they're trying to sell me something.....and.....I'm not buying it! GO HUCKABEE!

I owned a custom shirt and car decal shop in North Carolina. Whenever people came in to purchase a confederate flag decal, I would tell them that we do not make them unless they know the years of the Civil War. In the year I owned that store (before I sold it) not one person who asked for the flag could recite the years of the Civil War. If your 'heritage' is so important, then know the basic facts about it.

Is there any hate group he won't pander to? What's next advocating puppy mills because they create jobs?

I can honestly say that this is the only issue I agree with the Huckster on. The display of the Confederate flag in the former Confederate States of America is a symbol of Southern pride and heritage. No state has the right to tell another state what to do. The flag doesn't stand for slavery. No slaves were brought to this country under the Confederate flag; it was Old Glory which flew over those terrible slave ships. And as to the assertion that the flag stands for treason, if fighting for independence is considered treason, then I am proud to call myself a traitorous, unreconstructed rebel. The Yanks might have taken our country away, but they will never destroy our spirit.

Deo Vindice. Long Live the South

Guys, don't worry, we won't have to stand this guy that much longer; his beliefs are too extreme to be accepted by the Mainstream America, which is moderate to liberal.

By the way, sucking up to South Carolina will piss off the rest of the country, especially when you get to talk about the flag. The flag should be removed by the way; it just shows how divided this country once was.

If South Carolina wants to fly their TREASON flag over their capitol building, fine, let them fly their treason flag over their capitol building.

Since they want to fly the colors of a hostile foreign power, I say we pull ALL federal funding that we provide to them. It's not like they provide much tax revenue to Washington anyhow, as vast swaths of the state resemble a third world country, and a large chunk of its impoverished citizens make too little to pay federal income tax anyway. Who needs yankee tax money? I'm sure those roads and bridges will fix themselves, or maybe their savior will come down and save them.

As for Huckabee – for a God-fearing Christian who stands so firmly against homosexuality and gay marriage, he seems to be strangly infatuated with people committing acts of sodomy with flagpoles.

It is a state issue, is his point. Chill out people.. And all of you that continue to support the 43million and counting killed babies, go and thank your mother because she was pro life.

As a South Carolinian, I do believe a compromise should be made. The battle flag, as many have pointed out, was not just about slavery. However due to its use since that time, many identify that flag with that issue. Why not remove THAT flag and put up the National Flag of the Confederacy or the SC Secession Flag? Those are not normally identified with racism/slavery and would do justice to history as well.

Most outsiders really have no place to talk because they don't look at it from the point of view of others, although they claim to. I have seen some comments saying that it is disrespectful to the United States soldiers that died. Perhaps. But SC was not part of the U.S. at that time and they have a right to respect THEIR soldiers that died.

Mike Huckabee is not advocating the "voice" of the Confederate Flag. Did the article ever once say that Huckabee was "in support of the Confederate Flag"? NO. I wish liberals would call it quits with this ridiculous paranoia over Huckabee just because he expresses his Christian views. Again, it's not surprising that liberals in America tend to be "offended" by Christian Republicans. Do you left-wingers still believe that George W. Bush has "shoved" Christianity down your throats?

Lighten up. Again, generalizing and stereotyping every Republican is not something I would call progressive or tolerant. Thanks for your time hypocrites!

Funny how CNN only tries to pick out tiny wedge issues to damage people… Go Huckabee!

^^ in response to Ben's post..... it's called reporting... if you don't want to hear about it don't read the news.. DUH.

Maybe ol' Mike is a little too churchy for the common man, but at least he isn't a Mormon, an old man, a washed up TV hack or a twice married New Yorker. He is bright, articulate and seems to honestly care about what he is doing. I say we all give the guy a chance and see what happens.

This country has always stood for religious pluralism and freedom to choose one's religion and keep it private. Government, schools, courthouses and any institution supported by the tax dollars of people of ALL faiths , represtenting not just a majority, but ALL citizens is a basic foundation of this country. This is a democracy. Not a THEOCRACY. We are not allowed by the Constitution to establish a national religion. This is exactly what Huckabee and his ilk consider appropriate. Can they not worship whenever they choose in their churches, and live their personal lives as they believe their religion instructs them ? Why must they insist on forcing their beliefs on everyone. My religion does not teach the hatred and condemnation of homosexuals, and it does not instruct a woman what she must do for her husband or with her body. My religion also does not instruct the forced conversions, intimidations, and mission to convert . My beliefs do not instruct me to insist they are right for everyone, that those who believe something different will burn in hell. The purpose of religion is give people, who choose, a guide for being a good, kind, tolerant, charitable person–in my opinion. Huckabee is a danger to the democracy of this country.

This guy just scares me more and more every day.

QUOTE"

"we'd tell them what to do with the pole…"

Good job Huckleberry, now my kid is asking me what that means. So much for your family values.

UNQOUTE!!!

Yup. HucKKKabee is a real gem isn't he?

ROMNEY/THOMPSON in 2008!!! WOOOOO HOOO!!!

Huckabee is a joke. What's his plan for tuning America around? Raise taxes, give amnesty to illegals, pardon criminals, and wave his Bible around?
What's going to happen in S.C. is this: Either McCain or Huck will win. Romney will do well (second or third) and big Fred will come in forth. Then Fred will drop out and maybe even endorse Mitt. Then MItt will sail into Florida and get decisive win, prepping him for a massive victory on super Tuesday. Furthermore, the bad economic news that's coming out is going to assure that Mitt will be the next president. None of the other bozo's running have never managed anything. McCain is a tired, grumpy old "go-with-the-flow" Washington beaurocrat.

It's funny that people are so eager to jump on someone that proclaims to be a Christian. Oh how horrifying he would make a comment like that. The man is human just like any of you. You guys need to lighten up and stick to the issues instead of majoring on the minor. Hey someone tell me what a Christian is and do you fit the bill.

Didn't Sherman already come in and tell them what they could do with their flag?

Wow, you guys. Huckabee is not condoning racism or anything like that, he's talking about STATES' RIGHTS. What he means is that states should be able to make their own decisions on issues like these without the government acting like Big Brother.

I certainly sdon't condone racism, I also say that states DO, in fact, have the right to decide what flag they want to fly. If the constituents in that state disagree with their state government than that is between them and their government, not between the federal government and the state. The Constitution is clearly in favor of states rights and Huckabee is just supporting it.

Furthermore, no where in the Constitution does it say anything about "freedom of choice" so don'r act like its the same issue. A woman's right to do what she wants to her body includes ALL women, even the unborn ones.

Was Huck doing stand up or stumping? He usually campaigns from the pulpit...how did the congregation react to the line about the pole? Did the guy at the drum set do a 'ba dump bump' after Huck delivered the punch line?

Let's hope God's army isn't marching off now to take this nation back for Christ armed with flagpoles...yikes! Them is some strange ethics down there in the evangelical south.

I bet Huckabee does a killer impersonation of Gomer Pile. Seriously. He could throw the Gomer impersonation into his normal routine. The guitar thing is getting a little bland...he needs to punch up the act. The Huckabee crowd would eat it up. Gomer would remind them of the guy they work with, not the guy that was smart enough to lay them off.

"christine conservative" = radical christian psychopath

Stephen – "Governor Huckabee isn't telling women what to do–GOD is telling women what to do! The Bible says thou shalt not kill, so that's something that we have to all be held accountable to. Mike Huckabee is just doing his part as a good Christian to try and follow God's commandments."

Huck can follow god's commandments all he wants to, but he has no right to force them on others! You people have your priorites all wrong; you preach the sacredness of life, but treat actual, live people like garbage and have no regard for them or anyone else who have differing views than you. I know Mr. Bush just worships a clump of cells but has no problem killing innocent iraqis and american soldiers. You forget that that clump of cells that you call life is growing in a fully grown human being. where's your regard for her? somehow the woman, the actual person who is most affected, is left out of your equation and what do you think gives you the right to tell someone else what to do with their body? you care more about the potential for life than you do the real life in front of you – the woman's situtation, her feelings, her life, her right to own her own body. you have no real regard or sympathy for people or life, just your own ideology.

huckabee thinks that he can say the most ridiculous things under the guise of humor; he uses humor not only as a way of seeming likeable, but also as a way to say things that would normally be uncouth and most politicians would be criticized or looked on unfavorably for saying. sorry huck, your humor isn't going to get you far.

It is interesting how he called it "our" flag. The Confederates killed more Americans than the Nazis, Japanese and Al Qaeda combined.

Xavier from DC, you're hilarious! And I agree, Jesus wouldn't like the Confederate flag. Shame on Huck!

Ken,
I have been a strong supporter of anti-republican procreation. I believe it is on the ballot here in California. Prop. 69

OMG! I just flashed on the Confederate South. Isn't that the same reasoning the Confederates used to support slavery??? "Ain't know Yankee gonna come down here tellin' us what to do with our slaves!" Wow! Disgusting!!

