Huckabee’s Christmas appeal

Posted: Monday, December 17, 2007 2:20 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Ads

From NBC’s Joseph Laliberte
A new ad released today by the Huckabee campaign features the former Baptist minister in front of a Christmas tree noting that with all the political television commercials recently, “…what really matters is the celebration of the birth of Christ.” According to a blog on his campaign Web site, the ad is being featured in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. The campaign did not immediately return a phone call, requesting information on the buy.

Behind the music of "Silent Night," Huckabee is shown in a red Christmas sweater wishing voters a “Merry Christmas.” Huckabee, who ran an earlier ad with words “Christian Leader” on screen, has been bolstered by the support of evangelicals.

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Comments

Huckabee wearing a Christmas sweater, now he truly is a laughing stock, as we'll be viewed around the world if this nut job is elected. He has no idea how to run a country. He's worse than Bush as if that is even possible.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:28 PM)

He better be carefull with these adds. He might use up his less than 5 mill. You should see more than four times as many Paul adds since he has raised more than four times the amount of money.

Terry (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:30 PM)

IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS ONCE YOU TRANSLATE IT INTO REALITY SPEECH<"BURN THE INFIDELS AND THIER FAMILIES OF NON BELIEVERS>ARE TERE NOT PRISONS ARE TERE NO WORKHOUSES,the commpassionate conservitive rises from the ashes to once more reek havoc on an heathen world.OH by the way god said thou shall not kill he didnt make exceptions for you.

kenn the easter bunny (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:31 PM)

Christians are know for murder and terror ask the victims of the childerns crusade or the spanish inquisition,or the pediphle priests what more could you want from religion oh close the churchs in north Philly cause they dont produce enough profit,SCOUNDRELS MISSION ACCOMPLISED

kenn (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:33 PM)

I'm not sure he's running for President of the whole country anymore--if he ever was.

Good luck getting elected, you pious theocrat!

betty in baltimore (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:39 PM)

This is "catch the wave /catch the vide" at its best.

Friendly, comfy, appeasing, freely waging a "good wish" to anybody, the Clintons included.

Top that. He's really dangerous...

PlywoodAlgor (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:39 PM)

I honestly cannot believe that was an ad paid for by his presidential campaign and supporting his goal to be president -- of the United States of America.

Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, atheists, agnostics (etc., you know, all those religions other than Christianity) -- you're missing out on what is "really important" at this time of year. What losers you are. With Huckabee, we don't know about Iraq or the War on Terror, but the War on Christmas certainly will not stand!

cms (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:49 PM)

Hey Huck? Did you know (were you taught) that Jesus was born in the Spring?

just wondering (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:52 PM)

Sounds like from above comments Mike is scarcing the atheists,and of course Pat who has a crush on Hillary.

David Anders tx. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:52 PM)

Finally! A man not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. Why is it that political correctness really means intolerance of Christianity. Yes Christianity has had some bad moments but what religion hasn't. On the other hand, I don't see any other candidate wishing everyone a good holiday season, including their enemies. Which is exactly what Christ came here for. To forgive.

Go Mike!!!

Kristen, Auburn Hills, MI (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:53 PM)

I am surprised at the fact that you other bloggers would not only put words in the mouth of Mr. Huckabee, but go so far as to compare him to President Bush or even suggest that he is self righteous based on the fact that he is wishing a Merry Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ, whether you choose to worship Him or not, is the reason we all celebrate Christmas in America and beyond. Huckabee is not pushing his own agenda on anyone. If you truly do not believe he has a chance to make a presidential run and truly believe that proclaiming himself to be a christian makes him less of a candidate you obviously feel threatened by something. I do not believe it is Mike Huckabee you fear!

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:53 PM)

I have one thing to say:

2 Corinthians 2:17--
Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

Apparently old Huck never preached on (or read?) this passage.

Wendy, San Diego, CA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 2:54 PM)

The reason we celebrate Christmas is because of the birth of Christ...I don't think anyone with a brain in their head can dispute that. And regardless of when Christ was truly born, Christmas is the day that we celebrate his birth.

I think the warm and positive ad is a nice change. The negative ads suck.

