May 18, 2008
Posted: May 18th, 2008 01:05 PM ET

From
CNN

Watch Huckabee's joke at the NRA Convention Friday. (starting at 0:50).

(CNN) - Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, known for his razor-sharp humor on the campaign trail, has again found it can be a double-edge sword, as he spent a third day explaining his admittedly “awkward” quip about Senator Barack Obama.

Huckabee talked to reporters Saturday after addressing graduates at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia. Not surprisingly, the first question was about Friday’s joke at the NRA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, about the Democratic presidential front-runner. It came up again Sunday in his appearance on “Meet the Press”.

After a loud noise back stage during his speech Friday, Huckabee joked, “That was Barack Obama. He just tripped off a chair. He’s getting ready to speak and somebody aimed a gun at him, and he dove for the floor.” The audience, who laughed as he started the line, turned quiet.

In his news conference Saturday, Huckabee acknowledged the line was a mistake. “It was a simple thing of an incredible distraction that happened somewhere backstage”, he said, “I made a rather awkward attempt at a joke, wasn’t all that great. I’ve apologized for it. I didn’t mean to offend anybody. I didn’t even remember having said it. I honestly had to go back and look at the tape.”

The former Arkansas Governor said the controversy over the line has been blown out of proportion. He told reporters, “I think if people go back and look at the actual moment they’ll realize that it’s not nearly as much of a thing as some bloggers have attempted to make it to be. So all I would say is let people go back and look at what actually happened, and I think it’s a pretty benign interview.”

Huckabee drew big laughs often as a candidate for his lines in debates and on the stump, even making an appearance on “Saturday Night Live” that received great reviews. But other times, his humor could raise some eyebrows. CNN producer Evan Glass, who traveled with the candidate in Iowa, recalled Huckabee joking during a hunting photo where his group bagged three pheasants, “don’t get in my way. This is what happens.” (It should be noted the joke was prompted by a reporter’s prodding for a metaphor.)

Filed under: Barack Obama • Mike Huckabee


EJ in MD   May 18th, 2008 6:25 pm ET

It saddens me to hear DEMOCRATS say that they will vote for McCain! He does not share the same values as us democrats! I know that may HRC supporters are upset that she is losing, but don't take your anger out on Obama. He has not done anything wrong. They have both campaigned hard and he simply received more votes. He has not stolen anything from HRC nor blocked votes on FL and MI. We have got to unite and and realize who the real enemy is - THE REPUBLICAN PARTY!

Femi   May 18th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

I wouldn't take the joke personally and I think Obama is of the sameopinion. It's just that to throw such a joke under the current sircumstances is pretty lame. Bad tast and especially unexpected from a minister of religion. Remember, an agent of change was actually gunned down – MLK.

More judgement is needed

Sandra in Oh   May 18th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

That was not a Racist comment. It was a comment about a competitor. These guys need bodyguards round the clock anyway. Why puck every comment out as Racist!.
God made different species and races. They are naturally leary of each other as an instinctive thing. Tribes have been waring since creation because someone who looked a little different from your own could be a threat. So poo on the word Racist that is just an excuse for troublemaking. God made us all and when we are face to face, prove you are good and trustworthy. Then I don't care if you are pink or turquoise.
Also, McCain too old? If 60 is the new 40 then 71 is the new 51. Maybe he will live to be 109..

EE   May 18th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

The fact that the comment was of so little importance to you that you forgot you said it leads me to believe it's something that is a part of
you. It was a deplorable comment to make. Take responsibility
for the blunder(if it was a blunder)and do not blame bloggers. Fine choice
you make for a Repugnant VP.

TEXAS   May 18th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

The only republican that I used to respect, wow he really let his true colors show I’m so disappointed!!!
OBAMA 08

"i-s" is   May 18th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Mr. Huckabee didn't mean any harm with this comment, and the audience should be praised for allowing his comments to fall on death ears. Did you hear how silent the audience became? Mr. Huckabee's comments can be categorized as tasteless and thoughtless, but not necessarily racist. His comments could have been tastelessly and thougtlessly made about any candidate or person. Intellectually, this is a "benign" story; however, few things are one dimensionally. Emotionally, historically, racially, etc. it may not be benign, but in the end, I believe, it was simply a mistake. And for those whom it may matter to, I am a 44-year old Black man raised in a racist deep south Georgia city.

PeterK   May 18th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

For republicans hanging a noose is a prank and suggesting shooting the first real contender black president is benign...This is a very sad joke. I actualy had some respect for the man until this episode

Don   May 18th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Hey Dumocraps . . . BOO ! ! !

truthfully   May 18th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

This stupid mistake for a joke by Huckabee was unexcusable. For someone who calls themself a Christian, who is supposed to love EVERYONE regardless of who they are or what they do, that was completely unexcusable. He may not be a racisist, but he certainly made a very racially pointed joke that was shocking and unacceptable in this day.

Call it down the middle   May 18th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Good old GOP humor! I'd rather peel off my toenails than listen to these goofs. Mike your a pastor or minister or whatever you call yourself (even though you don't act like one), stick to the sermons and leave the jokes to George Carlin ok. Your sense of humor is worse than your sense of judgement. Obama AND Hillary have courage as they are trying to enact change. At least they are standing up to oil companies, big business, and the washington lobbiest. Mac man is business as usual, he'll be the NRA's little puppet. Its sad to see such a heroic man, become some rich companies puppet.

What's with the NRA anyway. I own a gun, but why do people join a club because they buy something? Is your life so bankrupt that you join a club because you bought something. I'm just trying to understand. Is there a political group for super soft toliet paper? I purchased that not too long ago, but I don't see the toliet paper people trying to get clout in Washington.

avoiceinthewind   May 18th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

I'm an Obama supporter. Mike Huckabee is a stand up guy. This was truely just a mistake. I really hope that this era of catching people verbal gaffs and mistakes goes away. It is starting to get sickening. It doesn't allow politicians to be real people. They have to constantly parse what they say. That's not good for anyone. I think the Don Imus thing started this whole crazy foolishness. Let's just stop and get on with what we should really care about. Getting our troops whom, killing Bin Ladin, peace in the middle east, lower gas prices etc. This is foolishness.

Mike   May 18th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Anyone who has ever attempted to make a joke can sympathize here. Whether you like Huckabee or not, anyone can see that he's not a racist.

No it wasn't funny, yeah Huckabee knew it. Thats what happens when you aren't reading off a script. Just let it go and focus on the things that matter. Or we can just say he's a jerk and act like we've never said something that we had to kick ourselves over afterward.

Asian Guy   May 18th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

That was a stupid remark..similar to what Bush said the other day about rise in food prises due to growth in food consumption in India & china.

Anyone who has such a loose tongue is a big risk to be a vice president.

Democrats are entitled to make it a big issue as thats what the republicans did for Obama's bitter ppl remarks & michelle's first time pride remarks !!!..This is game of politics..

nwa   May 18th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

if you kill this one (obama) there wont be a corner of this country left unburned, and 10th of thousand white people will be killed.a race war
everybody knows huckabubba is a racist bigot ignorant pinkneck....

Frances   May 18th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

I think we put to much into what these people say. If that comment was made using bill clinton or john mccain name the media and bloggers would have let it fly. They are playing into our own biases. Trying to get a rise or a story. They make me sick.

Jean M Fevry Calgary Alberta   May 18th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

If it was Obama who made this stupid joke the media would be all over him .

Also this is just to see how low some members of the Republican party are becoming.

Georges Bush is no better than McCain and HucK OR BEE after his silly speech in Israel.

Bruce   May 18th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Shame on You! Typical of the GOP. Same old politics, same old lines. I want something new next time.

Daniel Hutchinson   May 18th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

It is not enough to say that this was an incredibly stupid, idiotic thing to do. But to realize that Huckabee's mind automatically went to this image of someone pointing a gun at Obama tells volumes about what goes on in Huckabee's unconscious mind. Or as my preacher dad used to say quoting the Bible: "From the heart, the mouth speaketh." And this is just the tip of the iceberg of bigotry and fear of "others" that the Republican party has fostered for its own political gain. As far as I'm concerned, the current crop of Republicans have destroyed the party and are beyond redeeming.

Ben   May 18th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Hucks, give me two more days, you need to be tested. fellows, Pastor Hucks need to be tested...............................he deserves one bullet.......... ensure you dont give him more than one.................. go boys

Over it   May 18th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

I could not believe he said that... I am disappointed in him and he calls himself a man of God.

Bridgette   May 18th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

I really do believe he was just trying to crack a terrible joke. Atleast that is what I am telling myself. He just wants to be on the national stage. But for some reason I don't think he was trying to be a racisist.

Ellie   May 18th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

And where exactly is CNN, NBC, ABC on this? No-one ignored the issue with Rev Wright so now why is Huckabee getting off easy for this insenstive, rude and downright insulting comment!!!!! Shame on you Huckabee-I'm glad you're out of the running. Although I like McCain and may possibly vote for him-I will not, if Huckabee is his running mate.

Len   May 18th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Mike & Hillary are all-both-together-completely right about OBAMA.
Hillary Clinton is what's left of a great Democratic process and a responsible party of Democrats. Since all three of these candidates have frosted the cake, enlarged their pictures and claimed bragging rights the real truth lies in what words (were) are intentionally said: spoken with forethought and worth repeating. Kudos of compliments to Senator Hillary Clinton on all three. She is a great example of what a President of these United States should be.

Gomer Pile Scum Bag!!!   May 18th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

There was absolutely nothing funny about that joke....what the h&%* was he thinking. The point is alot of people fear for Obama's life and believe that something like this could really happen.

Danielle   May 18th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

The reason why this is being blown up is because we all know a lot of Americans are racist and are capable of attacking the first Black President. It's ok to joke around but when you joke about shooting someone, the real question is whats the root of this joke. Deep down inside Huckabee might be racist, I thought he was a good guy as well, but what is done in the dark will come to light, and his true feelings are coming to light. His joke reminds me of a White man joking about hanging a Blk man...its not funny, real people have suffered and died. I bet if someone joked about shooting Bush, it would be a completely different story.

Furthermore, as a Christian man, he should have known better....

citizen   May 18th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Is it possible for Republicans to be civil?

Man of God, I think not.....wolf in sheeps clothing more the case.

By the way.....did the math.....the whole anti-christ thing. well he did come!... but Not Khadafi, or Saddam.....however he does have a job in the white house, he and crew are alive, well and doing there thing.

Just check out their record so far

May all those who have died, been tortured, robbed and lied to......may they not be forgotten.

Trenton Sims, Los Angeles   May 18th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

The Only thing worse that Hukabee could have possibly said is that Obama fell off a chair trying to avoid the LYNCHING noose in the back..

A Very Sick Freudian Slip Mike..

The Longer this goes the More Typical White People Slip and expose their True Colors..

Sad ..just Pittyful...its 2008 and still all this White Hate...

just a moderate   May 18th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Okay, look. Did he mess up? Hell yes. Nobody here is saying, "Wow, we love him MORE for saying that" Everybody is acknowledging he made a mistake, some are choosing to accept that sometimes remarks come out that really just make you want to sink into the floor, and some on here are choosing to remain angry. And you know what, thats fine....its just that, honestly, people make mistakes all the time. I know I've said something, hoping to be funny, but instead it came out quite wrong.

On a final note, when people post about how "white people did this" "white people did that," THAT is a form of discrimination. No matter what, whether a person is of African, European, Asain, or Hispanic descent, we are all americans. Making generalized statements about "white people discriminating" is for the most part, untrue. Are there exceptions? Yes, and that is terrible. I agree. However, making generalized statements like that is a form of reverse discrimination.

So please, view your neighbors as American, no matter what they look like!
(Also, the more people blame white people for things, the "white people" just get defensive, then both sides are angry and the problem intensifies. Ending racial discrimination is something that people of every descent need to work on.)

Wise White Guy   May 18th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Also would like to say that it sickens me that people think this was made a story by the Obama campaign. The media picked it up and ran with it not the Obama campaign. If you people watched Obama speak once in a while you would see that he has nothing but sympathy for someone who mispeaks or phrases things wrong. And unlike McCain who changes his mind daily, Obama has handled these things consistently from the start.

SusanM.   May 18th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Huckabee..you're a gun toting lunatic. Your comment was disgusting. Is that what Jesus would have done? McCain might be stupid enough to chose you as his running mate. I hope he does..it would make it easier for Obama to defeat McCain aka Andy Griffith's grandpa and you a combo of Barney Fife and Barney Rubble.

Obama 2008/2012

mmartin arkansaw   May 18th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

huckabee will regret making such a stupid remark.GOD is not happy with you.americans will not let you live this down.NOT FUNNY!

Wise White Guy   May 18th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

I was buying it up until he said he didnt remember saying it. I watched the video and he knew almost instantly he made a huge mistake. I have heard someone say he uses a joke like this in his sermons about Jesus and a nail gun so if thats true i could see how he would make the unscripted mistake. Unfortunately we live in a world with a lot of racist ignorant crackpots. The truth is that the threat to Obama is a real one and it is very unfortunate. Really wish he had not lied about not realizing he said it. That makes me wonder about his charachter as a whole.

Will S.   May 18th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Why do people take crap like this seriously? Get over yourselves and argue about something important.

The Lone Ranger   May 18th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

INSTEAD OF PUTTING HUCKABEE ON THE TICKET,.. I SAY GIVE BOTH HIM AND McCAIN A TICKET, FOR A BUS RIDE TO SHADY ACRES HOME FOR THE AGED, AND MENTAL INCOMPETENTS.

Marlie:   May 18th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

As a foreign observer to this blog, I am astounded at what Huckabee said. This from someone who is possibly trying to br VP? Come on America. This is NOT a joke. In closing, it always amazes me how ugly Hillary supporters are. You people really need to get a grip on reality.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   May 18th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS MAN CALLS HIMSELF A PREACHER BUT AGAIN THE BIBLE WARNS US ABOUT PEOPLE LIKE HUCKABEE. HUCKABEE HAS SOLD HIS SOUL TO THE DEVIL.

Jo Ann   May 18th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Preacher or not what is in your heart comes out your mouth. Mike just showed us what's in his heart. This is not laughing matter and for it to come out of the mouth of someone that was actually trying to be the
president is scary. For all the best policatical teams on CNN,MSNBC,
to say that he meant to harm is shameful. If it had been J WRigt they would still be reporting on it. Seems like a double standard to me. I expect that from Fox and Glenn Beck but not the other media. And to think that this nut wants to be vp and something happen to McCain he would be president. McCain please say no.

sweetpea   May 18th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Huckabee is a preacher? He knew exactly what he was saying when he made those horrible remarks about Senator Obama. He's trying to get all of the racist good ol' boys riled up and to frighten Senator Obama's campaign. What a creep!

