September 3, 2008
Posted: 10:03 PM ET

From
Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee spoke at the RNC earlier this evening.
Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee spoke at the RNC earlier this evening.

ST PAUL (CNN) — Mike Huckabee’s is the first speech so far that really seems to understand the voters’ point of view.

People are hurting economically, and looking for real change. And he’s a good man to deliver that message — Republicans always do best with candidates not born to wealth and privilege, like Eisenhower, Nixon and Reagan.

Huckabee also hits the right notes for this crowd: To these delegates, Europe = socialism.

A good line from Huckabee, if it’s true: Sarah Palin got more votes running for mayor of Wasilla, Alaska than Joe Biden did for President of the United States. Then again, he was only an active candidate in one state – a caucus state, Iowa. And he’s a sitting senator, who drew many times that number of votes in his last statewide election.

There was a touch of authentic populism there in Huckabee’s speech – but I’m still waiting to hear talk about what they’re going to do about the economy. That’s what voters want to hear.

Still very little about George Bush.

Filed under: Bill Schneider • Mike Huckabee • Republican National Convention


Amy-Texas   September 3rd, 2008 11:29 pm ET

Wow CNN you are truely amazing you close all the treads about Palin and only let the liberals get to post on there. Shame on you CNN your network and your thread board is ridiclious. Too bad Obama is going down and you are sinking with him.

fred   September 3rd, 2008 11:28 pm ET

It is true because Biden dropped out right after the Iowa caucus. While he was running for president, he received less votes than Palin did while she was running.

baljeet   September 3rd, 2008 11:26 pm ET

Mccain is the man.. Yes we can and we will !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RNC ticket holder   September 3rd, 2008 11:25 pm ET

Too bad Arnold Shwartzenegger didn't show other wise they be saying Arnold's last name over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. The GOP likes to say that word behind close doors after the finish praying.

Evie   September 3rd, 2008 11:24 pm ET

Sorry, I said $20,000 a month. That is $20,000 a year!!!

RNC ticket holder   September 3rd, 2008 11:24 pm ET

Why they don't just come out and say it already! C'mon GOP, say it! You hate them "N's".

RNC ticket holder   September 3rd, 2008 11:23 pm ET

The GOP is going to do to Obama when he wins the house what they did to Dr. King in '68. Yes, the GOP is a very hateful faction.

Velina   September 3rd, 2008 11:22 pm ET

The Republican convention, and in particular tonight's convention speeches, have confirmed I am making the right decsion in voting the Democratic ticket. Not only am I witnessing a convention with very little diversity - I am extremely ashamed and horrified at the level of personal attacks on the Democratic candidate. The Republicans have fallen back on old tricks - when you can't win on the issues - go on the offensive about non-issues. Shame on you Republicans - its time for a real debate / discussion of the issues.

george   September 3rd, 2008 11:21 pm ET

WHAT THE….CNN?? SOME UNKNOWN NAMED "SCHNEIDER" HAS SUDDENLY WRITTEN ABOUT 12 PRO-LIBERAL BIASED ARTICLES WITHIN ABOUT 3 HOURS. SO MUCH FOR SUBJECTIVE REPORTING. YOU EVEN CUT OFF COMMENTS IN *ALL* OF THE ARTICLES WITHIN 10 OBAMABOT COMMENTS EXCEPT THIS ONE WHICH IS THE OLDEST??

RNC ticket holder   September 3rd, 2008 11:21 pm ET

All I've heard from this party is nothing but hate speech and untruths.

Pretty soon they are going to claim that they never voted for Bush.

Greg   September 3rd, 2008 11:19 pm ET

Anybody seen Larry Sinclair? except blobama!

Pat   September 3rd, 2008 11:14 pm ET

l am Canadian and I have been following the whole political thing and I'm a little confused. I am shocked to hear people some people I have seen interviewed say they will vote for the other party, because of ethnicity or because there is a woman on the ticket, or worse yet won't vote at all because their candidate wasn't selected. I thought voting was about electing the person who most closely shares your views and most importantly, the right person to lead the country; state/province, city etc.. Not the race gender or age of a candidate. , Maybe I'm a little naive but when I vote, none of those things matter to me.

Marc   September 3rd, 2008 11:12 pm ET

If you reallly listen to Republicans speak ?? they all play the same tune which is the LOONY TUNE >>>> and no one really is taking them serious.

