March 2, 2008
Posted: 11:05 AM ET
A Texas newspaper has picked Mike Huckabee over John McCain.
A Texas newspaper has picked Mike Huckabee over John McCain.

(CNN) — Two days before the Texas primary, the Dallas Morning News published Sunday an editorial emphasizing its endorsement for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, despite acknowledging that he has no chance of capturing the Republican presidential nomination.

Though Sen. John McCain of Arizona is the presumed nominee and "it is mathematically impossible" for Huckabee to pull ahead in delegates, Huckabee "remains our choice for the GOP nomination," the newspaper's editorial board wrote.

This is not the first time the paper has endorsed Huckabee. Last month, it called him a "a progressive conservative with a pastor's heart."

And in December, it called him "decent, principled and empathetic to the views and concerns of others — an antidote to the power-mad partisanship that has led U.S. politics to a dispiriting standstill."

The Dallas Morning News also endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Full story
 
Updated 1:34 p.m. to note original endorsement occurred in December 2007.

Filed under: John McCain • Mike Huckabee • Texas


Jack from California   March 2nd, 2008 4:01 pm ET

WOW- A newspaper endorsing a candidate that thinks the world is only as old as the front runner Juan McGeezer!

What a pair these two would make Juan Mc could brief Huckaberry on the good old days in the garden of eden a few thousand years ago!

Get real America - Vote Democrat and restore America to greatness! We have enough of the corrupt GOP.

AJP,Richardson, TX   March 2nd, 2008 3:49 pm ET

I live in the Dallas area, andf I really put much stock in wht the Dallas Morning News prints.

Jonathan, Florida   March 2nd, 2008 3:47 pm ET

People keep telling only the first half of the facts.

Yes - Gov. Huckabee cannot secure 1,191 delegates to secure the nomination. However - he can prevent McCain from getting that number as well.

This would force a brokered convention. Guess what? All delegates are then free to vote for whoever they choose!

This is a possibility!

TheLeftNut   March 2nd, 2008 3:47 pm ET

What the Huck is this about?

B-b-b-b-b-boringinginging.

Ennis, LA   March 2nd, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Ralph Nader is the only truly non-partisan candidate for president.

Vote Nader March 4th in Texas primary.

Byron in CA   March 2nd, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Hey Republicans out there, looks like the game plan was changed by Rush Limbaugh. He want's ya'll to vote for Hillary now instead of obama. He's all upset at McCain now and wants to teach him a lesson, What Cha gonna do now? LOL Go Huckabee.

Obama's MOMENTUM   March 2nd, 2008 3:32 pm ET

i added a comment and pushed submit comment and
it disapeared. Is it just me or is anyone else being deleted
before it begins. Actually, I work pretty hard at sending and
intellegent message. Is it because I am a woman!!!!!!!!!!

Desiree   March 2nd, 2008 3:30 pm ET

How come everyone is saying that Sen Clinton should get out now in order not to divide the party but no one says that about Huckabee who has no chance of catching up to McCain, it seems like there is a double standard for women. The general election is not until November, a lot can happen between now and then.

Vig   March 2nd, 2008 3:29 pm ET

I'd rather see Huckabee than McCain - even if he is right wing religious nut

Bob   March 2nd, 2008 3:21 pm ET

ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

leah   March 2nd, 2008 3:15 pm ET

politics of fear…….Bush-lite!

OBAMA '08

Brian   March 2nd, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Keep going Mike Huckabee,
You have my vote now and in november.
Thank you Dallas Morning Newspaper for endorsing our Republican nominee, Mike Huckabee. Nominee- Huckabee,
Nominee-Huckabee.

Brant Madsen   March 2nd, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Sweeeet….! I knew it was only a matter of time.

someone smiling in Texas   March 2nd, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Good Luck on your endosement, frankly I think your endorsing the wrong people and not even 1,2, or 3 will help, but well……..I guess I'll be the only one to comment here.

Go Hillary!!!!!

Grif   March 2nd, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Yes Mr Huckabee. Just supposing the GOP don't win the Election.

You won't have to worry, about whether George Bush Jr vacates the White House, and can't again, gain access again.

No! You will have to change, all the lock's just incase Obama is elected. Then you will have to keep him, and all your "Official Secrets".

From getting out! Not in………………

Relax Joe   March 2nd, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Update: We really don't do our jobs and research before we go for those sensationalized headlines.

earl illingsworth   March 2nd, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Huckabee hones McCain's skills ,just as a "Sparring Fighter" does for a Professional Condender before the big fight. Let's keep it going Governor Huckabee because you've got some great ideals!

mabel floyd   March 2nd, 2008 2:22 pm ET

the conservvatives always want gov to stay out of people's lives, but they want to own everyones sex life. their beliefs are supposed to be the law, kind of like the musliums in saudi —– they have a right to believe any thing they want to—they have a right to enforce those beliefs on their congregation as long as members of that congregation have the right to leave that congregation . so far they do not have the right to govern the lives of thoes who do not believe in what they believe in. remember one thing—-there has never been a theorcracy that did not abuse their people.
separation of church and state is the only way to go.