John Anthony Castro   May 18th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

HONEST NO-SPIN REVIEW: Huckabee made a very awkward joke. Yes, some were correct to label it a Freudian slip. It demonstrates Huckabee's true feelings towards Democrats and further proves that his loyalty lies with the Republican Party and not Christianity. For if his loyalties lied with Christianity, he would never make such a borderline threatening comment toward a fellow Christian, and anyone who says Baptists are not Christians is not a true follower of Jesus Christ who loved everyone including an adulteress.

It's amazing how people sell their souls when they near victory. We saw it with Hillary and the HMOs; we saw it with McCain and the Military Industrial Complex; and now we're seeing it in Huckabee. The only person we're waiting on is Obama. He certainly backed off his idea of not accepting money from lobbyists, but that was only to remain financially competitive.

Only time will tell.

Candis   May 18th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

HUCKABEE IS A LIAR AND THE TRUTH IS NO WHERE IN HIM. HE IS THAT WOLF IN SHEEP CLOTHING. GUESS WHAT? HE 'S A GOMER PYLE. HE IS AN IDIOT TRYING TO BE AN INTELLECT. A "COUNTRY BUNKIN"

Independent New Yorker   May 18th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Huckabee has often been quite funny on the campaign trail. He has was just trying to make a joke as he normally would do, but it was not thought out or planned and it was really the wrong thing to say. He apologized a number of times for the comment, saying that it wasn't funny and that he was sorry. What more does everyone expect?

Conversely, you have Obama making stupid comments himself and not backing down from them. The "bitter comment, for which he has not sufficiently apologized, and his close ties to his pastor, which he did not sever immediately as he should have, have really undermined his argument for for having any kind of superior "judgment".

On a final note, people in this country and especially some of those who write on these blogs really need to stop crying out "racism" for events, criticisms or situations that have absolutely nothing to do with race. It undermines the true meaning of the word and does not help the credibility of situations in which people are truly subjected to the unfortunate prejudice that does exist with narrow minded individuals.

SZ   May 18th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

CNN, what's with the poor moderation on these message boards? Why is it okay for people to post poorly written or hateful comments–or comments that simply say (something along the lines of) "Go [my candidate]"?

How do you expect to be perceived as a serious news authority?

steven   May 18th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

AMERICA IS A FAKE, ALWAYS WILL BE. ALL MEN HAVE NEVER BEEN TREATED AS EQUAL IN THIS COUNTRY AND A LOT OF US ARE STILL PROUD OF THAT FACT.

WE AS A PEOPLE HAVE A VERY DARK AND UGLY SIDE!

THE COMMENTS HERE, CBS, NBC, ABC, HUNT. POST, WASH.. POST AND OTHERS NEWS SITES SPEAKS VOLUMES ON WHO AND WHERE WE ARE AS A NATION. RACE STILL MATTERS, WE HIDE IT VERY WELL, BUT WHEN IT'S OUT WOW HOW SAD.

Anonymous   May 18th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

I love Huckabee and I know he didn't mean anything by this poorly phrased humor. He attempted to make a joke and try to relate it to the guns issue at hand – off the cuff. How many of us could do that and have it come out perfectly politically correct? By the many many responses to this article you can tell that it is Obamas crew trying to make more of something than needs to be. Huckabee is one of the best speakers I have heard in a long time and I have great respect for him. I hope McCain chooses him for VP.

Claudette Keller   May 18th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

I am one who ministers the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I speak to “Mr. Hucklebee”, or “Pastor Hucklebee” to tell him to read his bible. It clearly defines his actions as the same as the religious devils who continued to try and find fault with Jesus but couldn’t. Therefore lies were told and truths we altered. Hucklebee should check himself to see if he’s not doing the same to Barack Obama. Lastly two scriptures the “pastor” should read are:

"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." (Matthew 12:34)

"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." (II Cor. 11:14)

drltw   May 18th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

I am proud of the fact that the members of the NRA who attended that convention and heard the joke did not laugh at the punch line. Anyone familiar with the history of those who make up the NRA would attest that this within itself is progress and reveals that our attitudes towards overt racism have changed in this country.

It should be noted that former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is an ordained Baptist minister and a preacher of the Word of God.

It should also be noted that it was many of these same white Baptist ministers in the deep South who preached "Jesus is Love" from the pulpit on Sunday mornings while they killed blacks, auctioned slaves, and lynched negoes from Sunday Afternoon through Saturday night.

Although no one can judge Mister Huckabee's heart, his words are a direct reflection of what is stored there. Although he would like for this to be a "benign and insignificant issue', it is far from if.

All that can be said is that history proves that Mr. Huckabee's being a White minister does not discredit him from being a racist and words that come from the mouth are often a reflection of what is stored in the heart.

Did he mean it? Maybe. Is he a racist? Maybe not.

Only God knows.

JC   May 18th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Is Huckabee still running?
Is he forcing himself onto us?
Not a chance!

Huckabee is looking for a job.
Perhaps he can be a good token figure for the weight loss campaign in the nation if he can convince his own son to lose 100 lbs. That can be a life saver for him.

VELMA H   May 18th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

I AM A HILLARY SUPPORTER. IF SHE IS NOT NOMINATED I WILL VOTE REPUBLICAN FOR THE FIRST TIME. MCCAIN WILL THEN BE ELECTED AND HILLARY WILL THEN HAVE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO RUN. HOPEFULLY OBAMA WILL HAVE HER AS A RUNNING MATE. AT THIS POINT HE HAS NOT REALLY BEAT HER , ONLY IF HE BEATS HER COUNTING FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN. AFTERALL THIS WILL BE A NATIONAL ELECTION . I THINK THE SUPER DELAGATES ARE AFRAID OF ACKNOWLEDGING THE OBVIOUS, BARACK DOES NOT HAVE THE KEY STATES , BUT THEY ARE AFRAID OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY CRYING RACISM- BECAUSE OF THIS DEMOCRATS WILL LOSE THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Anna, SW Missouri   May 18th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Put Huckabee on McCain's ticket and the Democrats will only have to show the video of McCain singing "Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran" and Huckabee in front of the NRA making that joke, and ask the question-Is this what America wants?

What the Huck??   May 18th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Tacky, tasteless, appalling, racist (the first thing he could think of when he heard a loud sound? - rather interesting, don't you think!?), far from funny, inappropriate, sad, pathetic, shocking (but not so shocking all at once!), disappointing, typical... need i continue?

OBAMA '08 & '12

Debby   May 18th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Oh please he was just kidding. The Obama supporters did the same thing with Hillary about the Bosnia fire and were very vicious about it. It seems everyone has to walk on eggshells afterwards when someone makes a joke about Obama.

a voter   May 18th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Get the congress republicans our of office

they voted againts the farm bill

which could have saved us billions of dollars over the years.

they are irresponsible and not representative of supposed finacial conservative republican ideals

Anonymous   May 18th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

The congress republicans are horrible and we must get them all out of office.

They voted against the farm Bill

look it up

this bill could have saved billions of dollars

you have to hold these incompetent representatives accountable.

Say democrat in 2008 congressional elections

Joe White   May 18th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!

Shootin' them uppity blacks who want to run for office!

Now that's FUNNY, Mike! You should be on SNL instead of McCain!

We had a lot of fun during reconstruction doing just that. You should'a seen the expression on their family's faces when we blew the heads off some freed slave who thought all this talk about emancipation was real! What were they thinkin', running for office. Doncha know there's a POLL TAX?

Well, 'ol Jim Crow set them straight, and I for one am glad to see that MIKE HUCKABEE is going to take us back to OLD FASHIONED VALUES that made our country strong!

See you at the next KLAN MEETING, Mike!

obamacrat   May 18th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Seems like most of the folks there were clinging to their guns and their ignorance.

obamacrat   May 18th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

WHAT IS SOOO DISGUSTING IS THAT SOME PEOPLE EVEN APPLAUDED.

WE LIVE IN A SICK SICK WORLD

Kim, Dallas, TX   May 18th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Huckabee was trying to be funny and took things way too far. I am sure he is really a good person, but he needs to do something to get his image back. I struggle with a joke that others could take seriously. We are living in a time that resembles the sixties as it is. Who needs another Bobby Kennedy situation? Obama is a great person and will become a great leader. Let's not enccourage the "redneck" population, or others with such racist hatred to do something that would appear 'funny" to the Republicans. I have been worried about Obama and the ignorance that some people have.

Obama 08!!

obamacrat   May 18th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Exit stage left. Don't want to see u anymore this campaign season or ever Huckabee.

I don't even think he should have apologized. If that what so easily comes out of his trap... It must be how he really feels.

That's why Obama's campaign didn't even respond to that garbage.

SILLY SEASON IN FULL BLOOM !!!

Paul   May 18th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

absolutely tasteless

Go Barak and Michelle Obama!   May 18th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Kinda reminds me of the McCain joke.. you know the one about stepping on those land-mind thingies? Ltd's or something like that..sure someone here knows what I'm referring to.

Annamica, OH   May 18th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

It's amazing how people who vote for Obama cries racist at anyone who doesn't like the man. This includes those caucasians who think by supporting a mixed man somehow revokes all the horrors that were perpetuated by the slaver owners of America's past: IT DOESN'T.

Voting Obama makes you no less racist. Sorry.

Audrey   May 18th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Sweetie is not worst Elizabeth. To joke about someone getting shot or having a gun pointed at them is far worst then that. You should never joke about killing someone and especially not someone running to be president of the U.S. We all should be more thoughtful of what we say. Even the Bible says we should be careful of our words.

Matt   May 18th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Maybe one of his hunting buddies will be the next Dick Chainey on one of their trips....never know....

Chipster   May 18th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Bad joke, not the least bit funny. However, those who are claiming it is racist need to explain what was racist about it. I'm really tired of people claiming racism every time anyone says anything about Obama that falls short of praise.

If the GOP selects Huckabee as its VP candidate after this terrible comment, they might as well pack up their toys and go home because they are really done after this tasteless and frightening "joke."

The Lone Ranger   May 18th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

JAN FROM BOCA, GARY AND TERRY:
YOU FOLKS NEED HELP, AND FAST.

HI HO BIG BROWN OBAMA 08

Jose   May 18th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

'You' can have your popular Anglo conformity majority, let it be your mainstreet and your wallstreet, but smash "your " DOUBLEstandards.

Elias   May 18th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

This not about Hackabee is mabout republican and what they are about to. We are tired of stupid comment from leader and later one say they are sorry, i dont think hackabee is a small baby he knew what he was talking about Bye see later you fool.

Sick at my stomach   May 18th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Huckabee's comment was horrible and saying it was "benign" is even worse. Unfortunately, such a horrendous act is possible, and joking about it is unthinkable. Even the NRA members seemed to realize this was over the top. Huck, be man enough to be truly humble here and don't defend your comment at all. Go personally to Obama and ask forgiveness.

Obama is the one!   May 18th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Wow, this presidential race has pulled the sheet off of the racsim that still runs very deep in this country.

MBFLA   May 18th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Another Bush Christian. Very scary. These guys are preoccupied with killing those with whom they disagree.

trudy   May 18th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

This kind of joke cannot be taken lightly because for one if another candidate had said such a thing to another candidate it is still threatening and serious. He is saying he did not mean it but what comes out from his mouth is a reflection of his heart yet he is no more running for president.Ok i see he wants to appease McCain for Vp. He should go to his house and rest. No vp for him. Such joke is too serious.

Mimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   May 18th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

THOSE WHO REMAIN SILENT APPROVE OF WHAT

SCUM BAG SAID.

Lynn D   May 18th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I think that Governor Huckabee may have had a vision of what may happen if Senator Obama becomes the nominee.

Najee from la, cali   May 18th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

i dont think huckabee should have apologized... why apologize for something that u said when you truly feel it? do i agree with his stupid little "joke"? not at all... as a young black man and seeing all of my leaders and close friends gunned down is no joking matter... not in the least.... but an insincere apology is a slap in the face to top it off

km   May 18th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

He didn't make it any better on Russet today...said all candidates say stupid stuff. Likened it to McCain's bomb, bomb, bomb Iraq and added that he thought that was pretty funny.

DV   May 18th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

The thing is, that on no planet was that joke funny. I think Huckabee is a stand up guy most of the time, nutty on issues, but funny and pleasant. I was blown away by the idiocy of this joke. It doesn't matter much that it was Obama, but a joke about someone hitting the floor when a gun is pointed at him.

How is that funny?

DV

Tony, Wilton, ME   May 18th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

Right out of the RNC playbook.

Be completely outrageous, then apologize "if I offended anyone."

He also thinks McCain's attempt at humor by doing a Beach Boys song with new words was fa "hoot."

I really think McCain should choose Huckabee to be his Veep – then after the election both can slink off to Vegas to do vaudeville for the pink Cadillac crowd.

Chukwuma Onyemkpa - Brussels   May 18th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

This man HUCKABEE was a pastor..and look at the trash that came out of his mouth.

I believe this was how KKK Hench men joked about shooting Martin Luther King Jr. until they eventually found a way to do it!!!!

...the next thing... he will be joking about a noose hanging around Barack's neck!!!!

old time democrat   May 18th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

I am saddened that this "man of God?" could be concidered for being a heartbeat away from taking the country back into "the dark ages"

Carolyn C   May 18th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Didn't mean to offend anyone? This was not only offensive, but dangerous. It wasn't deroagatory, it was laughing about possible violince. Huckabee...even your "apology" misses the mark!

Lila   May 18th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

The worse part of it is that he didn't remeber saying it! This moron is not qualified to be a VP. Period.

De Long Wa.   May 18th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

I believe the question should be: Who is Senator John McCain selecting, and does the media know who is on his short list? Media seems to know more than they should at times, so why not now? McCain should have selected someone by this time, he or she could also help him in his challenge for the whitehouse as Obama is doing. Huckabee should be on his short list, he was determined to stay in the race even through Iowa. Like all candidates, he has his good and bad points. Hey Obama and Clinton are not the perfect choice either, I guess we just have to pick from popular american vote for President, like it or not.

Brian   May 18th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

hahhahah did you hear the one he said about NYC being nuked by terrorist that was a blast!

Isn't Bush an idiot enough for this century?

jase republican from MO   May 18th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

I hope this story gets picked up and blasted all over tv. This way if it happens he can be arrested for conspiracy. He should be ashamed as a republican I am ashamed. Its things like this that made my decision to vote for Obama, its time for a change. The whole world wants Obama to win, hopefully that will begin racial healing in this country and we can see each others as AMERICANS not african/black whatever Americans, asian americans, latin/hispanic/ whatever Americans etc and we can be one country as it was intended and is written in our constitution.

James   May 18th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

I'm really getting tired of those folks who claim to want change, but then decide not to vote if their candidate doesn't win the nomination. It reminds me of a child taking his/her football and going home just because he/she don't like the way the game is going.

kcmadoobe   May 18th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

This guy should be ashamed of himself, what a stupid joke, and the last thing we need is to"joke" about pointing gun at onother Black man............America This aint the back in days...can we all get alone !!!!

HaveItYourWay   May 18th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

It's probable that Huckabee merely wanted to make a joke in front of his gun loving audience... While it was not funny in the first place, out of context, away from the NRA speech .... it sounds plainly unacceptable.

