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

Every Christian pastor out there likes to talk about home-schooling and Christmas - the things that resonate with voters. I am a catholic and I also like home-schooling, and Christmas ... but how do I know whether Mike Huckabee is sincere in his beliefs? We had our dose of mega-church pastors who were caught on fornication, embezzlement, and homosexuality. They spoke nothing but Christ, home-schooling, and Christmas! I think that we need to reflect much more deeply before we commit the destiny of the Nation into hands we do not really know!

Bohdan Szejner, Rome, Italy (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:01 PM)

i'd be willing to bet that most of the hacks blogging on this site trying to take down huckabee actually take off work for the Christmas holiday. maybe they should be reminded by this add why they get the holiday in the first place.

carter mobile (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:02 PM)

Kathryn in Bahm,

You really ought to give that constitution a read sometime. And also check out the history on it's principle authors. Neither were Christians, and they built in a couple of provisions to ensure that the Bible and the Constitution would forever remain seperate.

If your looking for names try Jefferson and Madison, I think you'll find the other website lacking truth after you read a little more about original intent.

Rob, MD (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:06 PM)

I support Mike Huckabee, but I disagree with his putting this ad up. You have to trust a candidate for him to make this statement and for others to believe it is genuine. I believe it is genuine, but I don't really blame others for not seeing it as such. He should of focused on the issues.

However, I do believe him and hope that you would see him as a man of character and conviction. He is not going to force you to believe what he believes if he is elected president. He is for freedom of religion.
I'm sorry that many of you do not trust people of the Christian faith. Most of the time it is the church's fault for that. I hope you will see that Huckabee can be trusted.

Tony, Columbia, SC (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:10 PM)

Merry Christmas, everybody!

If you do celebrate Christmas, it is important to remember that Christmas is about God's amazing love for people, and how we in turn should share that love with others.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I hope the season is filled with peace and joy for you.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, if you get annoyed by Mike Huckabee wishing you a Merry Christmas, and saying that it is important to celebrate the birth of Christ, then maybe you've been reading the editorial page and the political news section a little too much.

I recommend watching a happy movie, like "Bee Movie" or "August Rush"

Jeff, Columbia, SC (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:12 PM)

All of you anti-Christmas people....Are you looking forward to Christmas season...if not than you just go to work like any other noraml day and let the rest of the nation enjoy their Christmas season. Wonderful video.

Kim, Ky. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:18 PM)

Rob,
The separation which is vital between church and state is to ensure that no church or religeous establishment should have power within the government or it's functions. However, the basis for the Constitutional rights and for our governing laws get their basis from the Bible and were penned by men of faith. They were leaving a state of bondage where a religeous establishment was forced in order to have freedom, however, they were also lead by their faith and recognized a higher law than that which they were declaring in the establishment of this nation.

I have educated myself, and continue to do so, on that matter. You should do the same. There is quite a difference in the establishment of a religeon and the acknowledgement of God or faith. Not only does Mike Huckabee have the right and resonsibility to share his views and their origin, but so do all of the candidates. I commend him for exercising that right that was given to him by the founders of our nation.

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:19 PM)

I've never understood why people who hold different views on religion or politics turn their differences into hate and anger. So Huckabee holds different values that you... then look elsewhere. Stop the ridiculous insults. How disheartening at Christmas!

SF, Seattle, WA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:21 PM)

The Christmas ad is, in my opinion, a form of taking the Lord's name in vain. But, then, I get enraged hearing the Hallelujiah Chorus used in car commercials. Some people don't have a problem exploiting the sacred in the interests of the secular.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:22 PM)

The hateful response from some people commenting here is just the same reason we need Mike - to change the tone of this country. Go Mike! I am so glad to have a candidate to support like you. Awesome ad that recognizes the true meaning of this special time of year for many of us. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Kris, Fairfax, VA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:26 PM)

Quote from Wendy (see above):

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.

In fact, I quite disagree with you here. Mike is simply -- and sincerely -- wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. I, for one, prefer it to the negative ads other campaigns have been running. Should Huckabee have spent his campaign's money on it? Ask the donors. For those who are interested, he's NOT the first deeply religious person to run for (or even win!) the Presidency:

Woodrow Wilson, our 28th president, was a deeply religious Presbyterian whose father was a minister. Wilson's religious views were the driving force in his political career, informing his quest for world peace.

Sorry, folks, but we are one nation UNDER GOD; there's nothing wrong with wishing someone a Merry Christmas. If he had said "Happy Hannukah" nobody would have said a thing. Remember the REASON for the season, people!

