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.

---

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."

[pachine58]

Huckabee only wishes he could by a man of faith and convicition that Dr. Paul is. The Huck is nothing more then a copycat. Hear is what on soilder in Iraq has to say about Huckabee and MCcain says on the war and why we should vote for Dr. Paul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uk-T46soz8&eurl=http://mosquito-blog.blogspot.com/2008/01/ron-paul-vs-mike-huckabeea-gis-response.html

[pachine58]

Huckabee only wishes he could be a man of faith and convicition that Dr. Paul is. The Huck is nothing more then a copycat. Hear is what one soilder in Iraq has to say about Huckabee and MCcain and why they are wrong on the war. This is why we should vote for Dr. Paul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uk-T46soz8&eurl=http://mosquito-blog.blogspot.com/2008/01/ron-paul-vs-mike-huckabeea-gis-response.html

[sgtrds]

So know Huckabee puts on his secular coat in NH to cover up the fact that he''s a right wing evangelical loony tune who says he believes in creationism when talking to the church crowd and ignores the subject when talking to intelligent people. No surprise, he has as much of a history of telling people what they want to hear from him to get their votes as Mitt Romney does. Both of them are competing to see who the biggest liar and panderer is and it''s a real close race!

[mair8]

"If he sounds like anyone these days, it''s libertarian candidate Ron Paul, with a bit of John Edwards thrown in."

Just when I was beginning to believe that I was the only one who noticed!
Good piece Mr. Miller. Seems that the Rev. Huckabee is a ''player''. ;)

[bgodley]

After watching the ABC debate yesterday I can definitly state that most Republican candidates are out of touch with the war issue. Here are the some FACTS of our "war" on terror.

72% of Americans want us out of Iraq.

There isn''t a single piece of evidence that shows that Iraq had anything to do with WMDs, or terrorism before we went in. It is a complete farce. Bush even admitted later on that Iraq had nothing to do with WMD''s, terrorist links, or 9/11.

[bgodley]

10 billion was giving to the Musharaff regime and he is only liked by 8% of his people. Many think he was behind Bhutto''s death.

The war in Iraq will cost an estmated 4 trillion dollars. That is $100,000 for every American family.
The funding continues despite a crashing dollar and the fact that we are coming into a recession. Gold, Oil and other commodities have hit record highs. Food is much more expensive as well as fuel and housing, yet these figures were basically removed from inflation reports a few years ago.

Per a recent Washington Post article all competing factions in Iraq want us out. This idea of there being a bloodbath in the wake of our leaving is factually untrue and even the people who live there don''t believe it.

There is not a single hard fact that shows this country is safer against terrorism since this "war" started. As a matter of fact there is evidence that the opposite is true.

When British foreces pulled out of the Basra region of Iraq there was a huge drop in violence. The same thing happened in terrorist filled Palestine when we pulled out of there.

This "war" on terror is a war on an idea. It has no named enemy or country. You can''t sign a peacy treaty with an idea. The only way it would ever end is if a politician decided it was okay to do that.

Military moral is very low with repeated tours of duty. Recruiting is at an all time low.

[smirk5]

Looks like the Pubs are going to go with Amnesty boy McCain this time around. If so, they can kiss that issue goodbye.

[patriot4paul]

This story makes it clear Huckabee is a phoney. He shifts his rhetoric and positions if he thinks it will help him appeal to those prospective voters he''s speaking with. He is adopting more of Ron Paul''s words because Ron Paul is gaining huge momentum in the population at large. Is Huckabee running for President or is he a used car salesman? Give me a candidate who''s honest, consistent, full of principled integrity, and speaks the truth. Ron Paul gives me hope. Ron Paul has a deep understanding of foreign policy and monetary policy. He understands that the Fed is a banking cartel that benefits at the expense of the people. We have an opportunity here to elect a pure, honest, intelligent, experienced 10-term Congressman and doctor as president. I trust Ron Paul. He understands the people. He gives me hope.