Chris, Wood River, IL (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:00 PM)

There must be something in the water down in Arkansas that makes their politicians so slick. Huckabee certainly knows how to pander to his audience.

It's unlikely that Huckabee will be able to broaden his evangelical appeal. Ron Paul, on the other hand, is demonstrating an energizing mass appeal as evinced by his fundraising totals. The number of donors and the number of new donors is very impressive.

Despite the mainstream media blackout, Dr. Paul is a top contender... http://truthalert.net/Republican%20Presidential%20Candidate%20Rankings.htm

Mike, Hermosa Beach, CA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:00 PM)

cms-
Again, Mike Huckabee is not taking a self righteous approach, as all you Huck-haters are. He is simply acknowledging the fact that it is the season that we celebrate the birth of Christ. To anyone who doesn't - that is your perogative. He is not trying to convert you, trying to persecute you or infringing on your right to do as you please. Shame on you for being prejudice towards christians or anyone else for that matter. As a christian I can say that we do not teach judgement or condemnation (not by man), but we believe that the difference in 'nonbelievers' and 'believers' is the joy that comes from His grace. Thank you Mike Huckabee for sharing that joy with those around you.

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:02 PM)

Kathryn, we don't "all" celebrate christmas. I'm a jew. Why in G-d's name would I celebrate christ's birth?

Think outside your cozy little box.

Bruce, NV (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:02 PM)

Do we all have to worry that a "Christian" president will just want to start a "holy war"? Come on...let your paranoia go...give it a break...use common sense if that is possible. I think it is great to see Huckabee take a break with politics as usual...let's have a Merry Christmas...one of the reasons I like Huckabee is that he is a "real" person. Our country has not seen that in a long time...we are greatly overdue for a BIG change in Washington...let's start at the top and work our way down to our county courthouse's! WE CAN DO BETTER! Let's all work together to be ONE country again...if I remember correctly, (unless someone changed the history books again) we are still the UNITED States of America. It's time we try the United part...don't you think?

Greg, Indianapolis, Indiana (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:02 PM)

Finally somone who is not afraid of the evils of political correctness.

Way to go Mike !!!!!

Scott, Canton OH (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:02 PM)

As someone who took this oath "I, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God", I question the Constitutionally of someone who is a pastor/minister of a church (eg, Huckabee, Sharpton) running for the Office of the President of the United States of America.

I think that the Founding Fathers would be mortified at the de-evolution of this nation that they fought so hard to create. Freedom from religious governance is the backbone and foundation of the United States of the America. If you don't like it, LEAVE!

Xena Peel, Bremerton, WA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:10 PM)

"Finally somone who is not afraid of the evils of political correctness."

Why does that mean shoving your beliefs down other peoples' throats?

Lee in CA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:10 PM)

Bruce-
I didn't say everyone celebrated the birth of Christ. Those who celebrate Christmas - read C H R I S T mas - do though. You don't - that's great. My in-laws are jewish and my children have the awesome experience of learning both christian and jewish traditions... and WE ARE ALL RESPECTFUL OF EACH OTHER's beliefs. Wow, Bruce, that - in G-d's name - is what I said!

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:13 PM)

The Democrats better be real darn careful how they treat the candidacy of Barack Obama. All of these Racist and Xenophobic attacks aimed at the Senator will backfire against the party as a whole. In case Democrats forgot, there's only one reason why Blacks ( who are CONSERVATIVE at their core) vote Democrat and not Republican.

It's NOT because of their stand on Abortion

It's NOT because of their stand on Gay Marriage

It's mainly because of a "perceived" notion that Republicans are racist and Blacks have no where else to go. What do Democrats think will happen if the Black Community perceives that Hillary or Edwards won the Democratic Nomination because they used racism and xenophobia against Barack Obama as opposed to the issues? Hmmm? Do you think they will vote party line for the sake of the Party? The party that only talks to them during election season ? Hmmm? Is that what you think will happen? Well, if so, Democrats are in for a huge awakening. I'll make it clear. You guys better (HOPE) that Mike Huckabee is not on the Republican ballot if Hillary Clinton or John Edwards is on the Democratic ballot.

