Poll shows Huck with SC lead

Posted: Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:45 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Republicans, 2008, 2008 Huckabee, 2008 Polls

From NBC’s Domenico Montanaro
For the first time, a South Carolina poll shows Huckabee leading. An InsiderAdvantage/Majority Opinion poll conducted Dec. 3-4 shows Huckabee in first place with 23%, ahead of Giuliani and Thompson, who are tied with 17%. Romney is fourth with 14%; McCain is also in double digits at 10% -- though he’s taken the biggest dip of any of the candidates since the poll was last conducted in October.

Huckabee has gained 12 points since October; McCain fell by 6; Thompson dropped 4 points; and Romney dipped 2. Ron Paul, who came in at 6%, saw a gain of 3 points.

South Carolina Insider Advantage poll
	12/4	10/3
Huckabee	23	11
Giuliani	17	16
Thompson	17	21
Romney	14	16
McCain	10	16
Paul	6	3

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Comments

Republicans from South Carolina are as narrow minded and religously crazed as Huckabee so no wonder they like him best.

pat huntington ny (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:55 PM)

Stay abreast of the Republican rankings...

http://truthalert.net/Republican%20Presidential%20Candidate%20Rankings.htm

Mike, Hermosa Beach, CA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:57 PM)

I guess folks are jumping on Huckabee band wagon. Here is my prediction, Huckabee will win IOWA, loose NH, MI, FL and win SC and split the rest of southern states with Fred Thompson

Romney will win NH, MI, IL, IN and NV but lost all southern sate. Guliani will probably win in NY, FL, CA, NJ and PA; however, he is going to loose all the southern states including the mid west.

Bee (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:01 PM)

Was it this poll?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPpCvF7N3Vg

Matt Whelpley, Norman, OK (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:02 PM)

Huckabee is now 1st in Iowa, South Carolina, North Carolina and Arkansas...is 2nd in Florida & Pennsylvania. His momentum is really moving at the right time. Amazing that this is happening despite the fact that he's only spent $2mil...while Romney: $60mil+, Rudy: $40mil+ & Thompson: $30mil+ keep sinking in the polls, despite all of their financial resources.

Hopefully this is a trend that we'll continue to see in politics. It sickens me to see hundreds of millions of dollars wasted in these campaigns.

Chris, Wood River, IL (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:10 PM)

This is the value of 'retail politics' in Iowa and NH
The candidates have to meet with voters

All of Mitt Romney's money couldn't 'buy' Iowa
Now, that 'surge' for Huckabee is spilling over to SC

Let's see if Iowa woarks the same way for bama and Edwards........

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:12 PM)

Huckabee is enjoying his fifteen minute surge but will tank hard as Americans soon realize he's not a real conservative. C'mon people! He's known as "tax hike Mike!" He pardoned a jailed rapist who later raped and killed another woman! Is this man the kind of candidate the Republicans want to promote? Do we really need more bad judgement in the White House?

Robert, Sacramento, CA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:17 PM)

A huckster is a seller of small articles, usually of cheap or shoddy quality, or one engaged in haggling or making petty bargains, that is, a certain type of peddler or hawker. Definition from wiki.

Keith (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:23 PM)

I called Obama vs. Huckabee on several message boards 11 months ago, and I'm increasingly proud of it. The evangelicals clearly control the Republican party now, and Huckabee is staunchly evangelical and the most charismatic, independent-friendly candidate they can run. As long as we're talking South Carolina, an we get a little discussion of the new Rasmussen democratic poll (Clinton 36-Obama 34) too? The times, they are a-changin'...

John M, San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:28 PM)

It's about time. Huckabee is the most genuine and honest candidate running. If all they have against him is all I have been reading these past days, then he has my vote.

Gregory, Chicago, IL (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:43 PM)

Mitt Romney has been saying for months that America needs a man of faith - so he has not been averse to playing the religious card . He has made his much publicised speech but he has continued his lack of transparancy with the voters . All are agreed that Jesus is at the heart of the Christian faith . Voters will be shocked and horrified at the Mormon notion that Jesus is the Devil's brother originating from a planet near a star called Kolob . It is also strange that Mitt Romney is trying to court Church Pastors when he in the secret Mormon Temple ritual consented with the presentation that the Christian Pastor was in the hire and pay of Satan . How can voters make informed decisions if they are starved of information . Romney is fully aware that if the voters knew these things the American people might decide that they do not want a man of his sort of faith .