Joe   September 3rd, 2008 11:12 pm ET

Palins speech was along the same lines as Rudy giuliani's full of mackery for Obama. I was very turned off by it. I was not inspired at all.
What a shame. They could have done much better with out all the negativity.

Griff   September 3rd, 2008 11:10 pm ET

What is man supposed to do? I tried but there are so many Chauvanist out there… Two kind's of people.in this world …. Pity they are all male…

Marc   September 3rd, 2008 11:08 pm ET

Hey guys >> How about Huckebee >> isn't he a character ??? I think he should go back to church and ask for forgiveness. I think he is out of it >>

Kristen   September 3rd, 2008 11:07 pm ET

I've got to say, I thought Huckabee's speech was pretty decent. I disagree with a lot of what he said, but at least he wasn't combative. He was witty and personable. The rest of the speeches tonight were disgusting. Mitt Romney, a man who became rich running a company whose sole purpose was the ship American jobs overseas, offered this solution to the American economy: it's your fault–don't ask gov't to help–if you can't figure out how to fix this, that's your fault not the governments. Wow–I don't know that that's going to be well-received.
Giuliani was too much. At a time when America is pleading for unity and hope, he literally made fun of hope. His tone was so abrasive, it was disgusting. Scare tactics and blame to the extreme, and I think that we've seen this enough to know it doesn't lead to good governance.

Evie   September 3rd, 2008 11:06 pm ET

Ms, Palin,

How you distort Obama's tax plan. Her premise is telling us that taxes will be raised on everyone and no-one will have the money to create businesses or get ahead. It is only being raised on those making over $250,000. They say if the really wealthy will see their wealth shrink further, their businesses will suffer and they will let people be fired and more people will go on welfare. I think those who have that much money will still be prosperous and find loopholes. Obama will only lower taxes on those making 42,000 dollars and less. I only make 20,000 a month and that is with a trust fund distribution. I have lost alot of money in the market. If I have one more major illness, and I have had breast cancer, I will maybe lose my home.

I am a senior citizen and still work, and am on social security. I feel I still need some relieve, not welfare; and there are millions more who have already lost homes, jobs, etc. They don't need welfare; they need some relieve and more jobs.

Disgusted   September 3rd, 2008 11:04 pm ET

Palin has no real ideas of her own so she steals Obama's ideas and then slams him for them. Talk about an elevator not going all the way to the top? Anybody can slam someone. That's the cheap way out.

Where was all that know-it-allness when she should have been watching things at home?

Anonymous   September 3rd, 2008 10:51 pm ET

This was the first time I saw the husband of Sarah Palin hold their baby it appears as though the
daughter is going to serve as the primary caretaker of the child. Additionally, the daughter is too young and the young man to sustain a healthy emotion marriage relationship statistics prove this to be a fact. Is Sarah truly promoting this relationship; talking responsible commitment?

Is not the media part of this great country?

Rhian   September 3rd, 2008 10:51 pm ET

Huckabee was definitely the best candidate for president — he's anti-infanticide and yet has a more populist leaning and understands that the average American is hurting badly.

However, the media — owned by the big corporations — mocked him a bit, then destroyed him by ignoring him, until he finally surfaced again so they could give him a final boot by announcing that he was leaving the race. Pretty much the way they destroyed the populist Edwards to make way for Obama, who's also a corporation man.

A pity that I've got to vote for McCain/Palin simply on the infanticide and gun control issues, despite the fact that they're evidently going to continue kicking the economy down the garbage chute. It's eased somewhat by the fact that Obama's likely to be little better economically, though.

Huckabee 2012!

Joshua College Station Texas   September 3rd, 2008 10:50 pm ET

I don't know if he struck the right note or not, but in this photos, carefully selected by the photo editor at CNN, he definitely is striking the wrong face.

Q Glenn   September 3rd, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Timothy,

Your loosing credability my man. How can you say McCain/Palin '08 and Huckabuck '12…. If McCain wins Huck can't run in 2012

Brian Garnett   September 3rd, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Does the republican party have any african-american delegates? I see white people everywhere! Is the republican party too good for black people?

lorenzo   September 3rd, 2008 10:49 pm ET

can someone answer a quick question since alaska has no taxes how could she lower them ? they get dividen check for the oil there is no income tax up there

seah   September 3rd, 2008 10:49 pm ET

Great Speech Huck

Steph, G   September 3rd, 2008 10:47 pm ET

Remember how messy Guiliani when he wa in office. He wanted his mistress to live in the house with his soon to b ex-wife and kids. This guy is a looser!