What if because of Louisiana's heritage the people of that state decided to fly a
French Flag or Better yet Let Florida Fly a Spanish Flag may be California and Texas Can Fly a Spanish Flag. If this is just about heritage any number of states can fly the Flag of foreign country. This deep down is not about heritage ,their is a under line meaning of Rebellon,and Racism. I am originally from Greenville Mississippi I group in the 70's and 80's and the Mississippi State Flag is a Confederate Flag. As a child my high school was in a neighborhood that was 97% white. My father would tell me to be carefull walking home by myself and stay away from the homes where the Confederate Flage hung. I was terrified to walk by myself through that all white neighborhood and this was in the late 80's and early 90's. Rather my parents fear was real or just overreation I don't know . Because know one every did any thing to me personally but I did her stories of older white people putting the dogs on people and evenone incident of a little white girl playing the yard called my sister's friend the N word. This shape my life as a Young High School Student and lift me with a bitter taste in my mother andno matter what people says or does THAT FLAGS MEANS THE OLD SOUTH AND HAPPY NEGAS SINING IN THE FIELDS .

The Law does not say "Thou Shall not Kill" the law says "Thou Shall not Murder"

Read the Bible before you to cite The Word.

A state's flag is part of the heritage of the people from that state and they should decide for themselves what best represents them. Outsiders who try to force the decision on them or make judgements about what the flag means need to mind their own business.

So let's see – A racial flag, and do what with a pole? I wonder how many votes he's going to lose nationwide for this. As for me, I'll vote for the other guy.

Huckabee has the courage take a position on an actual question without checking with his financial backers first.

For all the unsaved on this board, I challenge you to actually read the Word of God.

The flag, in my humble opinion, does not represent slavery. It is a piece of southern heritage. I am southern man but also a Jew, so I would be the last person to endorse slavery or oppression. I am also a Texan, and the Texas flag follows from when Texas was it's own republic. Go tell a Texan that you want to remove the flag because it represents the fighting between Texas and Mexico. Same thing with SC. Let them decide. I don't agree with Huckabee's poitics, but I think here he is correct. Stupid comment for a presedential candidate, but I agree.

Hey I'm German and my ancestors fought in the war. Let's fly the Swastica again, so I can get some warm fuzzys about my heritage.

That makes two whole issues I agree with Huckabee on.

Why does everyone get so worked up about flags??

What is actually disgusting is the flagpole analogy forwarded by a gay bashing "conservative" who opposes abortion and wants to change the constitution to suit his views. Perhaps he would like the flagpole used for disciplining the unbelievers who choose evolution over his [stated] views.

I think everyone should be reminded that a flag at a state capital building is not the same thing as killing babbies and the last time I checked that flag was in South Carolina and if you are not a registerd voter in South Carolina you dont have a right to say what they can or can not do.

"Father-husband is right! We need to protec our sivil liberties and the right to marry famly members and keep the flag our redneck fourfathers held deer pinned prowdly in the backs of our garages. Yee Haw!"

That seems to be the attitude from Huckabee here. Just my two cents....

Such nice words, coming from supposedly such a devoted religious man.

John from NY- " Actually, you are poorly informed about the marriage debate. While you are correct that states have jurisdiction over civil law (including marriage), the "good faith and credit" clause of the Constitution mandates that certain components of civil law (including marriage) that apply to one state, also apply to any other state.This is why opponents of gay marriage argue for a constitutional amendment to prevent gay marriage. Otherwise, regardless how how much opposition there is to gay marriage in North Carolina, they may very well be forced to recognize a gay marriage that was licenced by the state of Massachusetts."

Actually, YOU are poorly informed. States DO NOT have to recognize other states marriages. The Defense of Marriage Act that was passed by president clinton nullified this so that states didn't have to recognize other state's gay marriages. (hello, otherwise we would have gay marriage already in all states). So there is no excuse for a constitutional amendment other than bigotry and to try and reverse the rights that gays have gotten in some states. Think of it as analogous to a Jim Crow law. Denying gays the right to marry is unconstitutional and goes against the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment. The Defense of Marriage Act is also unconstitutional in my opinion.

Robert – "If you think that homosexuality is natural, I challenge you to conceive a child." Blah, blah...is that all you people have? Actually, homosexuality is natural or else it wouldn't exist; it has existed for thousands of years and used to not be that big of a deal. Gay people can still conceive children, they just have to do it with someone of the opposite sex. Love is not the same as sex, in case you didn't know that.

Huckabee just keeps getting scarier everyday. First, it's "women must obey their husbands," then declaring that he wants christian law (kind of like islamic law), now hypocritically calling for state's rights. Does anyone really go for this stuff? Is that how people are going to vote with all of the REAL problems we're faced with? Talk about divisive. We're all just people; we should all be able to do whatever we want to do as long as we don't hurt anyone else. Maybe if people weren't so ignorant and filled with basleless hatred and would stop forcing their beliefs on others and trying to control other's lives, we could better work together toward common goals – the real goals, the real problems.

I loved Huckabee's beautiful speech the other day about personal liberty and freedom; deeply touching though i'm sure it was only in reference to straight white men. Just another example of the blatant hypocrisy of these people; they have to be hypocrites because that's the the only way their messages can exist – they can't exist in reality because they defy reality and common sense.

These christian radicals are the real terrorists; how else can you justify murdering doctors (under the pretense that life is sacred), lobbying against and denying equal rights for gays, women, blacks, all in the name of religion and the "word of god?" Real christians, and non-christians alike, are ashamed of you people.

Ken of MD says:

"republicans should not be allowed to reproduce"

that's about the only thing the repugs could do for humanity.

Robert - I'm an infertile woman in a heterosexual marriage. I can't conceive a child either. Am I "unnatural?" Thanks for the support, man.

Personally I am shocked. Shocked I say, to hear such language from a preacher. He's gonna tell them what to do with the flagpole?

Huckabee is truly dangerous. It's really unfortunate that Iowa voted first. Otherwise, he would have been buried at the bottom of the heap already. God help the USA if someone who doesn't even believe in evolution is ever elected President. We'd be the laughing stock of the world and his presidency would be a disaster of epic proportions.

I have changed my mind,

SOUTH you can secede,

and good ridance

Jessie gibberishes:

"I agree with everything he is says. People wouldn't like it if someone came into our homes and told us what to wear or how to eat…they have their own homes to make those decisions in. Just like with this flag. And people need to quit crying and grow up…if you don't like it close your eyes and turn your head. Be the bigger person!"

no, you are NOT allowed to do a whole host of things, let alone engage bigotry, even if it is right in the middle of your own home. and for good reasons, considering the obviousutter lack of human decency inyour comment.

on the other hand, i like the idea of ridding my country of you and your ilk....

This is one of the main reason that as a black woman I can't be a republican.
I believe in a republican economic platform
I believe that we should have a strong military
I am pro- life
I don't believe in gay marriage
I am christain
You would think that I would make a great republican
but Thanks Mike for the reminder
Because If the My home state of mississippi had its way I would be
back in the cotton fields

You have a kid too young to understand the pole comment reading cnn's political ticker, really? Come on people, everyone is just looking for reasons to get worked up here. It's been pretty obvious the left leaning media has done everything they can to only grab lines from Huckabee that will get all of you in a tizzy. "oh oh use that one he mentioned God, just leave out what he was talking about though so people get even more worked up." "oh oh he said SC has the right to make a decision on the confederate flag for itself, let's play it up and get everyone in a tizzy about them evil southern people." Well I covered the states right bit in my earlier comment, and for God and the constitution he was talking about protecting human life. MLK (a minister) gave many speeches where he spoke of the need for all of God's children needing to be equal and how the government needed to align the law with how God intended his children to treat each other. Would anyone call MLK a crazy religious zealot? A white guy from the south says we should protect human life as God intended though, oh boy, watch out he must be some crazy religious zealot, oh oh and a bigot too because he's from the south right? It's pretty obvious to me who in this situation is showing prejudice, and it is not Mike Huckabee.

Listen to the people of Arkansas who lived there while he was governor...there are many who say the same thing.And his rhetoric is very unChristian about the flag. It's bordering on vulgar.This from Minister of the Gospel? I think he is not......

Perhaps Huckabee should consider teaming up wtih Team Clinton since they appear to have some common ground (ie: race, from the same state, etc.)

Hey Stephen (6:47pm), maybe you should go down to the white house and show 'dubya' where it says "thou shall not kill" in the bible. Afterall we should ALL be held accountable to it, right? You reek of hypocrisy.

I'm going to start an effort to add a new law in some of the states (states rights, after all!): republicans should not be allowed to reproduce. In a couple of generations the IQ of the general population will have risen to the point that the law will no longer be needed.

Ah. The true Huckabee comes out.

I am far from an Obama supporter, but at least he is doing his best to run the positive campaign he said he would.

Huckabee is starting to come across as two-faced, and this concerns me. His appeal was that he was rising above the fray. Now he – oh excuse me... his campaign manager – is starting to get down in the mud.

Let Him Show his True Color!!! it will only help humanity.

I'm a Southern in Atlanta and a Christian...and NOT a Huckabee supporter...he's not only using Jesus to gain votes, now he's trying to get "Confederate" votes. Oh my goodness, will you smart Republican's in South Carolina put a stop to this guy. What's next a Huckabee rally supported by the KKK?