Mr Romney can we have some simple to goodness honesty from you .

Andrew Price London UK (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:44 PM)

I find it a bit hard to believe that Huckabee has suddenly, magically, gone from 5th in most polls to first in most polls. Are we to believe that over the course of 1-2 weeks the population of this country all decided to switch their allegiances at the same moment? Based on what? I'm really beginning to doubt the honesty of the pollsters.

Scott, Citrus Heights, CA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 3:59 PM)

Robert get your facts straight. the govenor cannot pardon or parole in Arkansas, the parole board was appointed by Bill Clinton, figures the king of pardons, criminals, terrosists, drug dealers for hundreds of thousands Mike is real and this race is over, no contest, your new president is a breath of fresh air, you ll be surprised how many democrats will vote for him, and blacks who he has really helped, Clinton didnt do anything for them except go to their church as a phony.

David Anders Pharr Tx. (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 4:13 PM)

Pat at least they didnt elect a senator from Ny who stole the whitehouse furniture, while her perverted cigar bill was pardoning hundreds of drugs dealers, terrosists for money. You new yorkers need to get a life and at least run someone from your state.

David Anders Pharr Tx. (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 4:23 PM)

The Huckster is a flash in the pan. The reason why the right wing relgious fanatics didn't go for him is that they knew more about him than what the public has learned from the superficial MSM news reporting, including the very superficial First Read. Now, that he is temporarily the front runner, the republican opposition are sharpening their knives and about to demolish this fraud. But, who do they have left? One by one the republicans bounce from one scandal to another. They can't support "Sex ON the City" Rudy, as he will never get anywhere now that his scandals are getting circulation. They hate McCain and like him least of all. They will see Huck as a religious fraud. Freddie is lame beyond belief. And Willard Mitt is the grand daddy of all flip floppers. That just leaves their minor candidates who are all discounted for even better reasons. Maybe they will nominate Duncan Hunter. Now there's a winner!

J.D. in California (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 4:37 PM)

Huckabee, although "charming" is a true fiscal conservative's worst nightmare. He loves taxes, domestic spending programs and amnesty for illegals. His "fair tax" has little traction to actually see the light of day and based on his record as governor he's certainly no friend of the tax payer. He also doesn't have the wherewithal to separate church and state. Whatever he believes is not only his business, but if elected, will now be all of ours as well. If you thought George Bush's "compassionate conservatism" and "faith based" governing policies were bad, you ain't seen nothing yet. He's a theocrat with a hawkish stance on the middle east and a populist economic streak that would make some democrats blush. The current GOP has cast off the last vestiges of limited government, fiscal conservatism and civil liberties and that has produced this guy at the top of the polls. Apparently the current GOP and Mike Huckabee deserve each other. If Ron Paul doesn't win the GOP primary we're looking at two different flavors of authoritarian facing off against each other in the general. Be very afraid.

Nash (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 4:37 PM)

I gotta agree with John from San Diego. The Huck's good to go, except for that little pardoning the rapist thing, but I'm sure he's cover that one. Go get em' Huck!!!

modernwoman, Anytown,USA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 5:24 PM)

Yeah. Right. As with other "scientific" polls, Congressman Dr. Ron Paul's name is deliberately not included in the pollsters questions. Wake up people - the main stream media is choosing the next president for you.

Robert, Milford, CT (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 5:39 PM)

I am an independent voter who is a strong supporter of Gov. Huckabee.He is truly a compassionate conservative who espouses a more humble foreign policy and is not a captive of the neo-cons whose influence has destroyed this president's administration.

Joseph Kidwell:West Milwaukee, WI (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 5:54 PM)

McCain-Huckabee 2008!

Alex (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 5:55 PM)

If you vote for Huckabee, you are a friggen idiot.

Lynn Attwater, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 6:20 PM)

Huckabee is a very refreshing candidate. His intelligence, eloquence and likability surely catapulted him to his sudden surge to the top. I believe his momentum towards the presidency is unstoppable. Who cares if Obama or Clinton wins their respective party? He or she will definitely lose against Huckabee. Imagine Obama or Clinton against Huckabee in a one-on-one national debate. You know who will stand out.

Michael Estela, Rapid City, South Dakota (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 6:40 PM)

When is the MSM going to give some legs to this story? The Huckster's former chief of staff said that Huck pressured the parole board to release a serial rapist who raped and murdered again. Surely this is going to be used. Do Huck's republican rivals need to put up an ad pointing this out? If they don't, it seems certain the Dem's will if he gets the nomination. Anyone remember what happened to former Governor Michael Dukakis?

