As I'm sure Mr. Dobson is aware, if Mike Huckabee should become the GOP nominee, the liberal media will then do the Democrats' bidding and "warn" Americans day and night that selection of a president is a secular matter that shouldn't depend heavily on the issue of moral values derived from religious principles. They'll cite the so-called principle of "separation of church and state", plus the fact that the president is intended to be an executive position, not "preacher-in-chief", etc.

Be prepared.

Ha - oh yeah, the left is really REALLY shocked.  My goodness, the religious right votes?  In Iowa?  You don't say!  You broke it, you bought it, Republicans.  This guy is seriously into Jesus, not just about abortion but, gasp, about the environment and, gasp, rich people!  Jesus didn't much care for rich people...  Uh oh!  The crack-up begins!  Go Huckabee!

The Democratic turnout in Iowa was made to be the big news last night while the religous angle was mostly ignored. Republicans will be nervous about Democratic turnout, but Democrats should be very nervous about the religious turnout.

"Sixty percent of the voters in the Iowa caucuses were self identified evangelicals"?  That may be true of the Republican caucuses but there is no way that percentage is accurate if you include the 240,000 voting in the Democratic caucuses.  The most significant lesson of the Iowa caucuses is that a huge number of independants no longer wish to be associated with a party controled by the evangelical right.    

LONG POST - BUT ITS WORTH THE READ!
To those who wonder whether or not we are prepared to be under fire as men and women of faith and as supporters of Mike Huckabee.

I must say a couple of things that are very important.  There is a HUGE difference in church/religion and faith. You are intermixing these and then calling those of us who are supporting Mike Huckabee hypocrites because we are both political and 'religious'. You should know that the church - as a physical establishment of a group of people with like views, is tax exempt...not the religious or faithful. The church establishment is what is both separated from government (so as not to enforce a particular practice/belief on anyone)and tax exempt - as you pointed out. Religion, which is a bigger picture or the next tier in concentric circles where you have common church establishments with like beliefs and principles. That is still very different from FAITH, which is generally used to describe those who believe in a God whom we cannot see. Yes, Mike Huckabee is a man of FAITH and is constantly questioned about his FAITH and is secure in sharing that part of himself with the American people with whom he is connecting. He NEVER tries to convert, condemn, or otherwise judge anyone who doesn't believe as he does - or even those who claim to have no faith in anything at all.

I have never once seen him try to talk about his religious or church beliefs with anyone in this national political platform he is on. Many of the quotes and observations pointed out have been taken out of context - taken from a time where he was the leader of a church, not trying to lead our country. He is wise enough to know that he is no longer speaking in front of God seeking individuals, but rather a vast array of peoples from many backgrounds who are looking to find a candidate who can lead our country to a time of prosperity, peace and unity.

To all who are putting everyone who claims to be a christian (a follower of Christ) into one category - shame on you. I do not put all white people, african-americans, jewish, muslims or whomever into one category. We are all individuals. We are all given free will. We all make difficult decisions EVERY day, many of which we later realize were not the best decisions. We cannot take them back. We cannot change history. We move on. That is where we are as a country. We should stop criticizing President Bush or the republican or democratic parties as a whole and realize that we all live by our own convictions. We are living in a post 9/11 United States where certain issues are a reality - sucks, but they are. Lets stop the petty crap and realize that we are ONE NATION and must forge a new path to a future we can be happy with. Vote Mike Huckabee to lead us in that new direction.

There seems to be an element of surprise in the conservative values based voter turnout.  As in all elements of our society, this is a very pervasive block of people who represent one of the bedrocks of our american way of life.  I for one am glad that there is an energy being demonstrated by this group and that they are coming out of the woodwork to be counted in this coming election. I would rather have them be a part of the active mix of voter influence then some of the other groups of potential voters in our country.  

I guess the surprise is coming from the press because they felt that this group would not participate.  I think this is a sign that our American system works and is still strong and is a viable part of our society.

New rock band; Mike and the Huckabees.
Goody for Mike.  He'll get 45% of 20% of the population.  As Iowa, with 1% of the US population, goes, so goes the US.  Oh, I forgot, it's 45% of 10% of 1% of the US that went for Mike.  Oh well, I guess an avalanche can start with one small snowball.