Stop the madness...a Huckabee nomination will put an end to the Republican party...I'm switching to the Democratic party...they may not all agree but they are somewhat united for the better of the country.

"you want to come tell us what to do with the flag, we'd tell them what to do with the pole"

HILAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARIOUS!!!

just proves how much of a moron this guy is.

to Mk. Are you seriously equating abortion with a flag? Last time I checked, abortion had 3 lives involved, the mother, the father, and the child. Get real.

OMG, he finally did it to himself. he is who i thought he was, and is now starting to prove it. Phew, for a while there i thought he might have had an outside chance. Glad to see he has taken the last few days as an opportunity to self-destruct.

WOW, seems like you have an obsession with telling people where to (and where NOT to, or where they can or cannot) put their pole. I think you really want to be the next "Decider"

Please! Please let this nut get the republican nod..
If he does and gets his butt handed to him
I may start believing in this god superstition.
Go Hucklebuck
For a brighter past!

"we'd tell them what to do with the pole..."

Good job Huckleberry, now my kid is asking me what that means. So much for your family values. Real professional!

Oh man, that is hilarious. How savvy! How sophisticated! Think of how quickly such tactics could resolve conflict in the Middle East and Africa! Flagpoles all around! Wait, I bet Chuck Norris would be doing some of the flag-polling, that would be superbad! Flagpole numchux!

Hey Huckabee, it's the UNITED states of America.

Ahh, too bad this imbecile won't be around for entertainment for too much longer. It has been fun though!

Oh yeah and the federal government coming into california and telling medical marijuana users they can't smoke...thats ok though?

First, Mike stated that he didn't "believe" in evolution. (as if it is a matter of belief or not), now he is bringing up the confederate flag and changing the constitution. I am a republican , a true one who believes in less government, lower taxes and that the gov't shouldn't tell us how to live our lives (ie. right to own guns and right to choose an abortion, right to the fruits of your labor(low taxes))...live and let live. For him to suggest to change the constitution is disgusting.....The creators of it run circles around Huckabee. This man is not educationally fit to be president and he is an absolute disgrace to the Republican party. Don't be tricked into thinking that just because someone is a social conservative that it means they are a republican. If you don't like democrats meddling into your lives and taking your money, don't let someone like Huckabee just because he shares your social conservatism....THAT IS JUST NOT WHAT BEING A REPUBLICAN IS ALL ABOUT.

Robert--Yes, while it is true that the Civil War wasn't just about slavery, the Confederate States *did* fight to defend their right to keep other human beings enslaved and subjugated. That is what the Confederate flag represents to many people, even if that's not the only thing the Confederates fought for.

In a nation of mixed races and ethnicities, where people have the freedom to choose and succeed regardless of color, creed, religion, or ethnicity, is it entirely inappropriate for the Confederate flag to be displaced on public/government property. I would hope that the next President of our nation would feel that way too.
There is a difference between freedom to make your own choices and live your own lives (i.e. abortions, gay marriage, fill in the blank here) and displaying a symbol that is extremely offensive to a large portion of the nation and runs against what it is supposed to mean to be American. Sometimes "freedoms" are really just injustices.

It's not about the flag, it's about states rights. An overriding theory of the republican party is that the federal government should leave all decisions possible to a government closer to the people. Note, not all decisions or controls are left at the state level, however. The entire argument that letting a state decide about the use of a flag equates to allowing a state to decide if it will allow slavery is asinine. To make such an accusation is either foolish or stretching to attack someone and make yourself feel better about your unwarranted hate. The theory that our nation is built upon is that the federal government establishes the rights of the citizens of this country. States may then give their citizens more rights then is prescribed by the federal government, but they may never give their citizens less rights than has been declared by the national government. Have any of you ever taken a civics class for Pete's sake? Since the federal government issues the right that all people are free and equal that of course is not a state decision. Since the flag has nothing to do with a citizens rights nor anything else the federal government should have purview over, the federal government has no business in it (and I'm from the North). The reason Mike Huckabee even talked about it in his speeches is because he and his SC staffers were constantly being asked what his stance on the issue was. A politician who addresses the issues that people are asking questions about, imagine that.

Oh and it isn't about a woman's right to choose it's about a child's right to live. Since we are talking about rights, that is something that needs to happen at the national level.

Wow. Haven't seen anyone so openly begging for the Klan vote in a long time.

Mk,

Governor Huckabee isn't telling women what to do–GOD is telling women what to do! The Bible says thou shalt not kill, so that's something that we have to all be held accountable to. Mike Huckabee is just doing his part as a good Christian to try and follow God's commandments.

I love the idiocy of people who want to fly a symbol of slavery and treason...the same sort who demand allegiance to Bush and preach nationalism and family values, yet support people from Larry Craig to Mark Foley to Rudy 9ui11iani.

Lincoln should've let the South go. Without their Southern evangelical base, the bloc vote that Pat Robertson delivers, Bush would've been crushed by both Gore and Kerry.

That's the real shame. That there are so many good Democrats and Republicans, but 20% of the population is so functionally moronic it distorts the balance of power.

It was just a comment saying a state should deal with it's own issues and let outside people deal with there issue.

Huckabee 08

There is NO difference between the Confederate Flag and the Flag Hitler flew...They are both DEFEATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is things like these that will start the new Civil War in America We Americans are being divided more and more.
America the Great Dictator......How SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is he insane? Is this even close to being an important issue to the vast majority of people in South Carolina?

The level of pandering this man does is mindnumbing.

I'm from PA, and I've been in NC for fours years. I married a southern boy. I tried taking up the confederate flag debate in the past with him and his family. You can't argue the point. It's pointless to try. They mean no ill-will to anyone, but it's an argument of passion, not an intellectual one. Mike is right. If that flag means that much to that many people, how can a "yankee" like me or anyone else strip it from their communities? Should we really engage in such a battle? Let them keep it. And after living here for a while, I have come to understand some of its importance in regard to heritage, but I can't ever understand it from a southerner's perspective. That's seems to be what Mike is saying, but he was more passionate about it as a southerner himself.

Some here think that Huckabee's comment was crude (I don't agree), but the comments listed on this board are beyond the pale.

I continue to be amazed by those concerned about a flag that represents a part of the South's history have no qualms about the murder of unborn children or pairing up men to men and women to women in a marriage contract. No wonder this country is going down the sewer.

Absolute political gold. What to do with the pole!!!!!!!

Where else can you lose a war and still fly your battlel flag?

Robert – "If you think that homosexuality is natural, I challenge you to conceive a child."

Way to bring logic into the discussion! So the only thing that defines an activity or urge as "natural" is the ability to conceive a child? I guess it wouldn't be "natural" for me to eat dinner tonight, cause I don't think it will result in a pregnancy.

He must feel the same way about Slavery...I mean how dare the Yankee's want the slaves to be free?

This man is a NUT JOB! He wants to change the constitution to make it match GOD's Word....

I hope he is the nominee, that would ensure the Dem's to WIN!

Go Huckabee....you freakin nut!

To Robert –

First, thanks for the spelling lesson...it was kinda bugging me too that people weren't spelling "hypocrite" correctly.

On the other hand, what is more disturbing is that you would attempt to sidestep South Carolina's legacy of slavery (and subsequent racism today) by claiming that the Civil War was about multiple issues. In fact, the Civil War was fought (and won, mind you) to ensure the following:

1) That no state (even precious South Carolina) has the authority to nullify the will of the nation or the words of the Constitution just because they don't happen to agree with them.
2) That civil liberties of individuals apply everywhere, not just where individual states have chosen to acknowledge them,
3) That every generation will know that the bloodiest war in our history was fought and won to preserve the U.S.

So, regardless of how much you might hate gay people or defend symbols of racism – never forget that the Civil War was fought , first and foremost, to preserve the country you call home.

I thought Gov. Huckabee was supposed to be a nice guy. This is some mean rhetoric here. Huck was my second choice after Obama, but I don't know after this. The flag should represent every memeber of the state. I am sure 50% of the SC voting public (Black South Carolinians) see that flag as a representation of oppression and treason.

So..Huckabee, an outsider to Carolina, is telling the governor, who's born and governs Carolina, that outsiders shouldn't have anything to do with the State Flag.

What?!??! Huck Finn ain't makin' sense. Can't wait til he's president and makes even less sense.

"If you're a white trash moron racist, clap your hands...."
"If you're a white trash moron racist clap your hands..."
If you're dumb as redneck spit and a bigot hypocrite....
and your bass playing sounds like Sxxt, clap your hands"

Come on everybody.... Sing along!

Say what you will about slavery, etc. The flag of the Confederacy was and remains a symbol of treason, pure and simple.

Mrs Huckabee! Please! I'm eating!

what flag do YOU fly mike...the AMERICAN FLAG?....or the flag of the kkk?

Finally, the ole' "Rev. Huck the Hick" has been "outed" for what he really is – and he did it himself! Where ya gonna stick the pole Huck baby? Isn't that a gay thing?
Like my father told me and his father told him, "Never trust a politician who brings God or religion into the governmental dialogue – he'll stick it to you every time"...

