April 25, 2008
Posted: 03:30 PM ET

From
 Huckabee and McCain spoke with reporters Friday on the Straight Talk Express.
Huckabee and McCain spoke with reporters Friday on the Straight Talk Express.

(CNN) – Mike Huckabee, a former contender for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination, said it would be “a little bit presumptuous to ever assume” that a congregant agrees with everything a pastor says.

“Influential? Sure. Necessarily transferable? Usually not,” Huckabee told a reporter while speaking with the press aboard Sen. John McCain’s campaign bus, the Straight Talk Express.

Huckabee, who was a Baptist pastor before eventually becoming Arkansas’s governor, is campaigning with McCain in Little Rock Friday. The former rivals maintained a cordial relationship before Huckabee ended his presidential bid leaving McCain as the GOP’s presumptive nominee.

Related: Huckabee and McCain do the rounds

Filed under: Jeremiah Wright • John McCain • Mike Huckabee


shirley   April 25th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Every candidate we have or have had in this contest has more personal integrity than Hillary, so why is the media so bias towards her campaign.

Juniorekins   April 25th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Mike Huckabee is a very good man.

NancyL in TN   April 25th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

A voice of sanity and reason! A man of character when it would be way too easy – and probably safer – to stay silent. We've not seen the last of this conciliator!

Allan   April 25th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Once again, Huckabee demonstrates how people with good manners and an open mind behave.

No wonder he couldn't win the Republican nomination.

NickNas   April 25th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

Careful Huck. These people can go REAL hard on you for helping Obama. You are right and I applaude you for it though. This country needs more like you.

ShirleyY - Seattle   April 25th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Agree, I am only responsible for myself not anyone else. You Obama haters, stop it, he will be our next president.

Young Voter   April 25th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Thank you Mr. Hukabee.

Darth Vadik, CA   April 25th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Everybody knows this is true, but its an excuse for people who hate Obama for different reason pretend that they are insulted.

wink wink nudge nudge

Julie MN   April 25th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I hit the submit , anyway to finish, benefit the AMERICAN POPULATION

Phong Nguyen   April 25th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Wasn't it the "influential" thing that we are concerning about???

Richard   April 25th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Huckabee was our governor here in Arkansas. While I'm a democrat who supports Obama, I have to say he was a much better governor than Bill Clinton ever was. Clinton left our state almost bankrupt. Huckabee left us with a $1 BILLION dollar surplus!!!!

kiss of death   April 25th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Great, I loved Huck…
Now I can vote for Obama.
Right…

Andrew, Chicago   April 25th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

The discussions on CNN. com have become absolutely juvenile, regardless of what candidate is being supported. I just can't believe all the name calling.

that should do it   April 25th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

If Huck defends you… that should be the kiss of death to any democrat.

Huck was too much for even the republicans to stomach.

JD   April 25th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Even though I'm pretty far from being a Republican, I really respect Huckabee for his honesty and for just being an all around good guy.

Michael   April 25th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Thank you Huckabee for speaking some sense, it's nice to see a politician that has some common sense, too bad the Republicans nominated McCain.

Ex Clinton Supporter   April 25th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

I always had respect for Huckabee. He's a good man even if he's a republican…..

clear thinking   April 25th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Playing for the VP-ship!
I thought we were done with Chuckaby?
Guess not, he wants his remaining 13 minutes of fame.

tom, Boston   April 25th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

huck is a good man, if not the cleverest politician.

Uncle Sam   April 25th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Whew, Sen. Obama was only influenced by Rev. Wright.

Diing, Washinton   April 25th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Thanks mr. Huck!

bdc   April 25th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Take it from the horse's mouth – not everyone agrees with their pastor. Incredible integrity/honesty from Huckabee.. really nice.

A CHURCH is MORE than the guy that gives the sermon.

Amw   April 25th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

I always knew Huckabee was a good republican.

patrick b   April 25th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

I like huckabee, but I don't want him running our government. He seems like a reasonable, "old-style" republican (the ones who had an ounce of integrity).

GG   April 25th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

I think it's true!! that both Huckabee and Mc Cain are compaigning for Hillary now.

cj   April 25th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

His insight is enlightened. Finally, someone in the campaign not being critical of another.

Ric   April 25th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

We are judged by the company we keep.

Romulus, Michigan   April 25th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Cami Shands April 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

I hate Obama!!!

Why?

Disheartened by trashy politics   April 25th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Thanks for being decent, Mike! What does it say about the character of other politicians -and the media…and our country- when it is ok to blatantly trash a good man's character?

mohammed daoudi   April 25th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

A level-headed person atlast!!! Well said !!!