Chris B., South Bend, Indiana (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:26 PM)

"maybe they should be reminded by this add why they get the holiday in the first place. "

Why? Because of Mike Huckabee? Why don't I get Ramadan off?

I wonder how many of you "Christ's Own Republicans," mega patriots that sing every word of the national anthem before entering church and recite the 10 commandments before entering a governemnt building know that the Puritans of Plymouth Rock fame thought Christmas was gaudy and anti-reverential and wouldn't celebrate it?

You think you're all steeped in tradition and we've been doing this for 225 years - you're all a bunch of know-nothing idiots.

Cold Water, Cold Water, MI (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:27 PM)

When did wishing people Merry Christmas become so offensive? Sheesh people get a grip. Are you throwing away all those Christmas cards from your friends? The day is still Christmas despite how you choose to celebrate it. I doubt if one of the candidates got on television and told people to have a Happy Channukah there would be alot less complaints. I'm not Jewish but I'm not offended by Channukah.

Anyway, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and those of you who are to angry to celebrate. I hope you find something to make you angry since that seems to bring you so much joy.

Jamie Hindman, Lewisville, TX (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:34 PM)

Let Mike express his sincere gratitude without your judgement. If you judges him for what he says here, suggest whatelse he can say in this season as Christian who loves Jesus Christ.

Barnabas Park (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:38 PM)

John from San Diego, CA, I appreciate your candor. I am a Christian but I like Mike because of his stances on the issues which I researched. I had to research them because the media doesn't ever give Mike a chance to comment on them and instead focuses solely on his Christianity. I also wish that people would research the candidates and make a knowledgeable decision instead of letting the media spoon feed them their opinion.

Jamie Hindman, Lewisville, TX (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:40 PM)

George Washington's first inaugural address, 30 April 1789.
(George Washington Papers)

George Washington (1732-1799) delivered his first inaugural address to a joint session of Congress, assembled in Federal Hall, New York City, on 30 April 1789. The newly elected president delivered the speech in a deep, low voice that betrayed what one observer called "manifest embarrassment." Aside from recommending constitutional amendments to satisfy citizens demanding a Bill of Rights, Washington confined himself to generalities. He closed by asking for a "divine blessing" on the American people and their elected representatives. In delivering an inaugural address, Washington went beyond the constitutional requirement of taking an oath of office and thus established a precedent that has been followed since by every elected president.

--------

"Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

from:

George Washington's
Farewell Address
To the People of the United States

Lucy, Saginaw, MI (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:40 PM)

This is a beautiful message for those who have ears to hear. Governor Huckabee understands what really matters, and that is what really matters.

Merry Christmas, one and all!

Del & Leslie McMillan, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:41 PM)

Wow, the very fact that anyone would be outraged watching an ad like this is a testamentto the anger & ignorance that is present in some people.

I appreciate and applaude Mike Huckabee for stating what the Christmas season is about (and no, the "holiday season" as we know it in America would not exist at all if not for Christmas. That's a simple fact.)

This ad is positive, warm & heartfelt, and it is brilliant, because it show that Gov. Huckabee knows his audience and what kinds of messages people want to be hearing during the Christmas season. What a contrast with Romney's anti-Huckabee attack ads airing simultaneously.
O yes, and Merry Christmas everyone!

Amy, Rogers, AR (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 4:44 PM)

God bless you Mike and Merry Christmas to those who disagree with the add. Jesus still loves you too.

Eric Labbe (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:04 PM)

Jesus is a liberal and he supports John Edwards. My minister told me so last Sunday. Merry Christmas.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:05 PM)

LOL...Someone said that the founding fathers didn't want a pastor being President. Which constitution did you take an oath on? If that's the case, it would be in there. Lets all review..."Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". Now where does it say that a pastor shouldn't be president. NOWHERE....Oh yeah...It also doesn't say SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE. Freedom OF religion my friend. Not freedom FROM religion. God forbid we have a candidate that we know where he stands. Good for him. You know....I hear more bashing on Huckabee, Romney, and Giuliani than other candidates. They were all successful in their leadership roles in running some type of government. NONE of the democrats have ran a thing. Yeap....Their the most qualified though..And Ron Paul....He's an isolationist. We would be EVERYBODY'S enemy if he were to win....Here's a little tid bit Ron Paul fans...The most money isn't winning yet. I thought we were tired of people buying the white house....Guess not...Not this time....This time it's ok I guess....Down with the most popular, in with the biggest bank account.

