Huckabust?

Posted: Monday, December 31, 2007 2:32 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC’s Mark Murray, NBC/NJ’s Adam Aigner-Treworgy and NBC’s Lauren Appelbaum
DES MOINES, Iowa -- In what has to be one of the most bizarre political press conferences in recent times, Huckabee told a packed room of reporters that he was pulling a negative TV ad his campaign had produced to respond to Romney's attacks.

"The cookie cutter approach says you get hit, you hit back,” Huckabee told the reporters, adding, “I think that the Washington way often has been effective. But there may be a better way, and I hope that we can prove that's exactly the case."

Then -- via a laptop projector -- he showed the ad anyway to the several dozen journalists in the room.

Adding to the spectacle, the sound of the ad didn't work for several minutes -- until the press got to hear it one time. The ad, which his campaign said cost $30,000 to produce, begins with Huckabee speaking to the viewer. "I'm Mike Huckabee, and I approve this message, because Iowans have a right to know the truth about Mitt Romney's dishonest attacks on me and even an American hero, John McCain."

Then an announcer takes over. "Romney's record? Over $700 million in new taxes. Left office with a deficit. No executions. Supported gun control. And Romney's government mandated health plan provided a $50 co-pay for abortion."

Huckabee has the last word. "If a man is dishonest to obtain a job, he'll on the job," he says in the ad. "Iowans deserve better."

"Hopefully, this is an ad that you will see just in this room," he told the reporters.

Asked why he would announce he's pulling a negative ad -- but show it anyway -- Huckabee replied, "If I didn't show it, you'd say I never had [the ad]."

On his decision to pull the ad, Huckabee added, "If it hurts me, it hurts me... I'm taking a risk here. I know I am. If it completely makes it so he pulls away in a dramatic way, then I'll probably be the last guy to ever do this. But I'd like to be the first one to ever try.

"Thursday night, I will let you know if it was smart."

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Comments

I agree with John from Des Moines, Iowa that Mike is a good guy, but this move makes me wonder if he'll be strong enough against the real "mudslingers" later on. We'll see. Honestly though, I don't think it will matter because I think he is "too little, too late" in this race to have made enough impact. But John should know as he is in Iowa.

Leo, Davie, Florida (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 3:58 PM)

Republicans......the ultimate betrayal of America. They say they're conservative, but spend money like drunken sailors. They say they value human life, yet start wars all over the globe! I think Americans have had enough of Republicans. Maybe we can say good-bye to them for another 50 years.....but one can only hope at this point!

Guteman Portland, OR. (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 3:58 PM)

If the average American understood just how dangerous the Latter Day saints were, they would be up in arms , as they finally understood at Carthage and Nauvou. The people are not bad but they are like the walking dead and completely brainwashed.Why do you think Utah is almost completely Rebublican.Steve

Steve Tucker (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 3:59 PM)

wow!! I believe the democrats have spoken. I have yet to trust any one of the candidates but to say that Huckabee is a wolf in sheeps clothing is a bit harsh. I believe he is trying the best he can but is getting frustrated by constantly being portrayed negatively, would'nt you?

scott lewiston maine (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:00 PM)

When I first started doing volunteer work for elections, my Mom stopped me and told me to remember one thing... "They're ALL crooks. Only difference is that the pockets change". I was on my way to help out the Nixon campaign. That has helped me tremendously in my voting perspective.

DanEJoe (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:01 PM)

Huckabee is a Baptist. I'd trust him as much as Bill Clinton when he said "I did not have sexual relations with that women" Baptists are extremists.

Richard Barre, Vermont (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:01 PM)

Britney for President 2012!

John Smith, Seatlle, Washington (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:01 PM)

Huckabee is a pious huckster. Huckabee does not have to deal with 1/10 of the news media bias and prejudice that Ron Paul must deal with. Huckabee is a pragmatist who will compromise the constitution to support his self-righteous and deceived ways. Ron Paul is the only viable candidate for president.