Alonzo Demetrius   April 25th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Sorry, Mike. I don't agree with you on this one. Especially because Obama is in politics, if he has a brain at all, he would have left that church with all its anti-American preaching knowing it would bite him at some point — had he not agreed with it. Now Obama believes that it is just a sound bite and will go away and all will be hunkey-dorey again.

vodka_lemon_lime   April 25th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Mike Hukabee has just won a whole lotta admiration and respect from me, and Lord knows that I didn't see that coming in a hurry

It's great to see a Republican with guts and integrity …

Peter M.   April 25th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Huckabee's a good man.

PROBAMA CHIC, NJ   April 25th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

HEY DUMMIES!!!!! Obama is Half White he can't be racist that would mean he hates himself , his sister (also half white) and his white mother and grandparents who raised him Stupid!!! All you Billiary and McBush supportors see is color.

Christy   April 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

So, let me get this straight, if you didn't vote for Obama and you just happen to think H. Clinton is the best candidate that makes you racist. I'm really sad for this country.

@americans   April 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

I think most americans know that Obama does not agree with Rev. Wright, but some people, very few of course (die-hard Hillaryheads and some rightwing Republican bigots; fuming-in-the-mouth Sean Hannity, spinsissy Bill O'reilly, sicko Rush Limbaugh) would want you to think otherwise!

To be nicely put, these group of haters are no worse than Rev. Wright!

Lily   April 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

My respect for this guy went even higher than it was already. He is a true Christian for stating the truth.

Nicole in NE   April 25th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

EXACTLY!

If we say Obama is DIRECTLY affected (and agrees) with every view and word of Rev. Wright and this Bill Ayers who he happened to serve on a board with, then I guess we should make the same argument that Hillary agrees with every view and word by her husband. It just happens to be one of the most IMPORTANT relationships you have in life. YOUR MARRIAGE!

So does that mean Hillary supports NAFTA, Columbia trade and the many pardons by Bill?

Let's keep everything in prespective here!

If your candidate doesn't win the nomination, don't turn your back on actual change this country needs. I'm not crazy about Hillary as a person, but I do not want this country to keep going down this road!
I vote DEMOCRAT!

Bonheur, Los Angeles   April 25th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

For once, honesty. Thank you Mr. Huckabee.

mama4obama   April 25th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Somebody please knock

SUSAN MO in the back of the head or give her a V8!

DJ, LA, CA   April 25th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Thanks Mike for keeping it real. Good man and you have my respect.

Hillary - LIAR   April 25th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Come on guys, Hillary NEEDS pastorgate to stick! How is it that he REPUBLICANS who are suppose to sling mud aren't?! Could it be that the only negative MONSTER in the race is Hillary?

Go fly home on your broom Hillary america is worn out on your ambition.

Mack   April 25th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Wasn'tit Huckabee that said that the people that disagree with the Dixie flag being on the grounds of the South Carolina Capital know where they can stick the flag pole. Did he think people should be presumptuous about what he said.

Elizabeth M   April 25th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

It isn't the fact that he agreed with what Rev. Wright said, its the fact that he stayed there for years listening to it. He is running on good judgment, how was that good judgment to sit there, listen and then say he didn't agree? Why didn't he leave? Give me a break. But, as usual I am sure Obama will try to figure a way to blame Hillary for it. Huckabee forget it. And, Florida for Obama, he is the reason your votes doesn't count. He wouldn't allow you to have a revote, or to have your votes count. Your choice is excellent.

Tired of W, OH   April 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Wow. I think this is the first time I've ever agreed with Huckabee on something. I wonder what Chuck Norris thinks about this…

MD   April 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Hillary Clinton and her supporters have an IQ of an ant. They just don't get it that the people of America are tired of her "OLD WASHINGTON" style of political bickering.

Regardless of what Huckabee says (and it is nice to see he has integrity), let's note that not even in ONE state did the educated back Hillary more than Obama. Doesn't that say it all?

EC   April 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

GOD BLESS YOU Mr. Huckabee. I wish this man was a Democrat. I like him even if he is a Republican.

This goes to show that just because we are on different sides does NOT mean we have to LIE and CHEAT when it comes to telling the truth.

This is something Sen. Clinton could learn on HOW to run a respectable campaign and financially viable campaign.

renea   April 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

it looks like huckabee is the only one running a respectable campaign john recklessly dishonest mccain and hillary rove clinton!