Evie   September 3rd, 2008 10:47 pm ET

Ms. Palin,

Every child is a special being and a gift, I agree!! I am not for abortions!
I am certain Bristol will have a wonderful supportive family. But what about the countless hundreds who do not support their pregnant children.

Women have come so far and fought so hard!!!! They need to make their own decisions about this very personal matter. The only reason Roe versus Wade was not overturned was because of two Supreme Court Justices. If McCain or Ms. Palin are able to appoint, that right will be taken away. And it will not end abortions. Women who choose to not give birth, will still abort but in dirty conditions and foreign countries, and back street allies. This will not only end a life but endanger the woman. Women need to be responsible for themselves and have the best care given them if they make the decision to end a life. Let us go forward, not backward!!!!

Jane with a brain   September 3rd, 2008 10:45 pm ET

"NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN" like Rudi Guiliani. America gave up on you and your 237 primary votes. Bye Bye old man.

Breck   September 3rd, 2008 10:45 pm ET

Correct me if I'm wrong but the amount of Biden's votes is bigger than the population of Wasilla is it not? And he for some reason attributed a Gerald Ford quote to Lincoln. Snubbing for not supporting the Iraq War?

Mrs. P   September 3rd, 2008 10:43 pm ET

Huckabee's speech was one of the BEST I heard!

McCain / Palin 2008!

Palin / Huckabee 2012!

tom   September 3rd, 2008 10:42 pm ET

the republicans are going down hard thsi fall. it wil be so great when we americans take back this nation from the republican nazi party.

truth   September 3rd, 2008 10:40 pm ET

If the Rep. say Obama will raise taxes, that is right, only for 5% of America. Just like the repuplicans to cherry pick everything. take out the stuff that makes sence and will work, and pick out the stuff that some people are too lazy to look up what actually Obama says. If all of you make a chart for mccain and obama and look at the actual issues, no political fast talk, no cherry picking, no inssults or bashing and actually take a look at which each person will do as president. If you actually do that, you will see that Obama actually seems to have better ideas and long term plans to get us off forign oil that we are practically paying the terrorists for it, and focus on wind and solor power,nuclear and many more. p.s. Just wonderin, what does being a POW have to do with being a president. Answer, Nothing just paining mccain as a hero. I'm not denying he is, just, what does that have to do with the election

Mrs. P   September 3rd, 2008 10:39 pm ET

Way to go Governor Palin and Governor Palin - my two favorite conservatives!

Ludmilla Wikkeling-Scott   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

So because your son is going to Iraq that qualifies you as a person of experience in foreign affairs?
I feel sorry for her husband, he seems so out of place. Excuses and excuses,

D&D   September 3rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

is it only me or this convention is REALLY REALLY BORING…I think there is something fake about the whole thing!

George   September 3rd, 2008 10:36 pm ET

I do not understand why people listen to the Republicans. We listened and suffered them for eight years and look how the USA economy and general situation is right now? What part of WRONG DOING we do not understand?? And of course, do we really expect any republican speak out well of any democrat? We do not need more speeches…we need CHANGE !!!!

Ludmilla Wikkeling-Scott   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

McCain was too busy being selfish and trying "by any means necessary" to get his way, regardless of how it would affect this country. His hypocracy showed once again when he had supported flagging signs of COUNTRY FIRST, when he put his self interest first. He chose a woman we do not know and one who does NOT put her family first. That is why she could not spend enough time with her daughter and give her the wisdom to not throw her body at other boys, like the one calling himself a f..ng redneck! Wow that is a mom! That a quality to choose, what values did she give her daughter!

Kristina, Seattle   September 3rd, 2008 10:34 pm ET

I've been an Obama supporter from day 1, but Huckabee was the most fair, down-to-earth and eloquent thing the Republican party had going for it — and they blew it.

Definitely the strongest of the RNC speeches so far, but face it republicans… you're grasping at straws and it's over.

Phyllis   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Sarah is crying

Now people will vote for her out of sympathy

She's weak not strong enough

fa   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

Obama vs Palin is a distortion by the GOP to undermine Barack's leadership capacity in a subliminal way.

Obama is matched in candidacy for president with McCain.

Biden is matched in candidacy for vice-president with Palin.

DO NOT PROMOTE THIS DISTORTION.