Doug, San Diego (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 6:43 PM)

This poll was BRS (Before Romney's Speech) As I watched Romney today, I believe I was seeing the next great American President.

John, Royal Palm Beach, Florida (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 6:44 PM)

I am sick and tired of the factually false errors that are posted on this website about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). That MSNBC allows this ABUSE to be posted on First Read without factually checking this garbage is egregious. The same goes for the abuse heaped on Huckabee. The majority of the blogs are hate-filled with such narrow-minded views that they don't deserve recognition. If these are the values of MSNBC, to allow a religion to be slandered and misrepresented by people who only THINK they know the Mormon religion (and DO NOT) and to allow good men of character like Romney and Huckabee to be treated so disrespectfully is disgusting. Shame on your incredibly biased approach MSNBC/First Read. Shame on the so-called "Christians" who don't take counsel from their own religion to love their neighbors as themselves.

Keith, California (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 6:59 PM)

I think the religious jihad about to occur in the republican party will be a blast to watch...this has been brewing for years, the evangelicals do not think mormons or catholics are christians, they do not beleive islam or buddhism are real religions, they are in other words the very worst among us, narrow minded religious bigots...

Rick NC (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 7:24 PM)

HEY JOHN M HERES A LITTLE SUPRISE FOR YOU! WE WILL NEVER EVER HAVE A PREACHER OR A MORMON IN THAT WHITE HOUSE NOW YOU CAN STICK YOUR LITTLE HEAD BACK IN YOUR RELIGOUS PIE HOLE. IM SOOO SICK OF THESE RIGHT WING CHRISTIANS, SHUT UP AND GOOD NIGHT!

Christy (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 7:35 PM)

I'm much more afraid of electing a naive extremist like Ron Paul.

Almost as frightening is anybody ideologically besotted enough to think that any of the GOP candidates- or the Democratic ones, for that matter- are, whatever their failings, authoritarians.

Oh, and btw... do we really want to play the game of trotting out stereotypes of New Yorkers to compare with those some in this thread are silly enough to invoke about people from Arkansas?

Bob Waters (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 7:36 PM)

Huckabee is the most genuine Republican in this race. If anyone can appeal to both sides of the aisle its him. I am native Arkansans and true blue democrat and probaly vote Huckabee over Clinton '08. "Maybe".

Malcolm, Little Rock, AR (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 7:39 PM)

I vote Huckabee, enough said!

Jason, Des Moines, IA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 7:53 PM)

For those of us who would like to wave a unfond farewell to the bushes, clintons and kennedys of this country, either huchabe or obama will be fresh breath of air. However I warn you the media machine hasn't kicked in yet and I remind all of you.these are the people who made most of America believe the magic bullet killed JFK and African Americans to grow up believing democrats brought about the civil rights movement. It doesn't matter that millions watched this murder or that millions of us grew up in the solid democrat south, advertising works.

Old man me Atlanta Ga. (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 7:53 PM)

any of these guys that voted for illegal amnisty will not get into office , iwould rather see this country divide then have that happen. we have a goverment now that does what it wants not what the people want .70 % of the country , so i read , is against this amnisty

dennis, ferndale,mi (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 7:56 PM)

I refuse to believe that Americans are taking Huck seriously, well, at least not those Americans that finished High School.

A Baptist minister: Just what America needs!

Church/State Separation Please (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:20 PM)

In a speech before a Hispanic advocacy group, Huckabee said:

"I would hope that no matter who we are, or where we are from, that America should always be a place that opens its arms, opens it heart, opens its spirit to people who come because they want the best for their families ...,"

Then he a cracked a joke about the demographic demise White Americans in the United States:

"Pretty soon, Southern white guys like me may be in the minority," Huckabee said jokingly as the crowd roared in laughter.

Its heartwarming to see a man so willing to sacrifice the interests of his own ethnic group representing the Republican Party. Soon, we can hope to see the entire New World transformed into the vibrant culture of Brazil.

James Bowery, Portland, OR (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:25 PM)

Huckabee isn't even a conservative on the real issues. The bible-bangers are just crazy about him. I hope that stops.

Lyndsey, Florida (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:27 PM)

Huckabee was run out of Arkansas. Why isnt this talked about? He is a problematic candidate. Why isnt Ron Paul getting more media attention?