Jason   May 18th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

It's sad but this is actually what he has been thinking for so long in his mind. How can this Black man, Barack, be better than me?

Rennie Petersen   May 18th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

Hillary blew it.

She could have taken this "joke" and turned it into a rallying point for the Democrats. She could have stood on a stage and said, "Enough is enough. Mike Huckabee has now given me the reason I need to abandon my campaign, and dedicate all of my energy for the next 6 months to ensuring that Barack Obama will be our next president. I hope you all understand the gravity of this "joke", and that you are all with me in my new mission!"

She would have gone down in history as a legend.

Now she'll only be remembered for the Energizer Bunny cartoons.

GERIATRIC   May 18th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

LET'S FACE IT, THAT NRA CONVENTION, WAS NOTHING MORE THAN A SANCTIONED KKK RALLY, AND I APOLAGIZE TO ANY GENUINE GUN ENTHUSIAST THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN PRESENT. YOU GET KARL ROVE, HUCKABEE, McCAIN, ROMNEY AS SPEAKERS, THE ONLY THING MISSING WAS A TREE AND A ROPE.

Concerned From PA   May 18th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

I don't want to say anything out of step here, but buried in the middle of all this is an irony. After seeing on 60 minutes how Christian ministers, and followers would openly practice Christianity without harm in Iraq for the past 2000 years, and now that they have been invaded, Christian ministers and their followers are open game for target practice by those who hate. They can no longer practice their fath without fear of reprisal.
I am sure if someone invaded this country, I would be willing to protect it, and hate whatever the invaders represented.
Why now are some among us trying to instill that same hate right in this country. Maybe with tactics like that, anarchy and chaos can reign supreme over here as well.
In the words of the song by Marvin Gaye, I heard often as a teen growning up during the Vietnam era, "Brother, brother we don't need to escalate. War is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate. We've got to find a way to bring back lovin here today"
Let's stop fighting over this joke. Protect the President. Don't let, probably the last chance this country has for resurrection from the ashes go to waste. Remember when Russia went bankrupt? Osama Bin Laden in one of his tapes openly said, "We will defeat you the same way we defeated Russia, we will bankrupt you". Balance the budget, work smart, make friends not enemies before our national debt engulfs us. We are over 9 trillion in debt, probably over 10 trillion by the time the new administration comes in. If interest rates go to 10%, that is a trillion a year in interest alone. What do we take in in taxes per year, 1.9 or 2.9 trillion. How will we ever bail out, when balancing the budget is so hard. The best we ever did was when the budget was balanced, due to Robert Rubin, Clintons treasury secretary, who said, "That if we balance the budget, that will cause the value of the dollar to go up, and that will have a ripple effect, and everything wiil boom. Boy did it work. We even had a 260 billion dollar surplus. (Which is still only 1.4 of a trillion) So if we do that well, next year we are only another 3/4 of a trillion in debt. Our dollar right now is only worth 1/3 of what is was before. When our dollar becomes worth more, we get more oil per dollar. It is that simple. Let's work together. Hatred is the enemy. Those who campaign on it are enemies of this country, not the healers of it. If we don't learn to work together, get rid of corruption, greed, and hatred in all its forms, we don't stand a chance. Let's work together. Abraham Lincoln said it best, "The best way to conquer an enemy is make him a friend".

Black guy from NY   May 18th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

With rivals like these Obama doesn't need allies. First Huckabee makes racist incendiary statements about a prominent black leader while trying to promote the Republican party, then he offers to be McCain's running mate.

He has just simultaneously shot his and everyone elses foot in the Republican party, while Obama just sits back and brushes his shoulders off, and this is before the national election even kicks off. God Bless You Sir. Someone from the Dems side needs to give this man a pay raise.

Obama 08'

Gobo   May 18th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Anyone rember that Mitt Romney once, in one of the rep debates, said to Huck-a-bee something like "you talk faster than you think."

Cathy   May 18th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Correct, awful joke. Tasteless and over the line. I think this will stick with him.

LetsBhonest   May 18th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

This was sickening! Huck should get TARRED and FEATHERED for making such a disgusting attempt at humor...

NOT funny is an understatement!

How LOW for a supposed 'man of faith' – God help us!!!

Adam   May 18th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Susie–I'd like you to provide a specific example of Obama–not someone commenting on a website or one of this supporters–having misconstrued something the Clintons said as racist. And Obama never, ever said "small-town white folks who will not vote for me are gun-toting, Bible-thumping bigots." I understand Clinton supporters are angry because the Clinton coronation hasn't gone as planned, but Obama has played by the exact same rules as Clinton...and he's going to win (not steal) the nomination. If you want to vote for McCain because "your" candidate didn't win, then go ahead and vote for McCain. Is this supposed to be a scare tactic, by the way?

carrie   May 18th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

if anyone made a comment abt hillary or maccain,we would see it all over the news.
racism still thrives in america
shame

Yogi   May 18th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

People better be careful. Because Obama is just anybody but an extraordinary and if anything happens to him, that will be the end of America. It is as simple as that. You can take the presidency, but don't go anywhere near his life cause it will be the end of America. End of America. America be very careful because it isn't just some Americans that like him but many people around the world see him as an extraordinary human being. America be very very very careful.

David from Bremen   May 18th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

HUCKBEE JUST SAID WHAT MANY LIKE HIM ARE THINKING AND HOPPING !!
THEY ALL WANT OBAMA SHOT SHOULD HE BECOME THE DEM PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE !!
THEY ARE DEVILS WHO PRETEND TO BE ANGELS !!
REMEMBER THOSE CATHOLIC PRIESTS WHO MISUSED SMALL CHILDREN WHOM THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT IN GOD'S NAME !!

Mo   May 18th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

A wise man once said what you hide inside can be stolen by your mouth.

Uncle Sam   May 18th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Although some seem unable to tell one Republican apart from another, the truth is that John McCain is no George Bush. Even John's critics admit that he has the heart of a lion. One imagines that there is nothing that he would not do for his country, no sacrifice he would be unwilling to make. The life of John McCain is a profile in courage.

Americans for McCain '08

David Goldman for OBAMA   May 18th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

I COULD NOT POSSIBLY DISAGREE MORE WITH THE BUSH

ADMINISTRATION. HAVING SAID THAT, I WOULD PROTECT

PRESIDENT BUSH WITH MY LAST BREATH, AS LONG AS HE IS

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

HUCKALOSER IS JUST VILE. THE REPUBLICANS SHOULD

COME OUT & SLAM HIM INTO THE MUD PIT HE BELONGS.

maynard   May 18th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

No V.P. for you Huck after a statement like that.

Oddy   May 18th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Just like Jack Cafferty said, Mike Huckabee is an idiot! Considering how much fear there is in the African American community about the possibility of Obama getting shot just like Martin Luther, Huckabee may have planted the idea in the head of a crazy fellow out there to try this and it is a pity that it came from a so-called pastor. I hope African Americans can forgive him for this!

holy   May 18th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

HUCKABEE should team up with BILL and HILLARY CLINTONS and a circus "Greatest show of Lies and Jokes" !

They are the trio of disgrace of American politics underestimate votors' iintelligence.

Sam   May 18th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

His regret is as believable as someone sitting in a church pew for 20 years and never actually hearing what the minister said.

Chris   May 18th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Thanks for showing your true colors Mike...

william   May 18th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

BY THE WAY EVERY PREACHER MAY PREACH HIS OWN RELIGION. GOOD NEWS DOES NOT COME FROM TALKING SELF INTERESTED HEADS. NO OFFENSE TO REAL MEN OF GOD BUT JIM JONES WAS A PREACHER AND HITLER WAS ELECTED TO OFFICE (REAL MEN OF GOD COULD CARE LESS. THEY PREACH TO THE LOST AND NEEDY. POLLS AND POLITICIANS ARE POWER BROKERS AND INFLUENCE PEDDLERS NOT REAL PREACHERS)

Kevin   May 18th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

As Karl Rove alluded at that same NRA event, Huckabee's comments represent the true values of this particular group of Americans. This group is part of the 27% of Americans that seem to still, inexplicably, approve of Bush and are scared silly over Obama's message of change and unity. They don't realize that this message is bigger than Obama, it's part of the American consciousness. Hating Obama isn't going to change the hearts and minds of the majority of people in this country. The NRA's values, Rove's values, Huckabee's values are not the values of most Americans. Who is truly out of touch here?

Obama's comments about blue collar, small town America (of which I'm a member), which were poorly expressed but easily interpreted by anyone with a brain stem, is that the working poor in this country have little to rely on but faith and guns when the government that is supposed to protect and serve them does neither. That goes for both Repubs and Dems. Of course, distortion doctors like Karl Rove and his ilk have seized upon this gaffe and manipulated the truth to serve their agenda. And Gov. Huckabee, as fellow Christians, we forgive you for your stupid, thoughtless "joke", but you're still a hypocrite. Senator Obama is not the perfect pill and won't be able to solve this country's problems in eight years, but continuing on the same path we've been treading with Bush is not going to improve anything. Obama may be our best hope. Time's up. We need a sustainable future, free of oil addiction, and free of gluttonous consumption. The cynicism must stop.

Pennsylvania   May 18th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Watch the above video on this comment...

Just before Huckabee makes that inappropriate joke or political gaff, he says something to the effect of... "I highly resent it, when people think, that those who grow up with firearms.... ..... are less likely to commit a crime because they understand what's right and what's wrong...

Funny huh? I mean ironically funny, that someone who knows the difference between right and wrong would make a joke of this nature. NOT FUNNY Huckabee!

aaron   May 18th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

poor poor taste.

huckabee should be ashamed.

this is exactly the kind of politicians we need to do away with.

obama 08

Set back   May 18th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

He was planting a seed. But if you think riots were bad then, you would not even be able to imagine them if something horrific occured again. Further more this country would be set back 100 years in race relations.

sj   May 18th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

What if....

Barack said this about McCain? or...

Hillary said this about Barack? or...

And especially...

What if..

Rev Wright said this about McCain?

The 24/7 Rev Wright Show would start up all over again!

I think it's pretty clear that white preachers can say what they want and support who they want without much consequence - think Hagee, Robertson, Falwell, etc. I'm sure like those folks, Huckabee will be welcomed into the White House for meetings and advice.

He now wants to be McCain's VP!

And one more note - he doesn't remember saying it! The fact that this very out-of-line remark would not even register in his mind as a disgusting comment, shows how engrained his belief that joking about a black being shot is just normal, every day banter.

smegma cheesecake   May 18th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

In light of what happened to Robert Kennedy in 1968, and to George Wallace in 1972, this is not something you joke about

Matt   May 18th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Obama needs to grow some thicker skin. He takes offense at everything. Is he ready to be president?

Jackie   May 18th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

I really lost respect for Huckabee..,..I am sure Obama has had many death threats, and this is no laughing matter.... "Out of the mouth speaketh the heart".....Pastor Huckabee needs to examine his heart.

ED FL   May 18th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

why does your bias choice cause well written correct spelling and punctuation not make it to the blog. I do not use cuswords but i do have a bad habit of telling what i think is the truth. You biased view or hardheadedness is no more a judgement than mine . What are you afraid of by allowing a viewpoint other than your own biased orders or opinionto express a more truthful comment. Here is another one you can hide or delete you cowards.

Ilona Proud Canadian   May 18th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Some of you folks are so quick to misconstrue and misinterpret another person's statements!!!! Why can't you give each other the benefit of the doubt? You are probably wondering what I am "talking" about. Well here goes, I am going to give you my interpretation of what Sen. Obama said about "Bitter, and Guns, and Religion".

When people (black, white, poor, rich, old or young) feel that their Government has forgotten them, that the President and all their Country's Leaders have turned away from them, and left them to virtually fend for themselves, what do you think they will do? they become disillusioned and "bitter" (hurt and angry, they develop a sense of distrust for anything and anybody that may be different)

They turn to the things that they know they can still trust, they can still hunt, no one can take their guns away , it is their right to bear arms. No one can take away their religion, they become closer to their God, they turn to each other for understanding and they take pride in their neighbours, while shying away from those who are different, whether the difference is in colour, values, it really does not matter because, they feel that they can only trust each other, no one is looking out for them. They turn to each other because they understand each other, they have the same values, they trust each other.

There is absolutely nothing shameful or hurtful in these feelings. Only people, who do not understand these people's core values, can find fault with what Sen. Obama said. The elitists jumped on this statement, and twisted it and wrung it and just misconstrued and misrepresented it until they could make it into something other than what it was intended to be. A strong sense of understanding for those people who have been taken advantage of, for far too long.

Joseph Adewole   May 18th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

A former Pastor? Let it be known that BO stands on the ROCK, also on the Word written in Isiah 54 verse 17 (No weapon fashion against BO shall prosper)

Willy   May 18th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Bad joke but stil funny

Naren Patel   May 18th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Mike Huckabee, a former Baptist Pastor: "I didn’t mean to offend anybody. I didn’t even remember having said it. I honestly had to go back and look at the tape.”
We have heard Rev. Jerry Fallwell, Rev. Robertson, Rev. Wright before and now Rev. Huckabee. Hmmmm...

Mary   May 18th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

I thought he was a man of God but now I know better. He has a sick way of joking and should be very careful.

Roryryn   May 18th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

hey, terry in florida....... you sum up the reason there is division in your country. Remarks off the cuff with no real rational... You are a plight to your cause.

lori   May 18th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Charlotte (who will write in Hillary)

I just watched Hillary say she will campaign her heart out for Obama.

I just read her fund raisers and Obamas are having meetings to mesh organizations and probably work at a way to pay off of her 20+ million dollar campaign debt .

Hillary is now a TRAITOR!!!

She is selling out to Obama!!!

There will be NO FLOOR FIGHT!!!

June 4th the SD's go to Obama.

June 5th she gets a check.

June 6th she and Chelsea are campaigning for him.

You will waste your vote on a TRAITOR??

She is nothing but a two faced politician – out for herself and her own profit.

I can't wait for Emily's List to crucify her. I can't wait for the 17 million she duped into voting for her to wake up and realize they've been sold down the river. TRAITORS should go live in Fl... and learn to duck.

Drew, Central FL   May 18th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Schmuckabee for VP. No thank you. It is the height of stupidity for a Southern White Baptist preacher to joke about guns being aimed at a black man.

I hope America is looking at all the putrid Republicans that come out to make light of this.

It's comments like these that continue to be at the heart of racial angst in this country. You can't blame the black anger for white stupidity.

This is what happens when one doesn't think before talking.

Betty from Idaho   May 18th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

What is Huckabee trying to do? We've already shot four Presidents including Lincoln, McKinley, Kennedy and Reagan. This country is way too violent to talk like that.