Kim, san gabriel, california   September 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm ET

I really enjoyed Huckabee's story about the teacher and the student's earning their desks. How hypocritical after swft-boating Senator Kerry and several other military veteran canidates over the last few years and using American militry heros to boast their agenda - Like Tillamen.
Amerians need to stop using our military personnel for political agendas; instead respect and appreiate their service to the country.

EqualBranchesofGovernment   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

I still think Mike Huckabee would have been a better VP nomination for McCain. He's a nice guy.

paula   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

What was with the story of the teacher who set up her students to fail by using that gimmicky trick of withholding their desks and posing a question they could not answer. All to get the media there? In my school district the parents would have been calling the principal and perhaps the cops. We do owe a debt to our honorable veterans, but we don't need sappy stories to reinforce this idea.

Don't get me started with Rudy. He needs to take a long shower…he is soooooo dirty!!!!

Ludmilla Wikkeling-Scott   September 3rd, 2008 10:32 pm ET

The outright ignorance of Giuliani portrayed tonight in simply using this important time to knock the democrats, attempt to tear down Senator Barack Obama and divert from the real issues shows his incompetency and the complete failure of the Republican party.
He had the chance to make people believe that the republican candidate was able to come up with a strategy which would benefit our country. Rather he continued with the same old same old and ripped others down to hide behind his own inefficiency. The selfishness which is used by a mother to drag her challenged baby into a race and expose her children to the media which she knows is not easy on families, shows her priority. Her selfishness and her ability to make decisions outside of her family and not even control her own family by failing her own "abstinence only" philosophy is a signal that she cannot and is not capable of practing what she preaches.
I am proud of women running for office but as a woman of color I know that this is only acceptable because she is white. Michelle Obama would have NEVER gotten away with this.
I am disgusted by the republican party. I lost respect for Guliani when he stole the AIDS money from the city of New York and now he has completely lost everything, I will not have the ability to take him at anything he says again. What a wasteful night he showed, what a shame he showed in being so low to spend a whole night knocking everyone down!

Tom in CA   September 3rd, 2008 10:31 pm ET

I'm glad that I'm watching the Yankees v Rays game. It's a lot better than watching the buffoons at the GOP convention.

Proud of Obama/Biden's Refusal to Stoop to the Hypocritical Negative Republican Level!   September 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

Romney said that Republicans believe in good and evil.

So do all Americans with brains — WE (true believers in change) are good and Republicans are proving to be very very bad.

Matt   September 3rd, 2008 10:30 pm ET

Giuliani's belittlement of Obama's community service work is am INSULT to the thousands of Americans who work every day to better the lives of Americans; often for little money and no recognition.

What we see here tonight is the Republican Party as a DESPERATE PATHETIC MOB chanting hateful, false statements to scare the American voter into voting for a candidate (McCain) that promises more of the same.

Jim   September 3rd, 2008 10:29 pm ET

I know this is a hotly contested election, and there will be attacks back and forth. But I am absolutely sickened by the disrespect that the republicans have shown toward democrats, in this case against Obama, but it has been the same in past conventions. Every democrat that spoke at the DNC was gracious and respectful when mentioning the rebublicans, including John McCain, but at the RNC, the republicans are down right insulting. They think they are funny, but I think that it is just sad that this is what it takes for them to win an election. It's not clever, it's not funny, I think it's just plain immature. It's no wonder that the republicans have caused such a mess when they have the maturity of thirteen year olds.

truth-in-media   September 3rd, 2008 10:29 pm ET

Joe Biden received just under 10,000 votes. Unless Sara Palin got 200% of the vote (we wouldn't put it past her), the Republicans have once again demonstrated their superior grasp of economics (if you will grant me that math is at the basis of economic understanding….).
But I'm surprised a CNN commentator needs lil ole me to look up these numbers…

Prinso- Durham,NC   September 3rd, 2008 10:27 pm ET

After all is said and done, after all the rhetoric and campaign tarlent shows, the American people shall go to the polls on November 4TH and chose their president.

Jane with a brain   September 3rd, 2008 10:27 pm ET

Do you want an unknown like Sara Palin answering the White House phone at 3:00am ? Think about for a moment . That's scary. She can't handle her own house, how can she handle the White House when John McSame croaks. And he will. Let's be realistic here. We can not go backwards with the old GOP failed policies. (GOP) Geezers and Old People with old ideas that do not benefit young people. Everyone knows that John McSame is in this race for two things. Oil and "booty". He chooses a running mate who is tied to big oil. Sounds like Cheney old ways. He chooses beauty queens instead of qualified people like C. Rice. He just kept looking at Sara Palin's "booty" over and over. He is only thinking about himself not America. A 72 year old man who can't remember how many houses he has. No way No how No McSame.