Grif   March 2nd, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Pastor??? It's the Future that counts….. Religion!
For the sake of the kids, you need to concentrate more, on what is to come.

John Allen   March 2nd, 2008 2:21 pm ET

How anyone can "endorse" Huckabee is beyond me. The notion that he is an "honest" guy is laughable to anyone who say the dirty trick he pulled on Mitt Romney in Iowa ("I'm such a good person that I'm not going to show you a negative ad" and then runs it anyway 5 minutes later). Not only is Huckabee dirty, but he he knows nothing about the economy or foreign policy. Other than his short time as Governor in Arkansas, he has no serious executive experience to speak of…and no, leading small church congregations whose members agree with most all of your viewpoints does not count as executive experience. He speaks well and is witty, but other than doesn't offer much. The guy is all style and no substance. He's the Republican version of Obama.

Republican turned OBAMA supporter...   March 2nd, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Good job Huckabee. Huckabee has ran a clean, honest campaign. He has my utmost respect.

Debbie Delegate   March 2nd, 2008 2:07 pm ET

It is good to see Huckabee still in the race… well beyond the timeframe Mitt Romney tried to strongarm him to exit. Huckabee has a kind of tenacity that may actually pay off. Way to go, pal.

Huckabee for President
Chuck Norris for Vice President

mc c?=rocking chair   March 2nd, 2008 2:06 pm ET

anybody better than the war hungry ex pow

Sue   March 2nd, 2008 1:54 pm ET

The contrast in personality and demeanor between Huckabee and McCain is huge. After all, if a man cannot control his tongue on the senate floor, how is he going to do it in challenging meetings with controversial leaders around the globe, or better yet - accept criticism from his own white house staff?

Something to think about. Huckabee has commenable character.

Carlos Nunez   March 2nd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Where is a separate NEWS for OBAMA? You guys are not fair.

hsmith   March 2nd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Thank you, Dallas Morning News! In this Republican establishment city, your endorsement takes courage. The party is demanding submission in the ranks, and the News has stepped out of line. Apparently, the News has noticed the large and enthusastic crowds that Huckabee has drawn in every TX city he has visited - the youth singing and playing their guitars along with the Governor. Apparently, they have also noticed the melanchony, gray-haired robots appearing in small numbers behind John McCain hoping to be thrown a bone.

Tom, ALBUQUERQUE, NM   March 2nd, 2008 1:43 pm ET

To all my republican tickers, please vote for Hillary on tuesday, March 4. It is imperative that Obama is defeated. We can not allow such a charlatan a slim chance of becoming President of this great country. A country that Mrs Obama has been ashame of until now, that her husband has a chance. ALL REPUBLICANS PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE FOR CLINTON….MCCAIN IS ALREADY THE GOP CHOICE.

Karla   March 2nd, 2008 1:39 pm ET

The paper's endorsement stresses temperament. Obama and Huckabee do have the better temperament to make decisions that presidents ALONE have to make for American people. At most critical times like the so-called 3 am call, a president cannot afford to be making the wrong decision for Americans just because he/she is for one reason or another, is not in the right mood at that time.

Karla   March 2nd, 2008 1:38 pm ET

The paper's endorsement stresses temperament. Obama and Huckabee do have the better temperament to make decisions that pressidents ALONE have to make for American people. At most critical times like the so-called 3 am call, a president cannot afford to be making the wrong decision for Americans just because he/she is for one reason or another, is not in the right mood at that time.

Kimberly in Texas   March 2nd, 2008 1:33 pm ET

The Dallas Morning News also endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Why isn't this a header? CNN bias yet again!

Dave W   March 2nd, 2008 1:31 pm ET

An investment in the Republican party's future? The paper is crippling the party at a crucial point in history. By inauguration day 2009 seven of the sitting justices of the supreme court will be over 70. If the next president does two terms he will almost certainly get to decide the makeup of almost the entire judicial branch - possibly for the next 30 to 40 years.

With this divisive and high-minded endorsement, the Dallas Morning News has shown only that they care more for their own narrow interests than the interests of the nation as a whole. It is going to be a very tight race this Fall, all thanks to a former son of Texas.

What are they thinking? Republicans, let's get our act together!

cons3rvative   March 2nd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

“I’m a proud conservative, liberal Republic…,” McCain said before catching himself.

Vote Huckabee

David Shedlock   March 2nd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

This is the kind of endorsement Mike Huckabee doesn't really need. Indeed, he does seem able to win moderates over with his smile and good nature. But I suspect that if were to win, those same moderates would hate him as much as liberals hate George Bush.

He took a muckin and kept on Huckin!

Linda Rayborn   March 2nd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

This endorsement is great and proves Texas KNOWS Huckabee is the man for the presidency!! However, they failed to state that having Huckabee as our nominee IS NOT impossible. True, Huckabee can't get the 1191, but if he wins Texas, good chance is McCain won't get 1191 either. If this gets to a brokered convention, we will get our man. Popular vote across the country (if we put Huckabee and McCain even in delegates) would show a HUGE advantage for Huckabee. We all know how McCain got ahead (4 conservatives in race with one McCain liberal) Conservative votes were split in SC allowing McCain to narrowly edge Huckabee out here by 3%.