Proof positive that ignorance and bigotry live in the Republican Party. These people represent the worst of us, and make us the laughing stock of the world. Let's join together and make a clear statement:: "The great majority of us are way beyond the barbaric beliefs of our "Moral Majority". These are people that have no clue how to be morally upright, so they substitute religion for it instead. I say no..

This will help Huckabee lock up the bigot vote.

You liberals are definitely accomplished at taking things out of context and blowing it out of proportion. It's very clear that he was simply advocating for state's rights, a Constitutional principle that is increasingly ignored.

No one in their right mind (with any sort of care for political viability) would advocate for the Confederate flag in a national election. No matter what you think, no politician on this level is that mindless.

This comment board is evidence of what he is advocating. There are extremely different opinions in different parts of the country. Our forefathers knew that; therefore, they advocated for those states rights. And, Huckabee is simply reflecting on that. To take it as anything else is ludicrous, despite what the liberal media shoves down your throat.

Great comment by Huckabee – so refreshing to see a candidate tell it like it is.

When its clear that voters in both parties are looking for a change agent, a uniter, its interesting to see such a stark declaration of separation that hasnt been voiced in the public arena in quite a while. Its interesting to listen to a speech like Obama's "One America", and then have to read this crap.

By the way, all the states were involved in the war, there are no outsiders. That flag, and what it truly represents, is the bloodshed of Americans at the hands of Americans in what is truly a blight on our proud history as a NATION. That flag, no matter what you think it represents, is one thing and one thing only. It is the flag of a mutinous coalition of states. It is the flag of traitors and marks a time of high treason. To fly that flag today represents a disconnect with history, it represents false pride, and a disloyalty to the UNION of ALL states. I certainly don't need Huckabee to teach me history, what a farce of a candidate. I might have listened to him back when the earth was flat, but in 2008, the fact that his opinions still garner votes represents a true need for the republican party to join the 21st century.

Huck,you just chewed off your foot like a muskrat.Good night

Huckabee:

You are a HIPOCRATE and a PANDERER. You are not only mocking your own faith and your own beliefs, you are mocking our God's Holy Name and entire Christianity as whole. SHAME ON YOU.

South Carolina – I hope you are smarter than that. Huckabee is NOT fit to be the Republican nominee (forget being president of the United States – he will never get there).

I really like Huck. He makes me laugh. You take pole and...Do you think God is listening to how you are speaking?
As a democrat I would love to see him get his party's nomination.

Don't ya just love the barnyard humor (fit only for swine) coming from a preacher?

He might win a couple of Southern states in the GOP race with this kind of talk, but it will cost his party the presidency if this clown actually wins. I wonder if would have won Iowa if he'd said some of these things prior to January.

I just wanted to log in as a Christian who thinks this is disgusting. I apologize to everyone for having to listen to "Christian leaders" who espouse such appalling ideas. We DO all know what this flag means to 99% of people in our country, and I cannot believe someone who wears Christianity on their public sleeve would support something with such racist implications, even if they are desperate for votes.

Hey, at least his dumb, awkward jokes are a lot sharper than Dubya's...

I'm very disappointed in his statement. He should be sensitive enough to know some residents of South Carolina find the flag offensive, and rightly so. It should not be displayed atop a government building. John McClain is the true statesman and apologized for using the same argument in the last election.

Romney is the only viable GOP candidate...

Huckleberry is a joke, McCain just moved out of Fred and Wilma's house, Fred T. barely registers a pulse, and Guliani is a democrat.

Smart Southern voters will see Mitt is their only option...

America for Americans–those rebels lost the war
Now we are all Slaves to the credit card, gas pump and fuel oil
but we are only Rentals disposable workers disposable jobs disposable people disposable families, children and frineds owned by Corporations of foreign investors

The best part of Huckabee ran down his mama's leg.

You know we need the south to help the republican president get to that office, but Hickupbee and his comment to tell someone what to do with a flag pole is sickening!

To fly the confederate flag or not an issue for the office of the president, so why is Hickupbee making this an issue! If the people of one state want to fly that flag, let them if people in another one don't want to, that is their business, so what is Hickupbee trying to do?

That is something that the southern states need to deal with, it was part of there history like it or not! This country did have a civil war, north or south, it was a historical issue, leave it alone, if it offends certain people, then they need to go about it to be removed if that is what needs to be done, the government doesn't need to be involved like Hickupbee suggest it might, I think he's just trying to be one of the southern boys and try to fit in becasue that is the only way he can be Gomer Pyle, a made up charector, the southern states will seee how silly Hickupbee is.

Go Mitt!

david ,,lol i like that very funny!

I agree with everything he is says. People wouldn't like it if someone came into our homes and told us what to wear or how to eat...they have their own homes to make those decisions in. Just like with this flag. And people need to quit crying and grow up...if you don't like it close your eyes and turn your head. Be the bigger person!

How many women did Slicky Billy, willy had that hilary can take with this unforgivable sin??????

First of all, it's hypocrite not the other hundred spelling you idiots are using. The Confederate flag should not be labeled as slavery because there were many more issues involved. It is simply uneducated to reduce the Civil War to just an issue on slavery. It is not the national government's job to make sure no one in the whole country gets offended. If you think that homosexuality is natural, I challenge you to conceive a child. You are asking for the same freedom to do whatever you want as Huckabee is talking about here. Just because you want something does not mean that you are right.

MTN -

Actually, you are poorly informed about the marriage debate. While you are correct that states have jurisdiction over civil law (including marriage), the "good faith and credit" clause of the Constitution mandates that certain components of civil law (including marriage) that apply to one state, also apply to any other state. This core component of the Constitution is essential. For example, if you buy a car in Florida, and drive it up to Georgia, the Constitition protects your ownership of the car in Georgia as well.

Marriage works the same way. If you get married in Texas, but you and your spouse move to New Mexico, New Mexico is obliged under "full faith and credit" to recognize your marriage even though it was issued in Texas.

This is why opponents of gay marriage argue for a constitutional amendment to prevent gay marriage. Otherwise, regardless how how much opposition there is to gay marriage in North Carolina, they may very well be forced to recognize a gay marriage that was licenced by the state of Massachusetts.

This is one example of why the Ron Paul "federalist" approach simply doesn't work. 1) Full faith and credit is essential for us to operate as a nation, 2) Nullification (the right for states to veto federal law that they don't like) was struck down in the 18th century and...well....3) we fought (and won) a Civil War to demonstrate that the union is more important than the individual states.

Huckabee? Goodness! You can't be serious? Do you know what the Confederate flag represents? Many, many, many of my Southern ancestors died in the Civil War. Poor, dirt farmers that could ill afford a replacement for themselves during that conflict. Am I proud of their service? Not particularly – for goodness sakes? They were fighting for states rights and that right included the right to continue with human bondage. But, we do not choose our ancestors and they felt strongly enough or were poor enough to have found themselves in a dying societal community in the South and they paid for it with their lives. Mr. Huckabee? You need to not go there. Seriously. After reading the above posts? I have to agree with many of them. You want the government to intervene on a state's rights when it is agrees with your anti abortion, anti gay marriage, etc – but, not in the name of abolishing the last remanents of slavery representation? Shame on you! Shame on you...........

Bernie Moore-Knowles
Papa'aloa, Hawai'i

I was raised a Southern Baptist, in the heart of the bible belt... Atlanta, Georgia. I was always taught to be 'christian' was to be 'republican'... now that I have moved away from the south and can finally think for myself... I have these questions to ask to those who support a man like Huckabee... and to Huckabee himself.

1) please tell me why I can't have the same rights as a married couple? why I can't love who I love. Please tell me why your opinion is more valued that mine. please tell me why I am afraid to loose my job over who I love. ... your stance on these issues tells me you support bigotry and racism.

2) please tell me why christians blindly support candidates because they hear them say the words 'God', or 'jesus' or refer to some biblical nonsense for political gain?

3) please explain to me why you can fly a confederate flag that is a constant reminder to people of the racism and bigotry you support? WHY?

WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.

AMERICA NEEDS A NEW VOICE!

CLINTON 2008.

"— you want to come tell us what to do with the flag, we'd tell them what to do with the pole."

Actually, I might have a few suggestions there!

You got it all wrong – That was Gov. HICKabee with the flagpole! Praise the Lord and bring me another beer, woman!

Huckleberry is such an idiot. I can't imagine this country with him as a leader. Plus, he wants to change the constitution to reflect his beliefs in the bible.

WAY TO GO Repuglicons!!! Playing the Confederate Flag issue is tantamount to playing the race card. Although white male leaders have succeeded by doing that for YEARS. Huck does it right before MLK Day. Priceless! Huckabee was my favorite GOP candidate. >>>But as a Christian that panders to a flag that was a banner representing the enslavement and degradation of blacks, he gets NO love. Playing the "Redneck Rebel" role is pathetic. And the "tell them wear to stick the pole" line is worse, coming from a minister. That's what Bush would do. But what would Jesus do? The press will have a great time with this. Here we go...........

So, Mike, I guess we outsiders (non-Germans) should keep quiet about the swastika too, eh? And northerners shouldn't get upset about the white hoods?

