March 5, 2009
Posted: March 5th, 2009 04:18 PM ET

From
Huckabee's campaign faltered in South Carolina last January.
Huckabee's campaign faltered in South Carolina last January.

(CNN) – Mike Huckabee will travel to the early primary state of South Carolina in April to make an appearance at a rally for Fair Tax supporters, who helped energize to his underdog presidential bid when he adopted the tax proposal into his campaign platform.

The rally will take place in downtown Columbia on Tax Day, April 15, according to the Fair Tax web site.

The trip will mark Huckabee’s second trip to South Carolina since the general election ended. The former Arkansas governor did a multi-city tour of the state in December to promote his new book.

Filed under: Mike Huckabee


Big John   March 5th, 2009 11:57 pm ET

Yes, Fairtax Me!!! I want to pay more taxes on my rent, power bill, phone bill, water bill cable bill, I need my car insurance & my heath insurance taxed. I want to pay even more taxes on ever dollar I spend on gas. I want my doctor to FairTax Me & my Hospital especially if I have surgery. I love the fact that my government will have to pay the fairtax, this means I get to pay even more to the state and city and county, How about it taxiing them Government employees like them police and fireman and Garbage men, They so lucky.

Gary   March 5th, 2009 9:20 pm ET

Please income tax has never been fair.

We tax the hardest working people the most.
We tax the laziest people the least.
We tax people when they save and invest.
If a worker agrees to work some over time they get taxed even more.
It rewards bad behaviour and punishes good behavior.
We tax the people then waste the money.

Of course the income tax is not fair. No wonder the country is such a financial mess.

carlo   March 5th, 2009 9:18 pm ET

What he really means is a tax that is fair to the 5% of people who are going to have to pay more taxes under President Obama's plan. Everyone else is getting a cut, so who else could he possibly be talking about?

annie - Palin 2012   March 5th, 2009 9:04 pm ET

Evidently most of the comments on here from bo supporters show how ignorant they are. The don't even have a clue what fair tax is. They support bo because they are they ones who don't work, won't work, but want they working man or woman give them a hand out.

annie - Palin 2012   March 5th, 2009 9:01 pm ET

Fair tax would cripple alot of our corrupt politicians and at least 98% of them are corrupt.

Chris   March 5th, 2009 8:58 pm ET

Under the FairTax, fewer variables exist, allowing the government to crack down more effectively on tax avoidance.

Rather than tracking millions of business and millions of workers, the government only needs to track the businesses.

Of course avoidance will still exist, but it will be much more manageable.

Chris   March 5th, 2009 8:50 pm ET

It's definitely not a poor tax. If you read more about the FairTax, you will find poor people pay zero net tax up to the poverty level through the use of monthly prebates.

The weathiest of americans are able to avoid much of the taxes they would normally owe. Under this system, they pay for what they purchase. No tax shelters needed.

The price of goods right now would actually be very similar to the prices of goods under the FairTax. Any product you currently purchase already has taxes embedded in it, like the payroll tax and many others. The FairTax eliminates those taxes, and shifts it to sales tax.

arithmetic is liberal   March 5th, 2009 8:50 pm ET

Using the loaf of bread argument for the "Fair Tax":

Who will be impacted more impacted by a 15% tax on a loaf of bread?

Someone who makes $500 a week?
Or Someone who makes $5,000 a week?

Please use the sense God gave a gopher and see through this Hucksterabee's snake oil taxation. Newflash: it doesn't benefit you, average American voter.

Obama 2.0   March 5th, 2009 8:44 pm ET

I like the fair tax idea. Everyone pays 5% no matterhow much you make!

ken   March 5th, 2009 8:31 pm ET

Everyone should pay the same percentage of taxes. Whether you make 50,000 per year or 200,000, a certain % will place the same burden on everyone. Then when the gov't wants to cut or raise taxes, they will have to do it for everyone, not just for a certain group.

ines   March 5th, 2009 8:27 pm ET

Bob – Lou Dobbs' show is awful. Agreed.

Dylan from Minneapolis   March 5th, 2009 8:24 pm ET

Huckabee is to politics as curling is to the Olympics.

Santa Maria   March 5th, 2009 8:23 pm ET

How many of you guys even understand taxation at all. We ALL benefit from living in this country. Public education is free to ALL. Roads are for the most part free to ALL. Fire protection is free to ALL.

Except for the fact that some people pay for these services, while others stand there with their hands out saying "It is my entitlement".

