Horserace
January 4, 2008 2:27 PM

Dobson Says Huckabee Win Displays Power Of Christian Conservatives

Ever since the 2006 midterm elections, there have been suggestions that the influence of Christian conservatives on U.S. presidential politics is waning.

But today Focus on the Family founder James Dobson said the Iowa caucus results suggested otherwise.

Mike Huckabee, a former Baptist minister, easily won the GOP vote in Iowa. Roughly 80 percent of his supporters identified themselves as born again or evangelical Christians.

`The results of the Iowa caucuses reveal that conservative Christians remain a powerful force in American politics. That had to be a great shock to those on the far left,'' Dobson said in a release, according to the Associated Press.

The AP reports that Dobson was critical of "media elites" for writing off Christian conservatives and suggested Huckabee's win "`was evidence of an energized and highly motivated conservative community."

The national influence of Christian conservatives in this presidential cycle is still yet to be seen, however. And a tough test for Huckabee will come in New Hampshire, the next state on the voting calendar. It is expected that a far smaller percentage of GOP voters in the Granite State will self-identify as evangelical Christians compared to Iowa, were entrance polls found that almost 60 percent of GOP caucus-goers described themselves as evangelical.
Tags:
james dobson ,
mike huckabee
Topics:
Mike Huckabee
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by pakaal January 4, 2008 4:03 PM PST
Huckabee''s win in Iowa may well be attributed to evangelical Christians, but it''s hardly a "shock" to those anywhere on the left, far or otherwise, it was expected that this would be a continuing force in Republican voting - the Theocons have long been known for their ability to motivate their constituencies, and the GOP has used them for decades.

I think the real shock - most likely to those on the "far right" - was how even the third-place Democrat Clinton beat top-place Republican Huckabee by almost twice the number of votes, even in a swing state split fairly evenly between Dem/GOP/Independent. This doesn''t bode well for Republican candidates IMO.
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by scottfromaz January 4, 2008 4:57 PM PST
I want to congradulate Huckabee for his win and I want to take the high road and be positive. But I were to go negative I would say his son is a over weight Dog killer, and Gov. Huckabee thinks everyone thats not Born again and Baptist is going to a place that rhimes with SWELL. That includes Catholics, Jews, Buddists, Hindu''''s, Muslims, Mormons, 7th day adeventists, JW.. And he wants to be the man of people.

His open borders tutions for illegals and tax policy are flawed to put in mildly.... But I really would never be negative towards, other then to say he also needs a good dentist.

Vote for Jimmy Carter, I mean Huckabee. !!

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by January 4, 2008 4:57 PM PST
For Governor Romney, the silver lining in the entrance poll results is that even among evangelical Christians he came in second.

Before Romney began his campaign, approximately 99 and 44/100% of evangelical Christians would rather have voted for the devil than for a Mormon.

For Huckabee''s identity politics to succeed, he has to get that 99 and 44/100%. Ain''t gonna happen.

Tracy Hall Jr
hthalljr''gmail''com
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by giantrobot2 January 4, 2008 6:11 PM PST
Fred Thompson will be dropping out of the race after finishing a poor 4th place finish.

Mitt Romney comes crashing down after spending $15 million in Iowa and losing to underdog candidate Mike Huckabee who only spent $1 million.

John McCain will beat Mitt Romney in NH now that Mitt Romney lost a easy race he should have won totally knocking out Mitt Romney.

Dr. James Dobson will not endorse Fred Thompson, John McCain or Rudy Guiliani. Fred Thompsons voters will go to Mike Huckabee and so will part of Mitt Romney''s.

Mike Huckabee''s steam will win South Carolina, Michigan and Florida.

This will further increase Mike Huckabee''s votes thereby taking Feb 5th super Tuesday.

No matter which way you slice and dice it, Mike Huckabee will become the Republican candidate.

Those who are supporting other candidates now should move over to Mike Huckabee now. Mike needs the momentum early in the election to build up steam to beat the Democrats. Those who wait to switch over to Mike Huckabee are only hurting the views they hold precious that is mostly supported by the Republican party.

Make the switch now to Mike Huckabee otherwise you are jeopordizing a Republican win.