Allen (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:02 PM)

Everyone and there so called candidates think there going to make any change? Wake up vote RON PAUL or Mike Gravel. Someone who's interest lie with the people and the CONSTITUTION!!! Not there party, constituients, lobby groups, military industrial complex, and the list go one. Wake up and try clearing your minds from all this propaganda bull the media and gov't feed you. People deserve the gov’t they vote for. Has anything changed in politics in the last 50 years? It’s politics as usual and Americans are doped every time. WAKE UP AMERICA!!! .

Kris, New York NY (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:04 PM)

Wow. While you idiots debate religion, you are just sealing the deal for the Dem's in November. Please turn this into a religion debate and not about politics ( I can hear Hillary and the rest say even now). Good job sheep. And you have the nerve to call us Paultards...

Joe V (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:04 PM)

Mike is a flop,

He has become the media's puppet, because they know he wont win. He is not the clear conservative choice and niether is Rommney.

Thompson is the bst hope for the Republican party, and this country

J Rittenhouse, Philidelphia PA (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:05 PM)

Joe V,Columbia SC (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:06 PM)

Amazing how many of you so called "Christians" follow the example of your Saviour by attacking and mocking other peoples beliefs. You really should keep you mouth firmly closed unless you know what you are talking about. I can't believe all the Bible bashers that think they know all the Mormon doctrine. What's the problem? You don't have enough of your own doctrine to study, or have you gained a perfect understanding of the teachings of Christ so you can spout verbal diarhea about your judgements of others? Since you haven't been caught up in the "rapture" or taken to heaven I'm thinking you still have enough of your own sins and weaknesses to work on your self. Vote your conscience and reap what you sow.

Sammy Rochester, NY (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:06 PM)

Huckleberry is an idiot. Mike, you pardoned over 1,100 convicted murders on death row. And you left office with a surplus, are you a democrat or republican?

Steve, AZ (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:06 PM)

nother thing, besides the illegal immigrants and ethics charges was the wedding gift registry that was set up fpr them to receive gifts to furnish their new home when they left the governors home. As well as the use of the state police plane tot ake him to his lake home for vacations etc etc just check arkansas papers for many of the things that were questioned during his term.

Sara Nelson Springdale AR (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:07 PM)

I'm more concerned about Mike Huckabee's bible toting politics than I am about a possible negative ad. To me, this man presents a real danger to the separation of church & state, though I know that would suit right wing Christians just fine. So, all I have to say to Mike is "go back to Arkansas." For that matter, Mitt can hit the road back to MA. The time for a religious zealot in the White House is over.

Dan Lazarus, Atlanta, GA (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:07 PM)

HP Boston, I see you couldn't refute what I wrote. Those are FACTS - deal with it!

Frank, Las Vegas, NV - you can't read can you? Or maybe you don't understand what a definition means. Romney did NOT flip-flop on abortion. He changed his position on it and told everyone he's changed his position. Everyone knows this. Personally, I'm glad he's on board - I wish more people will change their position on abortion. And now people want to complain that he did?

Again, go back and read the definition. Seriously, I know America's school aren't great, but this is getting ridiculous.

Sharon, Durham, NC (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:08 PM)

Here we go again. Another who claims to have the image of Christ, but the fruit he produces amounts to lies and deception.

Wake up Church! Have the last seven years taught you nothing? Do you really think this is about abortion and homosexuality? Look deeper into the heart of Jesus for the answer. Or will you let this be a fulfillment of the end times scripture "even the elect will be deceived".

Tony Campbell, Sioux City, Iowa (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:08 PM)

Let's face it no matter who gets nominated by either party the bottom line is we once again be put in a postion to vote against someone as opposed to for someone. They are all lawyers and politicans! Just my 2 cents worth.

Joe Sumter Sc. (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:08 PM)

Democrats are atheists anyway and one step closer to socialism.