To those who call the fair tax a "poor tax", you obviously don't understand anything about how this tax would work. Rich people will still pay more taxes...unless all they do is put their money in their mattress. Money is useless unless you spend it. The way things are now, some people pay tons of taxes while others get that money redistributed to them. How the heck is that fair?

Get Real   March 5th, 2009 8:10 pm ET

I wish this man would have got the nomination. I love watching his show. Keep pushing for this form of taxation. It is the only way to tax fairly.

lovable liberal   March 5th, 2009 7:57 pm ET

'Fair' in the Republican lexicon meaning 'good for the rich'...

Obama - NOPE   March 5th, 2009 7:49 pm ET

Huckabee gave us Obama. The nomination and the Presidency would have gone to Mitt Romney.

Bob   March 5th, 2009 7:44 pm ET

Who is he going to be talking to???? The only people whining are the wealthy ones who can afford to be on TV or make them a commercial. It is time for you guys to give back all the money that you have under handly taken from people. The reason people can't pay their mortgage is because of raising interest rate you can't go from $500 one year to $1000 the next year and expect people to stay in their homes. Give me a break!!!! I got to say this you guys got to get rid of the Lou Dobb show. It is awful!!!

simmy   March 5th, 2009 7:42 pm ET

Sort of Pastor Huckabee,

Please stay on Fox. That's the only place where you look like you belong.

Sincerely,

A Dem. Forever.........................

kingssman   March 5th, 2009 7:39 pm ET

Fair tax, oh you mean the Prince John tax system? where the rich pay $6,000 in taxes and the poor pay $6,000 in taxes?

Vietnam Vet71   March 5th, 2009 7:39 pm ET

I grew up in South Carolina in the fifties and sixties under Jim Crow Laws and segregated schools. In spite of inferior schools I consider myself a success story. The party affiliation may have changed (Democratic Dixie rats to Republican); but the SC political machine has the same aim, keep the poor and the disadvantage down. Gov Mark Sanford leads in the same way as Dixie rat Sen. Strom Thurmond did during the fifties and sixties, only the tone has been modified.

Texas Teacher   March 5th, 2009 7:38 pm ET

Oh, come on.... Maybe he is the Head of the Republican Party! *LOL* Is it Rush Limbaugh... or Steele... or McCain? OR is it Palin? This is so ludicrous! :) Go home, Red Neck!

mark   March 5th, 2009 7:29 pm ET

The FairTax is kinda like that crippling, flat federal gas tax which is killing the poor.
Wait...no it's not.
One can buy a cheaper car, carpool, save more to buy more gas, or just spend less on crap. It's called choice, prioritizing, and common sense.
That there gas tax doesn't get much media coverage...does it?

loveit   March 5th, 2009 7:13 pm ET

I love it. This way kids will have to pay taxes on their tooth fairy money. Great idea!! They been getting a free ride long enough.

southernhrt   March 5th, 2009 7:13 pm ET

Re Thomas Paine. The rich buy more than the poor so yes it will help. How much more tax would there be on a $100,000. car vs. $15,000.? Also those people who make their money illegally but still buy things will pay taxes which they don't do now. The fair tax is fair. Everyone has to pay if they buy anything.
It is the best idea for taxes yet.

Had It   March 5th, 2009 7:13 pm ET

It used to be called the "Luxury Tax", but the wealthy republicans got rid of it because it cost them and their buddies too much money.

Steve, Chelsea, MI   March 5th, 2009 7:06 pm ET

So if an average person wants to buy a house, do they pay sales taxes on it, (at 30%+) or do they make houses exempt? Then the rich can buy the most expensive house around to avoid taxes. The fair tax WILL NOT WORK.

chuck   March 5th, 2009 7:01 pm ET

HUCKABEE!!!! ANOTHER HAS BEEN THAT MAKES RECYCLING LOOK LIKE A JOKE.

Yes, Yes   March 5th, 2009 6:46 pm ET

yes, We need to let go of them Rich CEOS from the tax bondage because I just love what they doing for our country, isn't it just dandy!! Set them free!!!

scott   March 5th, 2009 6:27 pm ET

We need Fair taxes. Not the Robin Hood Obama plan, that takes from those who work and gives to those who don't. America is the land of Opportunity, if you choose to do nothing with your life, that is your choice.

JOSE IN NORTHRIDGE   March 5th, 2009 6:22 pm ET

FAIR,,,,,,,,TAX ,,,,,,,,,AN,,,,,,,OXYMORON

gobama   March 5th, 2009 6:18 pm ET

Not enough people belive in you huck.

montag   March 5th, 2009 6:15 pm ET

When he gets to South Carolina with the rest of those crackers, will the Huckster be cooking any more squirrels in his corn popper like he did in college?