Mike Huckabee appeals to the most voters of any Republican and has the best chance of winning the Presidential election. But the steam needs to be built up now like Ronald Reagan did to win 49 out of 50 states.
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by jntlw-2009 January 4, 2008 6:36 PM PST
Dobson is a false preacher and has mislead many Christians (as the Bible predicted) by embracing poltiics and religion together. Jesus would never have done what Fawell, Robertson, Dobson and others have doneby mixing politics and religion. Now Huckabee wants to put Christ bank into America. I suggest if that is his goal, he needs to return to the correct profession - that of a preacher. Leave the politics to politicians. Good riddance to all the false preacher and all the damage they have done to Christianity!
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by newideas1 January 4, 2008 6:53 PM PST
Huckabee won Iowa because of his broad appeal to GOP voters, not just his appeal to Christian voters.

Read "Stop Lying About Huckabee and Evangelicals!" at the following link:

http://www.townhall.com/blog/g/75f7897d-1fb4-4a2f-9177-32b8ee72fe17
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by joltamerica January 4, 2008 8:01 PM PST
Huckabee has a message that connects with all kinds of people, but it''s clear that he also connects with Christian conservatives like no candidate has before.

The key to him winning the nomination and the Presidency is getting Christian conservatives to unite in support of him... if they do, he will go all the way.

I know there''s a lot of Huckafear out there, but I really believe that he will do the most to unite Americans and work harder than anyone else to bring about effective and lasting changes in our government.

Check out JOLTamerica.com

GO MIKE GO!
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by winghunter January 4, 2008 8:15 PM PST
Dobson needs to shut his mouth.

Candidate Research - Know Who You''re Voting For
http://sayanythingblog.com/readers/entry/candidate_research_know_who_youre_voting_for/
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by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:19 PM PST
FACT: The ethics commission fined Huckabee $1,000 for failing to report that he paid himself $14,000 from his 1992 U.S. Senate campaign and $43,000 from his 1994 lieutenant governor''s campaign. (Source: POLITICO, Huckabee rivals unearth ethics complaints Kenneth P. Vogel Nov 21, 2007)
Reply to this comment
by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:20 PM PST
FACT: Huckabee accepted more than 300 gifts worth at least $130,000, ranging from $3,700 cowboy boots to a $600 chainsaw. (Source: POLITICO, Huckabee rivals unearth ethics complaints Kenneth P. Vogel Nov 21, 2007)
Reply to this comment
by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:20 PM PST
FACT: Mike Huckabee raised more taxes in 10 years in office than Bill Clinton did in his 12 years. (Source: The Leader, 08/30/2006)
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by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:20 PM PST
FACT: Mike Huckabee''s substantial tax hikes far surpassed his modest tax cuts, with the average tax burden increasing by a whopping 47% over his tenure. (Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 10/09/07)
Reply to this comment
by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:21 PM PST
FACT: Mike Huckabee opposed a congressional measure to ban internet taxes in 2003. (Source: Arkansas News Bureau, 11/21/03)
Reply to this comment
by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:21 PM PST
FACT: Mike Huckabee in 2004, he allowed a 17% sales tax increase to become law. (Source: The Gurdon Times, 03/02/04)
Reply to this comment
by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:21 PM PST
FACT: Mike Huckabee stole over $70,000 worth of furniture from the Arkansas governors mansion. (Source: Arkansas Times Counting the Furniture, 12/14/06 Leslie Newell Peacock)
Reply to this comment
by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:22 PM PST
FACT: Mike Huckabee set up a nonprofit entity so he could give paid ``inspirational'''' speeches without having to disclose the donors. (SOURCE: Bloomberg Dec 12, 2007 Margaret Carlson)
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by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:22 PM PST
FACT: During the 2001 regular session of the Arkansas Legislature, Mike Huckabee supported giving driver''s licenses to illegal aliens. (Source Arkansas Journal, Mike Huckabee Supported Bill to Give Driver''s Licenses to Illegal Aliens, Henry Rearden, 11/22/2007)
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by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:23 PM PST
FACT: Mike Huckabee supported in-state higher education benefits for children of illegal immigrants. (Laura Kellams, "Senators research U.S. law on aliens," Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 1/27/05)
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by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:23 PM PST
FACT: Mike Huckabee opposed a federal raid of 119 illegal immigrants at an Arkansas Tyson poultry plant, 107 of whom left the country either voluntarily or through deportation. (Melissa Nelson, "Huckabee Risks Political Fortunes To Denounce Immigration Raid," Associated Press, 8/5/05)
Reply to this comment
by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:24 PM PST
FACT: Mike Huckabee opposed a bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote in his own state. (Source CNS NEWS, Some GOP Concerned about Huckabee''s Immigration Views, Fred Lucas, 12/04/2007)
Reply to this comment
by jbrewster7 January 4, 2008 9:24 PM PST
FACT: Mike Huckabee says he has degree in theology, further investigation discovers he does not. (Source: The Carpetbagger Report, Mike Huckabee has a theology degree -- or does he?, 12/14/2007)
Reply to this comment
by stick130 January 4, 2008 9:47 PM PST
I want to personally thank the "Idiot Boy" in the White House for putting the headstone on the dead republican party.Mr Dobson when will you understand we want a separation between church and state.
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by giantrobot2 January 4, 2008 10:36 PM PST
Fred Thompson will be dropping out of the race after finishing a poor 4th place finish.