Umpire   April 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

It's interesting to read the attacks on Huckabee, like McCain a basically decent guy, but I wouldn't vote for either of them, Pres/VP, because the religious right will control nominations to the US Supreme Court if McCain wins. What is most discouraging is to see both of the Clintons losing whatever grasp of truth and common decency they ever had. It's a sad day.

Venus   April 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Yeah Huckabee – you are right – but guess what loser?

Even with the Rev. Wright issue seems like Obama is still in the race!

It's not going to stop us! What do you expect from a guy who spent millions of dollars on a 1-legged campain only to lose against Mc Cain!

Dan, NJ   April 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Not the first time Huckabee has said this. He gave interviews right when the "story" broke and defended Wright, though not the comments.

Bitter and voting for Obama   April 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

You hate Obama, how said. But God loves you and so does Obama.
God will forgive you for harboring such hatred in your heart. But guess what, Obama will be your next president. so get used to it, you big loser, hater

ok   April 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

You can hate Obama but he will be the next president. So go lick your biased wound.

Olivia   April 25th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

The more I think about it the more I'm convinced that this disagreement is contrived to help obama shed the Wright controversy. Maybe they now realize this thing is not going to go away by itself.
But…….they didn't disagree for 20 years and they are not disagreeing now.
Don't be fooled people. Many wondered why Wright was coming out now. Makes perfect sense to me.

Go Hillary!

ADJOA   April 25th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

You are truely A man God. God bless you for your honesty. You did not allow political colours to blind you. We are all Gods people.

Checking out...   April 25th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

CNN, post my comment and don't be partial against me!

To: Cami Shands

I can't believe anyone who is not a lunatic would make that statement! Even a lunatic wouldn't come close! You must be the biggest idiotic lunatic racist out on this CNN site and it is time you should be told to keep your animalistic opinions to yourself which is not acceptable among sane humans.

In one breath, I agree with Huckabee and will give Obama a chance! He is a good man and should be judged by what he says and stands for and not what some other person has done!

obama lover   April 25th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

good for you mike
i am proud to have had you for governor of arkansas. i live in marmaduke ar and 2 years ago we almost got wiped off the face of the earth by a horrible tornado and gov. we needed you instead of beebe
god bless you
obama supporter in ar

Another thinking voter   April 25th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Huckabee is a likable guy. Too bad his politics are so warped. How does that happen?

Nanc, MN   April 25th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

I think influence is exactly what we are worried about. 20 years of influence amounts to a lot. Or maybe Obama just chose the church that would be most important in his expidited plan to be president?

CW in DC   April 25th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

*thump*

That was the sound of my jaw hitting the floor.

Bet nobody saw this one coming!

HH   April 25th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Thank You Mike for standing up, instead of smashing one down. I wish you were still in the race.

Sophie   April 25th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

I LA YOU HUCKABEE

dave   April 25th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

altho, yes, the Obama/wright relation is a bit more than just
pastor/congregation member, and more in the line of mentor/student as several postings have noted….. far more inter-action and collaboration between obama and wright than one finds in the case of the person who just goes to church or synogogue and that is the extent of their relations – including very close friendship- – with the pastor, priest or rabbi

trellskig   April 25th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

First of all, Huckabees has never been to a "black" church and will never understand what goes on in a "black" church (as most of the peole on these blogs have never visited a "black" church).

Secondly, Huckabee thinks this way because he is a republican and wants McCane in the WH.

Finally, you can go to a church but not agree with everything your pastor says. Even the people on youtube get that aspect…lol Please lets have common sense people!

Michael   April 25th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Do you people really think all wright did for twenty years was preach what was heard on those tapes? Honestly, how gullible are you? Clinton's own pastor praised wright several times. The Clinton's invited Wright to the White House. And just to set the record straight, being angry for how your race has been treated is not the same as a white person being racist because they don't like the color of some ones skin.

Tammy - KCMO   April 25th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

"Susan MO April 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

He must have agreed with him quite a bit………

He rudely insulted the people of Pennsylvania."

You need to GET OVER IT!!! The majority didn't think he insulted anyone and if you take it that way, and from the comments I've watched you post – you are looking for any and all reasons not to like the man. I'm a white female and even I'm sick of your remarks about him. Why don't you read up on the guy and give us a VALID reason not to vote for him. So far all I've read is BS.

Independent   April 25th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Wow – Huckabee is more honorable and wiling to stick with "Straight Talk" than McCain.

Cami Shands   April 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

I hate Obama!!!

MD   April 25th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

If Huckabee had won the Republican nomination, I would have voted for him. Alas, the Democratic Party has gotten into the habit of advancing trash as its leader in the last 20 years.