Steve, AZ (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:10 PM)

The Media always pays lip service to the so called 'main stream' canidates then to the 'outer' ones. I think choosing the main canidates will only continue to contribute to the decline of America. They are too programed. I think canidates like Ron Paul, Mike Gravel make more sense then the others. They seem to be telling Americans to wake up, the 'coffee is brewing.'People need to listen to them also to choose the best canidate to lead our nation.

Sherwin Chow (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:10 PM)

Maybe they didn't get the right lighting on the inevitable "crucifix" image in the video...

To be serious, I don't know who's the bigger snake, the vengeful religious freak or the Bush-wannabe. Between them and Paul Simon with a glandular problem, they've got the short-bus for candidates. Freddie boy seems to want out of his preznit sitcom contract, Nosferatu is crapping blood over anyone thinking he isn't a saint, and Ron Paul is simply Ross Perot with a racist tinge and lack of personal fortune.

The short bus at candidate school. Knockers.

2sc

twostepcub (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:10 PM)

The Republicans just don't get it, which is why they will never win come November. Two-thirds of the population don't support the Bush administration, understandable since he's been the worst president in the history of our country. This being said, all of the Republican candidates (with the exception of Paul) have virtually the same policies as Bush. They try to distance themselves from this fact by never even mentioning W., but that won't work when the general election comes. All the Democrats have to do is to force them to defend their own or hang them out to dry; a difficult position to be in. Hillary is the only chance they have, as they can just attack, attack, attack to keep from justifying their own failed policies. If Obama or Edwards gets the nomination, the Republicans have no chance at all.

David, New Orleans, LA (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:10 PM)

It must suck big-time to be a Republican these days.
After Geo W. anyway the country votes will be uphill.
To think, "What could have been" w/o the "Failed Fratboy-in-charge"
Let's make a vow NOW; No more Bush in the whitehouse, except perhaps maybe Hillary, Hah!

Jim. Aurora, Illinois (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:10 PM)

Sad to see that in this day and age in America, Americans calling themselves "advanced" and "civilized" still use religion / personal issues etc to fight elections. And they call third world countried "backward".
Hypocrisy , and the biggest Hypocrite -> Huckabee

Ron / Texas (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:11 PM)

Why doesn't he just show an ad where he drops out of the race... then he can.say he is going to pull it,then drop out anyway..lol

Al (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:12 PM)

Huckabee, Romney and their lies will do them in. Everyone says they want change? That is why I'm hoping out for Fred Thompson. We 20 years of politicaians in the house since President Reagan, maybe we should go back to an actor with common sense who tells it like it really is..... Wake up Republicans

Roger Freeman (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:12 PM)

I believe in God and I believe in Jesus Christ as the living word. I do not believen in the Huckabee clown act. Good try though, he really ought to be hionest him self actually!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve Moore Des Moines Iowa (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:13 PM)

A sincerely ethical tack would be to pull the ad and say nothing, period. When you pull the ad and tell everyone about it, it's like praying on the steps of the temple so all can see how holy you are (holier than Romney, right?) To pull the ad, tell everyone about it AND THEN SHOW IT, tres hypocritical! When you take preachers out of the pulpit, they lose their mystique.

S.P. Wiliams, Lakewood, CO (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:13 PM)

It seems to me Ron Paul is the only one who makes any sense at all,however this will never happen with our current system. I just wish the bible thumpers would get over gays and abortions and think for themselves instead of what a preacher tells them and maybe we could elect a decent president. There is one thing for sure, anything we get will beat Mr. George Bush, what he has done to this country and the whole world is sinful beyond compare. I'll take Huckabee or Romney or whoever.

Al Lucas (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:13 PM)

Huckabee is a preacher AND a politician, you can't get much more corrupt than that!

GAB, Austin, TX (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 3:51 PM

Couldn't be more true!

p.s. G.W. Bush snorted a lot more coke than Obama and continues to lie about it. That said, I hope we can elect John Edwards and unite this country.

