Huckabee's New Face For New Hampshire

CBSNews.com Reports: Avoiding Hot-Button Social Issues, Republican Hopes For Strong Showing After Iowa Win

(CBS)  This story was written by CBSNews.com political reporter David Miller.

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Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and ordained Baptist minister, cruised to victory in the Iowa caucuses largely by positioning himself as, in the words of one of his own ads, a "Christian leader" - a message that won over the state's large contingent of evangelical Christians.

But in New Hampshire, where reserved, mainline Protestantism is the prevailing creed, Huckabee has dropped the religious references that frequently peppered his speeches before evangelical voters. If he sounds like anyone these days, it's libertarian candidate Ron Paul, with a bit of John Edwards thrown in.

At a Friday event in Henniker, Huckabee made frequent references to the Founding Fathers and notions of liberty and freedom.

"New Hampshire declared its independence six months before the rest of the country finally came around with you guys and figured it out," he told the crowd. "Your license plates say Live Free Or Die. In New Hampshire it’s more like live free, or you will die."

The reference to the state's motto gets a big response from the audience, as do his statements against both health insurance companies and big government, words that might not seem out of place coming from a populist Democrat like Edwards.

"Maybe some of the Democrats say, let’s have the government control it," Huckabee said. "Let the government make more decisions on health care. To be fair, some Republicans say, no, we want the private insurance companies to make all the decisions about health care. I’m gonna be honest with you folks: I don’t trust the government or the private insurance companies to take care of me. I want to take care of me."

What's missing from the speech are any references or even veiled allusions to Huckabee's positions on abortion and gay marriage. No talk of "activist judges" or the "sanctity of life" - buzzwords within the social conservative movement.

The rhetorical shift from Huckabee is an acknowledgment of one of the key differences between Republicans in Iowa and the ones he's now courting in New Hampshire. Surveys have shown that GOP voters here tend not to be weekly churchgoers, and conservatives here are more concerned with fiscal issues than social ones.

But that doesn't mean religion is irrelevant to this race.

On Friday, Mitt Romney, who came in second to Huckabee in Iowa, took a question from a woman in the audience on whether she should vote for a candidate whose religious views are more in line with her own, or another candidate who she believes is solid on all the issues she cares about. She asked the question without using names.

"A very theoretical idea, nothing like this exists," Romney joked - the woman's scenario described perfectly a choice between the evangelical Huckabee or Romney, a Mormon.

"Look at the history of our country, and consider the people who have been president of the United States," Romney went on to say. "We’ve had people of very different faiths, and in each case they draw from the foundation of our Judeo-Christian philosophy."

While some voters here may have the religious beliefs of candidates on their mind, those voters haven't been courted as aggressively as they were in Iowa, said state GOP Chairman Fergus Cullen.

"Evangelicals are certainly a well respected and welcome part of our coalition here," he said. "They are not as dominant in the party as they are in some other states. If one of the candidates were able to corner the market on evangelicals they’d basically be doing very well here. But on the Republican side, no one candidate has dominated among evangelicals. They’re all over the map in terms of candidates they’re supporting."

That may be mostly due to the Huckabee campaign's inability to spend the resources in New Hampshire to build a network of evangelical support. He spent nearly all of his time and money cultivating a base in Iowa, with little attention paid to New Hampshire. Polls taken here after the Iowa caucuses show him in a battle for third place with Rudy Giuliani, behind John McCain and Romney.

But Huckabee is winning over some here, devoutly religious or otherwise. Tali McBride, who attended Huckabee's event in Henniker, said the candidate's opposition to abortion resonated with her, even if the subject never came up that day.

"I guess it would have been nice to hear more but I think I know where he stands, so I don’t think there’s anything he really could have said," she said. "People ask me if that’s why I support him and I think that it’s one aspect of his candidacy but it’s not the total package."

Peter Flynn, an undecided voter, said he came away impressed with Huckabee. A lifelong New Hampshire resident, he said that while Huckabee's brand of religion may not be dominant in the state, it was unlikely to cost him any votes.

"I think New Hampshire is a very conservative state and I believe that in that conservatism comes people with religious backgrounds," he said. "Maybe not as practicing as you’d think, but certainly it’s not a setback for anybody. It’s not an obstacle, if a candidate is, you know, highly spiritual or a religious person."

[jesslm2]

As with most, I am anxious to see the final results in New Hampshire. Since religion has been such a hot issue in this election, I am also interested to see what kind of affect it will have on the voters.

I am not sure if you have heard about an independent film coming out titled: %u201CArticle VI: Faith. Politics. America.%u201D The film was directed by Bryan Hall and Jack Donaldson. It is an intense discussion of the role of faith in politics. The title is taken from Article Six of the United States Constitution: "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."

If you haven''t seen the trailer, I suggest you check it out:

http://www.articlevithemovie.com/

[jesslm2]

As with most, I am anxious to see the final results in New Hampshire. Since religion has been such a hot issue in this election, I am also interested to see what kind of affect it will have on the voters.