The best McCain can do now is to choose Huckabee as his VP. If elected, then McCane should do evereyone a favor, and die, so Huckabee can be the President.

Cammi317   April 25th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Molly said "He must AGREE with most of what Rev Wright teaches – or – he would of left."

Exactly, most does not = all. Admit it, you just can't stand the idea of a black man being president.

Mark VA   April 25th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Huckabee, I mean dummy, way to help your party out.

dave   April 25th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

interesting comment from Huckabee, since i believe he is a former pastor…. in my church (Catholic) several parish priests over the years have made a number of comments which I did not agree with,, and i often told them so,, altho in the mentality or culture of the Catholic church, for a parish member to have the gall to tell the priest what is on their mind, and their opinion, is seen probably as being pushy and presumptuous,,, but what the hell, the lst Amendment even applies in the churches of America, ,, but is still interesting to hear the Huckabee take on this whole issue…..
mccain/rice08!

judy   April 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

I love Huck. I hope McCain picks him as his vice president.

Peter   April 25th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I don`t agree much with Mike Huckabee but i think he means well and is a decent person.

James   April 25th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Huckabee is also a pastor so he know what he is talking about.

Pam   April 25th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Wow, a voice of reason. Imagine that.

Eric San Diego   April 25th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Wow, Huckabee actually got something right. It is nice to hear common sense from the other side once in a while.

ART in TX   April 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

I wish the repubs would have stuck with Huckabee. Now there's a respectable guy.

Sue, NY   April 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Finally someone who approaches this with common sense.

SueB   April 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Thank you, Mike Huckabee. If you had gotten the nomination for the republicans, I would have voted for you if Obama didn't get the nod.

mohana   April 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

I am an Obama supporter and even if I wasnt once, I really appreciate Huckabee coming out and saying this. It is heartening to see that there are still some sane, unbiased and balanced people alive!

EDW   April 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

THANK GOODNESS, finally a voice of reason and intelligence.

DAN   April 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Would Huckabee have stayed in the trinity church for 20 years?

Bill   April 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Someone tell Mike that common sense has no place in a presidential election.

Molly   April 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

GO HILLARY !!!!

To agree with everything a pastor says – NO! BUT – influential – YES
and to sit there for 20 YEARS – He must AGREE with most of what Rev Wright teaches – or – he would of left.

Can't blame Rev Wright on Hillary – Obama did this all to himself!

Look byond   April 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

To hell with what HUCKABEE said.
He is one of those angry racist white male anyway.
We know his type.
Do we want to recall slavery days or do we want to keep talking about a comment made by a pastor who happens to be Obama's pastor, or do we want to raise the issue of slavery days.
So please………………. hush.

Bitter and voting for Obama   April 25th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Thank you and may God bless you for telling the truth.

Why not?????   April 25th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Obama has had 20 years of influence. I think that can transfer after so many years of not just attendance but a close friendship. We are judged by the company we keep. He was more then a pastor, he was his mentor. A mentor is someone you admire and want to emulate.

Jordan for Obama   April 25th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

He's a good man!

Patricia, Idaho   April 25th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Really, he needs to McHuddle with McCain to get the talking points straight or is this good cop/bad cop?

Straight Talk Express? The bus should be called Sidewinder Express.

Susan MO   April 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

He must have agreed with him quite a bit………

He rudely insulted the people of Pennsylvania.

DefinitelyDem   April 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I knew I liked Huckabee for some reason. I don't agree with his political stance, but I think he's a great guy.

Young & Educated 4 Obama   April 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Gee even a Republican gets it! Only the slow Hillary supporters dont!
Well there you have it~ all the folks who wanted to pin what Rev. Wright said on Sen. Obama are 'Presumptuous'!!!

Grif   April 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I Concur!

mjaber   April 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Huckabee is actually right for once….

concern citizen   April 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Finally someone who is a pastor realizes that not everyone agrees with their pastor.

Matt   April 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

heh….thank you Mike Huckabee for being rational. Why is everybody being so irrational in their portrayals of the current Presidential candidates?

Florida For Obama   April 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Try telling a Hillary supporter that, they're just as dellusional as their candidate.

Look byond   April 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

What about what you white folks talk to your kids about the hatred towards black folks in your bed rooms and basement for 400 years.
Did we forgive, or are we still talking about it.?

So Huckabee, please we know your type.

Getting tired of this   April 25th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Say whatever you want about this guys politics – and I don' tlike most of them – he certainly has integrity, and he demonstrates it again on this issue.

kathleen retired Professional w/woman for obama   April 25th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Well, that is the first time in my entire life that I ever liked Huckabee!

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