Meko   September 3rd, 2008 10:25 pm ET

What are they going to do about the economy? I'm still waiting!!

Shirley-Ohio   September 3rd, 2008 10:24 pm ET

He should have gotten the nod instead of McCain and just maybe, maybe the Republicans would have a chance.

Yvonne   September 3rd, 2008 10:24 pm ET

Huckabee's line about Biden is not true. Biden got 15,000 votes in FL about about the same in CA when he was out of the race.

Danny   September 3rd, 2008 10:23 pm ET

he out of touch…No way, No how, No McCain

Not True   September 3rd, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Huckabee's statement about Biden is a lie, like almost everything else in the GOP conventions speeches, but what is most striking to me is that after castigating Obama as a Paris Hilton, Britney Spears like celebrity, he is now trying to create on suh a celebrity figure in Gov Palin. So being well like is not a bad thing after all…..go figure!!!

shadowgovernment   September 3rd, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Who is Huckabee trying to kid? " Sarah Palin got more votes for mayor of Wasilla than Joe Biden got when running for President" Uh, yeah, and your point is? Wasilla, population under 10k vs. the US population 300 million plus. What a dipstick! There is no rational corollary between these two!

Mikey   September 3rd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

Is it just me, or do these guys, especially Giuliani, sound like a bunch of Neanderthals.

Tell me, do they spread fear as a tactic to win, or are they really the big cowards they sound like. When Obama walks through the valley of the shadows, he will fear no evil.

joel   September 3rd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

With all do respect to Mr. Huck, The VP position is not a Symbolic job, and as the youngest of 5 raised by a single, mother, this VP choice is an insult.

chas wagner   September 3rd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

Apparently John McCain was bombing North Vietnam because they had stolen school desks from Hope Arkansas
It's like watching people eating bugs on fear factor it makes u sick but u keep watching.
Oh by the way did u know John McCain was a prisoner of war?
Gotta go throw up,
Chas

Phil Newton in Murphy, Oregon   September 3rd, 2008 10:21 pm ET

The one Republican I would vote for — and too good for this Party.

I like Mike!

(But I'm voting for Obama.)

C- Gram   September 3rd, 2008 10:20 pm ET

very nasty attacks sounds like 92 rnc it won't play

JEric   September 3rd, 2008 10:19 pm ET

Huckabee may be the only decent Republican speaker for the night. He's has an genuine nature that even the most extreme Obama supporter could acknowledge. The Guiliani and Romney speeches are stirring up the usual garbage of the Republican party. Fortunately the message of these morons holds no weight outside of the stadium. People are smart enough to look past fear mongering and preying on peoples suffering. Bin Laden is still alive and well Guiliani, now the verb-noun-and 911 politican has held true to his stereotype.

Hypocrisy is the name of the game   September 3rd, 2008 10:19 pm ET

It's a shame I really like Huckabee……………I know deep down he does not believe one word he uttered. The republicans have to save face and support McCain even after SCREWING UP BIG TIME. In a few minute we will listen to his BIGGEST SCREW UP SARAH PALIN.

joseph azo   September 3rd, 2008 10:18 pm ET

is anyone else tired of this sanctity of life crap that republicans keep slinging about abortion….i guess troops sent on their 3rd and 4th tours in Iraq are not sanctid enough, so they keep sending them

So is Sarah Palin running For????????   September 3rd, 2008 10:18 pm ET

I think he should have won

Proud of Obama/Biden's Refusal to Stoop to the Hypocritical Negative Republican Level!   September 3rd, 2008 10:18 pm ET

still waiting… to hear one word as to what McCain would do for the country…

Jamie,Hattiesburg   September 3rd, 2008 10:18 pm ET

What the H!!! is going on at the RNC,it is so obovious that these people concionses are vexed by getting up there on that stage knowing that everything they're about to say goes directly against they're core beliefs that this is the biggest blunder in republican history. Come on republicans have respect for youselves, you are making yourselves and your country look really stupid.How embarrasing!