I am not sure if you have heard about an independent film coming out titled: %u201CArticle VI: Faith. Politics. America.%u201D The film was directed by Bryan Hall and Jack Donaldson. It is an intense discussion of the role of faith in politics. The title is taken from Article Six of the United States Constitution: "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."

If you haven''t seen the trailer, I suggest you check it out:

http://www.articlevithemovie.com/

[jesslm2]

As with most, I am anxious to see the final results in New Hampshire. Since religion has been such a hot issue in this election, I am also interested to see what kind of affect it will have on the voters.

I am not sure if you have heard about an independent film coming out titled: %u201CArticle VI: Faith. Politics. America.%u201D The film was directed by Bryan Hall and Jack Donaldson. It is an intense discussion of the role of faith in politics. The title is taken from Article Six of the United States Constitution: "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."

If you haven''t seen the trailer, I suggest you check it out:

http://www.articlevithemovie.com/

[jesslm2]

I am anxious, as most are, to see the results of New Hampshire. Since religion has been such a hot topic this election, I wonder what kind of factor it will play in New Hampshire.

I am not sure if you guys are familiar with the independent film coming out in the next couple weeks titled: "%u201CArticle VI: Faith. Politics. America.%u201D The film was directed by Bryan Hall and Jack Donaldson. It is an intense discussion of the role of faith in politics. The title is taken from Article Six of the United States Constitution: "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."

If you have not seen the trailer I suggest you check it out:

http://www.articlevithemovie.com/

[trinitron01]

Hello People! You have a real chance to get the best man in office with a perfect record in congress-- none of them come close to Dr. Ron Paul. I have compared them. I didn''''t know who was who and didnt trust the media machine. Look up ronpaul2008.com and his issues and record, and you will see for yourself. Don''''t be fooled by the imitators, there is only one guy that can really make a difference for the people. Also Dr. Ron Paul is on TONIGHT WITH JAY LENO - Tonight!!!

[david1737]

If you believe any politician who runs on "values" you''re setting your self up for disaster.

Politics=do and say anything to get elected, then do and say anything to please global corporate interests.

Just look at Huck he''s already saying what New Hampshire wants to hear (or not saying as the case may be.)

[david1737]

If you believe any politician who runs on "values" you''re setting your self up for disaster.

Politics=do and say anything to get elected, then do and say anything to please global corporate interests.

Just look at Huck he''s already saying what New Hampshire wants to hear (or not saying as the case may be.)

[giantrobot2]

Don''t be fooled by Romney. He wants to buy Americans, not earn their respect. Romney will say anything to get elected and change his mind over and over again. Romney can''t balance a budget. Just look at how much he lost in Iowa of his own base''s hard earned money flushed down the toliet. He got hammered in Iowa after millions and milions of dollars of negative TV ads.

On the other hand, Huckabee''s likeability, his honesty, his optimism, his humbleness, his trustworthiness are all character traits that define him.

American voters are thrilled to have a presidential candidate who not only has experience on running a government, but also someone who has integrity and charm.

That''s why Huckabee is skyrocking in the polls and now taking over # 1 position in the nation. Everybody can feel the energy when Huckabee talks, they feel at ease when he speaks with them.

Huckabee is like no other candidate in the last 100 years. His charm, his down to earth speak, his witty style makes people feel good about themselves in side. Someone they want to hang around with and chat wtih.

Huckabee is going to revolutionize America with his optimism for all not just a selected group. Huckabee appeals to all types of groups. He is going to lead this nation up to higher ground creating a new America spirit to be born.

This is a great time to be an American!

[candide777]

Steady as she goes. Mike Huckabee, like cream is rising to the top. Look at the polls. Almost everywhere at the top or near the top. And I predict he will finish 3rd. or better Tomorrow! 30 miles from Boston, no less!!
Posted by heartlandjim at 06:30 PM : Jan 07, 2008

Praise Jesus!!! Another whacked out religious extremist in the White House!! Just what this world needs! Let''s take this country back for Christ! We can start exterminating the Catholics and other non-Christians just as soon as Huckabee takes the oath, swearing to uphold the U.S. Constitution, umm, hmm, wait a minute, can''t we get rid of the Constitution -- who needs that Satanic work when we have the Bible?

[heartlandjim]

Steady as she goes. Mike Huckabee, like cream is rising to the top. Look at the polls. Almost everywhere at the top or near the top. And I predict he will finish 3rd. or better Tomorrow! 30 miles from Boston, no less!!

[candide777]

Posted by lanefiller1 at 05:47 PM : Jan 07, 2008

Huckabee is anything but normal. Lane Filler is just another pathetic operative trying to convince Americans that his candidate is not the extremist freak that he really is. Don''t be fooled, folks. Lane Filler is a fake who is just trying to "dumb down" Huckabee, so you will think he''s just an average Joe like GWB. Huckabee is clearly not nearly as stupid as GWB, but he is every bit as extreme and dangerous. I don''t give a sh*t what he has in his wallet and neither should you.