Mike, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:14 PM)

I hope Gov. Huckabee can successfully continue to peddle his wares to the right wing no-brainers that make up at least half of the Republican Party so he can help them lose next November. The smarmy sweet sugar coating on this guy barely covers the thin skinned hot head underneath. Having been a resident of Arkansas for most of the Clinton and all of the Huckabee years I can tell America most surely that the Clintons are by far preferable.

It's strange that the Clintons never had any scandals while residents of the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock. Only when they rose to national prominence did that start.

Hillary Clinton has never had any scandalous charge leveled at her that stuck, because they weren't true. But unfortunately, in todays political scene, an allegation is as good as a conviction because people are too lazy to see through the Republican LIES!!!!

JC, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:14 PM)

The numbers 666 immediately come to mind when you analyze the Mormon doctrine. The Bible of the Christian world is a cover for them. They come to you in sheeps clothing just like the Bible said they would. Just answer your door bell and look at them in their clean black and white clothes, but underneath they have wool undergarmints, Gary

Gary J, Grd Jctn (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:14 PM)

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Democtrats, even in this day and age America will not elect a woman president. So Hillary is out and that leaves somebody from the Republican party. Unless ofcourse Hillary does't get the nod.

Bill, Seattle, WA (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:14 PM)

I don't think you should jump to conclusions about Mormons based on Mitt Romney's behavior.

Kaydence, Henderson, NV (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:15 PM)

Frank from Vegas....go back to California you big loser!!!! You and your kind have Californicated the communities of Las Vegas...I see your vehicle parked at the Adult Superstore and Cheetah's every night you perverted self-righteous sin hiding loser.

Johnny Moser, Las Vegas (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:16 PM)

Mitt Romney has been criticized for having money, being well organized, and being to perfect. How dumb is that!! We want a president that knows how to organize stuff and get things done…… don’t we? The fact that he is well organized and knows what the heck he is doing is a great attribute! Huckabee on the other hand relies on the luck of the draw, has no forethought or well thought out plan to get him elected. He whines about lack of money etc. The fact the Romney is prepared with money and a well thought out plan and organization to get elected is a great attribute for a president. We want someone in there that is prepared for all contingencies.

As far as being polished etc. don’t we want someone to be president that has there act together and looks polished? I sure do. I don’t want someone to be the next president who does not represent the US in a prepared and polished fashion. The fact that he looks to perfect is a great attribute.

Also I don’t think that his “negative” comparison ads are wrong. He only addresses the issues and does not attack the other candidates personally like Huckabee and McCain are doing to him.

Furthermore McCain has earned the reputation as a Maverick. I live in Arizona and John McCain is my senator. He is an honorable man and has greatly sacrificed for his country during the Vietnam War. However I do NOT want him to be the next president. He often has been a roadblock to getting the GOP agenda for congress done. His health is in question and his temper is definitely not becoming a president.

I really like Mitt Romney. At this point in time I will probably vote for him. I will definitely not vote for Huckabee or McCain.

Dan, Mesa, AZ (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:16 PM)

If the upcoming election is determined by such 'non-dangerous' individuals as Steve Tucker who believe the proper solution to difference is assasination of leaders (Carthage) and unlawful theft of private property (Nauvoo), then we're in real trouble.

Mike McDonald, Bothell, WA (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:17 PM)

Frank, Las Vegas
Whatever Huckabee is paying you can't be worth selling your soul to the devil. You smear Mormons without really knowing anything. Anybody can pull a few quotes out of the bible and make it sound like God is a raving lunatic or a warmonger. Do you really think that most Amerians will believe that Mormonism is a cult just because you and a few nutcases pull out a few quotes and wave them about like dirty linen? What kind of person has so little self-esteem and self-worth that he has to denegrate the beliefs of others to justify his own beliefs? Doesn't the world have enough war and death because of religious intolerance? Do you really feel the need to perpetuate religious intolerance? Even the founding fathers of your own country deliberately left out religion because they wanted everyone to feel free to practice the religion of their conscience. Maybe you haven't noticed but this whole issue of religion arose because of a POLITICAL CONTEST. Note: POLITICAL. Do you understand that Politics is not Religion? Stick to the political facts and you won't need to smear anyone's religion. By the way, I'll pray for you.