George   March 5th, 2009 6:14 pm ET

Fair tax means taxing the rich and tax breaking the 90-95% of American!

tim   March 5th, 2009 6:12 pm ET

Enough with these campaigns. Time to let this country focus on their citizen business!

Bob   March 5th, 2009 6:09 pm ET

The Fair Tax makes a lot of sense (although Hannah's description isn't quite right). People should check it out. Good for Huckabee for promoting it.

does that include the tax dodger Palin?   March 5th, 2009 6:07 pm ET

does she have to pay the fair tax or continue to pay none at all because she is better than every one else

it pays to have a view of russia

Robin in Florida   March 5th, 2009 6:04 pm ET

The Fair tax would basically drive up the cost of normal goods to astronomical levels ... the fair tax is a bad idea.

J.L.   March 5th, 2009 6:02 pm ET

The "Fair" tax is such a joke... The belief that everyone will be "good citizens" and that they'll stick by the rules of the "Fair" tax and won't dabble in some black market dealings to avoid the tax is pretty much a pipe dream. Just look at what the rich folks do now with tax shelters (see the UBS news lately). You really think the "Fair" tax will make it so they'll stick with the rules even more?

Marty, Grand Rapids   March 5th, 2009 6:01 pm ET

"Fair Tax" would kill our economy. If I could avoid taxes by simply not buying anything, I would do so. Not to mention sales tax disproportionally impacts americans making less money. Intead we should be talking about a flat tax, simplifying the tax code and removing exceptions for the better off to exploit.

Huckabee is a well spoken, likable man but he will never be president. Too ratical (both fiscally and socially) for the American people.

George the Democrat Obama fanatic.   March 5th, 2009 5:53 pm ET

The main reason I like Huckabee. Fair tax is the way to go.

Sharon   March 5th, 2009 5:49 pm ET

GO HUCKABEE.

FreeNLovIt   March 5th, 2009 5:40 pm ET

To Wayne..

I heard he made tough choices benefiting AK, so I'm sure he's a good man. He'll make a great Prez. He's not too rich or too poor so he doesnt have to cater to the RICH OLD boys. This will help him with making the right decisions. W catered to the rich old country club networks so now we're in the deep lava hole... (no more greed)

Thomas Paine   March 5th, 2009 5:39 pm ET

What does "Fair Tax" mean?
You mean avalued added tax on what you buy, well that sounds good but in reality the wealthy will end up paying less in taxes and the rest of the country more, which will add truth to that adage,"The rich get richer and the poor get poorer."

FreeNLovIt   March 5th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

I like the idea and I hope that the tax for the yacht will outlast for the lifetime of the boat. How about 20 years worth of tax on the yacht.. hee..hee.hee..?

Sniffit   March 5th, 2009 5:37 pm ET

I heard he's been reading On The Origin of Species...he thinks it's a horror novel.

FreeNLovIt   March 5th, 2009 5:37 pm ET

Our country needs us to pay taxes. We expect the government to know how to spend, but we must also do our part of paying what is needed to keep this country afloat.

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   March 5th, 2009 5:26 pm ET

*shrug* we all know this is just another KKK rally.

Wayne, Greenville TX   March 5th, 2009 5:24 pm ET

I'd rather see Mike Huckeberry return to obscurity........

Hannah   March 5th, 2009 5:23 pm ET

Go Huckabee! We've got to get this Fair Tax into the public eye again! This is exactly what our economy needs! This is the best time ever for Americans to reconsider this idea. Anyone interested in this Fair Tax, go to fairtax.org to learn more. This idea allows consumers to pay taxes on what they BUY; instead of on what they MAKE. So, if you are a very wealthy person buying a yacht, your tax percentage will remain the same, but will be alot of $$$. If you are poor and only buying diapers, the $ will be very little. This is FAIR!! Go Huckabee!!

paul   March 5th, 2009 5:21 pm ET

Where were all these diehard Republican zealots during the Bush era for the past 8 years....we have a 550 billion federal contractor budget that Bush increased 2 fold during his presidency.....no Republican cried foul then and NO Republican even attempted to fight against any Bush monetary policies.

These Republicans are bunch of ZEALOTS....fanatic, radical, warlike, maniac, nut, radical and ultra extremist in their views WHICH ARE NOT THE VIEW OF THE AMERICAN MAJORITY!!!

Freed_From_W   March 5th, 2009 5:18 pm ET

Will he please stay there?