Carmen Agius   May 18th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

My Comment Is,that my Democrat party make me change and become a Republican, reason, the upseen advertizment of Obama Girl and shame on Obama and his compaign to allow that ,even his own daughter one time she told him but you have Mama ,and shame
on the democrat Party especially Howard Dean how they treated Sen
etor Former First Lady Hillary Clinton, and do not blame Hillary Clinton for loosing the Election you are choosing the weekest candidate
Registered Democrat Voting for John Mc Cain
Thank you Carmen Agius

Proud American   May 18th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

This is a prime example of why America is not voting Republican this time around. We dont need this kind of garbage coming from our so called leaders!

After further review,Texas   May 18th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Being a preacher he should know the boss is watching.Guess he found his degree in a box of crackerjacks.

Kofi   May 18th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

He can't remember saying it... *sigh*

Sean, Detroit MI   May 18th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Any gun carrying professional (police, security guard ect) or gun hobbist or hunting enthusiast will tell you that you NEVER aim a gun at anyone unless you plan on shooting them. When is it ever funny to joke about aiming a gun at anyone?? Especially at a meeting for the NRA, where members should know better. I'm sure it wasn't meant to be malicious, but it does reveal Huckabees ignorance.

Bush, your a sick sick man   May 18th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

"gary May 18th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

BEING A ARROGANT, HYPOCRITICAL ,RACIST BLACK MAN CANIDATE ,I WOULD SOMETIMES WORRY ABOUT THE REAL THING HAPPENING. IT WOULD BE A BAD THING ,BUT THERE IS SOME CRAZY PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT ARE NOT READY FOR A BLACK PRESIDENT. ESPECIALLY ONE THAT IS UNKNOWN AND UN QUALIFIED.OBAMA PLAYS THE RACE CARD EVERYTIME ITS FOR HIS ADVANTAGE ,AND SOME REDNECK ISN'T GOING TO DEAL WITH IT.THIS RACE HAS BEEN FIXED FOR OBAMA WITH ALL THE SUPER DELIGATES TRYING TO REUIN THE REAL CHANCE WE HAVE FOR REAL CHANGES(HRC). SHE WINS WV. AND OBAMA GETS ENDORSE BY DELIGATES. NOW IF THAT ISN'T A CROCK OF —-.THIS COUNTRY GETS WHAT IT DESERVES IF O.B. GETS ELECTED.YOU SCREWED UP OUR CHANCE BY ALL THE HATE FROM THE MEDIA AND O.B. SUPPORTERS TOWARD THE CLINTONS. WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND.DONR EXPECT US TO VOTE O.B. IN NOV. US HRC SUPPORTERS HAVE BEEN TRASHED ALONG WITH HER ,AND CALLED UNEDUCATED AND MANY OTHER CHOICE WORDS.WE DONT VOTE FOR A EMPTY SUIT. NOW WHO LOOKS STUPID. WE WILL GET OUR LAST LAUGH IN NOV."

gary, you've been posting the same disgusting attacks everywhere. you sir are bitter, and buy into fear, and you're not fooling anyone into believing your spin.

Barbara Eason, Richmond VA   May 18th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

You call that a joke? The bible says out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks, it lets us know exactly where his thoughts are. That was sad, I mean really sad.

58 white old ladies for OBAMA   May 18th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

HOW SAD.

NOT A LEADING REPUBLICAN CAME OUT & CALLED IT WHAT IT IS.

VILE, IGNORANT, VIOLENT, BIGOTRY.

WE ARE SURE, MARIN, ROBERT & JOHN DON'T THINK IT'S FUNNY.

alice2Fresno,CA   May 18th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Very Bad Joke Huckabee! Barack would Never Slip or Trip getting off a chair, More Like McCain would be falling down saying "Help, I've Fallen & I can't Get Up" Further; having thoughts like that about Obama is really disturbing, eventho you did apologize. I am surprised something of that nature would be on your mind at all. If Barack would have made a remark like that (& of coarse he would not have) we would never hear the end of it. Is the Press going to play this mis-spoken phrase of Huckabee over, over, again & again. ???

Fred, SD   May 18th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

If anything happens to Barack Obama the blood will be on Huckabee's hands. This country will NEVER recover from the pain of such a thing, or the stain of Huckabee's so called "joke".

We will undoubtedly be the laughing stock of the world and they will justifyably know we don't mean what we say. The Constitution won't be worth the paper it's written on.

Tone   May 18th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

lulled into a false sense of security there Mike, because you were among some of your closest friends. Did you forget you were standing in front of cameras. The truth is often spoken in the midst of friends and it seems Mike got a bit too comfortable. Guns and God yea thats the ticket, a bible in one hand and a shotgun in the other.

lou   May 18th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Huckabee was totally wrong to have uttered those word, whether he remembered saying them or not. A professional, adult, Christian minister should know better than to joke about taking a gun to another human being. I was firmly in Huckabee's corner until now.

Since being a Christian minister is a calling and he's supposed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and salvation, I'm afraid Huckabee is an example of what happens when we leave the calling of God on our lives to pursue our own agenda. In the end times, even the very elect will be deceived. This is a lesson for all of us, not just Huckabee.

tigerakabj   May 18th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

I think he just doesn't understand the courage Obama has to have to be doing what he is doing. Out of all the people he could have mentioned, he mentioned Obama. I think the fact that he was in an all-white audience, gave him a chance to let his hair down. He knew what he said. I'm glad his butt was booted out of the race.

Jim Franklyn   May 18th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

I think polticians have to yap so much that it is impossible not to stick their foot in their mouth several times a year. Huckabee's comment was totally inappropriate. Ironically, other than Edwards and Obama, he is the only Republican I would consider voting for. The last thing this country needs is Bush III. We have regressed more in 7 1/2 globally than all of our other presidents combined. He should have been cracking his joke about BUSH, then it would have been appropriate (just kidding)......

ERICA   May 18th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

It was a bad joke....he said sorry...get over it. Mr. Obama has dealt with far worse I am sure. The media is making it bigger than it has to be. If your a deranged person and hate Mr. Obama you would still be a deranged person who hates Obama even if you had not heard about the bad joke.

Why won't people give the Rev. Wright comments a rest? Have any of you people that have issues with Mr. Obama's church EVER been to his church or are you just reading what a reporter has written ( minus the editors having already gone and take out what they wanted)? My America will not be EXACTLY like your America so deal with it. Live the life of a Black Man in American and see if you view America the same.

People love to talk about Mr. Obama being possibly the first black president. I guess all these people are forgetting that he came out of the womb of a white woman. That makes him Bi-Racial. But oh I forgot the one drop rule.....

EA   May 18th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

What a joke some of you are out there. I'm sure half of you suffer fro small man syndrome or get beat by your hubbies. It's all you knobs out ther there that have no real clue of the issue or issues at hand who would even think of defending this kind of crap. He made a poor choice in an attempt at a joke, and granted he apoligized. Funny how months ago Huckabee was all ready to defend some of Wright's comments as a member of the church and now as he figures he's in the mix for a Veep spot he's a turn ccoat now. More of the same old crap of the Repubs trying to hide their white sheets behind a thunper like Huckabee.

Ann Marie   May 18th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

I dont trust those gun-happy people. Guns should only be allowed in contained hunting areas and shooting ranges and hunting should only be for food, not for fun. This whole idea of everybody having a gun for protection is ludicrous. Most people do not have the reflex or skill to protect themselves using a gun. If you want protection use a bulletproof vest. A gun is an offensive weapon not a defensive weapon. This whole Second Amendment thing came about when slavery was abolished. It's time for a change. Lord help America.

Ryan   May 18th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

"Stilted" really isnt the word I would choose to describe most responses to this article, so much as "obviosly biased." If Huckabee were consumed in the moment by the same carcinogenic partisanship thats plagued American politics, its easy to see how that can happen with the angry and rather unintelligent responses that seem to pop up on such a small piece such as this. Without actually responding to the article itself, because I really dont have too much of an opinion one way or the other, I would just like to say that before so many of you respond to Huckabee's self described "awkwardness" in such an angry way, I would think it would be wise to first look at yourself and your own response, lest you find yourself resembling all too closely the object of you ire.

william   May 18th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

YOU COMMENTATERS ON THIS ARTICLE REALLY ARE SOME OF THE MOST CHILDISH PEOPLE IVE EVER WITNESSED. GET REAL AND FOR GODS SAKES GROW UP PEOPLE. SELFISH IS THE MAN WHO CANNOT TAKE A JOKE ABOUT HIMSELF OR HIS OWN IDEAS. SOMEDAY WE'LL ALL THINK OF THIS LIKE STUMBLING ON THE CURB AT THE MALL. IT REAlly meant nothing except to the small people.

Jan   May 18th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Give it a rest, all you politically correct whiners! In today's world, people are chastized for any- and everything that is thought to be insensitive.

Sensitivity needs to go by the wayside and let people speak their minds before we elect someone who WON'T say what they REALLY mean . . . (Obama). He's danced around every issue and attempted to cover his tracks on many accounts. Obama is riding on charisma, which is dwindling very quickly.

Mr. Huckabee–you don't owe anyone an apology. It must've been a slow day for the media–and now the PC elite are making a feast out of it.

It shouldn't be a case of always having to think before you speak in order to see if your words might be offensive! TOO MANY "RULES" and government intervention (Obama and Clinton).

I support you, Huck!

Jan

Jennifer - American in Canada   May 18th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

No joking matter......ill chosen words. Huckabee mispoke but this is not funny. Three things that come not back:- THE SPOKEN WORD, the sped arrow and a missed opportunity......

Pennsylvania   May 18th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

What would Huckabee, or anybody for that matter, do if somebody "aimed a gun" at him?

It seems that even the NRA audience had a subdued reaction to the joke. They started to laugh at the beginning of the joke but then as Huckabee went on, they fell quiet.

Seems like his pandering to the audience and nonchalant attitude of guns really BACKFIRED on him!

Dee   May 18th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

This concerns me although he apologized. Had Gov. Huckabee played on Hillary's Bosnia story it could had been understandable and clearer but to just off the top of his head go to Obama ducking gun shots makes me wonder what he has said or thought in privacy. This scare me now about him. Is he seeking Senator Obama's harm that Arkansas will be on both ballots?
Politics brings out the sin, evil and ugly in many players now possibly a Man of God. God said he would exposed us.

kim   May 18th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Hukabee misses the whole mission of the NRA–guns are for hunting and protecting your property. For him to suggest that gun owners use guns to scare other people is the very reason that we need sensible gun legislation, which the NRA opposes. What an idiot!

Steve, New York, New York   May 18th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

A typical republican conservative -he thinks that only white judeo-christians deserve to be treated with any dignity, and "to hell" with everyone else.

Janet, OR   May 18th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

When you can't beat them, just make a joke about them getting shot, huh Huckabee?

You are an evil man, and I will never respect any party who thinks that joke was funny. I hate to be the one to tell you this but Barack is more than just a Democrat, he is an American. Deal with that, you son of a bigot.

Concerned From PA   May 18th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

I have to agree with Mike Huckabee. This democratic election process is so messy. Why don't we return to the Feudal system. We can arm all the democrats, and all the republicans, let them hide in the bushes, and let the best shot win.
I have to agree with Mike Huckabee... NOT!

holy   May 18th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Mike Huckabee = Hilary Clinton.

They both can NOT be VP nominees because of this Big MOUTH problems !

Live and Let Live!   May 18th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

"Gary " I am not suprised about the type of lies people like you spread on CNN bloggs. That is why you feel very comfortable supporting LIARS! I urge you to denounce what you have written, otherwise I wish you what you and your like deserve sooner than later!

bill for barack   May 18th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

What would Huckabee be saying today if a Democrat had made a similar comment about McCain ?
Would he think it's just as funny and just as benign ?
In some other countries his "apology" wouldn't matter. He'd already be jailed – or worse.

Mmimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   May 18th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

THE PREACHER IS VILE IGNORANT,BIGOT.

Obama Supporter   May 18th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

OBAMOBOT R2D2C3POOU812 2008

DESTROY MIKE HUCKABEE

HATE HATE HATE HATE

GNASH GNASH GNASH GNASH

SPIT SPIT SPIT SPIT

HATE HATE HATE HATE

END

james   May 18th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

A "bad joke that misses" starts with a line like "A priest and a rabbi are in a boat..." NOT with "someone's aiming a gun at." This is most un-Christian thing I've heard on the campaign trail, coming from the loudest propenent of Christ, oops, sorry, I meant himself, that is on the campaign trail. Contrast this sideshow with Barack's own humble handling of his faith. Who's the real Christian?

George   May 18th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Good old irrelevant Huckabee, trying to remind people of his sad existence

redneck in nyc   May 18th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

o and BTW, Rev Wright was a marine for 6 years, works constantly to feed the poorest and weakest among his fellow Americans, and has a big crazy mouth; therefore he is more Christian and more American than all you right-wing r3tards put together! YOU EITHER BELIEVE IN FREE SPEECH OR YOU DONT! read the U.S. constitution mouth-breathers

Anonymous   May 18th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

CNN... you have bad mouth to people against Hillary!!!!!

GOP SCUM   May 18th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

It was really funny...Ha ha ha ha!

Darn RACISTS!

GOP has always been full of gun totting, Black people hating, uneducated inbred scum!

Interesting   May 18th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Yeah right.....Just like those nooses, huh? How are you doing Obama and your supporters?

I wonder why Edwards said no to a VP slot. Yeah, they are willing to put Clinton under the bus, but not willing to destroy their own reputation in order to appease Clyburn and the large black base in the Democratic party.

How about we all say in unison: we like black people?

Chris   May 18th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

Am really shocked at the way Mike Huckabee and John Macain had tried to trivialized critically important national issues by often cracking meaningless jokes when they are asked very important questions.Mike Huckabee joked about gun being pointed at Obama in presence of the NRA when an issue bodering on the guns handling and control is being discussed, this really shows him as an unserious person with bad juudgement since he does not know when to crack joke,no wonder he couldnt make it in the republican primaries. Macain on the other hand tries to joke about his age when asked,he often refers to his 96yrs old mother in a bid to run away from the question. The truth is that age should actually not be a critical factor in choosing a president, if the candidate in question is both mentally and physcally fit, but how fit is Macain? he struggled with skin cancer shortly after loosing to Bush in the primaries, that required immediate surgery.So the question also is that is Macain medically certified to go throught the rigours of the presidential office given his medical records, I think clearance has to be sought from medical experts especially for them to comfirm that his battle with the cancer has been won totally. In addition,Macian has a temper which is very visible when he talks, he often moves his left hand in an aggressive manner to undersocred the point he is trying to make. he is an old man, and i think he should be mature enough to put his temper under check. in my opinion, these issues are legitimate ones and should be discussed.

M Johnson   May 18th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

This is a very clear example why Huckabee was not presidential material. It has something to do with intelligence, taste and judgment... not verbal agility.

temmydizzle   May 18th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

I am so surprised at the senseless jokes from Huckabee, a so called man of God. I wonder if he truely understands what the bibles tells us, and what he preaches to his congregation. Hmmmmm. Wonders shall never end.