The real news about the evening are the following numbers that have really not been discussed by Mr. Lauer or Mr. Huckabee.  

Total Iowa Turnout (R & D):  356,000

Percentage of total vote
24.5% Obama
20.5% Edwards
19.8% Clinton
11.4% Huckabee

Spin these numbers.

The crack up isn't from the left it's from the GOP who realizes that Frankenstein (evangelicals) is on the loose.
Oh to finally watch this party fracture and crumble!!!
I don't think I mind terribly any of the constituencies separately, however, together I was infuriated because there was no reason that anyone reporting to follow Jesus should be in the same party as the modern day Pharisees (the economic and defense conservatives).

By the way how he won should have been illegal. He didn't have an Iowa organization. He used church organization. Is anyone else not bothered by that? Does that sound like separation of church and state? How many churches drove to the Democratic caucuses? Would anyone object if it was madrassas that were turning out 100% of their lunacy. Yea, not to fun to think about when the tables are turned.

I'd make a bigger deal out of the illegality issue if I wasn't absolutely positive that Huckabee's candidacy will ruin the GOP.

The GOP is down to the 30% of mouth breathing anti-evolutionists who call themselves evangelicals. ALL of these people are a joke (I'm not kidding one bit). The entrance polls showed that 2/3 of the GOP that showed up last night main issue was whether or not the candidate shared their values. GW and Rove did a good job of uniting the ignorant by twisting Christian values into American values, which couldn't be further from the truth. None of our forefathers believed that Jesus was God. It's just all of the ridiculous hypocrisy that the GOP represents. Truth is that most of the "followers" and the modern GOP are pharisees. Jesus wouldn't take a piss on GWs gums if his teeth were on fire (and the guy was all about forgiveness).

I laughed myself to sleep last night. It's finally over. The rein of religious tyranny and intolerance is coming to an end. No more ridiculous faith based initiatives (read Christian handouts to their own churches). No more abstinence education, as if anyone really though saying, "Don't do it" was education. No shot at criminalizing abortion and sending poor mothers to jail because they can't afford to adequately raise a child. No chance at writing religious bigotry INTO the constitution with a marriage amendment. Thank you FSM. All praise be to your noodly appendage.

The majority of the republican voters claimed association with the Evangelicals, however the democrats outnumbered the republicans in numbers.

We are looking for a change from the status quo, and that is what last night numbers indicated. And I for one hope that the media, and everyone else cites, and keeps in mind the principle of separation of church and state, and remember that the election is in fact a secular process and not a religious one.  

Ron Paul just say "i love jesus" so you can win the election. This whole "what would jesus do" mentality that is taking over our government is scaring me. I just turned 30 so maybe its always been this way, but up until George Bush I never heard of religion swaying politics. Then again, before George Bush I was too young to care about politics.

I and many Americans are not interested in "James Dobson's Reaction to Last Night."

This article belongs on Fox News.

Peter P., your GOP turnout last night for Hucky (114,000) was less than HALF the Dem turnout for Obama (239,000), and even way under the paltry Dem turnout for Kerry 4 years ago (125,000).  Obama has huge momentum & staying power; Huck has none.  

The GOP is now all over the place, frantically flailing about waiting for any old ship to pass in the night & save their sorry butts. All your frontrunners are in the process of being dissed by their own party.  You guys have MUCH more to be worried about than us.  Enjoy '08! =)

The good news is that there was heavy participation from everyone, and many first timers. The good news is that establishment candidates from both sides were rejected and centrist outsiders from both parties were embraced.
The bad news is that the establishment of both parties lurks, ready to discredit and demean any candidate that does not serve it.
So I say to all of you, embrace and support your local centrist outsider no matter what filth spews forth about them. Consider the source and keep the faith...and/or keep the hope...mileage may vary.

Huckabee is a counterfeit and hopefully he will be exposed as such.
He talks about Romney being dishonest; his campaign called me on a Sunday with a push poll dissing Romney!
Huckabee will owe so many people money and favors, if he did get elected [ha,ha,ha],he'd need 3 terms to get them paid off.
Since he is from Hope, has anyone checked to see if he has invested in real estate or cattle futures? LOL!

Seven dreadful years of the immoral regime of the so-called 'evangelical' George W. Bush.  
The poor showing by the GOP in Iowa cannot be redeemed by the lackustre Huckabee.  We have seen the disasters that define the Bush administration..it will not be allowed to be repeated by yet another religious charlatan.