Proud of Obama/Biden's Refusal to Stoop to the Hypocritical Negative Republican Level!   September 3rd, 2008 10:17 pm ET

so far…. still no mention of what McCain would do for the country….

still waiting…

Kimberly   September 3rd, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Mike Huckabee's speech was AWESOME! It just shows that Republicans have a sense of humor and that we stand for our own. Mike Huckabee is a wonderful example of a christian in a powerful position in life. PRAISE GOD FOR ME LIKE MIKE HUCKABEE!

Yeah Right!   September 3rd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

I'm sorry..but the comment about Biden is so wrong…Huckster claims that Biden got 900 votes? He got 15600 votes in Florida after he dropped out…I guess the truth is not as important so long as one needs applause!

CNN…do your job and tell the truth!

Timothy from SC   September 3rd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas is one of the (I'm afraid to say it but few) Republicans who actually understands the concerns of the average American family. He was the most qualified person to be the Republican nominee for President. Bu the media discounted his bid for the presidency by calling him "the former preacher who doesn't believe in evolution". He has over 10 years of executive experience, and he cut taxes many times in Arkansas. He is also undeniably pro-life.

McCain / Palin '08
Huckabee '12

California Gold   September 3rd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

That's a picture of Mike Huckabee doing his Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) imitation. "Gawl-leee"

(Finally I figured out who he reminds me of.)

Edgar - Orlando   September 3rd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Huckabee should take Palin spot if CNN/Liberal a.k.a Obama attack dogs get her to resign which will never happen thanks to her being a TRUE AMERICA!

Hillary Supporter   September 3rd, 2008 10:16 pm ET

What did McCain offer you to be on his side? We see how important your issues about the war are now Mike. You sold out your own supporters as you do not agree with McCAIN on many issues. Chuck Norris is not going to be happy.

NoMcSame No ReThuglicans   September 3rd, 2008 10:15 pm ET

White folks only. The ReThuglican way.

I don't believe it!   September 3rd, 2008 10:15 pm ET

This many upset me and the nation when he made those comments of a gun going off and Obama ducking

joseph azo   September 3rd, 2008 10:15 pm ET

i'm surprised that minister Huckabee had time to sling his bs up on stage with all the family counseling he must have been giving Palin's unmarried pregneant daughter…guliani and his girlfriend/wife…oh and felandering mccain and his second wife….wow…this minister sure is talented

Mike   September 3rd, 2008 10:14 pm ET

So far it would seem that they are reserving their main points for the end of the convention. Like the DNC they have so far pressed on the character of the candidates to let the potential voters get a good idea of who they are and their ability to run the country. They also are using this time to point out the flaws of the opposing candidates not by ennuendo but by pointing out the facts, unlike the DNC.
Very smart taking the high road which is bad for my party.

Remember, remember   September 3rd, 2008 10:14 pm ET

the truth in November

Mitt Romney's speech was absolutley divisive and disgusting

Huckabee is actually the best Republican speaker I've heard since Reagan (both decent men)

Verdict……the republicans are obviously in a mess…..so few seem to get it

those who do arent even in the race ……..perhaps wisely so

Obama/Biden

or Ron Paul

but I wouldnt touch McCain/Palin with a ten foot pole

allen   September 3rd, 2008 10:14 pm ET

The funny thing is you won't hear ANYTHING about the economy. I feel as though the next POTUS (Barack Obama) said it correctly. These so called "Country First" Rethuglians like to make big elections out to be about small issues. They are the Grand Oil Party since I don't have an oil well laying around guess they're not speaking to me. PETTY BUMS!!!!!!!!!

Tony   September 3rd, 2008 10:13 pm ET

Huckabee's line about Palin getting more votes than Joe Biden for President… Yeah Biden has been elected and re-elected for Senate many times.

Sarah Palin - YOU ARE NO HILARY CLINTON!

Rodger   September 3rd, 2008 10:13 pm ET

You should have listened to the DNC.

claudia Howe   September 3rd, 2008 10:12 pm ET

It is NOT true. Biden got a lot more votes, at least 15k in Florida alone and he did not even campaign there. Palin got less than 1k.

Huckabee is wrong and this information is wrong. You are doing a disservice to the country by posting this wrong info here. Get your facts straight please!!

Xango 08 & 12   September 3rd, 2008 10:12 pm ET

hello what does he look like?

Looser

Gracie   September 3rd, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Bill, get a clue. Huckabee did NOTHING but a "song and dance"

WHERE is the focus on the issues? WHERE John McCain's solution? WHAT are their PLANS on solving the economic issues?