[lanefiller1]

Anyone interested in what Huckabee is really like face to face should try this funny (but it actually happened) column:
http://goupstate.us/index.php/lanefiller/2007/11/02/title_14

[candide777]

Huckabee Supporter: Praise Jesus! You won''t be saved without Jesus! You have to start believing in Jesus to be saved! Jesus will always be there for you!

Suit #1: Would it be so awful if we pushed her out the window?

Suit #2: No. Jesus will save her.

[antoniof123]

oh brother is is over yet.

[prinzowhales]

What does this Bush clone have to say about the Israeli spies and their Turkish and Pakistani associates who ARE STEALING US NUCLEAR SECRETS?!!

http://antiwar.com/justin/

The TIMES ON-LINE has reported on this in the UK...
Ambassador Grossman has already been named and Sibel Edmonds, the FBI translator whistleblower says that more high level traitors would be facing criminal trials if the tapes she translated were released. She has had an unprecedented national security gag order placed on her by the Regime judiciary.

Meanwhile the Regime goes slow on its prosecution of the Israeli spies and agents of influence at AIPAC!

End aid to Israel! Down with Bush and the treasonous dogs around him!

The silence on this from CBSNBCPBSFOXCNNABC is deafening!!

The mad dog McCain says that he would have invaded Iraq regardless of WMDs...the mask is off these bloodthirsty War Pigs!

[scottfrostlp]

Mike Huckabee is no Ron Paul. Ron Paul NEVER voted for a tax increase. Huckabee never met a tax increase he didn''t like.

Ron Paul NEVER voted for a Congressional pay raise and doesn''t even participate in the Congressional pension plan. Mike Huckabee charged taxpayers for a family vacation and has been investigated numerous times for ethics violations, including destroying evidence. Huckabee is on Judicial Watch''s list of the 10 most corrupt politicians of 2007 (along with Giuliani.)

Ron Paul voted against the war. Huckabee supports it.

Ron Paul has been consistent for decades. Huckabee -- a flip-flopper, like Romney and Giuliani -- just changed the tone of his campaign from a few days ago!

John "No Change" McCain stated that he doesn''t care if our troops are in Iraq for 100 years. 100 years! How many of our military personnel will pay with their lives for McCain''s reckless remark? He provided a rallying cry for the very terrorists he claims to oppose. What horrible judgement on McCain''s part.

Fred Thompson and Duncan Hunter will probably drop out any day now.

Ron Paul is the only candidate that makes any sense. Watch for ALL of the other candidates to start attempting to sound like Ron Paul. They may even start talking about monetary policy!

[b-easy63]

George Bush has "Dumb Downed" the Presidency so low the all the Candidates look like good leaders if compared to his Failed Leadership. What is sad is everyone that speaks about the "Surge" that is somewhat working was told by many retired Generals that had nothing to loose told us before any life was lost in Iraq stated that we needed thousands more Soldiers in Iraq before the Invasion started.After loosing over three thousand American Soldiers Bush finally had to do what we were all told in the beginning.The "Surge" is nothing more that an { I told you so }


Posted by stick130 at 06:11 AM : Jan 07, 2008


The word is LOSE and LOSING. Dammmmmmit!!! "Loose" is the opposite of tight. Loosing means to release, let go, or untighten something. Why do so many people who blog get this one word wrong? Dumb down of America? In all fairness to Bush--he did not dumb us down, he ACCOMMODATED most of America that already was down at that level.

[b-easy63]

Face it. America does not need anymore right wing zealots. We don''t need anymore liars, hypocrites, war mongers, torturers or those who campaign on more of the same. That takes out most of the Republican contingency, Hilary, Pelosi et al. Leaves Obama, Ron Paul, Edwards. We are tired of those who seek wars, and divisions above all else and who change their message and their stance to suit a crowd.

[stick130]

George Bush has "Dumb Downed" the Presidency so low the all the Candidates look like good leaders if compared to his Failed Leadership. What is sad is everyone that speaks about the "Surge" that is somewhat working was told by many retired Generals that had nothing to loose told us before any life was lost in Iraq stated that we needed thousands more Soldiers in Iraq before the Invasion started.After loosing over three thousand American Soldiers Bush finally had to do what we were all told in the beginning.The "Surge" is nothing more that an { I told you so }

[giantrobot2]

Beware of fast talking Mitt Romney. He will try to blanket any conversation with his fast talking rhetoric.

Romney tries to fool people by rifling off a barage of words hoping to change people''s perception of him.

His fast speak is a true indication of his in-experience and trying to hide the real meaning of what he should be saying.

Any salesman that tries to talk fast to me in effort to sell his product, I always feel he''s trying to pull a fast one over me and I walk away.

On the other hand, Huckabee''s smooth calm but witty conversation attracts people. He comes across as a down to earth individual, someone you can trust, someone who is honest in the things he''s talking about.