Wayne, North Carolina (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:10 PM)

Seems the DEMS on this blog have their panties in a bunch again! I think it is about time someone combats the constant barrage from the loonie left that wants to destroy any holiday or display that christians have. News flash! The Majority of this country is Christian. Funny, they do not fear Islam and last I checked they(the peaceful religion of Islam) flew 2 planes into the world trade center. Oh.... I forgot.... Bush did that.

Brian M (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:11 PM)

The ad says exactly what's on the minds of most people in the campaign states right now, so in that sense it hits the bull's eye. But beyond that, it shows just how different Gov. Huckabee is from the others. He really gets it! Apologies to those here that don't get it, but Christians are celebrating Christmas- it doesn't take ANYTHING away from people who can still choose not to celebrate. Just because you're running for office doesn't mean you have to stop celebrating your faith.

Rudy, Miramar FL (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:14 PM)

To Rob in MD,
"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" If you look at Mike's numerous ads and statements he is doing just that. Yet, in the midst of a heated campaign, with very limited funds, Mike has taken the time and money to create an ad to simply and graciously wish everyone a Merry Christmas. It's so sad that our society has become so cynical and cold that people try to find evil and a calculating nature in something as kind and warm as a Merry Christmas wish.

Terry S (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:20 PM)

Mike Huckabee is AUTHENTIC!!!

To all of you "other" candidate posters and God haters --- whatever happened to "tolerance"???

Oh, let me guess - only Christians must be tolerant of others, but it is okay for you to be intolerant of Christians. Double standard isn't it?

ibelievehuckabee (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:30 PM)

"I hope you find something to make you angry since that seems to bring you so much joy. "

How very Christian of you. No shortage of morons, so I'm good.

HappyHappyHappy (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:39 PM)

as a canadian ....i think the united states will be a far greater country , with huck as prez.its about time america got back to their roots of christianity , and stop being a bunch of bible haters

chris lajoie (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:44 PM)

The hypocrisy on these comments is horrendous.

You are all BIGOTS...if Joseph Lieberman had made a Happy Hanukkah commercial it would be refreshing, but since Huckabee he is a Christian he is a 'nut job'.

The only defenselessly persecuted group is Christians...for some reason it is OK to slander and libel Christians.

Where is your tolerance of others??? Tolerant of all who you don't hate doesn't cut it.

Grow up folks. I have no problem with Romney being Mormon or Joe Lieberman being Jewish, or Barack being Muslim if he hadn't switched.

Matt, Raleigh NC (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 5:58 PM)

Great ad by Mike Huckabee, very refreshing and positive.

Merry Christmas!

Justin, Houston, TX (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 6:11 PM)

There will be a Democratic President in power again in '08. THAT's something to be joyful about. Merry Christmas Everybody!

Mary, the Mother of God (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 6:15 PM)

WOW! Cold Water, Have you ever read the Mayflower Compact? Maybe this will jog your memory.

"In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."

There followed the signatures of 41 of the 102 passengers, 37 of whom were Separatists fleeing religious persecution in Europe. This compact established the first basis in the new world for written laws. Half of the colony failed to survive the first winter, but the remainder lived on and prospered.

My ancestor was the 17th signer.

That aside, Thanks, Mike for the genuine, warm Christmas card wishes. Merry Christmas to you and your family, too with all good wishes.

Lucy (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 6:34 PM)

I admire Mr Huckabee for courageously standing for his convictions. Let the spiritual swine squeal their Anti- Christian displeasure. These are the same kind of people that railed on Christ, tortured him, and nailed him to a cross, because they didn't like his message.
Huckabee practices without apology what he says he believes. He doesn't flip-flop on issues just to get votes. You may not agree with him, but you have to admire that. We need a president with genuine character, backbone, and a desire to serve the people of this nation. Mike Huckabee brings these qualities to the table and that's why he is surging across the country.

Drew, Michigan (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 6:37 PM)

I thought political ads that offend people were standard operating procedure. I'm offended by most Democrat ads. After all, they are just pandering for votes and since they aren't getting mine under any circumstances there is a better than even chance they will offend me somehow, and they usually do. I lose little, if any, sleep over it except when Dems act is if they take the high road.

Amy B from Portland:

I would welcome a similar ad from Hillary or any of the other candidates for that matter. Some people would attack such an ad just like they are attacking Huckabee, but I wouldn't. This is the season for a little benefit of the doubt to be applied to everyone. It would be nice to see this side of the other candidates, if ever so briefly.

I'm not voting for Ron Paul, but he also had a nice Christmas ad recently, paid for out of his campaign funds.