Bush, your a sick sick man   May 18th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

"andrew May 18th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

You obo people make me sick! You people are weak and dumb. NO WAY IN HELL WILL OBO WIN!!! (he said it own it)
HILLARY'08"

Wow, I feel enlightened by your compelling statement. maybe all the Hillary uneducated white voters were right all along. Things like "nobama" and "bo stinks" and misspelled and poorly constructed one liners really make me see the light... Oh WAIT IT WAS JUST GAS!!!

sore losers.

you bore me.

Obama '08

mehrad   May 18th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Huckabee you should be ashamed of yourself.

Sammy   May 18th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

I hope that McCain has the foresight to do something really stupid, like crack a joke like that sometime in the next three months. That would make my year.

Steve Smith   May 18th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

I'm a republican and I must admit, after watching the video several times, the whole thing looks staged. Notice how he is not even surprised. It's as if he rehearsed it several times and the noise was his cue, but that is probably why it didn't come off as funny b/c it was staged into long detailed sentences, something you don't do when it's not staged.

Obama Supporter   May 18th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

I AM OBAMOBOT 2008-R2D2C3PO

WARNING: HUCKABEE TOUCHED A NERVE

RUN HATE PROGRAM.................

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: DESTROY MIKE HUCKABEE

DESTROY

IF NOT EQUAL TO DESTROY THAN RUN RACE CARD PROGRAM

END PROGRAM

redneck in nyc   May 18th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

hally-lu-yah! A gun-lovin bible-thumping creep who can really get out the neaderthal vote! His choice of words in his little joke speaks volumes about the hidden fantasies of so many scared little white men with big guns and tiny ____ in this country! I'm starting to think Huck is one of the most honest Republicans – he's not afraid to show how racist and crazy he is! OBAMA WE'RE WITH YOU MAN BUT PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR VP IS BLACK TOO!!! THESE BIBLE/GUN PEOPLE ARE SICK SICK SICK, THEY HAVE MORE IN COMMON WITH THE TALIBAN THAN THEY DO WITH THE FOUNDING FATHERS, THEY'RE JUST TOO UNEDUCATED TO SEE IT. God bless the WORLD. OBAMA '08 THE DUMB SHALL BE CONFUSED!

Math Wiz   May 18th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

This was a lousy joke.

A better joke would've been: "That was Hillary Clinton falling off her chair, avoiding sniper fire."

The security around the Obama camp has been a sensitive issue because- wait for it – there probably are some nuts out there who would sacrifice themselves to maim the presumptive nominee because the paltry issue that he is black. Lest we remind everybody, he is half white also. I'm sure Good ol' boy Mike knew right after he said it it was in poor taste, and probably refrained from any Hillary jokes because, let's be honest, the woman is a joke unto herself.

Canadian   May 18th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

Hillary or McSame said, 'Obama I bet is afraid of his own shadow!, and will not be OUR next President!!!!'

END this now Americans!!!! A Hillary supporter will not support Obama because he is afraid of his own shadow?????? Are you Americans that gullible??

CNN please post this!!

Eleanor   May 18th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

@gary.... you should be ashamed of yourself for comments like that
its because of people full of hatred and prejudice like you that this kind of racist bigotry still continues and CNN should not even give it post room!!!

This remark by Huckabee was twenty times worse than the silly* bitter* remarks by Obama and the media focused on that for over a week
You do NOT ever even in jest make a remark like that about any presidential candidate but especially a black candidate like Senator
Obama...lets hope he gave him a personal apology!!
Lets see if CNN posts this

BNB   May 18th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

Obama people have no sence of humor. Listen to populist speeches, you will never understand these jokes.

Huckabee, I liked your sharp joke! go ahead...

Dan   May 18th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

let me guess you now Huk haters also think OJ didnt kill his wife and Ron either, get over it, my goodness what a bunch of wimps you are

Lorna, NY   May 18th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Huckabee is a disgusting human being. He claims to be a minister??? How can the country become united when someone makes comments like these. He should have known better...I don't think it was a joke. I think he wanted to plant a seed. Judgment is thinking about what you say before you say it. He knew exactly what he was doing.

2sense   May 18th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

If I were Obama and heard gunshots I'd be on the floor.

Concerned From PA   May 18th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

I looked at the video and noticed that Mike Huckabee, someone whom I WAS actually fond of, even though I am an Obama supporter, after he spoke those words, he choked on his breath, or should I say gulped as he was trying to utter the following sentence, indicating to me he has a conscience. He immediately knew he was making a terrible mistake. Confronted with the tsunami of lost Republican seats coming in November, he is stooping due to the pressure. Desperate people do desperate things. If someone uttered those words about the president, the FBI would have them in a cell, and doing questioning. This is not good.

Stanton Gene Kawaihinano Otero   May 18th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Jeeze...,the degree of alert status Senator Obama's personal security detail must have been put on after Senator Huckabee's profundly inappropriate (actually, fairly insane remark is more accruate)...well, I'd be having team lead nightmares if I were in charge of Senator Obama's security detail.

Seriously, this is messed up, and Senator Huckabee is very lucky he is not being hauled off by Federal Law Enforcement and being held for futhur questioning.

Your average no name Joe / Jane public making this same remark surely would have been incarcerated.

Marcie, IN   May 18th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

It is not a coincidence that the only candidate who needed security earlier than any of the others is the only black candidate. And Huckabee in his own limited intelligence decided that he would make a joke of the only black candidate in the election getting shot. What an idiot. What next Huckabee, a joke about Hillary getting raped? This should be the death nail of Huckabee. If McCain even thinks about putting him on the ticket, he'd better think again.

Peter Damoah-Afari   May 18th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Let us pray that nothing bad happens to Obama. Should anything like what Huckabee said happens then many things will happen in America and around the world.

alexis   May 18th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

I find it lamentable that the "older generation" of politicians are making these racially-charged statements. Since when is pointing a gun at a Presidential candidate even remotely funny? I think the Secret Service should have stepped in to warn Huckabee. What is really pathetic is Huckabee's attempts to stay relevant to the dying gasps of the Religious Right.

Viva Obama 08   May 18th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Huckabee is actually the joke not Barack. You are not funny at all Huckabee. Go back to your church get more wifes and live a good life.

Manny   May 18th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Another nail in the Repugnicans coffin.

PB   May 18th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Mike you maroon, would you be so thoughtless to make such
a "benign" statement at an aiport these days?

Maybe not so "benign". Way to go preacher.

Call it down the middle   May 18th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Why are we even talking about this clown. Dah ha ha haha. That's Obama. This guy is a joke. I gotta say this in response to previous posts although its off the topic. I like certain things about all the candidates. John Mcain was a stand up guy in Nam' and should be treated with respect for his service, but his politics are garbage. Clinton and Obama are both dedicated to winning this campaign, and are doing everything in their power to win, but I believe Hill should gracefully bow out at this time. Although I respect her, its over. Obama deserves hate from nobody, nor does Hillary. They are presidential candidates, this is what they do to win. Although it the dem's namely Hillary is getting a bit messy. You'd try to win to if you were them, but you have to see the bigger issue. Are you willing to send our young to die in forigen lands to prove a point that you will not vote for the opposing candidate. If so you take yourself down to the Army recruitment center and ask to be sent directly to Bagdad, if your too old, send your children. I know people who have been hurt badly from this war and you people are talking about I'll write Hillary in, or I'll vote Mcain. Good for you, you'll send others to die, because you are too proud. I am ashamed to be a democrat at this point.

Common Sense and Unity in 08!

Timus   May 18th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Open mouth insert foot!!!

Joe Reg   May 18th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

The repubs are loosing it.

They are going nut.

And there are going for the door.

Bush, your a sick sick man   May 18th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

Was he actually suggesting at an NRA meeting that Obama getting shot is funny? There are a few of card carrying members of the NRA that are racists who have a very extremist view of america, and are very open about their freedom to shoot anyone they see as a threat, including blacks.

holley   May 18th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

anyone who defends this gomer pyle looking moran is just as stupid as he looks. Barak Obama has exposed you bigot idots for what you are , and thats the scum of america. white people should be proud of thier accomplished forefathers like Ben Franklin, Alexander Bell, Bill Gates and countless others , and i understand that many whites are proud of their history, but the ignorant always seem to overshadow the accomplished . its 2008 and skin is no longer in, stature and intelligence is the future. look inside yourselves and find something to be proud of other than waking up thinking ,"how can i tear someone else down". be like barak and michelle obama , struggle and put yourselves into a program of higher learning. you can do it!

R.I.F.   May 18th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

So if Obama made a joke about pointing a gun at McCain, would that be a benign issue? Every republican on earth would be calling for him to step out of the race beause of McCain's past. Well, beleive it or not blacks and change agents have been hung, shot and killed in the past so it is a big deal. A large group of mostly white, southern, gun toting good old boys laughing about a gun being pointed at a black persidential candidate is about as funny as watching video of McCain being held captive. Some things are just NOT funny.

Tim from PA   May 18th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

The joke was wrong for the plain fact that you just do not joke about pointing guns at people, and not because it attempted to make fun of Obama. Responsible gun owners know this, and that is why the room went so quite. Safety is the primary concern for a responsible gun owner, and it is jokes like this that can give gun owners a bad name.

democrat   May 18th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

The DNC and network like CNN and MSNBC are preparing to crown king BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, I will just switch my vote to McCain if Mr UNPATRIOTIC, ANTI-AMERICAN, FLIP-FLOPPER ,ARROGANT SO FULL OF HIMSELF,Obama gets the nomination.

Auburn   May 18th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

There is a saying, words spoken in jest are truly meant.

Khal Houston,Texas   May 18th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Hmmmm....his racism is showing....and his stupidity...I once had respect for what he had to say when he holding out...for a miracle..you remember...how out of touch he was...and he's still out of touch with the country and us "good " republicans...shame on you " Pastor Hucka "buck"....you use to make sense,when spoke...now you don't....your convienent amnesia is no excuse..!

Suziku   May 18th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

The people who are beligerant about Obama, saying he's afraid of his own shadow are plain stupid! There is a danger to him in this racist country of ours, just getting up and speaking in front of huge crowds, meeting people everyday is dangerous and he's an extremely brave man for running for this office. There is no excuse for nastiness and ignorance! Stupid people do stupid things, like vote for mcbush or hillarycrite! Mike Huckabee said a stupid thing and doesn't seem too sorry for his stupidity. He's definitely a wolf in sheeps clothing as the previous blogger said. Beware!

semp   May 18th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

The hump... The hump .... gimme the hump!

Crush Rush   May 18th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

This guy makes his look alike, gomer pyle,. look like a Genius.

Michael May 18   May 18th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

There goes Mr. Nice Guy! Things that people do say in private does have a way to come out to light. Come on, you were caught with your pants down! It is like the "sniper fire" that was not thought that there existed a video tape on the real thing. Sorry Gov. Huckabee you know exactly what you were saying, just stand by it, because you have talked and joked about such in private, otherwise you wouldn't have been so sponteanous. There is a saying that people a really joyful when they joke about what they really mena and believe in.

No matter what wicked minds wishes or hopes in reality, that Gov. Huckabee's joke will never happen! If you doubt God's power, watch and learn!

Christine V from Dallas TX   May 18th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

The media from CNN, MSNBC to FOX has stated OBAMA HAS WORK TO DO IF HE IS TO CONVINCE HILLARY'S SUPPORTERS!

I have to laugh because NOW EVERYONE REALIZES THAT HE WILL NOT WIN NOVEMBER.....

AND NO MATTER HOW DELUSIONAL THE MEDIA PERCEIVES THAT WE WILL COME AROUND AND VOTE FOR THE *PRODUCT* .....THEY KNOW
THE TRUTH....THEY KNOW THE DEMS WILL NOT BE UNITED...

WELL OBAMA SUPPORTERS THANKS A MILLION!!!! YOU BROUGHT THIS TO YOURSELF....YOU ARE HATEFUL, RACISTS BRATS.....

HAVE FUN BECAUSE NOW YOU NOT ONLY HAVE TO DEAL WITH US WHO IS LEAVING YOU ON YOUR OWN ...BUT NOW YOU ARE DEALING WITH REPUBS.......................

Tired of all the Flap   May 18th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

As Jack Cafferty from CNN put it "idiot" and "moran" for even suggesting a not funny joke by no means possible. This is a baptist minister that clings to guns by even being at the NRA convention and to say a thing doesn't do anything but makes suggestions to all of the crazys out here in this world or U.S. No wonder Huckabee did not go very far in the primaries because just as John McCain he flip-flops like a fish out of water.

Irritated in Oregon   May 18th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Let's see, Obama did community work in Chicago and probaly not in a real upscale part of that city. Places where racial tensions and gangs probably are everyday events.

Now you have the chicken hawks laugh at Obama and get their fun.

Now how many of you are going to laugh this off when confronting the mothers of the kids that die everyday due to gun violence?

How many of you are going to laugh when you see US Troops duck because of sniper fire?

How many of you have the bravado to go into areas where things are not so good and try to organize people, so they can have a better life.

No you just sit there being proud that you can laugh at a sick joke.

Hmmmm I wonder what would happen if any of the Chicken Hawks.... Bush, Chenney, Rove would stand there bravely with a gun pointed at them?

I would rather elect a person that has the courage to work with people, than people who want to solve issues by using violence.

Obama 08

Obama Supporter   May 18th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

I AM OBAMOBOT

RUN HATE PROGRAM

OBJECTIVE: DESTROY MIKE HUCKABEE

END PROGRAM

Mike from tx   May 18th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

It is not funny joke at all. Everybody will scare in the face of gun.
He should respect OBAMA and it seems he lacks respect of a leader.
He is A SHAME for Mcbush...........................
He needs to learn how to respect and hold dignity before coming to
microphone or just shut up.

Not Ready For Prime Time   May 18th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

If a newscaster or commentator had said what Huckabee said, he would be fired.

Chris   May 18th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

What scares me the most is that Hillary Clinton is waiting for "something absolutely unexpected" to happen to Barack Obama so she could still be the nominee for the Democratic Party. Is this what she is waiting for – somebody shooting Obama????

Bob from Pensylvannia   May 18th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

For those who call themselves CHRISTIANS but loves to hate, tell us why you think you can go to heaven if your life on earth is so full of HATE and CONTRADICTIONS. You claim to be Christians but you talk hate and preach hate. You embody in yourselves the whole evil things that the Bible says you should be liberated from. Your priest defend you and worst still give you ideas on how to hate, kill and get away from having to ever answer for those acts.
Big irony because they forget what they preach about. That there is hell and paradise.

For those cabals that hate Obama for whatever reason, my question is: Do you also hate his Mother? If you can't answer this question loudly within 2 seconds, then you are destined to burn in hell.

Thats what the Bible says of people like you.

Dan   May 18th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Unbelievable. This an outrageous comment, but one that seems reflective of the republican party and the type of people they are aiming at. I hope that the secret service is taking appropriate action to protect Sen. Obama.

forksmuggler   May 18th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Huckabee schmuckabee. He's a benign joke himself.