That's fine. Then don't tell us who we can marry, or what a woman can do with her body.

"we'd tell them what to do with that pole", "you can't stub your toe standin' still", this man is a riot! I'd love to have a beer with him.

GAME OVER!!!

Bye Bye Huck, we are voting for Mitt here in S.C.

Go Mitt!!!!

Huckabee is a joke. In fact, all he does is make stupid jokes. These are SERIOUS times and call for a President with REAL solutions to SERIOUS problems not another pandering hypocrit politician who tries to invoke Jesus name to win votes. Not even God forces us to live by his commandments so where does he get off thinking he should regulate people's behaviour. What a pompous jerk.

Game Over for the Huckster, I am sure that comment will not go over well!

Make Huckabee president of The Pole in South Carolina and be done with it since this is such an issue to him. I personally don't care what flag they fly because I know old habits don't die.

Mk said, "I find so very interesting that Mike Hucabee doesn't want anyone telling HIS state what to do .
He is certainly not having any problem telling women what to do when it comes to the right to choose. Another hypocrit from the depths."

Right to choose what, Mk? What kind of dessert you'll have tonight? Or whether or not to kill your baby? If the former, he's not. If the latter, he's absolutely right.

How can you whine about someone telling you what to do with "your body" (it's not really yours we're speaking of) when you support the "rights" of mothers and doctors to totally destroy someone else's body (an unborn baby's) without their consent?

Hypocrite is a most appropriate word for your position.

I am totally, utterly, and completely disgusted by this man...who just a few minutes ago was the front runner for my vote. I am an independent, and I am a Christian woman who loves my church, my state, my country, and ALL my fellow Americans. Accepting diversity and working out differences is the key to uniting; it is the true lesson in all Christianity. Yet this man, who proclaims the word of our Lord, celebrates a symbol of division. The confederate flag was created during one of the bloodiest times in our nations history. At this time, we must bring back together the people of this nation, under one god, under one flag. Even the athiest agree unity of all Americans will again build a healthy nation. Mike Huckabee, you have shamed and insulted me. You have shamed and insulted the red, white, and blue men and women who fight TOGETHER overseas to protect America. I ASK YOU NOW, PLEASE, DO NOT COME TO MY STATE. IF I SEE YOU, I WILL TURN MY BACK AND SAY A PRAYER FOR YOUR MISGUIDED SENSE OF LOYALTY.

+1 point for taking a state's rights position
+1 point for decrying obligatory political correctness
-2 points for failure to choose his battle... the Confederate flag is a polarizing topic, not one to rally around universally.

This is unfortunately the common blind spot of all candidates running as Christians... they tend to get stuck in a very small box of fundamentalist notions about abortion and sex instead of big universal ideas which are almost forgotten in Christian thinking.

Then they paint a target on themselves with a flat-out contradiction like this. You can't tell someone to shove a flagpole someplace and then talk about upstanding Christian conduct and loving your enemy etc.

In some manner it's important to give states these decisions and draw the line concerning this dictatorial political correctness thing. Do it some other way.

"... we'd tell them what to do with the pole. " What did he say that was soooooo offensive? You've probably said the same thing a million times about other things – but in a more graphic manner.

You people wouldn't recognize a joke if it bit you on the tush. (You probably find that offensive, too.)

Should his theme be the old Bircher book called None Dare Call it Treason or in his case when this and other remarks are considered that none dare call it reason.

The Rebel flag is like all the other flags that have flown over this country from its inception back to the Spanish in the 1500's.

Each flag has it's place in history. I presume you are talking about the batle flag, the one with the cross of St stephen and 13 stars, not the Stars and Bars, which is the Confederate flag. I agree, these flags should not be flown from official bulidings, but, they all do deserve to be honored and respected. The men/women who fought and gave their lives under these banners need to be remembered.

Yes, the war is over, but heritage not hate should be the by word of all. I agree with Mike H, the government does not have the right to say what can or cannot be displayed as long as it done with honor and respect. I am Southerner by birth and very proud of my Confederate ancestry, but I am also an American and I respect everyone's right to their opinion.

Pardon me for saying so, but I think there is a HUGE difference between a flag, and unborn child, and marriage. A HUGE difference. A flag means different things to different people. I'm from the South and my state was under the Confederate flag for some time. I don't connect it with slavery, but with Southern Pride. What I don't like to see is the Mexican flag flying higher than the Stars and Stripes. Now THAT really ticks me off!

Dear Friends:
Hope the earth quake does not happen as Roosevelt, Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson, Reagan, Kennedy,
Lincoln are turning over in their graves. Huckabee
seperation of religion and government a fine line.
creationism and evolution are they to be taught together apply these to stem cell reseach happenings in the news.

Stem cell two males well well well water clean, Go forth and do not procreat for the future of man is in a chosen society? Males two maybe body parts or drones!
Who's ancester are you from man, the ape, the frog, the fish, duck the internet is flying and throwing things and it may hit you? Out or hanging over the bridge a cliff hanger!!! Ram Romney in the knee for he hurt me!!!!! Bam Bam Obama for the message and injuries your group left me on the window of my automobile.
Run Run Run See Dick Run!!!!!!
Foreign nationals are more than we and they are trying to run the show endorsement for the invasian of illegal criminal artists cons, organized crime.
It's in the photo Romney nanotech you use throughout the world and your people sinister to infiltrate the government. Not in the USA!!!!1
Mortgage loss and down turn Bill is increasing and due to the jobs being lost.
Unemployement is rising and trust and heretage disappearing.
Stem the part of the whole plant those seeds for Liberty and freedom of religion and speech. MSN does not print items of conroversy they do not believe in freedom of speech, run by the Latinos that are here illegally in your head or bed they are the invaders of this time. Science is changing and we will and are paying

Who you put in the presidency impacts all of these and impacts who is put in the Supreme Court. What is the cost of the illegals today and what is it meaning to your children and children, seeding out the caucasians of America who are becoming a mionority.

Way to go Huck! Keep fighting battles that ended 140 years ago!

All you republicans who continue to vote for your favorite right-wing idiot, like Mr. I'm-your-Huckleberry, will be wearing poles just as Huckleberry envisions, after the general election. The name Edwards, or Obama, or Clinton will be on it, and I'll shove it a little deeper for you, for all the grief this country has had to put up with for the last 7 years due to the ignorance and stupidity you showed in your last two presidential votes.

Love and Peace.

The pole comment was hardly necessary.

I'd like to see the entirety of his views. As a southerner by birth and culture, I've been torn regarding this symbol. Many progressive, southern whites grew up attached to it without attaching themselves to hatred or bigotry. When I got old enough to truly balance my cultural ties against societal values, I though a lot about the flag.

The problem here is that Huckabee (who I still like) is using it as a wedge issue. I don't doubt that Huckabee cares about african-americans. His education reforms in Arkansas did more for blacks than the Clintons ever did during their stay in Little Rock. His has, however, made a calculated decision to win over the people for whom the confederate flag is an issue of great importance. The majority of those people, I predict, are not...progressive on civil rights issues.

That being said, the State of South Carolina's CURRENT use of the battle flag is, I think, appropriate. Almost a hundred years ago, the state constructed a Civil War Memorial on the State Capitol Grounds. The flag has rightfully been removed from the top of the capitol building and flies over the memorial. There it is, truly, a historical (and not a political) symbol. As a political symbol, it is not conducive to national unity. As a historical symbol, it has public importance.

SUSAN-IS THAT YOUR moral values or Huckawanabee?

Whatever happened to live and let live?

why don't you move to IRAN or somewhere similar along with HUCKEE boy were they might have the "moral values" you are so craving for....

for GOD sakes read a little bit of history on how your “Christianity” oppressed so many people, so many lives for so many years…

Keep your religion and “morals” to yourself and stop please stop telling me how to live MY life. A majority of Americans feel the same way. I believe in GOD and I pray everyday to keep people like MIKE away from our way of life and what makes USA a great country. HUCKAWANABEE IS A NUT CASE PERIOD!!!

"In fact, if somebody came to Arkansas and told us what to do with our flag, we'd tell them what to do with the pole, that's what we'd do."
– isn't he a Christian? wow, real christians do not behave that way.

There are actually two issues here which have been conflated.

Should the Confederate fly OVER the dome of a state capitol?
Correct answer: No. A flag flying over a state's executive, legislative or judicial buildings implies the government symbolized by that flag is in charge. Therefore, that IS a federal issue to a certain extent. The U.S. and (current) state flags are the only appropriate flags to fly in this position and manner.

Should the Confederate flag fly elsewhere?
Correct answer: That's up to each state. If the citizens of that state want a Confederate flag elsewhere on state government grounds, or in history museums, that should be of no overriding interest to the federal government.

Do you see the difference?

The confederate flag symbolizes a very dark time in the history of this country when soldiers took up arms against their fellow country men. The only flag to fly over any state capital in this country is the stars and stripes!

Huckabee is sure loyal to a flag that this nation went to war with. The red, white and blue is the flag of our country. That's like flying the Nazi flag in Isreali .
The Republicans claim to be so Patriotic. I wonder is it to the stars and bars or
Old Glory?