Paul Silhan wrote above:  <<the liberal media will then do the Democrats' bidding and "warn" Americans day and night that selection of a president is a secular matter that shouldn't depend heavily on the issue of moral values derived from religious principles>>

...and they'd be right.  The selection of a President is a secular matter and religious principles should play no part in it.  Even Mitt Romney has said it -- duh!

I am a supporter of the other winner last night but have to say that I was impressed by Huckabee. And although my views on most issues differ from his I respect what he said and stands for. Thank you for making this election about hope not fear, about bringing us together not tearing us apart. If Huckabee and Obama make it to the general maybe we can have an election were people get to vote for who they want not who they fear least.

Dear Peter P.,

Please stop separating the Democratic Party from religious belief (particularly Christianity)!!

There are millions of Christians who believe that a Democratic candidate (ie- Obama) best lives out the principles of Christ!

There are millions of Christians who may vote for a Democrat, but still believe abortion is a tragedy!! A tragedy that we must do everything in our power to reduce!

Evangelical Christians For Obama '08!!!

Dobson conveniently forgets that a LARGE percentage of republicans are not evangelicals.  He is also ignoring the large percentage of independents who voted republican in 2004 who not only didn't vote their 'religion', they didn't even vote republican this time!  And then there's the dirty little secret of the 3%-5% of republican caucus goers who actually caucused democratic.

Boy, there are some pretty smart people writing this stuff. I'm not sure I belong here. That being said, the media has still not figured it out. We as the right don't talk much to them about what we belive or what we are going to do in any election. We don't seek them out because we don't trust them. This seems to have eluded them. They are always surprised about our turnout and our vote. I am never surprised at our turnout or our vote. We do what we do everyday. We work, we pray, we help our neighbors and we vote our belives. SURPRISE!!!!

How is it that every time a conservative candidate is backed buy evangelicals the left talks separation of church and state. When left leaning candidates go into to liberal churches like Obmama in Chicago its' a good thing. The left shoe liberal must not be aware that the right shoe conservatives should have equal rights.

I plan on reading and listening to everything I can before going to the poles. I am not sure the United States is ready for a female president but I haven't counted Hillary out yet. Also, Mike Huckabee is a surprise since his late start. I may have to go Republican again as I did the last time. Time and facts will tell.

Kathryn, thanks for your very well thought-out and carefully expressed post.  I agree with many of your points.  I still disagree with your assessment that Huckabee is the right choice for our next president, but hey, that's America, right?

Who really cares what James Dobson thinks? I'm so sick and tired of so much being made of what this facist, hatemonger says. As a born-again Christian, I think Evangelicals equating "Focus on the Family" as an example of true Christianity is deplorable. Jesus was a friend of the poor, the minority, the prostitute, the tax collector, and the outcasts of His time. Jesus forbade one in judging others and exhorted for one to examine oneself (why doesn't Focus on the Family focus on its own family?; Jesus taught the principles of The Kingdom of God, not the politics of His time. It was the politicians and religious nuts who crucified the Lord. Why is it so difficult for Evangelicals to see this?

I would think that the Democrats would be beaming and happy about Huckabee's victory in Iowa.  He's probably the only candidate who is less appealing in a general election than Hillary Clinton!  The best service that Huckabee's success could render is to split the GOP into two warring factions.

Reaganites? Sounds similar to Canaanites, or Israelites. What happened to "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me"? Or is the 'Quipper', just a Saint?

It is quite amazing that a man I had never heard of until 1 year ago, with such little money, and continued barrage of criticism could win this primary!

Against all odds! Go Mike Huckabee

I think James Dobson is missing the point, personally.  The 11.4% who voted for Huckabee didn't nessesarily vote because they were representing the Evangelical Right, but possibly because Huckabee represents hope, a positive campaign, and someone who is not paid for by media/corporations.  That seemed to me to be the major lesson of the Iowa Primary Caucus..that people want change...honestly executed, whether it be Republican or Democrat.  I found it very interesting that voter turnout was so high, with the majority of Independents going Democratic...a reflection again of the anger and unease with the current administration.