Ken   May 18th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Why is this joke bad? It's because Obama, who will be the the first black nominee of a major political party and a real chance to win the White House, will be a target of nutbags and idiots, much like the one's who breath hellfire hate towards him.

Why do you think he got Secret Service protection even before he was the frontrunner?

Huckabee just said what I think a lot of the Obama haters would like to see.

So no...it's not funny to me.

Lisa   May 18th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Why do all the Obama haters have to type in all caps? All they all screaming, yelling idiots? It appears that way when you attempt to read their comments. This so called joke wasn't funny....I don't care who you are. I would not have wanted to hear someone joke about aiming a gun at ANY of the candidates. Its tasteless and he knows it and so does anyone who has any sense.

kell   May 18th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

this was not funny NOT a joke. Why would a so called Christian make a racist joke towards a black man who just maybe our next prez????

Shame on you Huckabee!

The Truth   May 18th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Typical Repbulican comments.... ignorant, arrogrant, short-sighted, divisive, callous, insensitive.... plan dumb and STUPID! Rebulicians are doing what they do best, what they only know how to do..... incite fear and division.... divide and control....truly the works of the Devil. INTELLIGENT, CARING, INSIGHTFUL, HOPEFUL Americians have enough of this stupidity and hatefulness. IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE! ITS TIME TO UNITE THIS NATION! TO BUILD UP AND REPAIR ALL THAT THE REPUBLICIANS HAVE DESTROYED FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS!

Michael Kayongo   May 18th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

He is in the same league as Pastor Jerremiah Wright- Its preachers who need deliverence not the congregations they preach too.

R.I.F.   May 18th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Terry in Fl May 18th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

You just don't get it. Obama never injected race into this. The reason why race has become an issue is because Obama is black. I guess that means that no blacks should ever run for President because as long as one does, race is going to be brought up by the media. So even to say something like he should be scared and there will be consequneces is just plain stupid. Obama never asked for an apology and I'm sure he doesn't care about Mike Huckebee considering that he is irrelevant. You can dislike a candidate, but going along with this Huckabee joke and thinking it's cool is just stupid. I'm sure there were some jokes in front of gun owners about Martin Luther King and JFK before they were shot and killed too.

Charlotte,
No matter how many times you say it, no one believes that you are a true doemocrat so stop wasting those extra keystokes. I've heard you make a number of purely republican, right wing talking points that I seen right off of the pages of Rush Limbaugh's transcripts that he posts online.

Cory   May 18th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

You can tell always spot the people who aren't naturally funny by their own comments. It was an attempt at a witty ad-lib and while I listening to the clip I noticed it did not go silence like the article says. He got laughs about the gun line too, although they were mild compared to the initial laughter.

Obviously it wasn't the smartest thing to say but humor doesn't work that way. Funny people go for the laugh first and think about how they got it later. Regardless of what you think of Huckabee, the guy is funny. In hindsight, had it been a prepared moment, I'm sure the line would've been "someone picked up a gun near him and he dove to the floor" which would characterize Obama's fearful stance against the 2nd amendment. That's not how it came out though but I'll bet that was the point he was trying to make - he just didn't get there that well.

People are blowing this out of proportion. The guy apologized... let it go (and avoid cancer in the process).

Mike D.   May 18th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

>>I would have to no second thoughts voting for a black man for office

You're lying.

Diing in Washington   May 18th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Simply outrageous!.

Raphael   May 18th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

"Small Town Americans cling to guns and religion" Obamas words. This is not a joke this bigot said this.

All joking aside Obama is a bigot.

Go Hillary, if not Hillary Go McCain

tim   May 18th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

get a grip you angry people.

it doesn't matter what Huckabee meant. he clearly stepped over the line no matter if Obama is black or not.

b. Krause   May 18th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

It's not the issue that's insignificant or benign. It's the person who said it.

Al   May 18th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

I live in Florida, and it's idiots like Terry in FL that make me ashamed to be from Florida. Obama has not said a word about the incident, yet Terry takes an opportunity to attack him for no reason and blame him for the mess Huckabee made. I'd like to know how he has divided the country. Blame yourself for the racial divide. All Obama has tried to do is heal it, not profit from it. That's what Hillard and McCain have done.

Independent in Florida   May 18th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Let's hope he is not yet another preacher with a devilish mind.

Crush Rush   May 18th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

The NRA is run by the arms industry,not the people that own guns.They only care about money not lives lost.Every election they scare people by telling them they will lose their guns.What a crock.

Karen,   May 18th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Since Huckabee can't remember he said it( which seems to happen often by the Republicans) Maybe he should learn to think before he speaks.

JJT   May 18th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

You know what guys that is sick stuff. Man on man are we getting it all wrong. No time to waste look around is the time near? Get our own house in order before we throw stones (including me). Boy I wonder how many of us will be Left Behind? We are focused on the wrong stuff like black/white/. The real issue is this $3.93 per gallon gas and $6.00 gallon milk shall I go on. So to make a long story short if all you people on here making comments don't have in the bank or make atleast over $2 million a year half of these canidates don't give a crap about you anyway. So vote on people vote on because we have the right. The real question will be if Clinton, Obama or McCain get in office will things change or stay as they are? Also, will they only change a few things when they first enter the Oval Office and turn coat? Who knows all this is like a trip to Vegas a crap shoot, gamble and like the stock market it's never what it seems or what you want to get out of it.

Joe Reg   May 18th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Your words will come back to hunt you.

Mcsame.

jj langdon   May 18th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

it would seeem that it was a call for obama to get shot wow just to think it is a a slave master call

Tarr   May 18th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Terry in Fl. How much education do you have? You sound like a kid and I think you are racist.

Tom   May 18th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Pretty stupid, no question. Funnier if he said that it was Obama backstage who tripped over a chair after realizing where he was and was running for the door heading left.

Not Ready For Prime Time   May 18th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

I think maybe what made the noise was some part of Huckabee's artificial brain falling off the table where he left it backstage. If a newscaster or commentator had said this, he would be fired.

Jim   May 18th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

To all those who say Obama needs to quit whinning about it. Obama and his people have never mentioned it.

Diane Boyd   May 18th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

That was a lousy joke. I am surprised at Huckabee for making it. I thought he was a better man than that. Some of you on this blog are covertly making threats on Obama's life too. You need to watch what you say. Some of us can see through hidden messages.

Obama Supporter   May 18th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

SHUT UP LOSER!

WE ONLY LISTEN TO JERIMIAH WRIGHT!

JOIN THE POWER!

OBAMA '08

Mama Sue, Chicago, Illinois   May 18th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

The fact that 1) that was the first thing that popped into his head 2) that he didn't remember saying it 3) that he thinks it is being blown out of proportion – scares me to death. He had the potential to be president (or vice-president) of this country doesn't even have any sense that this is offensive or why.

Dan   May 18th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Regardless of race, regardless of your opinion on gun-control laws, regardless of the history in this country, this joke was at best disgusting. Why would any honorable person even joke about pointing a gun at someone else, much less a co-worker? The NRA is supposed to be an advocate for RESPONSIBILITY with gun owership. To paraphrase Charlton Heston "There are no bad guns, only bad people." Maybe the NRA should think twice before renewing Mr. Mike Huckabee's membership.

Go away Huckabee your true colors are scary   May 18th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Ever heard of a "Freudian slip" HMMM he can't remember saying it....
Scary what Huckabee hides behind his smile. Get him off the airwaves....

Dee   May 18th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

No, your just a lousy pastor.

Marian London   May 18th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

I believe it was meant as a joke but it turned out to be a very expensive one that could put other thoughts into people's mind. It isn't that most people have not feared for his life but we all believe that it is a worthwhile sacrifice to make even though we don't wish that on anyone let alone a young family plus we believe he has the right protection that he ought to have, having seen what happened to JF Kennedy and Martin Luther the King.

I just sometimes wonder why most of the bad decisions and jokes come from the Republican candidates. Is it because they have nothing substantial in terms of good policies to offer. Voters ought to think about that seriously this time around and consider that come November.

Mmimi De La Cruz for OBAMA   May 18th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

CNN PS.STOP MODERATING ME. TRUST ME I DID NOT SAY

WHAT THIS SLEAZE EVEN DESERVES.

YOU REPORTING ON THIS SICKO AGAIN FAR WORSE

THAN WHAT I SAID.

AND THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE A MAN OF GOD?

THIS MORON DESERVES NOTHING BUT CONTEMPT.

Richard Richmond   May 18th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

How ironic that the signs at the NRA meeting announced that "No Guns will be allowed in the Hall" and 14 metal detectors were brought in to protect the "Pro-gun" Republican politicians from their minions.

JM   May 18th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Well said B. Great leaders of previous generations have had their lives cut short in violence. This is nothing to joke about.

Monroe   May 18th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

It was the worst possible thing to joke about. But it wasn't as bad as the comments from "Terry in FL" above. Disgusting.

Mikki Israel   May 18th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

No actually Terry in Fl. you should be scared. It's obvious you are afraid of change!!!

Oh gawd…lets's make him apologize to the sensitive little man from Illinois....Where is the truth in that, Obama should be scared..We should being saying, "Oh gawd to your little comment."

I see no division from Sen. Obama...There is an awarenss, eye opening and realization of what has been going on in this country ...Racial and Social factors that need to be addressed and resolved..

all american   May 18th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

I think Huckabee just said a joke in bad taste. I don't beleive he ment any harm to anyone. And it should be left at that. The media does not have to make a big deal over everything said and done. There are more important issues the media has not paid attention to.with this election. Like Obama campaing in Kenya for his cousin Raila Odinga in August of 2006. o.k. hot shots why don't
you investage that?

Joe   May 18th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Considering the audience, I think this joke can not be blown off so easy. Something about a bunch of white, gun owning, republicans joking about guns being aimed at a black presidential candidate doesn't and shouldn't sit well. It was an off the cuff comment, but why would his mind go there? I think, oddly enough, if someone in Obama's camp had made a similar joke about McCain the fall out would be greater.

Mel   May 18th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

This isn't about Sen. Obama. When one improvises humor it is by nature revealing. Huckabee clearly has the unspeakable on his mind, if not in his dreams. I find it fascinating & deeply worrisome that a purportedly "Christian" man of the cloth has the unguarded reaction to use the threat of murder of our country's political figures as the kernal of a joke to advance his own political fortunes. This is another example of the cynical attack form of politics that many Americans find repugnant and seek to change before the country is irreparably lost to division.

sandra rutkowski   May 18th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Race has nothing to do with Obama. I would have to no second thoughts voting for a black man for office,but in this case I DO NOT TRUST Obama. If he spent 20 years under that doctrine then he agrees with it.

Kit   May 18th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

I don't like guns, I'm not a fan of the NRA, but Huckabee just messed up a joke. Then of course he has to say that he can't remember... misspoke, whatever. This is really a non-issue because NRA people are the last people who would joke about aiming a gun at people, especially in front of cameras. His just wasn't quick enough to pull together a good joke.

Thankfully, not that many people laughed at the second part. That would have been more disturbing.

Obama and Hillary supporter

JAMES   May 18th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

I THINK THIS IS HAS JUST BEEN A FEW OF MANY ATTACKS AND COMMENTS ON BARRACK HUSEIN OBAMA TO COME. AND WITH OBAMA NOT REALLY BEING SEEN AS TO BE ABLE TO TAKE A PUNCK LIKE CLINTON CAN MOST OF THE LIBERAL MEDIA ARE TRYING AS MUCH AS THEY CAN TO PROTECT HIM AND DENOUNCE ATTACKS AS UNFAIR AND UNFOUNDED. WELL I THINK THAT THERE SHOULD BE STRONG ISSUES RAISED, AND NOT JUST ABOUT WHAT YOU WOULD DO TO IRAN OR TOPICS LIKE THAT BUT ABOUT YOUR PERSONEL CHARACTER. I THINK OBAMA SHOULD BE ASKED OVER AND OVER ABOUT HOW HE IS SO NIEVE THAT HE SAT IN THAT CHURCH AND LISTENED TO WRIGHT AND NEVER HAD A CLUE THAT HE HAD THOSE BELIFES. ESPECIALLY WHEN OPRAH WINFREY WAS ABLE TO SEE IT IN A MUCH SHORTER TIME AND LEFT THE CHURCH IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME CAMPAIRED TO OBAMA SETTING THERE FOR 20 YEARS APARRANTLY CATCHING UP ON SOME SLEEP OR EYEING ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE CONGREGATION ACROSS THE ISLE OR SOMETHING. AND HIS WIFE SHOULD ANSWER ABOUT HER COMMENTS AND FEELINGS TOO. I JUST DONT HINK OBAMA CAN STAND UP TO THE BATTLE AND HILLARY WILL BE A MUCH STRONGER CANIDATE FOR US IN NOVEMBER. NO ONE WILL HAVE THE MAGIC NUMBER OF DELEGATES BY THE END OF THE PRIMARIES. AND THE SUPER DELEGATES DONT GET COUNTED UNTIL THE CONVENTION, SO LETS SEE ABOUT MICHIGAN AND FLORIDA FIRST THEN GET DOWN TO THE SUPER DELEGATES.
NOBAMA FOR ME THANK YOU!

Jim   May 18th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

I thought preachers could say whatever they wanted?? Isn't that what we've learned??

sandra rutkowski   May 18th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

If Huckebee was a democrat nothing would be said about his comment.

katmarie   May 18th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

I forgive him, but I will not be able to forget this major destructive gaffe. Yes in this time post Kennedy, King, Kennedy, all of which he lived thru, I feel that maybe these murders must not have had as much of an impact on him as it has on most of America. And then he while defending himself he still doesn't seem to get it... WRONG!

An American in Canada for David   May 18th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Benjamin Castinga May 18th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

This loser was a preacher? The real terror factories of the world are the churches of the south. They will sell Jesus' blood for oil these hypocrites. The true soldiers of the devil they are….

*************************************

HOW ABOUT THE ANTI-AMERICAN, ANTI-WHITE RACIST CHURCH IN THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHICAGO?
HOW ABOUT REV. WRIGHTS TERRORIST STATEMENTS?
.... CHECK YOUR OWN BACKYARD BEFORE POINTING FINGERS.

REMEMBER EVERYTIME YOU POINT A FINGER IN ACCUSATION AT SOMEONE ELSE; YOU HAVE THREE OF YOUR OWN FINGERS POINTING BACK AT YOU, THE REAL CULPRIT YOURSELF...

JanT   May 18th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

I'm so shocked that someone would consider that a joke....This country and the people in it have their priorities screwed. You guys can let something as serious in nature as what Huckabee said go but if anyone else says something it needs to be talked about for months, years and decades.

One last thing, speaking of divided this country has been divided for years and saying that Obama has or is contributing to that division is called, " you and people like you in denial". Once we face that there is a problem like those in rehab then will this country be able to get the help it needs. Because if you think your current president(if that's what he should be called) has made a difference in this country you are one of those people that can't think or do anything for yourself unless someone else comes up with it first.