After all the racism that has been revealed within the Democratic Party and the frustration of neglect towards African Americans by Democrats, you better HOPE and pray to "Jaysus" that Mike Huckabee is NOT the Republican nominee because if he is , you can kiss the Black vote GOOD BYE and GOOD RIDDANCE!

Think about it.

BlackEvangelicals (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:15 PM)

Chris, Kathryn, et al--

Do you really not see that he IS engaging in politics as usual? This is an ad paid for with political fund dollars!!! And which hawks the Name of Jesus purely for appeal's sake! I'm a genuine evangelical Christian but, like Bruce said, many Americans don't celebrate Christmas.

I think the ad gives Huckabee, who I actually liked till AIDS- and misogyny-gate, a definite slime factor.

Wendy, San Diego, CA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:16 PM)

"He is not trying to convert you, trying to persecute you or infringing on your right to do as you please."

No, he's trying to win your vote by appealing to your religious beliefs. That's what gets under my skin. Tell me, how would you feel if Hillary ran the exact same ad?

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:16 PM)

Jesus was born in the spring, April 17, 6BC to be exact. The only reason we celebrate his b-day in Decemeber, was because of some pope's edict 300 years later, to coincide with some Roman empire pagan winter celebration.

To: David Anders tx

Insofar as being scared of Huckabee and having a crush on Hillary, I am neither scared of Tax Hike Mike [I'm scared of what will happen to this nation and all the rapists he'll free if he's elected], nor do I have a crush on Hillary [inasmuch as I may very well vote for Obama].

Pat, Huntington NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:17 PM)

As a matter of FACT, December 25 was once the pagan holiday celebrating the birth of Sol invictus (the sun god). When the Christians gained power in Rome, they adopted that day to celebrate the birth of Christ to take over the day from the wicked pagans. And so many of the symbols of "Christmas" were originally pagan symbols - that very "Christmas" tree Huckabee is sitting in front of was a tradition started by pagans celebrating yule or the winter solstice. The reality is that there are many faiths and non-faiths (atheist, agnostic) who do NOT celebrate the birth of Christ this time of year. And clearly those people are not included in Mike Huckabee's America. It's appalling that a country founded to be a place of religious freedom (ALL religions - not just the various sects of Christianity) is now witnessing a republican party whose candidates are trying to prove how christian they are. It's disgusting - keep your fairytales at home!!

Sara Doyel, San Francisco, CA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:18 PM)

Kathryn -- here's the quote: "What really matters is the celebration of the birth of Christ."

No, it's not what "really matters" to many millions of people in this country. I'm not expressing any prejudice against Christians -- I'm Christian myself. But I don't want any person running for office telling me that what matters is the celebration of Christ. I also don't want them telling me that what matters is the celebration of Passover, or the celebration of the prophet Muhammad, or whatever. Leave religion to the religious organizations.

cms (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:20 PM)

I guess what scares me about the Huckster is the blatent, seemingly fake, use of Christianity to get the evangelicals all in a tissy. Didn't Bush call this group the Christian nuts? Some think Huck is the candidate that has been sent to them by God. They hear anti-gay and anti-abortion and go nuts.

Now...I do have a question...its been posting that Huck doesnt have a theology degree and was not an ordained minister...but he has been promoting this...What is true?

christina, Fort Worth, Texas (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:21 PM)

The extent to which Huckabee is ripping off Ron Paul's campaign is getting ridiculous. Come up with some ideas of your own.

Proof that Ron Paul did it first:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xn7uSHtkuA

Anna, Ithaca, NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:23 PM)

Wow, there is such 'hate' on some of these posts.....
If you don't celebrate Christmas, you have to know that you live in a country that does..either as a Christian holiday or a secular one.
If you don't celebrate Christmas and someone wishes you 'Merry Christmas'..and that offends you..you just need to be thicker skinned. Sheesh!

M, SCL, Utah (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:24 PM)

Wendy -
I am so sorry that you think that he is using his faith simply as an appeal. I personally believe that if he was going for 'appeal' he would not have chosen such an ad, as he obviously knew it would be attacked.