Bob, Colfax, NC (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:34 PM)

Republicans from South Carolina are as narrow minded and religously crazed as Huckabee so no wonder they like him best.
pat huntington ny

------------

Why are all the women on this board so bigoted?

Gary Wills, Bradley TN (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:41 PM)

Andrew Price of London,

Don't talk about the Mormon faith, you obviously have no clue or true knowledge of it. I am absolutely amazed how I continue to hear absolutely ridiculous things about the Mormon faith like what you are spewing. You probably believe that Mormons have horns and cloven feet. Get real. I thought that kind of stupidity died with the middle ages but I guess not. The amount of fear, bias and prejudcie against the Mormon faith is unbelievable. That is what people should be shocked and horrifed about.

Bart Garner, Santa Clara, UT (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:49 PM)

Huckabee is a solid & consistent leader for the Presidency. I am not surprised at all to learn that his winsome & sincere campaign is surging forward amidst a bunch of sell-outs & schmucks. Time will continue to see grass-root Americans gravitating to his candidacy. As for me, I'm much more concerned about the fanatical agnostics ruling our nation from their lack of emotional intelligence. Thanks for the down-to-earth article!

Dean Spooner, Henderson, KY (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:55 PM)

Any state that supports President Bush, deserves Mike Huckabee. How backward is backward. Just ask a resident of South Carolina.

Nick Bedway, Wheeling, WV (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:56 PM)

Any state that supports President Bush, deserves Mike Huckabee. How backward is backward. Just ask a resident of South Carolina.

Nick Bedway, Wheeling, WV (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 8:58 PM)

Some of you need to go get your facts straight. I am from Arkansas! I know Mike Huckabee's ways! I have lived in Arkansas my entire life and will vote for him come election time. Why? Because I know the facts. Under Arkansas law a Governor can't pardon any criminals. There is a special board to do that. Under Huckabee our education greatly improved. One of Public schools in Arkansas even got the Blue Ribbon Award, THE most prestigious award a school can get. He left Arkansas with a 800 million dollar surplus! GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT! Huckabee will win because he is genuine and he actually cares. While all the candidates go around spending money and arguing Huckabee is running for President. Who do you want for your President? The same type of person running as the past 100 years or a new genuine person who can get things done? By the way, based on how much all the other candidates have spent compared to Mike Huckabee's 2 million, you can be sure that he knows how to handle money!

Matt Tyler, Bentonville, Arkansas (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 9:02 PM)

My guess is that huckabee's surge is going to be fleeting. No doubt the guy is charming, funny and even witty....But in the department of foreign policy he is very green. Now that he is at the top of the polls all the other candidates will be busy demolishing him....And his descend in the polls will be as quick as his ascend.

esayas, silver spring, MD (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 9:19 PM)

Mike Huckabee is a disater. He refuses to acknowlege evolution. He belives in an insane form of Christianity that takes the Old Testament literally. He honestly belives the world is only 6000 years old.

"Tax Hike Mike" has many other problems other than really being an economic liberal.

Don't be fooled by the smooth talk, America can not afford Mike Huckabee's BS at this time.

Steven Hazleton PA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 9:48 PM)

I like Mike Huckabee. He is articulate and genuine. He has lowered taxes, but raised a few in specific areas for specific things (contrary to the belief of some, a government cannot run without some taxes). The trick is to make them fair and as low as possible. I think he is fair. I am not a bible-thumper, but I don't think you have to be to support the him. I am voting for him.

Dane, Montclair, VA (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 10:14 PM)

Pat said: "Republicans from South Carolina are as narrow minded and religously crazed as Huckabee so no wonder they like him best." Do you ever notice how liberals are so vicious in their attacks on others, yet accuse the republicans of being evil? Just food for thought.

LD Miller, Iowa City, Iowa (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 10:28 PM)

Huckabee releasing a rapist to rape and murder again apparently went unnoticed.

John Foster (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 10:31 PM)

Robert, Sacramento, CA-
huckabee did not pardon wayne dummond. he didn't even aprove elegibility for parole. parole elegibility was aproved by jim guy tucker when he and bill clinton were in power. the parole board aproved parole a couple months after huckabee came to office.
if you want to blame someone blame bill and jim.
check your facts.
thanks you all!

sam (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 10:36 PM)

...Anyone see the story tonight on Democracy Now! about how Huckabee fought so hard to get a rapist released from prison and then the rapist went off and raped again... Can anyone say Willie Horton?

Steve Sozin (Sent Thursday, December 06, 2007 10:36 PM)

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