[michaellitz2]

Huckabee is a GREAT candidate with great JUDGMENT, great IDEAS and great COMMUNICATION SKILLS. I hope that the people of New Hampshire will give him a listen and see if he just might be the BEST candidate to represent our party in the fall.

[denn034]

New face? That seems disingenuous to me not to mention phony. If the polls are to be believed, then, Huckabee doesn''t stand a chance.

[shanev137]

Hopefully America doesn''t want another religious whack job as president.

[denn034]

From the story: "On Friday, Mitt Romney...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." Mormon values are the same as evangelical values so, she should decide on Romney''s fitness solely on the basis of his business and Olympics backgrounds as well as his philosophical views. Similar values makes Romney''s Mormonism irrelevant.

[chrisfires-2009]

As Mike Huckabee gains in the polls, the former Arkansas governor is finding that his record in office is getting more scrutiny. One issue likely to get attention is his handling of a sensitive family matter: allegations that one of his sons was involved in the hanging of a stray dog at a Boy Scout camp in 1998. http://www.newsweek.com/id/78241

[gkc99]

"Huckabee is a GREAT candidate with great JUDGMENT, great IDEAS and great COMMUNICATION SKILLS. "--Posted by MichaelLitz2


And don''t forget his exceptional shape-shifting skills! The guy goes from tent revival preacher thumping for Jeezis to granite-minded libertarian in the course of one short plane ride!

[denn034]

"another religious whack job"
Posted by shanev137

An odd approach to ecumenism shanev137.

[gkc99]

"Mormon values are the same as evangelical values "--Posted by denn034


Not really true, except to the extent they both are the same as Muslim values.

[vastr-wcon]

.
QUESTION: What do a Radical, Islamic Muslin Jihadist and a Right-Wing, American Evangelical Fanatic have in common?

ANSWER: They BOTH strongly support and religiously follow Mike Huckabee''s statement that "a wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband".

I have no doubt that Huck will bring these two groups together.

Any woman with a brain and a sense of free will should be afraid - very afraid - of this Neanderthal.

.

[m1448]

Roots of Romney%u2019s %u201Clazy boy%u201D Religion:

MORMONS: [The Encyclopedia Britannica, Thirteenth Edition, London, vol. 18, pp. 842-843, 1926]%u2026 a religious sect founded by Joseph Smith%u2026 born%u2026 December 1805 at Sharon%u2026 Vermont, from which place%u2026 his parents, who like his grandparents were superstitious, neurotic, seers of visions, and believers in miraculous cures and in heavenly voices and direct revelation, removed to New York, where they settled on a small farm%u2026 Joseph, a good natured, lazy boy, suffering from a bad heredity physically and psychically, began to have visions which seem to have accompanied epileptoid seizures%u2026 from which he recovered apparently before he became of age. The boy%u2019s father was a digger for hidden treasure%u2026 the son became a crystal gazer and by the use of a %u201Cpeep-stone%u201D discovered the whereabouts of pretended hidden treasure%u2026. It was not until the 22nd of September of 1827 that (as he said) he dug up, on the hill near Manchester, a stone box, in which was a volume%u2026 made of thin gold plates%u2026 and fastened together by three gold rings. The plates were covered with small writing [supposedly of the reformed Egyptian tongue]%u2026 with the golden book Smith claimed that he found a breastplate of gold and a pair of supernatural spectacles, consisting of two crystals set in a silver bow, and called %u201CUrim and Thummin%u201D; by aid of these the mystic characters could be read.

[cs4466]

America has had eight years of religious fanatacism. Time for something better.

[gkc99]

Let''s see:

Barack Obama: editor of Harvard Law Review

Mike Huckabee: Ouachita Baptist University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (dropped out after one year.)

[rowdytexan2]

Huckabee even if you are considering evangelical issues in your vote is a false prophet.

If you don''t consider those issues, then look at his record, and listen to what he says.