And to the person that said Obama should be scared who are you?? Only one person should we all fear and that's the creator GOD. I'm sure he's not afraid because what GOD has for you noone can stop that from coming forth. So in saying that why don't you and the rest of your buddies get ready to "Hail to The CHIEF" Your next President Obama LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charlotte   May 18th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

I've read other comments that say a true democrat will not vote for McCain. What do you think of the Reagan Democrats? A lot of them, myself included, could not stomach the Democrats nominee. The same thing will happen if Obama is the nominee. You want to YELL race. Did dukakis lose because he was black? Did Mondale lose because he was black? Never mind the fact his doesn't salute the flag. Never mind that he sat in an Anti-American church for twenty years. Never mind he would rather vote present then take a stand. Never mind his wife is as Anti-American as he is. Never mind he can say he is for change and rely on the old guard for his support. Never mind he thinks of women as "sweeties". Never mind he has some very unsavory friends. Never mind he will meet with our adversaries, unconditionally. With a lot more 'never minds' in his resume, I will write Hillary Clinton on my ballot in November.

Demama   May 18th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Change change bo bange banana fana fo fange me my mo-oh mange–CHANGE!!!

Hilda   May 18th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

He didn't even remember saying it, and we worry about what McCain might forget!!! HE thought he would get great laughs and he made a fool of himself, just another loser trying to get attention again now that he is no longer a contender for President. Now he is out there lying about how great McSame is. I think he is joking about that too.

B- you made a great comment. I wonder if Hickabee still laughs about those tragedies!!!!

topdawg   May 18th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

I'm willing to bet that Obama has had a significant amount of death threats, and to say something as dumb as this.

Janel, St. Paul, MN   May 18th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

It was a thoughtless remark, and I can't understand where it came from, nor do I want to.

But Huckabee asked for forgiveness, and Obama–a Christian man–will do so.

Obama is the Man   May 18th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Obama is no coward He will be our next President.

j smith   May 18th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

If this was a lame attempt to portray Senator Obama as a cowrad, I'd respectfully like to ask Mr. Hukjabee, if some aimed a gun at you, what would you do?

About Time   May 18th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

I like the guy. He is a republican with a heart. The comment he made was grossly irresponsible. If you don't know what to say, don't say anything. Stick to your written speach.

Kenneth M.   May 18th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

White people can always make life altering statements for others right off the cuff. Its part of the privlage we live with. Oops did that happen cause I said that. Oh well, whats next on our list?

judasgoat   May 18th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

no this to me was no joke he stood in front of the n.r.a. a gun club and made that joke , he felt at ease huckabee was w/ his ilk a.k.a. the good ol boys and he let his hair down . which only goes to show a persons true colors in other words, THEIR REAL FEELINGS .look at the equation; white male from the southern region where racism festered for generations AND EVEN TO THIS DAY. you throw a rock hide your hand . then say i'am sorry. NO; THE DAMAGE IS DONE. no telling how many deranged , demented people out there WHO HATE THE THOUGHT of a black/white man being the first president of color. no your sorry is NOT ACCEPTED. you have upped the stakes of putting this man life at risk.

Mike   May 18th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Good old boy humor from a Southern Baptist preacher-politician. As American demographics change people like Huckabee become less relevant in the political landscape. Their day is over and it's long past due. Now is the time for enlightened thinking to emerge and lead this country.

Vig   May 18th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

It's too bad John McCain is a Republican and will keep the war going because I like him as a person much better than smiley face, superfical Obama. McCain is down to earth, has a sense of humor, has a life experience that has made him substantative as a person. But I can't take the Republican policies and 4 more years of Bush-like leadership. So if Obama gets the nomination, I am going to sit out the November elections. I won't be casting my vote for a "celebrity candidate" which Obama has become.

J.S.   May 18th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Karma has a special plan for Huckabee, Bush, Rice and especially Rumsfeld and Cheney. They will pay in the end.

Florida Sounds Awful   May 18th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

"I'm already seeing the racial dischord in my area."

For some reason I feel like "your area" is hardly representative of the United States. Just a hunch.

James   May 18th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

It wasn't funny, nor smart politcally. If Huckabee is chosen to be McCain's running mate, this little joke will come back to haunt him.

JJ from Arizona   May 18th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Huckabee is right. He knows it was a bad joke, he said sorry. Let it go. Haven't any of you made a joke and accidentally put your foot in your mouth? It's ok, Mike, no biggie.

Jack   May 18th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Let's get over this, shall we?

Huckabee is a genuine guy and I don't think he meant any harm

Antoine (Canada)   May 18th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

I OBSERVED AN ERROR:
Huckabee said "So all I would say is let people go back and look at what actually happened, and I think it’s a pretty benign interview."

But the headline says "pretty benign issue." Please correct. Thanks!

That was a very clumsy statement he made. Yes, he's a good man, and didn't have any bad intentions, but it goes to show how much the Republicans are willing to spin, and take advantage of the uninformed, "patriotic" gun-owners. Obama has to be ready to counter-attack these attacks from Rove, Romney, and McCain.

Rita Miller   May 18th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Is this a joke of a Christian man? Funny, I never read about Jesus using these tactics. Mike Huckabee is simply too redneck and uneducated to put on national TV. He is an ugly man.

marie c   May 18th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Why is everything about race now??? By the way, the "magic number" is now 2210. Count Michigan and Florida completely or even Michigan may not vote Democratic in Nov. 2210!!!!!!! 2210!!!!!

Susie   May 18th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

I suppose if you work really hard you can misconstrue this comment as racial. Obama has misconstrued everything the Clintons have said into racial comments. Obama has made this campaign racial-all those small-town white folks who will not vote for me are gun-toting, Bible-thumping bigots. Maybe he even believes this statement; maybe he is the racist; maybe he simply does not understand the way of life of small-town Americans who base their life on belief in God and nature (hunting). Clearly, anyone who believes they have had a hard time paying $10K for piano and ballet lessons for their daughters cannot understand people who can see how $70 could make a real difference in their lives.

I am a Democrat; I have voted for every Democratic nominee for President since Carter. I voted for Carter twice and still believe that Carter is a wonderful man. However, Carter was the most ineffective President I can remember. Obama simply cannot understand our way of life and the best I can believe about him as President is that he would be as ineffective as Carter.

Chuck   May 18th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Why would the mind of a preacher spontaneously think of saying something like that? Could it be that it was instilled in him since birth. Bigotry and racism are hard to break, even coming from a man of the cloth. Shameful.

oletu form denmark   May 18th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

the republican party has lost its focus and it no suprise that many of them can alter all sort of nonsense that is very offencive and dengerous to the american people.

Bob Yamtich   May 18th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

I am very scared because I want safety for all people. I hope for a world where nobody is afraid of being shot. A strategy to move closer to this is for people to stop shooting people, and also to stop joking about it. I ask for Mike Huckabee and all gunowners to sign an agreement stating thier hopes that Barack has a long and fulfilling life.

Janet, Pa., via Toronto   May 18th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Sometimes the mouth is quicker than the mental capacity!

That was a joke????TEE HEE

SS   May 18th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

We tend to forget the things we don't want to remember. What you said was a spontaneous reaction to your thought processes. Perhaps it was joke you shared with your buddies prior to you getting up and speaking.

REAL SKIDDISH HUCKABEE

Steve   May 18th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

The joke was stupid. As a black man hopping this does not happen to Obama for real I got chills when I heard it. But come on people, this guy is not a bad man. I know a lot of good men who make stupid jokes all the time. From what I saw of him during this campaign, I think he has a good soul. Too good in fact to be a republican. That's why they took McCain over him. Thank God for us!

Obama 08

Juan Grain   May 18th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

With the single split second sound of a crashing fold up chair, Vise Presidential wanna-be Mike Huckabee vomited his true nature onto the ears of prominent members of the NRA. Huckabee has given new meaning to the term "speaking in tongues". He might consider an inventory of his soul, or was he auditioning for the star role in Liar Liar part II.

A man is his thoughts manifest, and our truest self is that which requires the least control. How many times has he preached that a man that does not bridle the tongue is like a ship without a ruder being tossed to and fro with every gust of wind. And then to wait concerning an apology for the polls to indicate that he has lost favor with many that considered him a "good guy" and now question and are grateful that he did not advance further in his quest for the Republican nomination.

Yes Mike Huckabee, there is a God and he has lifted the curtain on you, or at the very least "You can tell a tree by it's fruit" and your fruits clearly indicate a fundaMENTAL flaw that needs not be anywhere near public office in a free nation.

Chris   May 18th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Huckabee, is that kind of joke the same that Jesus would make? Hypocrite! Out of the way, racist and ignorant Republicans...the Dems are on our way to take back this nation!

Funkemariechen   May 18th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

The NRA is a joke.
C'mon America, it's 2008 ...

kathe oakland, california   May 18th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

To all you Americans who say if Hillary/Bill are not nominee you will vote republican????? Guess what, you were never really American Democrats if you will give us your party because of your racist attitudes about a man of color as your commander-in-chief. That is what it says about all of you and I feel very sorry for you all that you would endure another 4 yrs of same old Bush politics just not to vote for a black man or even vote independent.
SAD SAD SAD.
And those of you who keep refering to Obama as unamerican, racist, and all that "crap" – you were never going to vote for him in first place. Your ignorance is evident by your totally insane comments. The world is changing and you are not ready for the future. I feel sorry for all of you who will not vote for reasons of one being a female, one being black – you have no clue about the future of this country, this world -
WE ARE ALL A PART OF IT and CHANGE IS COMING
whether you like it or not, whether you vote or not, whether you live or die CHANGE IS COMING THANK GOD

GO OBAMA GO DEMOCRATS GO EVEN HILLARY

Y   May 18th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

A black man running for President in a racist country is one of the boldest things a person can do. Obama has proven himself to be a strong leader. As a strong leader he's been able to look beyond the childish, immature behavior of some citizens, turn the other cheek and continue to lead. Obama is doing America a favor by running for President. It's time for America to grow up.

jennym   May 18th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Huckabee - sit sown – you are no longer running. You are not a comic. This was NOT funny and NOT benign. I can't believe you are still on TV . and this remark hopefully put your VP aspirations in the trash.

Sa from MI   May 18th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Seriously, was he trying out for Last Comic Standing?? – bad joke – thow him out of the stage.

MT   May 18th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

It is not a joke... This is what republicans have in their mind!!! Remember 1960s... That is how they treat fellow americans who are ideologically against them...

kwasi Koo   May 18th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

I thought this guy was a man of faith...a preacher? This shows how racist america is....for a to be president making just joke and to lie that he could not even remember making it...wow....americans or maybe the republicans are evil! ....and he wanted to be president? How can a presidential candidate utter such words? here is an inward look at the rebulican party....these guys are haters, fear mongers...anmd would say and do anything to be popular...or win votes or stay in power.....this is very fearful.....i just cannot believe someone like this guy will say such a thing....

Leslie of Garden Grove, CA   May 18th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

People just cannot fathom that an amazing man like Obama, CAN and WILL win the white house come November.

Roosevelt, Kennedy, Obama...the tide will turn. Bring on the revolution!

lizzie   May 18th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Terry in Fl: Obama hasn't complained about the joke. However, I take exception to it. I thought it was in poor taste. Doesn't mean Obama can't be joked about, but some jokes just fall flat. This one sure did.

Tim from Ohio   May 18th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

This is only a diversion from the real issues. Yes, Huckabee made a mistake and apologized, and I appreciate that. However, Nobama hasn't apologized for all of his ill sayings. He is disgusting. His candidacy for president has done more to hurt race relations than to help it.

Independent   May 18th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

There is no excuse for that statement. Anyone could have come up with a more tasteful off the cuff remark. I no longer respect Gov. Huckabee. If he is McCains choice, that will put another nail in the Republicans coffin.

Huckleberry_is_a_lunatic   May 18th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

This "Gomer Pyle" is nothing but another bible-thumpin', rifle yielding, sex deprived republican. They suck in bed so they turn to religon and guns for solice. Let's ship him back to Mayberry where he belongs.

Doreen Augusta Maine   May 18th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

I can't believe Huckabee - he doesn't see a problem with his stupid, ignorant remarks. He has certainly shown his colors. He was on Meet The Press this morning as one of the press commentators - Meet the Press had better never have him on again. Let this man spread his Republican, narrow-minded viewpoints somewhere else. What is it about these people - how can they possibly be so ignorant?

Overseas Bratha   May 18th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

The wolf has come out of the sheep's clothing ... He never was the decent guy he made himself out to be. B is spot on ....

Montana is Obama Country   May 18th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

"I honestly had to go back and look at the tape.” When people say this ..it means they are Lying...

To bad for Huckebee.. I think his minimizing is very disrepsectful. He should own up.........with less excuses..

Huckabee looks like an....... "appeaser".......

New Poll: ...80% of Americans say America is on the wrong track.. With comments like this I can agree .. We..Need..Change...

Yes...We...Can....

Jan From Boca Raton, Fl   May 18th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Huchabee was just making a joke, but the Obama campaign blew
it all out of context as usual to get attention..

Obama people need to quit whinning.

JJC1138   May 18th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

It was a really silly thing to say, but it was clearly off the cuff and I'm sure he wouldn't have said it if he'd had two seconds to think about it. He's a decent guy and he's apologized. Let's move on.

kim   May 18th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

I can't believe pundants are letting him get away with this, no excuse!!!!
Fox ( fair & balanced) brushed it right off, well we all know where they stand.

Christiane   May 18th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Mr. Huckabee, first think- then speak

John   May 18th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Simple Obama takes a bullet so will Huckabee. I will make sure of that.

Ted   May 18th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

This man was/is a minister. How does he justify his hateful remarks while pretending to be a Christian? I have absolutely no respect for him and I have do doubt that he is a bigot.

Sunshine   May 18th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Huckabee should be arrested for "INTENT" & Bush-McCain for "TREASON."

Chicagoan   May 18th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Here is my suggestion for Huckabee, same as Olbermans' for Bush:
"SHUT THE HUCK UP!!!!!!!!!!"

kathe oakland, california   May 18th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

GIVE ME A BREAK Huckabee – you say you do not rememer saying it and you may be a running mate to a 70 yr old McCain – GOD HELP US!
And you thought about what you said and your meaing was offensive to any American as it incites violence and gives some in this "crazy" world ideas – was that your intent as you seem to feel it was just an offensive comment – IT WAS DANGEROUS GET IT!!!!!

And since CNN seems to censor when we can respond to Clinton or McCain, I want to say to HILLARY/BILL CLINTON THIS

so because I have a job, healthcare, able to buy gas, feed my family – then you are not interested in my vote nor are you concerned about Americans who are making it barely???? Just the poor, uneducated, white folks is that it Hillary. You said it, you were quoted as saying you were "not interested" in us hard working Americans unless we are poor, jobless and uneducated – that is what you said.
Well let me tell you something Missy – I never had a single thought about voting for you CLINTONS, and I am a female, an african american female and I resent your comments period, as usual. You and Bill have run the most racist, divisive, dishonest campaign I have ever seen and then you say on national TV in an interview – you are sorry campaign has so much racism in it?????? You/Bill KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE DOING. But, you know what Clintons – NOT THIS TIME are Americans fooled by your deception NOT THIS TIME. And hey if you were the candidate, I would indeed write in, shout in on my ballot BARACK H. OBAMA, just for the record.