Hey Huckleberry, and all you other unreconstructed Rebels out there. Fine, put up your confederate flag, but put up the swastika, the Iraqi flag, the Republican flag and all the flags from present and past loosers. You bubbas are hypocrits who worry about African, Italian, Chinese, etc. Americans setting themselves apart because of their heritage, but atthe same time like to defend your throwing the confederate flag up as a sign of your divisive "heritage".

Now we'll see how many of the other repubot candidates pile on the issue to see how far up the pole they can raise the confed. flag. Right now they are falling all over each other to see who most supports 'dubya'. How far do think that dog will hunt in the general election?! What a bunch of bubba-pandering morons.

To Ray: If I take Mr. Huckabee's meaning correctly, you can marry the pole.

LOL! The guy has gone totally off his rocker. I used to think he was a charming nut. Now, with all the talk of frying squirrels, changing the Constitution to "God's standards," and this pandering about the Confederate flag, I'm starting to think he's quite crazy. I can't help but wonder what he wants to get out of all this. It's clear he's no longer viably running for President. Maybe he truly does want to garner as much attention as possible so he can retire on the fees he'll get for his speaking engagements once the campaign is over.

Xavier, your comment made my day. What, indeed, would Jesus do? I don't believe he would advocate shoving a pole up someone's ____. I doubt that's what he meant when he said something about turning the other, um, cheek . . .

Huckabee, the more you talk, the less I like you. We've already had to put up with eight years of Sunday School. Let people believe what they want, but how dare you try to legislate your beliefs. You don't see me talking about changing the Constitution to better honor Thor and Loki, Mohammed, Shiva, Buddha... and why is that? Because I respect people's rights to believe what they want as long as they don't try to force other people to do the same. Any Presidential candidate that doesn't feel the same way has no business being anywhere NEAR that office.

The Confederate Flag is a symbol of Southern Heritage.

Southern Americans have their own traditions, positive traditions.

Some people need to stop trying to bulldoze the South.

The flag represents Two things and Two things only.... TREASON and a deeply ingrained HATE.

It is totally a state of So. Carolina issue. Period. And that is all Huck is saying. The Feds don't need to stick their nose in EVERYTHING. If they do then why even HAVE state government? State government is for the PEOPLE OF THAT STATE and should reflect their views.

Tisk, tisk, tisk! Shame on you Hickabee! You're an idiot along with all the people who have and will place their future vote with you.

Now the sincere Huckster is back to a state's rights message even though he was for a federal smoking ban as recently as last year. When are people going to start calling him a flip flopper. Look also at his support of ending the trade embargo with Cuba until he realized that wouldn't sell in Florida.

And what religious verse refers to "what to do with a pole?" Just another religious hypocrite.
Tell the "little woman" what to do with her body.
Tell a Gay person you are not capable of loving another person, and we will amend the constitution against you....you sinner!!
But don't tell him what to do with his "historic bigotted flag"!
What Bible is any of this in, cuz it's not in mine!! Mine says...thou shalt not judge! Anyone????

I am sorry so many of you never understood what that little war between the state was all about. Missed it in school, did you? Now state rights is no more than a footnote. No state's rights is just what you Dems. are waiting for!

"In fact, if somebody came to Arkansas and told us what to do with our flag, we'd tell them what to do with the pole, that's what we'd do." lol

Fair enough, Makabee reb.

Now, what should the women of America do when you christian hypocrites want to tell them what to do with SOMETHING EVEN MORE PERSONAL - their private parts?

And what should the Iraqis do when Americans entered their country UNPROVOKED and seek to dictate their lives. Makes sense that the 'insurgents' would want to shove their 'poles' where the sun doesn't shine, right? lol

Just another example of how every remark a Christian makes can reflect so poorly on Christ and His followers. It really dissapoints me he would say something like this, and it extremely dissapoints me he supports that flag.

If this man becomes our president, its going to take me years to stop vomiting. He is a smug, self-righteous idiot who hides his ignorance about the issues behind lame attempts at humor. I am going to be disappointed if Americans buy into what he's selling.

The good WHITE SOUTHERN BAPTIST SUPREMACIST speaks out yet again from his White Televangelist "Bully Pulpit"...Hickabee....more like HucKKKabee...:( ...wants to run the Mormons out of the South, and then the Jews/Black Baptists/Catholics/Episcopals too? Gen'l Lee's back in da saddle folks!!!! DA SOUTH'L RISE AG'IN he cries!!!! YEEE HAAWW!!!

GO ROMNEY/THOMPSON (Repubs) and OBAMA in (Dems) in 2008!!! WOOO HOO!!! Get rid of these racist/bigots for once and for all.

Well, everybody makes mistakes, and I hope this comment was a mistake. He might have had my vote. I am a Southerner, and a Baptist, but not a 'Southern Baptist', and I very much dislike the confederate flag.

But more than the flag, I dislike the idea that making a crude remark, out of the mouth of a minister, was a good way to laugh people into a vote. I am sure he must be sorry he said this, if he truly knows Jesus.

I will keep watching to see if this was a mistake on his or a writers part, or if this is the revelation of an attitude in him I hope isnt there. I am rooting for mistake, which I can forgive!

The man sounds like he's form another century. Send him back the future of George Wallace, he'd be a shoe in for President of the United States of Southern of America. He represents one part of America. He's already disqualified in my book to be president.

For all wondering about the pole comment, have you ever been to Arkansas? He's right, most people who live in Arkansas would say that – so would you (you already have, in a manner of speaking, by reading these comments. same thing). Watch your stones before you start casting them. And for those questioning his interpretation of the Scriptures, please read them before you comment on them. Scripture is absolute, not based on any organization's creed, his opinion, mine, or yours. If you don't know what the words say, then don't talk about them. That would help.

How is it that an offical government building is allowed to flag a flag of treason?

I mean serously? What othe rcountry allows a region to flag a flag that was flown by a failed rebel movement to leave the country?

I'm from the South, Arkanasas in fact (which has a state flag that is composed of the Confederate themes) and I agree that we can't force people not to sport the flag, but having a state capital fly the flag is like a ship's captian that let's the crew fly a mutiny flag, I makes no sense. The flag is a flag of opposition to the union, no two ways about it.

His hypocrisy is amazing. He is completely out of touch with 2008 America. That cowboy "stick a pole" sort of talk only appeals to the lowest of the low brow citizens.

Please tell me what part of "southern culture" this flag represents that we need to honor by flying the flag. As far as I'm concerned, that flag represents the souths secession and subsequent loss in a war over slavery.

Are southerners proud of their legacy? Proud of battling over the right to own other human beings? Where does southern pride come from? Is pride all that was left for them after the Civil War?

Huckabee wants to keep outsiders from taking down objects in the public view, but is in full support of worrying about what individuals do in their private lives.

It would be nice to know what type of crowds he was addressing: black, white, or mixed. Any which way it is the voters of South Carolina who should decide what THEIR flag represents. The point which he makes is a true one.

Congratulations, Mr. Huckabee. You have guaranteed yourself the vote of every Klansman, skinhead, and every other fringe hatred group in America.

As a Christian...you've done yourself proud!!!!

X – Seriously look up the Scriptures. Jesus would tell you the Truth about racism, hate and bigotry (story of the Samaritain woman, for example) and say that it's not about the well, it's about the water. It's not about the flag, it's about knowing how to live life in Truth and Love and let THAT be your banner. It's not about past symbolism, it's about present comments, thoughts, attitudes, judgements, etc. that we express in our everyday lives – MUCH more than about what flies over my capital – that represents me. Look it up for yourself, don't let some preacher or politician tell you. Ask Jesus yourself. He'll answser.

Unless its your state flag or The Good Ol' American Flag it has no business on government property. Remember the people who are offended of the confederate flag pay taxes too.

Yes everyone, fascism is here and Mike Huckabee carries it's flag. Watch out African Americans he's a comin.

Say what you think they want to hear, bet he thinks SC voters are dumb asses also might as well say it.

Amen Brother!

But its ok to tell us who we can marry??

How can this man claim to be a baptist preacher when talking like that? What a bad example to our children. I don't want to go to his church or elect him to be President. He seems to say what his audience wants to hear at the time. Scary man!

I really hope he continues to make these comical statements; I hope it shows American's how ignorant he is.

It seems like a while back the federal government did tell them how to run the schools in Little Rock. Is Huckabee saying that they should have retained segragation as the law in Arkansas? It sounds like it to me.

Maybe he will pick up all the redneck vote this way.

Oh geez, people please let us attempt not to read into what "HE MIGHT HAVE MET" . I mean goodness look what unfolded when he made the statement about the constitution...lets see people who wrote the constitution the document with the oldest written national framework of government at which time it was written by a secular group of men without any heated declaration of Christian peity..Yet so full of moral values.... In my opinion,what is so wrong with moral values

CA:

Huck isn't making a judgment over whether displaying the Confederate flag is right or wrong. He's responding to whether it's right or wrong for the federal government to get involved in a state-level decision. To your point, the marriage issue is worthy of discussion (i.e. do we need a Constitutional amendment or can the states handle it on their own?). As a Huck supporter, this is one issue where I diverge from my candidate. I believe the same-sex marriage issue is a state's rights debate and shouldn't be addressed at the Constitutional level. My point is that what you're presenting in your comment is not an apples to apples comparison to what Huck said.