I mean all this RNC has been about is PRAISING AND GLORIFYING GOV. PALIN, deeming her the new "Golden Child" AND TALKING ABOUT SEN. OBAMA!!!

I'm sorry is this an Obama Convention or a Sarah Palin Convention? I'm sorry, it's getting blurred to the point of NO return.

diva   September 3rd, 2008 10:12 pm ET

Country FIRST? Give me a break. This campaign is about McCAIN first ONLY and the GOP FIRST as well. They can't possibly care about COUNTRY FIRST and accept Sarah Palin as VP pick. It's obvious. WIN AT ANY PRICE—-that should be what the placards read!

Sally   September 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm ET

Unfortunately Huck's line about votes is just that, a line - it's not true. Huck was entertaining, and - in a break from his party - he seemed to understand that people are suffering and spoke about it in an authentic way, rather than as some sort of abstract issue.

And unlike his counterparts, he appeared able to diss his opponent's policies without the snide personals attacks that seem to be the Republicans' modus operandi for the night.

MM   September 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm ET

Mike Huckabee should have been the candidate rather then McCain (not that I would have voted for him). But Huckabee definitely would have had "substance" over "no McCain style".

Atlanta, Ga   September 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm ET

I strongly disagree with his policy, but his speech was excellent.

Anonymous   September 3rd, 2008 10:11 pm ET

He was good.

Griff   September 3rd, 2008 10:10 pm ET

It's about Toto's America. It's about Toto's. The little ones in Kenya, that Barack Obama ignored.. Just so he could be a Leader in a Country, he know nothing about….

Steve A. , New Braunfels , Texas   September 3rd, 2008 10:10 pm ET

The "Huckster' SAYS America wants less goverment,,,,If thats the case don't vote for a republican, Am I mistaken or did the size of goverment increase over200 percent in the last 8 years?

Duop Chak in Colorado   September 3rd, 2008 10:10 pm ET

Huckabee's speech will be viewed as the most balanced speech.

gkirk   September 3rd, 2008 10:10 pm ET

whats wrong with being a community organizer??? we need more of them. quit making fun of those who want to make a difference.

Dylan in CA   September 3rd, 2008 10:10 pm ET

Bill:

They're not talking about the economy because they have nothing new to offer. Just more of the same old Bush policies that line the pockets of the wealthy and leave average Americans in the cold.

This ticket has very little to run on; therefore, they're avoiding talking about substantive issues like the economy at all costs and focusing almost entirely on shamless attacks and glittering generalities like "Country First" (that actually mean absolutely nothing).

I doubt many are buying this garbage.

Austin, capitol of the republic of TX   September 3rd, 2008 10:09 pm ET

Palin's Alaska = Socialism.

Here is how it works: 1. Oil get pumped out of the ground. 2. Taxes go to Anchorage. 3. Handouts (>$1,000 per man, woman and child) go to Alaskans.

Its writen into their constitution. If Palin were really a conservative reformer, she could try to do something about this abuse (or at least send some of it to Washington were it might (big might) do some good).

truth-in-media   September 3rd, 2008 10:09 pm ET

I think Huckabee said "I became a Republican so I wouldn't be poor." That's the right note? In a year where new poverty belongs at the feet of the Republicans and their deregulation mania? I've never seen a weirder convention: guy after guy trotted out to bash the state of the country after eight years of Bush….

Texas Trail Kitty   September 3rd, 2008 10:09 pm ET

It's the economy, stupid! At least Obama has outlined a plan. All we know about McCain, Palin and the rest of this bunch is that they do not like Obama. We don't care how you feel about Obama. What are you going to do to undo the damage of the Bush regime? WE NEED HELP, NOT POLITICS. And Sarah Palin should go sit somewhere and be quiet. How dare she drag her daughter's life into public light and THEN ask for privacy. She makes Brittany Spears seem responsible.

Obama/Biden 08/12

RNC convention > Ambien   September 3rd, 2008 10:08 pm ET

Only thing wrong with Giuliani's example of 2 resumes with names blocked out, etc. If you interviewed both men, blindly, you'd find that the old soldier currently has a few screws loose & a crazy temper that would never qualify him as a leader.

Chris   September 3rd, 2008 10:08 pm ET

How can the republicans want 'less government' when most of Washington currently IS republican. Oh and btw, it's going to be obvious that no one agrees with what Huckabee says, after he wasn't nominated and especially when Obama wins by a landslide.