GO OBAMA

FreshAir   May 18th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

clueless

Jamaal Kansas   May 18th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

The Republicans and there scar tactics trying to drum up fears about Barack Republicans are low and they deserve every lost election this year!

j. tonton   May 18th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

WHAT AN IDIOT THIS MAN IS. HE TRIES TO MAKE A JOKE..... LATER ON HE APOLOGIZES FOR HIS OWN JOKE. WHAT A WASTE OF RESOURCES. IMAGINE IF THIS IDIOT WAS OUR REPUBLICAN NOMINEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO NEED TO SAY, SEN. B. OBAMA IS INDEED A DECENT AND EXTREMELY WELL EDUCATED AND EXPERIENCED POLITICIAN AND AMERICAN PATRIOT. EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD BE PROUDE OF HIM.

al   May 18th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

The scrariest thing isthat the joke at a meeting where the VIce President (Dick Cheney) was and he was LAUGHING also.

Yes its was a CLAN meeting.

andrew   May 18th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

You obo people make me sick! You people are weak and dumb. NO WAY IN HELL WILL OBO WIN!!! (he said it own it)
HILLARY'08

Enlightened Voter   May 18th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Typical Republican, typical republican thinking and actions. I don't know how any enlightened person could ever in good conscience be a republican.

HyeWave - Glendale, CA   May 18th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Looks like mr. Huckabee is having the early symptoms of brain tumor that is producing tasteless "humor"...

Obama for Life   May 18th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Wow, I am a true Democrat, but I had a liking of Yuckabee, but now I have doubts.....

Bush, your a sick sick man   May 18th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

"B May 18th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Hmmm…ask Dr. Martin Luther King, Pres. JFK or his brother Robert if this was funny and blown out of proportion. Huckabee, you, sir, are a disgusting bigot. Comments like these from members of your party are precisely why McCain was booed at Dr.Kings rememberance, The Republican party might as well be called the Former Slaveholders Guild. Disgusting."

We can add John Lennon to that list.

Brian   May 18th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Talking about shooting yourself in the foot. What a moron!

Bitter Allen Hussein, Visalia CA   May 18th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

What Huckabee said was incredibly stupid but as an Obama supporter, I accept his explanation that he put his foot in his mouth. When everyone else was piling on Obama during the Jeremiah Wright controversies, Huckabee defended Obama. Therefore, I think Huckabee is a decent man who said something really stupid!

Pam   May 18th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

The fact that the thought even occurred to him speaks volumes.

Bush, your a sick sick man   May 18th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

"Obama Supporter May 18th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Why would this man hate a wonderful man like Senator Obama?
What Huck-bee said was not right and should do more to let the American people know that he will never ever say anything against the great Senator again. We all must at this time Unite, Yes WE Can Hate the Clinton's and the supporter's> Hate McCain and the supporter's we don't need anyone in the fall we can Hate Hate Hate all the way to the White House

Obama 08"

You are a dangerous person, whatever your motivation is.

Momma for Obama   May 18th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

why can our politicians just concentrate on the issues, instead of attacking the opponent? these are old politics, he, like Bush, McCain, Clinton and Limbaugh only know "smear tactics," why can we move past that?

most other developped nations, dont even touch such subjects, but concentrate in the real substance, ...........

no wonder why we are where we are in our country,...economically, socially adn all levels..
I think clinton, gop, bush, mccain, huckabee,limbaugh all should author "the book of political lies.. how it works and how to use it, all tactics for all tastes... it works."

Daniel   May 18th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Mr. Huckabee:

How can you possibly say that "aiming a gun at a presidential candidate" is a benign issue?

ARE YOU COMPLETELY INSANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gary   May 18th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

BEING A ARROGANT, HYPOCRITICAL ,RACIST BLACK MAN CANIDATE ,I WOULD SOMETIMES WORRY ABOUT THE REAL THING HAPPENING. IT WOULD BE A BAD THING ,BUT THERE IS SOME CRAZY PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT ARE NOT READY FOR A BLACK PRESIDENT. ESPECIALLY ONE THAT IS UNKNOWN AND UN QUALIFIED.OBAMA PLAYS THE RACE CARD EVERYTIME ITS FOR HIS ADVANTAGE ,AND SOME REDNECK ISN'T GOING TO DEAL WITH IT.THIS RACE HAS BEEN FIXED FOR OBAMA WITH ALL THE SUPER DELIGATES TRYING TO REUIN THE REAL CHANCE WE HAVE FOR REAL CHANGES(HRC). SHE WINS WV. AND OBAMA GETS ENDORSE BY DELIGATES. NOW IF THAT ISN'T A CROCK OF --.THIS COUNTRY GETS WHAT IT DESERVES IF O.B. GETS ELECTED.YOU SCREWED UP OUR CHANCE BY ALL THE HATE FROM THE MEDIA AND O.B. SUPPORTERS TOWARD THE CLINTONS. WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND.DONR EXPECT US TO VOTE O.B. IN NOV. US HRC SUPPORTERS HAVE BEEN TRASHED ALONG WITH HER ,AND CALLED UNEDUCATED AND MANY OTHER CHOICE WORDS.WE DONT VOTE FOR A EMPTY SUIT. NOW WHO LOOKS STUPID. WE WILL GET OUR LAST LAUGH IN NOV.

Bush, your a sick sick man   May 18th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

It just takes one wacko to read too much into this, and the media is feeding this thing way too much. STOP IT before someone gets hurt. Very irresponsible.

shannonL   May 18th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

yes, it was a terrible joke....hard to even consider it a joke.

you can't be VP

Spider   May 18th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Wow, what an idiot!! Hope a door doesn't slam off stage while giving his speech at next week's American Rope Makers annual convention.
Handlers will need to watch him carefully the week after that also. Hubcaps 'R Us and National Watermelon Growers, back to back.

Dave   May 18th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

This was insensitive and careless joke that should have never been uttered. Whereas I do not think, he meant, it does reflect part of humourous character..I think he should own it and learn from and know that uttering careless jokes is part of his weakness.

Dave   May 18th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

This was insensitive and careless joke that should have never been uttered. Whereas I do think, he meant, it does reflect part of humourous character..I think he should own it and learn from and know that uttering careless jokes is part of his weakness.

goawaymongers   May 18th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

This man is a real "good old boy"-but the joke was utterly indefensable in times like these. Time for CHANGE! Time for OBAMA!

Chris   May 18th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

He "didn't even remember having said it"?

Apparently it's a requirement for prospective Republican nominees to be unable to recall every time they've put their foot in their mouths. Stands them in good stead in the case of the eventual subpoena.

B   May 18th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Hmmm...ask Dr. Martin Luther King, Pres. JFK or his brother Robert if this was funny and blown out of proportion. Huckabee, you, sir, are a disgusting bigot. Comments like these from members of your party are precisely why McCain was booed at Dr.Kings rememberance, The Republican party might as well be called the Former Slaveholders Guild. Disgusting.

Benjamin Castinga   May 18th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

This loser was a preacher? The real terror factories of the world are the churches of the south. They will sell Jesus' blood for oil these hypocrites. The true soldiers of the devil they are....

Obama Supporter   May 18th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Why would this man hate a wonderful man like Senator Obama?
What Huck-bee said was not right and should do more to let the American people know that he will never ever say anything against the great Senator again. We all must at this time Unite, Yes WE Can Hate the Clinton's and the supporter's> Hate McCain and the supporter's we don't need anyone in the fall we can Hate Hate Hate all the way to the White House

Obama 08

Leslie of Garden Grove, CA   May 18th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

*crickets chriping*

Terry in Fl   May 18th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Oh gawd...lets's make him apologize to the sensitive little man from Illinois. God forbid anyone joke , much less state the truth. Obama should be scared. He has divided this country along the racial and social lines and there are going to be consequences. I'm already seeing the racial dischord in my area. We'll all be ducking before it is over with.

Hillary Or McSame   May 18th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Obama I bet is afraid of his own shadow!, and will not be OUR next President!!!!

Ardnuas   May 18th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Voters.... this man is a WOLF in SHEEPS clothing.....Don't be fooled by his smile.... he "thinks" like BUSH and MCCAIN. BEWARE!!!!

Tony   May 18th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Mike Huckabee's speech would make a lot more sense except that even the CHRISTIAN faith says WE ARE ALL SINNERS and this world will never be fully righteous until Jesus returns.

His speech would also make more sense if Bush had not gotten the country into a major debt with unnecessary wars. Big government does not mean more social programs but simply more tax payer money being used for government agendas.

And since Huckabee is a CHRISTIAN PASTOR, I hope McCain will denounce and reject him.

JW   May 18th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Look Huck, shooting from the lip is one of many reasons you finished that crackpot Ron Paul.

NC   May 18th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Let me get this straight.....joking about pointing a gun at Obama is "benign" but "bitter" is a story for days.....Okay got it.

Billion   May 18th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

you are brutal huckabee. to think i had once thought you were 'ok' ... its best you go back to arkansas and start farming like you should be

Nelson   May 18th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

These are the comments that divide a nation and puts out negative ideas out in to the community! Is this what you call a rapturist christian. Shame on you Huckabee!

John   May 18th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Sure, it meant nothing.

Anyone believe that? Anyone? Hello?

ntoreality   May 18th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

This is a perfect example of the phrase "politics of the past". The American people have finally come out of the cocoons that they have been in for the past eight years. There is no more anything and everything goes anymore. Throwing things against the wall to see what sticks is their only hope of staying in power. And as I was told when I was a small child, you can do anything until you get your hand slapped, which goes the same for these types of comments.

LINDA LAUTERIO   May 18th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

I thhink MCAINE is to old, and HUCKLBERRY is to far to thr right. I'am voting for OBAMA and here in California a lot of people are voting for OBAMA 2. LL

zorba   May 18th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Huckabee was the last Republican f or whom I held respect. No more. Pandering to the NRA with this tasteless, partisan joke when so many of our great African-American leaders have fallen to gunfire is absolutely inexcusable. And he can't even remember what he said. For shame, Mr. Huckabee.

David, Paducah, Kentucky   May 18th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

I really liked Huckabee until now. He was not only out of line with that joke, he now insults our intelligence by saying he didn't remember saying it and had to go back and look at the tape. He's an idiot and a liar! He's a former politician who now wants to be an entertainer. It appears he wasn't good at either job. I have lost all respect for a man who I thought I really liked.

David Goldman for OBAMA   May 18th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE LOW CHARACTER

OF MORON HUCKCRAP.

58 white old ladies for OBAMA   May 18th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

SCUM BAG!!!!

Snyggast   May 18th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

It's OK because he's Christian. Christians are allowed to make racist comments.

58 white old ladies for OBAMA   May 18th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

SCUM BAG!!!

Joe Reg   May 18th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

God is watching your words Mike.

Thou shalt speak no evil.

The repubs are in much trouble than we think.

58 white old ladies for OBAMA   May 18th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

SCUM BAG!!

58 white old ladies for OBAMA   May 18th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

SCUM BAG!

A.Masabo Canada   May 18th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Shame on u HUCK OR BEE...u didn't remember said it????Alzheimer or what???

Sharon Minesota   May 18th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

CNN moderators, it's over, close out this blog. So, he's not so funny. I knew that all along. Tha's why John McCain is the republican nominee. He may be old but his jokes and humor is right on.

White Male -CA   May 18th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

It was a veiled threat.

Huckabee doesn't joke around.

Mary - Independent   May 18th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

What is happening to the Country, that if you make comments, you later apologize for them. However, some certain types of people can make comments and they do not have to later apologize. First of all, we still have Freedom of Speech and Huckabee should not have to apologize for making a joke about Obama. How come Obama's supporters can make comments, whether good or bad, and they don't have to apologize for it? Double standards and not fair. No one should have to "walk on eggshells" to be sure they don't offend the wrong person! In addition, this Country needs to get a grip on racial prejudice and get along!

cnn rocks   May 18th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

there is nothing you have to say suckabee that would redeem your image,as jack cafferty said you are a complete idiot.
God will protect obama.

Danielle   May 18th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Huckabee joked, “That was Barack Obama. He just tripped off a car. He’s getting ready to speak and somebody aimed a gun at him, and he dove for the floor.”

His socalled joke was extrememly scary and racist. How do you make a joke about shooting the FIRST POTENTIAL BLACK PRESIDENT???? This is ridiculous, this right here, explains why this primary is still going on. A lot of people are scared, terrified that a BLACK MAN will be in charge, will be answering calls at 3am; they are afraid of change; its one thing for a women to be president, at least shes white, but for a Black man?? people arent havent it, and thats the ONLY REASON WHY THIS PRIMARY IS TAKING THIS LONG. America will never get over its racial tension until it admitts its still an issue and apologizes for its years of discrimination. This is a disgrace to America and its leaders.

Joe Reg   May 18th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

No wonder why you did not go far.

The repubs are doomed.

America has had enough now.

It is no laughing matter for the people.

HGH   May 18th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

I'm pretty sure nobody cares...

Mickey Mouse in 2008!!!

Tell It Like It Is   May 18th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Proving he's not a worthy candidate for president

Elisabeth   May 18th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

"Sweetie" is worse!

LT for Obama   May 18th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

He may find it benign but I found it offensive. Anytime you joke about pointing a gun at anyone is NEVER funny.

He apologized but I am sure this was a Freudian slip and underlies what he really thinks.

After further review,Texas   May 18th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

He should have just shot any chance of getting on McCains ticket for veep.Freundian slip?This makes his look alike,'Gomer Pyle" look smart.

oh Puuuleeeeze!   May 18th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

The line wasn't blown out of proportion. Your back hills, Arkansas humor got your butt in trouble. Suck it up, admit you made a mistake. Then get back on the campaign bus you're living in since your campaign cratered, go pick up Hillary, and go home.

HOPE! hope! HoPe!   May 18th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

not funny!

Brandon in Indiana   May 18th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Swing and a miss

Franky   May 18th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Don't worry Mike, is cool. I believe you, I really do. If I like a person, chances are you will have my deepest respect. Mistakes are always made in life, don't worry......

The Lord has died for our sins, not for our mistakes.......

Damoah, Hong Kong   May 18th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Yes, he thinks this is a joke. Let Obama be shot and we will see what will happen in America and all corners of the world.

Jan From Boca Raton, Fl   May 18th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

I don't think Huckabee meant anything, he was just trying to make a joke and the Obama campaign had to blow it out of proportion
to get more attention.

How Sad.

Sharon   May 18th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Huckabee you stupid idiot. You just shot yourself in the foot.

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   May 18th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Racist !!! Plant the seeds – you are NOT a man of God. You are awful. I'm sorry I ever listened to a word you said !!!!

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