On another note:

Campaign funds aren't public money. Given who Mike Huckabee's donors probably are, they wouldn't mind his spending their privately donated funds in this way at all. Others will probably like it enough to contribute some more. So what?

Merry Christmas and may God's blessings be on all of you during this special celebration at this special time of year. You may accept or reject this offer.

I'm also wondering, after watching Christmas in the White House on HDTV last night, will Democrats demand the elimination of such annual traditions?

Richard, Washington State (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 6:38 PM)

Mary, the Mother of God:

Sorry, blessed one, we still are in power through 2008.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 6:40 PM)

thanks mike and merry christmas to you also. good luck in iowa and god bless

caryl tacoma,wa (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 7:02 PM)

Beautiful and brilliant ad. I'm impressed muchly.

Joe (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 7:12 PM)

Thank you Brother Mike!!!!

Merry CHRISTmas to everyone!

Susan, Tennessee (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 7:14 PM)

Mike Huckabee...The Pander Bear!
Merry Christmas to you, too.

Anybody notice he's starting to get fat again?

James Finn, Clyde, Ohio (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 7:20 PM)

With God, all things are possible. God bless you Mike. Keep the faith.

Rob, Clarkston, MI (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 7:29 PM)

This is not an original concept! Rather, it is a blatant rip-off of a better commercial (with the whole fam), that Ron Paul did: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZPCWGtIupE

Where was the media reporting on this one?

Chris G, Saginaw, MI. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 7:32 PM)

To all non-Christian believers...this ad was intended for the MAJORITY of Americans who still identify with the true meaning of CHRISTmas...this is OUR HOLIday and Mike Huckabee is right on! Have a JOYOUS CHRISTMAS to all my brothers and sisters in CHRIST...regardless of your denomination!!

Joy De La Paz, Cerritos, CA (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 7:38 PM)

A lot of you read way too much into this message. If you don't care for the message than ignore it, it's probably not for you. I actually appreciate the boldness it takes for him to come out and actually say the name of "Christ" and say "Merry Christmas". So many who in darkness are afraid of this light. Regardless, I too, like Governor Mike wish you a Merry Christmas, if you don't like it...oh well, what can you do?

Leon, Plymouth, Minnesota (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 7:39 PM)

So many of you sound like some of those people who were making fun of Noah when he was building the ark. Why so many of you consider Christian beliefs so offensive is beyond me…and very sad and unfortunate. You call Huckabee a bigot….I see no bigotry from him. However, I consistently see hatred and bigotry from people like many of you, against people like Huckabee who openly express their beliefs. Stop the bigotry…and the hypocracy.

Mike, New Braunfels, TX (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 9:23 PM)

Why did Huckabee not include his wonderful family by his side in this ad, particularly his son, who had tortured, killed and hung a stray dog at the age of 17? Merry Christmas Huck!!!

Evie, Bronx, New York (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 9:27 PM)

I think Huckabees message was genuine and sincere. I feel he was trying to wish everyone, not just Chrstians, a joyous holiday season.

Way to go Mike!!!

Huck - Huck - Huckabee!!!

McPherson, Portland Oregon (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 9:29 PM)

absolute right Linda, I think people forget if not because of Christmas will there be holidays at this time of the year???

Merry Christmas to all.

vint , Buford.Ga (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:29 PM)

MIKE HUCKABEE'S SON JUST TORTURED A DOG TO DEATH (aka Michael Vick) AND NO ONE IS TOO CONCERNED ABOUT IT (except for his boss - who fired him, even though daddy used his political clout to keep little Hucky out of Jail - sound familiar???) HUCKABEE IS A HYPOCRIT!!!!

Jim Evans (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:58 PM)

Nancy -- Maybe I can help explain to you, that you get all these negative comments about Huckabee when he puts his religion out there to help him get elected. And don't say he not doing that! Religion is about faith, and that is not something people can reason out or agree on That's why our Founding Fathers did not make this country a theocracy.

joe - san diego (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:02 AM)

My oh my...this country is headed in the wrong direction. Mr. Huckabee is a christain, he celebrates christmas as most Americans do. Whats wrong with saying Merry Christmas? If it were Thanksgiving, would you be offended if I said Happy Thanksgiving even though you may not be a thankful person. COME ON AMERICA..WAKE UP!

Tyrone Davis, Clearwater, FL (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:23 AM)

Way to pervert one of our most cherished Christian holidays with your clearly PHONY pandering for Iowa votes! Iowans aren't that shallow - are they?

Jim Seymour (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:44 AM)

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