Jack   September 3rd, 2008 10:08 pm ET

Well old huckaberry shows why we didn't select him as a contender - small mind and an elitist attitude toward ordinary Americans.

Oh yes, the huckster likes the government dollars flowing into his district but, not the rest of the country!

The republicans have been on the biggest pork barrel spending spree in history and now, they want to distract the Americans from their dismal record.

It's time fro a change in Washington - enough of the GOP corruption - VOTE DEMOCRAT!

tim   September 3rd, 2008 10:08 pm ET

LIE!!!!

Huckabee says that Palin has received more votes in her mayoral elections than Biden did in his Presidential race.

I believe that Biden recieved 15,000 votes in Florida.

LK   September 3rd, 2008 10:07 pm ET

I love the diversity of the crowd. A majority of them look like them just came from the country club. Enjoy the night folks, because it will be one of the last celebrations you will see in a long time, with the way your corrupt party ran this country.

allen   September 3rd, 2008 10:07 pm ET

The funny thing is you won't hear ANYTHING about the economy. I feel as though the next POTUS said it correctly. These so called "Country First" Rethuglians like to make big elections out to be about small issues. They are the Grand Oil Party since I don't have an oil well laying aroung guess they're not speaking to me. BUMS!!!!!!!!!

Sue in MI   September 3rd, 2008 10:07 pm ET

I don't think they HAVE a plan for the economy, other than reduce taxes, drive up the deficit, watch the dollar fall further and gas go higher, keep the military employed and deployed, drill for oil all over Alaska which will keep that state in the money, and maybe, pray?

Mike - WA   September 3rd, 2008 10:07 pm ET

Shame on Mike Huckabee for his continued allegiance to the corrupt Republican Party. Many of us would love to see Roe vs. Wade overturned but cannot and will not tolerate more of the Republican filth and sleaze in order to achieve that end.

Independant Thinker   September 3rd, 2008 10:07 pm ET

Excellant speech!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Republicans for Truth   September 3rd, 2008 10:06 pm ET

Huckabee is the loser who refused to quit the race even though the numbers were impossible for him to reach - he just doesn't get it. It is the economy stupid and wait, for that you need to related to numbers - Duh!!

Robert   September 3rd, 2008 10:06 pm ET

The votes line is not true, Biden received many many more thousands of votes in Florida, California, and Iowa (among other states) than the entire population of Wasilla multiplied many times over.

I don't think he meant to lie, but the statement is:
FALSE

brad   September 3rd, 2008 10:06 pm ET

One thing I noticed so far in all the speeches. No mention of the almost last 8 years of a Republican in the White House. Why is that? So curious.

Kaye- Jacksonville FL   September 3rd, 2008 10:06 pm ET

The Biden - Palin vote comparison was so lame….and it's already been shot down as patently untrue….why can't they just make their case on their own intentions, speak the truth and keep their ugly lies between themselves in a dark room? This convention should be on Comedy Central…

JBB   September 3rd, 2008 10:06 pm ET

If Huckabee's note was right, it would be him as the Presidential Nominee.. . . what happen?

Tim   September 3rd, 2008 10:06 pm ET

Huckabee was great. Romney sucked!!!

hillary 4 prez   September 3rd, 2008 10:05 pm ET

If these people are so great why didn't any of them win, and I have a question where are the political heavyweights of the Republican Party? Is this standard for Nominees to put up everyone they ran against to speak?

Paul   September 3rd, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Palin elected mayor in 1999 - 909 votes
Biden got 2,328 votes in the Iowa caucuses
Close?

Chris in Marietta   September 3rd, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Another BETTER choice for McCain's VP….but NO, he goes with inexperience in a skirt for cheap political points. Shame on John McCain.

steve   September 3rd, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Joe Biden received 15,704 alone in the Florida primary, twice the size of Wasilla. Just another lie from the right wing crackpots.

Peter - Denver   September 3rd, 2008 10:04 pm ET

John McCain has ZERO executive experience. ZERO!

diana   September 3rd, 2008 10:04 pm ET

what kind of values does the palin family have? i can understand supporting your daughter through a bad decision. but to promote, laud, and condone her actions is ridiculous. why put levi so much in the spotlight, they are not married, they are both dependent children, and neither has a job or means to support a child. what message are you sending to the american teenagers? i doubt if mccain knew of this pregnancy in advance. shame on you palin why isnt levi being charged with statutory rape.

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