Moderator, my comment is awaiting moderation, please abbreviate my name (peggy cacioppo) pc. thanks

It's not OK for Americans to complain when one of their states adopts a racist flag as a symbol of their (ignorance), but it is OK for Americans to tell other cultures and lands how to live. Sounds like a typical right wing neocon double standard. I guess he's just saying whatever he's got to in order to get the power.

Thats kind of a racist comment.... although am I surprised? Doesn't he eat squirrel out of his popcorn maker too?

CA- BRILLIANT. And might I add- its okay to tell women what to do with their bodies and their health?

Uh, OK what about that pole?

Quite a difference in flags and marriage.

I agree with Mike Huckabee. A government can't tell us we can't fly a flag other than the red-white and blue. This is a free country isn't it?Some businesses in San Diego have the flag of Mexico at equal height hung next to the US flag.

AMEN CA...

AND, apparently its also OK for the government to....

...Tell women what they can do with their bodies....

...AND listen into our private phone calls without a warrent...

...AND (ironically) tell us that we CAN put a racist symbol on the flag...but we can't burn it once we do....

AND...if that pesky Supreme Court gets in the way...he'd call for the constitution to be re-written to comply with HIS interpretation of the Bible. That way...at the end of the process....the government can tell us to do anything HE wants.

....But heaven help us if we "outsiders" (we're called US citizens) DARE to tell South Carolina to take a racist symbol that commemorates treason off their state flag.

HOW LOW CAN REPUBLICANS STOOP DOWN TO?

As a postscript to my last: It's too bad Gov. Huckabee wasn't 50 years older. By the sound of it, he'd have been an ideal running mate for Sen. Strom Thurmond in his 1948 presidential bid.

^^ haha....game over.

I respect a lot of Mike Huckabee's positions, but I'm sad to see he's trying to align hmself with racist rednecks, not to mention a cowardly Confederacy that murdered more Americans than Osama bin Ladin.

Probably not the brightest move Huckabee has made if you take the election in the broader sense. Sure he might do well in the South but beyond that confined location this view could prove to be a big blunder. I can just see the bumper stickers in California telling Huckabee what to do with his pole.

Voters over all might just tell Huckabee what he can do with his pole and his candidacy.

And it's okay to tell us whether or not to reproduce, that you should be subservient to your male spouse (unless you're gay of course) and that what someone else's invisible sky god told them should replace much of the constitution.

If people want to live their life that way, there are plenty of places to do it. Iran would be an especially good choice...plus they don't have homosexuals there so you don't need to pass any special constitutional amendments.

More pandering, this time to the redneck constituency. I cannot comprehend why anyone would want to fly the Confederate flag anywhere. I've been in Germany and I never met anyone who wanted to fly the flag of the Third Reich.

CA January 17, 2008 3:35 pm ET

But it's OK to tell us who we can marry?

------------------–
Great comment!
It speaks to the hypocrisy of the republican party. Huckabee is pandering big time for votes. It's funny, because that flag isn't even the "South Carolina flag". It's the flag of the Confederacy, which is dead and gone. Sadly, South Carolinians will probably fall for this "rally cry", as will the rest of the south.

The Republicans are able to control their base in the south with "nonsensical" issues that never move the people forward. Basically, as long as the base "stays in the dark" about relevant issues, they can be controlled. That is why Romney isn't doing a ton of campaigning there. The real issues are secondary to "wedge issues"(e.g. Gay marriage and the confederate flag).

We'll see what happens though, it should be interesting.

It is unbelievable that the Confederate flag is still flying on state property anywhere in the U.S. What people do in their own homes is their concern, but the flying of such a flag on public property is in fact a major public concern. It's an affront to black people and to basic decency. At the risk of sounding trite, "The war is over." It has been over for about 140-odd years now, in case nobody's checked. Enough already!

Jon Peirce
Ottawa, Canada

sounds like an upstanding good godley anser to me!! i think most preachers would say the same thing if not elaborate a little more, yu tellem buddie just what do you do with the flag pole anyway? up yours amen!!!!!

Are these the kind of comments we want coming from the President of the United States, the leader who represents us to other nations?

In my opinion the Confederate flag is every bit as disgusting as the NAZI swaztika. Get over it Republicans, the North won the war, you lost. At every stage of American history progressives have won the day. There should be massive tax on the confederate flag and we can use the proceeds to retire Republican debt.

I say let the Confederate flag be. Nobody can debate its spiritual value, and I myself admire the spirit of rebellion. In fact, if I could, I'd like to run at the white house dressed in gray, carrying the stars and bars and scream at the top of my lungs, just to show I'm rebelling against Bush's tyranical rule.

Oh my heck! These new episodes of Gomer Pyle are so amusing. I thought with the TV writers strike there'd be no new material, no new plots. Maybe "God" is whispering the jokes to Yuk-Yuk Huckabee.

Actual Headline: Huckabee panders to rednecks, will deny all statements after SC primary is over.

States, by their own Constitutions by in large, have made that decision in keeping with the spirit of the thought. Just have to actually "keep to the code" as it were, not as guidelines, but as an absolute – because it is an absolute not to be swayed by popular vote. Couldn't resist a little fun

i Love christianists that pay no attention to the red print.

Is it just with regard to the flag, or was the Federal Government also wrong for coming in to Arkansas, South Carolina, Mississippi and the rest and saying, "Fellas, those 'whites/coloreds signs have to come down.'"

Mike, as a taxpayer, I'll make a deal with you: You can keep the federal government away from your flag, if we can keep your flag away from the federal government. We'll keep the money for your highways, your hog farm cleanups, your national guard, your impoverished citizens, and you can keep your flag.

got to love a politician 'pandering' to the locals, KNOWING that the NATIONAL press is covering and anything you say CAN and WILL be used againts you....

so, Mike: wanna tell me what to do with the pole??? because my answer to you is: do exactly the same on your own time next time you want to come here and tell me who I can marry and how to deal with unwanted pregnancies!!!!!!!!

HIPOCRATE!!!!!

The government it not dictating WHO you can marry – just keeping the "definition" of marriage (which yes, is not up to the government, but the absolute definition of the word doesn't change in all of history regardless of personal opinion, which the governent acknowledges for legal purposes). Not about you personally, just the definition of the word being used. As someone once said, "You can sit where ever you want to on the bus, but you can't change the bus from being a bus."

What a charming bunch of Christians.

I am sure Jesus is so proud.

You said it CA...conservative hypocrisy at its finest.

Honestly if any of the front runners on either side ends up making it to the final run. I will NOT vote or will write in a vote for the better candidates. Also, things that the government and people like to make issues such as gay rights, abortion, religion, etc should never be brought into politics. Those are things that should be the people's choice and not be run by someone else. I despise that people seem to see those as the main issues and that presidential candidates actually make sure those are on their current issues. It's rediculous. We have people from every religion. We are from everywhere else unless you count the indians. Why do we have to fight over these stupid issues when there are REAL issues to worry about? And this mess that Huckabee is fussing over now is stupid.

Sounds like George Wallace to me I know what side he was on during Little Rock 9. His theme goes great during King's B-Day!

Huckabee's views are dangerous and divisive for America.

Wow. Huckabee giving the "up yours" to the nation. This is news.

CA – couldn't have said it better myself.

I'm amazed that a minister would say something like "we'd tell them what to do with the pole".

WOW!!!! Such language from a Pastor? GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!

If McCain takes SC, he'll also take Florida and then it will be all over. I NEVER thought I'd be rooting for the Huckster.

I like the idea of federalism. Unfortunately for the neocon, cynical Bush administration and friends, federalism is forgotten. They can dictate where our national guards fight, eavesdrop on us at any moment without permission, take away Terri Shiavo's right to die even if that is not conservative, but their friends will inform you how that federalism exists only in Louisiana so FEMA was not obviously at fault for screwing over 1,000 dead and several more poor. Obviously New Orleans should have fixed its own problem (note sarcasm to anybody who, sadly, can't tell) but if there is a comatose woman who has not "clearly" signed away her right to die, Congress and the President must step in to act as her parents.

Actually, neocons do often try to meddle in the whole gay marriage issue at the federal level but I am satisfied that it is mostly a state issue as no marriage amendment has been signed but many bans and civil union / marriage laws have become law.

Funny how CNN only tries to pick out tiny wedge issues to damage people... Go Huckabee!

This is the most important fight southerners have? A stupid flag? Why is Huckabee placing his entire campaign ona flag? I guess the south doesn't have such pressing matters like unemployment, inflation and illegal immigration.

The weak don’t get it! The battle flag was used in the “War Between the States” to defend all state’s rights as granted in the U. S. Constitution. Now some use the flag as an excuse of convenience to repress history.

For sure Huckabee has out classed all the other candidates!

As a white southern male whose great great great grandfather died fighting for the south in the civil war, I cannot understand why South Carolina has a right to fly that flag (which isn't even the real confederate flag). Individuals who do have every right to do so, but a state government flying an enemy flag only serves to weaken our country's unity.