Mitt Romney comes crashing down after spending $15 million in Iowa and losing to underdog candidate Mike Huckabee who only spent $1 million.

John McCain will beat Mitt Romney in NH now that Mitt Romney lost a easy race he should have won totally knocking out Mitt Romney.

Dr. James Dobson will not endorse Fred Thompson, John McCain or Rudy Guiliani. Fred Thompsons voters will go to Mike Huckabee and so will part of Mitt Romney''''s.

Mike Huckabee''''s steam will win South Carolina, Michigan and Florida.

This will further increase Mike Huckabee''''s votes thereby taking Feb 5th super Tuesday.

No matter which way you slice and dice it, Mike Huckabee will become the Republican candidate.

Those who are supporting other candidates now should move over to Mike Huckabee now. Mike needs the momentum early in the election to build up steam to beat the Democrats. Those who wait to switch over to Mike Huckabee are only hurting the views they hold precious that is mostly supported by the Republican party.

Make the switch now to Mike Huckabee otherwise you are jeopordizing a Republican win.

Mike Huckabee appeals to the most voters of any Republican and has the best chance of winning the Presidential election. But the steam needs to be built up now like Ronald Reagan did to win 49 out of 50 states.
Reply to this comment
by finklestein5 January 5, 2008 12:21 AM PST
FACT: jbrewster7 is a paid member of the DNC opposition research (a.k.a "smear campaign")
Reply to this comment
by fitzonetj January 5, 2008 12:23 AM PST
Huckabee seems like a nice guy and good communicator, but I think he is a dishonest liar. Seems totally unsuited to be president, and I think to support him you might as well support Obama. Pro-war (ok to kill non-christians) and anti-abortion (gotta save the baby christians) seems a little strange to me. With 70% of the nation against the Iraq war does anyone really think a pro-war candidate can stand a chance in the general election?

Vote Ron Paul.
Reply to this comment
by finklestein5 January 5, 2008 12:27 AM PST
FACT: jbrewster7 and other members of the DNC can''t stand the fact that someone who believes in God is running for office.
Reply to this comment
by gdod25 January 5, 2008 12:31 AM PST
I am a Christian conservative and I say Huck is just like all the other candidates except Ron Paul. We are headed for tyranny because most Christians are too lazy and apathetic to research and find out whats really going on. Most had never heard of Huckabee until there choices were handed them from the powers that be.
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by dph417 January 5, 2008 12:36 AM PST
I think I have just about had it. As a Christian I am finding it more and more difficult to have any faith or trust in what Christian "leaders" like Dobson say to the media. Pat Robertson, a close friend and compatriate to Dobson, predicted last year we would have a nuclear bomb dropped in the US...this year we will see angels and China will be given to the US by God. Not a word by Dobson, other than the fact that Iowa, dominated by white Christians, voted for a white Christian running for the Republican ticket. What a shock! I like Mike Huck...but not because he is a Christian, but because I can agree with some of this views. I just wish that the old guard, those like Dobson and Robertson, would join their good friend Jerry in Gods perfect heaven. There they can talk about biblical truths and forget their often rediculous comments about politics.
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by finklestein5 January 5, 2008 12:38 AM PST
FACT: The DNC is so scared of Huckabee that the headline article on the democrats.org site reads:
"Mike''s win means more of the same: Huckabee promises third bush term"
(www.democrats.org)
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by finklestein5 January 5, 2008 12:40 AM PST
FACT: The DNC is so scared of Huckabee that the headline article on the democrats.org site reads:
"Mike''s win means more of the same: Huckabee promises third bush term"
(www.democrats.org)
Reply to this comment
by finklestein5 January 5, 2008 12:42 AM PST
FACT: That same article on the DNC website claims that "The fact is, a vote for Mike Huckabee, like all the Republican candidates, is a vote for a third Bush term...One thing is clear: whoever wins, a vote for any of the Republican candidates is a vote for a third Bush term."
Are these people serious?!?
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by dph417 January 5, 2008 12:55 AM PST
Fink,