Armando   March 5th, 2009 5:14 pm ET

I like fair tax.

chris.d   March 5th, 2009 5:13 pm ET

so wat who care

David   March 5th, 2009 5:12 pm ET

WHY! Go pop some corn.

fred   March 5th, 2009 5:12 pm ET

Under the pic, it says Huckabee's campaign faltered.....Actually It did very well. Fred Thompson just woke up for a few days to steal a few votes from him before dropping out.

I'm a fan of the fair tax.

ines   March 5th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

J-Syxx   March 5th, 2009 5:10 pm ET

Let's get it straight, it's the Poor Tax not the "fair" tax. It moves the burden of paying taxes from the rich to the poor. That's the entire reasoning behind this scheme. I don't think Pastor Huckabee is that great of a Christian if he wants to punish the poor like that.

Henry Miller, Cary, NC   March 5th, 2009 5:05 pm ET

I have yet to figure out what's "fair" about taxing different people different amounts for the same government. Yeah, the so-called "Fair Tax" is less unfair than the so-called "progressive" tax, but it's still not fair.

When you buy a loaf of bread or a car, they don't demand to know how much money you made last year and charge you a percentage of that. Everyone pays exactly the same price, and there's no good reason for government to do it any differently. Aren't we all "equal under the law?' Or are we all equal except when it comes to paying the bills?

A truly fair tax would be a simple one to compute: divide the expected revenue by the population–the result is what every individual owes.

Ellie   March 5th, 2009 4:58 pm ET

Republicans LOVE them the south. Does that surprise anyone? Huckabee needs to get on with his life, his party is "flat lining" big time.

The RNC is calling for Micheal Steele to resign, Rush Limgaugh is about to royally SCREW the GOP in his attempts to save his radio base which dropped from 20 million to 13 million!!!

There have been serious "warning signs," but the GOP and RNC both turn a deaf, dumb and blind's eye to the signs. They continue to bury their heads in the sand. It's unbelievable. How does anyone TRUST the GOP to lead our country when all they seem to be focused on is "chasing their own tails!!!" It's like trusting a convicted thief and look surprise when he robs you behind your back!! These cats are NOT credible, they have NOT earned the trust of the American people. TRUST is earned, it's not a God-given right.

Jeff in Illinois   March 5th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

On this one, me and Huck agree. The only problem is, we will need to deal with a complete and total collapse of an economy completely dependent upon rampant consumerism. I'm all for it, unfortunately, there are a lot of people who would not be.

Carl   March 5th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

Ron Paul And Mike Huckabee do have one thing right:

the IRS should be removed and the FICA tax banned for the rest of time. It's just one more way to take away money from people...

Shawn   March 5th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

LOL @ Mike Huckleberry.

Republicans have no viable candiates for 2012. Hey...maybe their Master, fatfaced drug addict and felonious anti-American traitor Rush Limbaugh will run!

Dave   March 5th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

Oh boy, Mr. Fair Tax again? This from the guy that was nicknamed Tax Hike Mike when he was our governor. What a joke. And he had the audacity to accuse Romney of flip-flopping. Go away.

Charlie in Maine   March 5th, 2009 4:39 pm ET

I still think Fred Thompson ang Mike Huckabee should have been the Republican ticket in 2008 maybe 2012. "Huck and Tom" they might have taken Missori any way

C.J. Williams   March 5th, 2009 4:35 pm ET

A little Early to be running for President isnt it HUCK?

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA   March 5th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

Huckawho?

Watchful Cowboy   March 5th, 2009 4:32 pm ET

I like what Mr. Huckabee has to say – straight thinking and straight talking. Do the right thing is the theme and I like how he feels we need to move away from big government.

Ty m ands   March 5th, 2009 4:29 pm ET

Chucka-bee?
I guess the rush to de-throne the Rush is on.
Let the games begin, sit back and enjoy the canibalism, mindless chanting about socialism and fascism, some big jiggely biggely bouncing at a podium, a bit of strutting & wink-wink, and end with jug-head Joe. The reality show Fox really bets on.

Of course we don't have any idea who is the next clown might be who will take the mantel of social hypocrasy to a new level of absurd.
All hail the Gop.

hadelaide   March 5th, 2009 4:24 pm ET

Besides Myrtle Beach and Charleston where the rich inhabit, what does SC have? He should be leading a campaign to elevate SC from the bottom of the list in everything and reduce unemployment. Goodness, all these people care about is free publicity.

arithmetic is liberal   March 5th, 2009 4:19 pm ET

fair tax = Orwellian newspeak

If you want a fair tax, then start taxing the people who are benefitting the most from living and investing in the US. (notice I didn't say WORKING)

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