Huckabee is mortgaging the Farm on South Carolina. As an African American I should be appauled. But the flag is not a concern to me. The war has to end and the rich getting richer has to stop. This is what all of america needs. I only see one republican stepping to the plate, that's RON PAUL.

Segregation was brought to end by outsiders. Local people–no matter where or when–are often so bound up by local prejudices and biases, and also local structures of power and coercion, that they need independent observers to point out to them what is often painfully obvious.

As for "States' Rights" arguments, they are arguments of convenience. Huck supports them on the flag issue, but on gay marriage he would want an amendment to the Constitution.

Flippity flop flop.

It saddens me that Gov Huckabee is attempting to gain votes in South Carolina on "Confederate Flag " issue.

I am sure he feels pressured by Thompson on Right to Life and gun issue, by John McCain on military, national security and experience issues and by Romney on who is actually the more religious right candidate.

Making the confederate flag is an issue is wrong! I thought South Carolina voters and citizens made that decision.

This is the first thing that makes me reasess my opinion of Gov Huckabee

What a wimpy cop-out! Is any republican brave enough to speak up for african americans in SC who might see the flag as a lingering symbol of slavery?

And he is a "true Christian"?

I bet his Huckabites are not sending this around in mass emails as they are the lies about Obama and his religious beliefs.

Pleassssee..........Huckabee....What are you thinking anyway...first you are going to amend the constitution to ...what did you say?...to make it more fitting towards God's Plan? Whose God are you talking about? Yours???? and Yours only????
and now you want to allow states to fly the Confederate Flag? What you suggest is unfitting of our next president of the United States ...You really are a religious nut case.....Do you really believe this crap?.....Go Home Huckabee Give it Up.....

His comment about the pole is not very Christian-like... WWJD?

What an idiot. I wonder if he'll choose the zombie of Jefferson Davis as his running mate, since their rhetoric seems to have a lot in common.

CA January 17, 2008 3:35 pm ET

But it's OK to tell us who we can marry?

And it's ok for them to tell women how to make decisions on their bodies too.

See, Republicans are pro-life because they want you to have your babies so as soon as they turn 18 the Republicans can send off your children to fight their wars.

See how that works?

Give it up Huck. Your SBC affiliation, especially your view of women as stated in the SBC 2000 Faith and Message creed, will defeat you, and any other issue you stump for is minor in comparison.

You do what you gotta do to get the nomination. That is what Huck is doing.

I think Huckabot thinks South Carolina is NOT in the UNITED STATES!

To even think of flying the confederate flag and all the divisiveness it stands for and creates is, well, typical Southern Baptist CHRISTIANITY!

The POLE should go in you!

If they want a to be a racist state let them. Just cut off all the federal funding to the state until the move out of the 1920's and into the 21st century.

WHAT IF A STATE ADOPTED A NAZI FLAG? WHAT WOULD YOU DO THEN, MR.

RELIGIOUS BOY?

welp that wipes him out for me.

Huckabee is showing HIS true colors...First, the Southern Baptist Conference endorsing the mantra that wives "obey their husbands"...then the outrageous comment regarding holding the Constitution to "God's Standard"...to the 25% sales tax that ALL economists know is regressive and HURTS the poor and middle class to finally the Confederate Flag and telling people where to "put the pole". We do NOT want Huckabee as president.

whatever Hick-abee

just lost my vote

in the other hand yesterday he wanted to change the constitution to tell women what to do with their bodies.....

Although i think Huckabee is correct, i think using the confederate flag as an example won't bode well for him throughout the rest of his run. He should have stopped when he suggested emphasizing the commandments in the constitution, but apparently his handlers are just as out there as he is.

What's worse is, with the clinton machine single-handedly destroying the democrats and the GOP up in the air, he may be our next president.

Ow-chee-momma!

Mike Hackabee's pandering to South Carolina voters is getting desperate, and a little on the questionable, if not treason-ish side. The former governor of Arkansas needs to pull his head out of that dark place it is in and start reading U.S. history.

The Confederate flag is not the flag of South Carolina, it is the flag of another nation ... a nation that was defeated by the United States Union Army and no longer exists. The flying of that flag is an insult to the memory of every United States soldier who fought in the Civil War. Apparently Mike Huckabee is willing to belittle their sacrifice for votes.

It is no more proper to fly the Condeferate flag over any state capitol or government institution in this country than it is to fly the Mexican, Polish, Spanish, Italian or Russian flags.

The issue of whether any candidate supports SC flying the Rebel Flag of the Confederacy on top of the state house, is a non-issue, a mere distraction from discussion of the real issues.

That being said....

The Rebel Flag is just that, a symbol of a group of peopel who took arms against the United State of America. It is no different than the flags and symbols of terrorist groups seeking to destroy this country. Therefore, it should not be flown anywhere, at any time. It is a symbol of slavery, a symbol of racism, a symbol of a failed attempt of some states trying to make their own country.

And, it is the symbol of the side that lost.

"we'd tell them what to do with the pole"

-how Christian!

"We'd tell them what to do with the pole".

Wow. How presidential is that?

Give it up Huck. The South lost the war. Or, in your attempt to reinvent the Constitution to fit God's Plan (after all, He made the son of Noah black to punish him for laughing at his father's drunkeness) are you planning to rescind the 13th Amendment?

In this conservative age where racism is celebrated and encouraged it is no wonder a Christian rightist would stand on the issue and flex his muscles in defense of the slave flag for a few votes. Good job Huck. Now if only we could really kill "Political Correctness" and have the freedom once again to spit epithets at minorities again we just might make Jesus Really proud.

So Huckabee has no problem with the Federal government legislating morality on folks and likes 'No Child Left Behind'; but he doesn't think outsiders should have an opinion on the confederate flag nor tell states how to educate their kids.

What?

This is obviously last-minute pandering to get the "Bubba-vote".

But it's OK to tell us who we can marry?

are they making this a race issue?

I can't wait to see if this guy brings Granny, Elly Mae and Jethro if (heaven forbid) he becomes Pres. I thought Clinton was a hillbilly, but Huckster has him beat!

Huck is that the Walmart flag you fly in Arkansas?

"I know slavery is legal in your state. We shouldn't come in and tell you to stop slavery. Just like I wouldn't want them coming in my state telling me to end slavery. " -Mike Huckabee if he was living in 1860

If south carolina has such a huge african american population (50%) why do they not protest against the confederate flag being on state capitol grounds?

Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with my people. It seems sometimes we have too many clarence thomas's and not enough barack obama's.

And what's up with supporting h.clinton! Pathetic!!!

Grow some my people and stop acting like slave bots!!!!

Huck, I kinda like you as a Democrat. But as a man of God, you shouldnt say things like that! Respect America is larger than just one state and has suffered more as a Country as well! We have a voice!

Obama 08

"You don't like people from outside the state coming in and telling you what to do with your flag," Huckabee said at a Myrtle Beach campaign event. "In fact, if somebody came to Arkansas and told us what to do with our flag, we'd tell them what to do with the pole, that's what we'd do."

Absolutely! But the incongruity is that Huckabee and most of the other Republicans don't seem to get it that the Iraqis and the rest of the mid-East (and the rest of the world for that matter) feel the same way about incessant American intervention into their affairs.

Democrats may win everything in 2008.

The TV networks have successfully boosted the goofy Baptist Pastor Mike Huckabee to a win in Iowa.

Having a weak candidate in the general election will depress the Republican turn out. This will lead to a possible 60-vote majority for the Democrats in the Senate. That is a filibuster proof majority.

Way to go, Mike!!!!

from an unreconstructed Rebel.

I'm a southerner by birth and by culture. My ancestors fought for the south and I don't disagree with any individual's right to fly the Confederate flag. However, any government building that flies the Confederate flag needs to be gently reminded that the South did lose the war and they need to take it down. Unless, of course, they wish to secede once again.

Please America, do not elect yet another idiot southern Christ freak for president. PLEASE!

Real nice talk coming from a Christian...

I guess some people will go to any extreme to get votes. Huckabee is playing that same ole card the all Republicans use when trying to get votes in the south. Bring up the flag and be pro-confederate you can get votes.

What a creep.

Mr. Theocracy now says that Confederate States oughta be able to fly a symbol of hatred, treason and bigotry without comment from other Americans. What a right to stand up for! Thanks Mike!

Tell you what, Mikey: would you have said the same thing to those that integrated your schools in the '50s? Whaddya say? Same brainless reasoning?

This is a dangerous man, one who would continue subverting the Constitution as George Bush has done, a man committed to modifying the Constitution so that it reflects the medieval views of an intolerant religious movement, far-right in politics and social views.

I'll bet this jerk has lawn jockeys in his front yard.

Huck, what would Jesus do? Seriously, what would Jesus do? Would he condone the sanctioning of a symbol of treason and racial bigotry? I think not.

here we go again

Is he saying that he supports the Confederate flag? I don't think he should go there...

I find so very interesting that Mike Hucabee doesn't want anyone telling HIS state what to do .
He is certainly not having any problem telling women what to do when it comes to the right to choose.

Another hypocrit from the depths.