John B -
You got it! It is definately America! I am proud to be in this country and I am so thankful that we as Americans have the freedoms we enjoy today. I am looking forward to the new year and to the hope and possibilities that come with the selection of a new leader! God bless America!

equal right only aply to the left.

Yeah!! this is more like it. People are thinking and voting their conscience. Light will be coming to lift the dark cloud that enveloped our country.

If people want to live in a religious state move to IRAN!!!!

"Not bad for a supposed bunch of demoralized, depressed, disillusioned and disengaged Reaganites."

Reaganites?  Aren't we supposed to be talking about the Christian Right specifically...  I guess Dobson shows us who his true God is...

Hey, America!!!  GUESS WHAT? Maybe GOD is forging a NEW PARTY SYSTEM here..the UNITY of TRUE BELIEVERS  in human values and EQUALITY  FOR ALL, huh?  That's the REAL Gospel, wouldn't ya say?!!   Caring for widows and orphans, the sick, oppressed, marginalized....being a voice for those who have none..

HERE betwixt all these centrist/populist cansidates may lie REAL democracy...let's see...maybe Obama will be Pres., Edwards V.P. and Huckabee Sec'y. of State?  or maybe Morgan Freeman?  the list of GREAT and GOOD possibilities is ENDLESS; and now MAYBE, really, GOD's
hand has come down with a loud resonance of a heavenly gavel declaring; "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!"

The righteous may now be getting their just recognition and positioning from on high....chew on this

No shock here. I don't have as much a problem with Mike as I have with the so-called "Evangelical conservative Christians." As I seem to recall they also "voted" in GWB. Under his "leadership" many gov't officials have been indicted, convicted, pled guilty, or were credibly accused of crimes/corruption of office.  
Remember Matthew 7:15-16. Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.
This is what I think of when I hear about the ECC movement. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm not seeing good fruit from this movement or the people they elect. If you are part of this movement, I would genuinely like to know whether you actually chose to vote based on your own well-researched information (of ALL candidates)....or whether you voted for someone because you were marketed to by your religious leaders and were swayed vote a particular way.

All you iowan evangelicals just did your part to ensure that we have a democrat in The White House next year.  Having your same religious beliefs is more important in choosing a leader than whether he/she has what it takes to fix this country.  BLIND followers.  Huckabee didn't defend his record that was illuminated by Romney's comparison ads, he personally insulted Romney instead.  He can brag about being outspent in Iowa because he pulls publicity stunts to get his message out instead of paying for it and he makes you all look like fools for thinking he is the more 'positive' politician.  Oh wait, you guys don't think he is a lifelong politician, he's just an average guy like you.  His ad LIED about Romney being responsible for gov't $ being spent on abortions and says Romney is dishonest when reporting HIS record.  Back up your record instead of playing dirty politics.  I hope the rest of the country can be a little more objective about this Huckster and vote for someone who can actually acheive something in office.  

It never occurred to me that the state where Pat Robertson managed to win wouldn't go for Huckabee, who is like Pat Robertson but without the objectionable qualities. I don't know who in the world Romney supports think they're kidding. He's like the John Kerry of the right; boring, wooden, clueless, entitled. Wait, except with more narcissism, with the constant resume embellishment.

as I see it, the issue with Mr Huckabee is his claim to faith and as a 'christian' is supposed to embrace ALL of humankind, and he does not. he has given us several exceptions to the rule of the 'good christian' -- no gays, no choice, no religion but mine, etc etc. this disturbs many of us who believe in the rights of everyone to have what our vast and diverse population deserve ..a hand out to raise everyone to the same level - black, white, gay, straight, hispanic, christian, muslim, morman, catholic, man, woman.  we've been granted a gift in a man who embraces all of who and what we are ..Barack Obama.  

This country was built on christianity (look at your money and then talk about Separation of Chruch and state) I will consider it a tragedy for anyone who gets into the oval office to not stand up against the baby killers, the sanctity of marriage, and the freedom of religion.

We need ANOTHER president who stands up for this amidst those liberals wishing to demoralize this country.

As a born again Christian and a Democrat, I support John Edwards because he is the right man for the job. Edwards is a Christian and has made his personal beliefs known but he doesn't use his Christianity as a political "tool". I respect him for that. Let's leave religion out of politics and politics out of religion.