Phillip Genest II   March 2nd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

I think it is a complete waste of time having 'Huckabee' in this race. He has ABSOLUTELY no chance of ever winning this nomination, and I believe that he is for the 'merge of church and state,' considering his comments and background.

You can't just vote for someone only because they believe in God. An Athiest could still run this country well; just depends on what they stand for.

Richard   March 2nd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

seeing as how we cant insult the socialists go Huck GO!

Go Hillary   March 2nd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Really that sounds like it will only hurt the future of the Reupblican party.

dlstokes   March 2nd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

I do believe the Dallas Morning News is a first cousin to the New York Times.That is a really bad article, written, I am sure, to confuse everyone.

Joe Buckskin   March 2nd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

This is absolutely insane. I am ashamed to be a Texan living in Dallas right now. Huckabee is a guy that is more likely to use Tarot cards to make a key decision over any kind of logic or reasoning. Mike Huckabee is one of the scariest presidential candidates this country has ever seen.

Sammy Boston, MA   March 2nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

I agree that Huckabee probably does represent the Republican party. I hope that he wins, because I KNOW that he will never be president. My view is, with respect to Republicans, is that we need to keep them at arm's-length. I like the thought of the Republican party existing, because there needs to be some way for wackos and fringe-types to air their voices. But we also need to have a truly radical party like this, one that is completely marginalized, and that can be swayed easily by its own party leaders.

Sammy
Boston, MA

Joe Smith   March 2nd, 2008 12:27 pm ET

fyi, Mccain needs to reject and denounce John Hagee and his ministry of Satan. He comes as a angel of light but in actuality he is false Gospel if you will. Not because he hates all Catholics but the Church in general is being judged by God right now.
Mccain / Hagee alliance is quite offensive and JM needs to be held accountable for his hate of all Catholics.
I think Huckabee would make a better President than JM. Mccain has the experience but his ethics are questionable.
Thank you for taking my message.

Haley Rae   March 2nd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

You picked the two people who will never see the inside of the White House unless invited. Good job.

Jessica, Brownsville, Texas   March 2nd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Why in your title couldn't you say " Jack Nicholson Endorses Clinton" instead of "Whitehouse Hopeful?" SNL's skit about the CNN debate last week was right on!

Go Hillary!!!!

Anonymous, Somewhere, MI   March 2nd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Huckabee is a MORON! If he had any sense at all he would have dropped out of the presidential contest and challenged Mark Pryor for his senate seat. Now not only will he never be the nominee, but he's poisoned his chances to be McCain's VP pick. So, after Tuesday when McCain locks up the nomination Huckabee's political career is over. Good going, Mike.

Walt, Belton,TX   March 2nd, 2008 12:19 pm ET

That does clinch it for McCain. If Huckabee's the future, then I'm becoming a Democrat-leaning Independent!

Texans Are Excited about Barack Obama - TAEBO   March 2nd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Why is every article on here suddenly about Hillary Clinton. How about a balanced perspective?????

Bill, Streamwood, IL   March 2nd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

A newspaper backing Mike Huckabee carries about the same weight as that actor endorsing Hillary Clinton - none.

John Stevens   March 2nd, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Nice endorsement

Franky   March 2nd, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Good for you Huckster! I guess people do recognize him…..

Harold   March 2nd, 2008 11:57 am ET

Spelled collectively wrong…and he's not on the "wrong side" of social issues. He's on the right side, fools (missed that the first time around).

Annamica, OH   March 2nd, 2008 11:56 am ET

CNN no offense, but where is the story on Obama and CTV? I'm yet to see one, and this is groundbreaking news! Wake up Ohio, Obama lied to us, use your intelligence and stick with Hillary!

andrew jones   March 2nd, 2008 11:56 am ET

who is this clown?

Harold   March 2nd, 2008 11:54 am ET

Nice to see an entity that will collectievly stand up for what's right.

TJS   March 2nd, 2008 11:43 am ET

Good news! Thank you Dallas.

Michael   March 2nd, 2008 11:37 am ET

Better late than never. Kudos to the DMN, although I can't help but disagree emphatically that "a Huckabee vote…won't do much to determine the 2008 GOP presidential candidate." VOTES MATTER. If everyone in Texas that genuinely feels that Mike Huckabee is the best candidate voted their conscience, then I feel that Mike would easily find himself holding a Texas win.

Mary - Independent   March 2nd, 2008 11:34 am ET

I would like to see Huckabee continue through the GOP Primary. He is a strength for the very weak Republican Party. McCain needs to get his "act together", if he intends to go forward. This election is NOT OVER UNTIL IT IS OVER!

Charlotte   March 2nd, 2008 11:29 am ET

Backing two losers. Glad to hear it.

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