Linda, Vancouver, BC (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:17 PM)

Frank Las Vegas,

Please - enough about the mormon teachings that you claim to understand but in reality don't. We believe that God is the same, yesterday, today and forever. God and Jesus Christ are the same God and Jesus Christ we teach and learn about in the Book of Mormon. We are Christians and to those who think we are not, research our teachings a little more. We try to be Christ-like people to all we encounter. Not all mormons are perfect, but not all people of other denominations are either. If all Christians treated each other kindly instead of attacking someone else on their beliefs, then we truly would be Christians.

Besides, like it has been said MANY MANY times, Mitt Romney is not running for Pastor in Chief, but Commander in Chief. If he becomes the next president, he will not force the LDS religion on you - freedom of religion. Mitt Romney is a good Christian man. Please don't feel threatened by a religion you don't fully understand.

Korinne, Utah (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:17 PM)

What the Republicans need to concentrate on are the things that make America great....like attacking another Middle Eastern Country, or giving tax breaks to the oil companies! These are the things that Republicans are good at!

guteman Portland, OR. (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:18 PM)

Okay this is really sad seeing people knocking the Mormons. This is about politics not religion.

Soon we will see those guys knocking the Jews, the Catholics, the Muslims, among other religions.

Grow up and put away your burning crosses and your white robes.

Cristy (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:19 PM)

Does anyone else wonder why, if the ads are so wrong and dirty, the accused party does not sue the claimant of such vile slur? I don't recall any politician ever suing for liable during a compaign because of dirt and misrepresentations. Crap! Same ol BS every year for decades. How much longer will Americans put up with such Poop? Reminds me of a half joke....How do you know a lawyers lying? His lips are moving! God help us. ed

ed swiatkowski (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:19 PM)

Can Huckabee be more of a jerk? Saying he will take the high road and then throwing more mud than anyone - and persoanl attacks to boot! If this is a Christian...

John (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:19 PM)

Hey Gene, Raleigh, NC, It's Hope, AR, sunshine. Hope, AK would be in ALASKA. Good grief.

JC, Hot Springs National Park, AR (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:19 PM)

Steve,

What happened at Carthage jail and many many other places throughout our history was completely wrong and inexcusable. Mormons are not dangerous. This is not about Mormons, but about a good man running for president. Leave mormons out of this, or research them a little more.

Korinne, Utah (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:20 PM)

Steve, Are you serious? Okay, so is Harry Reid brainwashed? What about the past Harvard Business School dean, Kim Clark? I could go on and on. Actually, the more mormon-bashing I see, the more I realize just who has been brainwashed - the bashers. It's ridiculous, especially if you actually know any Mormons. Bigotry is unattractive in any form, but particularly in political races. Yuck.

Jane USA (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:20 PM)

Mike, Mike, Mike... how stupid do you think we are? Oh, yes, you're right. We're so glad you're holier than us, taking the high road and never attacking another candidate... oh wait... what's that? You invite a bunch of reporters to a meeting and then show them an attack ad that you won't show on TV? How intriguing?
Well, at least you'd never be so petty to attack someone else's faith, right? Oh... you mean you threw in some lies about LDS beliefs "off the record" with a New York Times reporter? Man...
Well, if you're saying Romney's dishonest, then Mitt must really be lying about your record, right? You surely aren't soft on crime and illegal immigration. Wait... you mean he's not lying? Then...
Well, Mike... I don't know what you really do stand for. Seems like you flip-flop even more than Mitt. Oh well. Man, is there any candidate out there that's a decent person anymore? McCain, anyone?

Joshua, Del Rio, TX (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:21 PM)

Steve Tucker, You are a nutcase and learn how to spell.

Greg R (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:24 PM)

Huckabee is a nut job.

Ronald Warden (Sent Monday, December 31, 2007 4:24 PM)

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