Who would have guessed Dobson would feel that way LOL
he is the man who said Spongebob Squarepants was gay because he saw a video of him holding hands with another cartoon character and jumping into the water.

Outside of one issue - abortion - Mr. Dobson and his ilk have very little in common with Huckabee.  Dobson either thinks his comments will hurt Huckabee (I don't think he's that smart) or he's hoping to jump on the bandwagon.  Either way the left wingers at the NY Times, CNN, Daily Koz and posters here will continue to be surprised as Huckabee continues to be at or near the top in these primaries.  

He may not win the nomination or the presidency, but he is not the far right boogie man the left is trying to label him with.

Desperate of Overland Park informs us: “None of our forefathers believed that Jesus was God.”

Funny that so many of them signed the Constitution, which following Article VII, and prior to the signatures of Washington and the others, says it was “done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven...”  

Who were they referring to as “our Lord”?  Who was born about 1787 years prior thereto?  The Framers’ Lord must have been Jesus.  Who else could they have meant?

James Dobson is such a hateful, horrible man. Like others like him (Pat Robertson, the late Jerry Fallwell) he is a right wing Republican first, and a "Christian" second - in other words, a phony "Christian".

Those that know him best vote no to romney, but the greatest question is why no media types are discussing the keating 5. mccain a war hero- yes, but mccain-man of integrity-no

the savings and loan scandal rocked this nation and our trust in banking institutions. he's just lucky that all the media are so young and forgiving. do the research on his connections and " associates"

Pam - "The 11.4% who voted for Huckabee didn't nessesarily vote because they were representing the Evangelical Right, but possibly because Huckabee represents hope, a positive campaign, and someone who is not paid for by media/corporations."

This doesn't make him qualified to be POTUS.  I don't care how nice and hopeful he is, his ability to run the nation is severely lacking.  His foreign relations knowledge is frighteningly laughable.  Please don't vote in the nice, under qualified guy.  (He's not that nice, btw.)

I dont really care for Huckabee but I am a Christian. Why do people have so much hate for Christians? My understanding was that from exit polls Huck recieved aprox 45% of the Christian vote. That means 55% went some where else. Who ever posted the focus on the family tirade? Please let me know where they have acted with the hatered you are talking about. From what Ive read and heard he is a USC trained Psycologist. By the way could someone let me know what the GOP turnout in 2000 and 2004 was??? Have a great new year!!!

Aaron,

I'm not sure I will ever understand this inconsistency:

There are millions of Christians who may vote for a Democrat, but still believe abortion is a tragedy!! A tragedy that we must do everything in our power to reduce!

The Democratic platform is pro-abortion, down to every last candidate:

Democratic Candidates (from CNN)

Barack Obama
Supports abortion rights.

Joe Biden
Supports abortion rights.  

Hillary Clinton
Supports abortion rights.  

Chris Dodd
Supports abortion rights.

John Edwards
Supports abortion rights.  

Mike Gravel
Supports abortion rights.  

Dennis Kucinich
Supports abortion rights, though previously opposed them.  

Bill Richardson
Supports abortion rights.  

On the other hand, Republican Candidates:

Mitt Romney
Opposes abortion rights except in cases of rape, incest, and to protect the life of the mother.
 
Tom Tancredo
Opposes abortion rights.  

Fred Thompson
Opposes abortion rights. Says Roe v. Wade is a "bad law" and "bad medical science."  

Mike Huckabee
Opposes abortion rights.

Duncan Hunter
Opposes abortion rights. Sponsored legislation which would define life as beginning at conception and apply constitutional protections to the unborn.  

John McCain
Opposes abortion rights except in cases of rape, incest or to protect the life of the mother.  

Ron Paul
Opposes abortion rights, but says that the issue should be decided in the states. Supports ban on procedure opponents call "partial-birth" abortion. Says Roe v. Wade was "wrongly decided."

Only one Republican candidate supports abortion rights - Rudy Giuliani and it is the reason many Christian Republicans will have trouble voting for him.

Seems like a whole lot of folks want the political system to change, and I just dont see any clear front runner choices here....  my suggestions:

1) Roate the State primaries. It's the only fair way.

2) Dump the electoral college! Let every vote truly count!!   One person, one vote!
3) No more family political dynasties. Let's not emulate South America, OK??
4) Institute a reasonable limit on fund raising.

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