He''s another republica whack job!

[m1448]

Roots of Romney%u2019s %u201Clazy boy%u201D Religion: MORMONS: [The Encyclopedia Britannica, Thirteenth Edition, London, vol. 18, pp. 842-843, 1926]%u2026 a religious sect founded by Joseph Smith%u2026 born%u2026 December 1805 at Sharon%u2026 Vermont, from which place%u2026 his parents, who like his grandparents were superstitious, neurotic, seers of visions, and believers in miraculous cures and in heavenly voices and direct revelation, removed to New York, where they settled on a small farm%u2026 Joseph, a good natured, lazy boy, suffering from a bad heredity physically and psychically, began to have visions which seem to have accompanied epileptoid seizures%u2026 from which he recovered apparently before he became of age. The boy%u2019s father was a digger for hidden treasure%u2026 the son became a crystal gazer and by the use of a %u201Cpeep-stone%u201D discovered the whereabouts of pretended hidden treasure%u2026. He [Smith] said%u2026 that on the night of the 21st of September 1823 the angel Moroni appeared to him three times, and told him that the Bible of the western continent, the supplement to the New Testament, was buried on a hill called Cumorah, now commonly known as Mormon Hill%u2026.

[harp1963]

Dear America,

If you are "snake charmed" by the "good ole boy" Republican vodoo again and vote for Huckabee or any other Republican, we deserve what we get. I''m sure these guys will start to convulse and praise the Lord soon.

[radiob-2009]

Huckabee cha cha changes like a former spider from Mars. Next is the A lad in sane followed by his conversion to soul and then the thin white duke. Can you hear me Major Tom?

[jumkey]

Mormon "values" are the same as evangelical values denn034?

There''s some twisting triangulation you''ve got going there pal - as if the rest of non-Christian non-Mormon America has some different value system going on. But hey, spin this any way you need to to cast your jaundiced vote in good "conscience".

Mormons hate Christians and Christians hate Mormons - and please no holy wars about "Mormons are Christians" or vice-versa. I don''t care one whit about this silly argument either way, except to point out that the theology is so diverse that they are different religions, each of which asserts the other is going to hell for their respective beliefs. Both camps views are stupid on their face.

So let''s call it "values" and exclude and demonize those nasty other folks we used to call our fellow Americans - because that''s what''s really important here, not the country but the power, right?

[excoachken]

Wonderful--- You Republicans actually think you can replace the Cowardly Cowboy with Gomer Pyle, da Minister? Try again.

[denn034]

"Roots of Romney%u2019s %u201Clazy boy%u201D Religion: MORMONS: [The Encyclopedia Britannica, Thirteenth Edition, London, vol. 18, pp. 842-843, 1926]"
Posted by m1448

The problem with this is that the Mormonism of today isn''t the Mormonism of "1926." Using a "1926" source on Mormonism thereby can only distort things. Period!

[vnsa4477]

Ron Paul will get us out of the war. Romney, McCain, Huckelbee, Clinton, Edwards will not. As far as Iran, they talk about diplomacy, but what happens when that fails? They put on a show, pretending and hinting they will get us out, yet at the debates, they won''t commit - except for Ron Paul. The others voted for a resoution in September to give Bush the authority to start a war in Iran:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20873667/ (Click Gravel Pic)

[denn034]

"Mormons hate Christians and Christians hate Mormons"
Posted by jumkey

You''re right about that but, even Christians will admit that Mormon values are their values.

[culturechang]

Huckleberry wont do so well in NH. He has to get votes there...not political party delegates favor.

[prinzowhales]

Hucksterbee is busy shuckin'' and jivvin'' the citizens of New Hampshire...hopefully they won''t be as simple-minded and gullible as the denizens of Iowa. Once this con-man and his fellow mainstream Demo-publicans have your vote you can kiss your freedom good-bye and you can kiss your sons and daughters good-bye as well as they march off to a Neo-Con inspired war.