And Amy - I think if Hillary had run the same ad it would actually have given her a boost, as it would show not only her very strong, rigid side, but it would appeal to those who do not know her better. It would be nice to see Hillary the woman, the wife, the mom, the person... not always Hillary the lifetime politician who is out to undercut her oponents in order to work her way up the ladder. I would love to know a more personal side of her - Who she is and why.

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:29 PM)

What a nice change of pace. A wonderful message from a genuine man. This is not the time for politics. Great job!

Kelly Tanner, Albemarle, NC (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:32 PM)

I don't think that Huckabee has shyed away from his faith. It is really nice to see that he continues to stand firm in that area and not give in the pressures of being politically correct.

Stand Firm Mike.

BTW-How many of you Christmas bashers take the day off? I doubt many of you work on Christmas day.

Jon, Azle, TX (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:33 PM)

christina-
Yes, he is a minister. I happen to study under a man who taught Mike Huckabee years ago. Our mutual teacher is one of the most well-respected, well-educated men I know.

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:34 PM)

Huck will have his fun in a state like Iowa...wait until the rest of america figure out that he his an intolerant man who when push comes to shove will take the word of a book of fairy tales over our constitution...of course he can't do worse than christians clamoring for torture and more war...thats weird too

Rick, WS, NC (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:37 PM)

It is amazing at how and what america has become. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. All you christian hating people out there need to not say anything b/c if you are not a christian this was not for you anyway! It was not even for christains. it was in celebration of the holiday. He is genuine and true to himself unlike Mitt Romney.
this flip flopping flake will say anything to get voted in. go to www.massresistance.org
to get the real scoop on romney. he knows that he has gone to far to the right to ever be respected by the far left that was his base during his term as governer in mass state. he is even more liberal and corrupt than hillary. they are both flip flopping flakes together. the only clear conservative here is huckabee. he has been consistant with his stance and not a flip flopping fluke like mitt. i would never vote for him, not becuase he is a morman but b/c he is a flip flop that can not be trusted. the fact that he continues to attack huckabee, will only drive me closer to him. instead of him trying to say why huckabee should not be winning, he should stop trying to compare himself to him and start telling people why anyone should vote to him. the fact of the matter is that he is going to lose. and in new hampshire, he is going to loose to mccain. then he can finally go home and let the illegal aliens keep working on his home...
If huckabee celebrates christmas then that is ok. id anyone saying anything to you for NOT celebrating christmas. This anti Christiandom need to stop. Freedom of religion is for every body including presidential hopefuls. I will be voting for Huckabee not b/c he is a christian, but b/c he has the Guts to stand up to all the anti-christ pundits that do not like christ. Jesus is the Christ and that settles it.....

sha (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:41 PM)

A beautiful ad. Nice to see something different at this time of year. A warm message of peace on earth and good will to men. Hard to argue that. Oh, some of you are against peace on earth and good will to men. Sorry to hear that.

Merry Christmas to you too, Mike Huckabee. Next year you'll be lighting the Christmas Tree at the White House!

And thanks for not being politically correct. We're so tired of all that. Very refreshing. Go Mike Go!

Bob R., La Mirada, CA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:41 PM)

I am an atheist so-called liberal and I don't understand the outrage. The guy is running for the Republican nomination and that party is run by Christian Evangelicals. Whether or not they vote because they think Huck is sent from God is immaterial as far as I'm concerned. I would love for people to vote based on analysis and reason (mostly because this nation would be a lot further to the left), but that's the thing about freedom of expression - you can express yourself based on whatever drives you. If he's trying to pick up the Evangelical base that's mostly tired of mean spirited neo-cons selling out their conservative "values" and flooding their televisions with fear-laced diatribes I think he nailed it. Doesn't appeal to me at all - but then again it's not directed at me or every American and it's not supposed to be.

John, San Diego, CA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:42 PM)

I am perpexed about all the negative posts. Vitually all of our presidents have been Christian and as far back as I can remember, they have all mentioned the birth of Christ and wished the nation "Merry Christmas."

Your lack of tolerance is amazing.

I support him proudly, but not because I am an evangelical Chistian. I support him because he has more executive experince than any candidate in eiter party and because he supports the Fair Tax.