I don''t believe that democrats fear anything about Mike Huck, in fact, I believe they prefer to run against him rather than Milt. Huck is, whether it be positive or negative, much like the current president, and no one, not even those who simply cannot separate themselves from a certain ideology, can say that the seventy percent who disagree with Pres. Bush will not use that against Mike Huck. I believe that is a reality...we shall know soon enough.
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by gregghofcc January 5, 2008 3:11 AM PST
I think it is time to recognize that Huckabee has been a successful governor longer than he was a pastor. He knows how to govern in a divided state. That will come in handy in our deeply polarized nation. He brings the heart of seasoned pastor together with the head of an effective statesman. He seems to understand what the consequences of public policy are for the people who have to live and work and sometimes even fight and die under them. I personally like that. It reminds me of both Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan who ran against their party and it was good for the Republicans that they did and that they won. It''s not about his faith anymore, its about his basic good sense and his authentic kindness. His sense of humor is evidence that the man is emotionally healthy. His critics reveal more about the emptiness of their own souls than they do about the content of his ideas and character. Iowa picked up on that fact and that is why so many turned away from Romney. Now, if only Wall Street and the D.C. Beltway Crowd can will listen to what the man has to say, they may realize that he is a breath of fresh air for the party and the nation. The point is, Huckabee is a skillful uniter and that is just what America needs right now.
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by stanzx1 January 5, 2008 11:17 AM PST
The Christian Truth! Video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uk-T46soz8
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by stanzx1 January 5, 2008 11:18 AM PST
The truth about the War! Ron Paul vs Mike Huckabee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uk-T46soz8
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by moxford0 January 5, 2008 3:30 PM PST
It''s the American Talaban at their best.
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by chfromiowa January 5, 2008 5:08 PM PST
I would also like the press to investigate Huckabee for the bigot that he has shown himself to be while stumping here in Iowa. I was shocked by the subtle anti-Mormon slant he took. It was repulsive and I am so sad that Iowans fell in step with it. I cannot believe Iowa really is the backwoods, closed-minded place that it is stereotyped as. I cannot believe America would support a hatemonger like Huckabee as the Commander in Chief.

America, please be smarter than Iowa. Support an intelligent, informed candidate like Romney or McCain, and if you can''t support either of them then please vote Democrat. Honestly, anybody but Huckabee.
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by giantrobot2 January 6, 2008 6:46 PM PST
New Hamphire voters can really relate to Huckabee. He is fun to be around, plays the guitar and makes people feel good.

New Hampshire voters have always been right there in the middle of the left right specturm. That''s exactly where Huckabee stands. It''s a direct match with New Hampshire voters.
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by athanatsius January 7, 2008 3:10 AM PST
In response to the reader who called evangelicals, protestants, and homeschoolers among "the lowest common denominator of voters," your insults, name calling and obvious hatred are evidence of the polar opposite of your claim.

Huckabee appears to demonstrate the compassion and love of Christ to the poor, to immigrants, to the environment, and to to the unborn, while upholding high moral principles. This appeals to evangelicals such as myself, who are not as concerned with fiscal conservatism as with justice, compassion and mercy. Huckabee was not endorsed by the Republican establishment or by most prominent Christian leaders, demonstrating that most of the evangelical block thinks for itself, sees through so-called "christian" leaders who seek to manipulate them for their own selfish ends, and is a powerful voting block.
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