Stop being negative and go to www.FairTax.org and learn.

You may also want to visit www.MikeHuckabee.com and visit the Truth Squad page to learn the truth about his views and values.

Nancy Tama, FL (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:46 PM)

Many may be offended by Mike Huckabee statement concerning Christimas. And that is okay, but too all the Christians out there that celebrate the birth of Christ on Decemember 25, I have a suggetion let all of us shop only at Christian owned businesses next year. That is my New Years resolution. I will go to Christian book stores and if along the way I can find other Christian enterprizes then I will shop there to.
I don't like Mike, I LOVE Mike.

Stevie SLC Utah (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:46 PM)

Rick -
Why do you say Mike Huckabee is intolerant? Why do you think that he would pit the Bible vs. the Constitution? And why on earth would you blame christians for torture and war?

For more on how the Constitution and Bible coexist and BOTH were the basis for the founding of this great nation, please check out this site:
http://www.eadshome.com/QuotesoftheFounders.htm

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:47 PM)

Kelly Tanner, Albemarle, NC, - not time for politics? How many days till the primaries??? Don't you even buy it for a second. Wolf in sheep clothing (even if it is a sweater).

Braden, Durham, NC (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:50 PM)

"And thanks for not being politically correct. We're so tired of all that."

political correctness - it just smacks of decent manners - me and your grandmother (the old whore) have NO use for it.

Republican (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:53 PM)

I honestly could care less what Pastor Mike's personal views on moral and religious matters are - I think that for any candidate, such views are best expressed in memoirs after departing office and not coloring decisions made in the national interest from the White House pulpit, I mean stateroom.

I do, however, view with deep skepticism a man who is running for office decrying "political ads" and urging the voters to ignore such crude details as candidates' voting records and policy pledges in favor of Hallmark sentimentality. It reminds me of a salesman skimming over the fine print in the contract as he reminds me how shiny my new car is.

Most everybody in the field on either side has a core support group they're reaching out to, or expected to do well with - but Hillary's not going out of her way, for example, to alienate male voters. Edwards can afford to spurn the votes of 'fat cats' in the confident knowledge they weren't supporting him anyway, but a man with Huckabee's track record can't in my view alienate Republicans outside the Religious Right-wing fringe with this sort of pandering approach. In any case, I harbor grave doubts that a man ignorant of the tenets of Mormonism can be expected to master the intricacies of Islamic sectarianism and govern US foreign policy appropriately. I'd frankly prefer Ron Paul to get the nod, and - sorry Ron - he's a long way from being my ideal candidate.

Rich, Vidalia, GA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:53 PM)

don't slam your religion down my throat!

Huckabee Hater! (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:53 PM)

I don't hate Christmas or Christians, I hat politicans who pander to faith so they can be elected. If Huckabee is Christian, great! If people on this blog are Christian, good for you, enjoy the holiday. But I fail to see how this ad says anything about Mike Huckabee other then that he is a calculating politician, who would use the sentimental nature of some American's religious leanings to further his goal of becoming POTUS. Win my vote by talking about perspective goals for the nation, or perhaps even your views on the issues that polarize and perplex our society; not on appeals that highlight personal religiousity as a qualification of office. Anyone who falls for that ploy misunderstands the purpose of a liberal democracy.

Rob, MD (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:54 PM)

Absolutely brilliant ad. I probably won't vote for him, but give him credit, this guy knows what he's doing.

John Brennan, San Diego, Calif. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:54 PM)

I stand for the ad, and isn't it true in America that we ALL have freedom of expression. Even Mike Huckabee running for President of the United States of America.

Merry Christmas,
and if this offends you that was not the intention.

D. Carpenter
Alabama

Deb Carpenter (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:55 PM)

Thank you Mike Huckabee. That is refreshing. Anyone who dislikes his wish of a Merry Christmas can ignore it. God bless you anyway.

Wayne Bray, Douglasville GA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 3:58 PM)

What a great ad! I really enjoyed it. To heck with PC. This is the Christmas season in the United States of America and I can think of nothing more appropriate than wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and reminding us of the reason for the season.

Linda R., San Antonio, Texas (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:00 PM)

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