[chris_taylo3]

There is a big difference between PANDERING and what Huck is doing. It''s called good politics. He changed the EMPHASIS from part of his message to another part that appeals to NH. There is nothing NEW he is talking about. He''s been saying the same thing since he started his campaign. This doesn''t mean he''s flip-flopping like Romney or saying something just for the sake of NH voters. I''m sure if you asked him if he''s anti-abortion, he would tell you he is with as much zeal as he did in Iowa. GO HUCK!

[harp1963]

Hey "excoachKen,"

Gomer Pyle! That''s who Huckabee reminds me of! I couldn''t think of who this guy reminded me of, but you have jogged my memory. He''s Gomer Pyle. Gooooollly Sgt. Carter.

[baghdadshere]

Obama and Hillary are the best pick for President.
They promise so many changes and America is looking for changes.
-They will allow al-qaeda to rebuild training camps.
-They will allow Iran become a nuclear power.
-They will allow Iran to control middle east.
-They will allow Hugo Chavez to spread communism.
-They will allow gayss marriage.
-They will allow illegal immigration.
-There will be more buildings demolished by al-qaeda

[denn034]

"Mormons hate Christians and Christians hate Mormons"
Posted by jumkey

Let me correct myself. Actually, Mormons and Christians love each other in Christ. The theological differences blind them to the values they have in common. That''s more accurate than my last posting on this comment.

[chris_taylo3]

Enough with the religion bashing already. We have to respect each others views, not bash each other over them. Vote for who most closely matches your beliefs and views, and we''ll see who comes out on top. My guess, since this nation is mostly still Christian, we''ll have a Christian leader, whether he is a former minister or someone else. Everyone acts like Huck is the only man of faith running this year. Name one candidate who doesn''t believe in God or isn''t a so-called Christian of some kind? Get past the faith of the candidate, and look to who is going to govern with conviction. Look at who''s views most closely resembles his record. If you do, you''ll see that Mike Huckabee, though not perfect, is the only one who most closely follows what he says. He is the only one worth trusting. Vote against him if you disagree with his views, but don''t vote against him just because he is a man of faith.

[erpcat]

same old gop $hit, just different texture and shape. all i hear from the republicans is, free market for every issue no matter what it is. to me this is saying continue welfare for big business and the oginolopies that grip the USA today. forget where is the beef, where is the competition?

[sgtrds]

Chris_Taylo3

There''s a huge difference between being a person of faith and a person who it looks like will try to shove that faith down the throats of the rest of America like evangelicals do. The current Chimp in the White House has said he invaded Iraq because he''s on a mission from god and that he hears the word of god, literally hears it. that''s not the kind of insanity we can tolerate in the office of the presidency. Personally I don''t care how a person prays or to who or what or if they don''t believe in a god at all, just so they keep their myths out of our laws and our schools.

[giantrobot2]

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.

[sgtrds]

He is fun to be around, plays the guitar and makes people feel good.

Posted by GiantRobot2 at 06:44 PM : Jan 06, 2008

And he''s also a bible thumping Southern evangelical creationist. I don''t think NH voters fit with that side of him or would feel good about him.

[sgtrds]

GiantRobot2, your reasoning for NH to support Huckabee is the same reason that a dumbed down America voted for GW Bush, because he was the guy they wanted to have a beer with. Very unsound reasoning you have here for putting someone in charge of the USA.

Posted by neoconism at 06:49 PM : Jan 06, 2008

And then when Bush was finished with his beer he pis*sed all over the rest of us........

[severow]

Some musicians like to say that if you can play bass and sing, you''ll hardly ever be out of work. Reckon that''s also true if you play bass and run for President?

Mike Huckabee may not need a music gig next year if he wins the 2008 presidential election. But if he does, there''s no reason he couldn''t start a "house band" right there at his new digs at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Having his own band at the ready might come in handy for hosting all those diplomatic dinners for visiting heads of state, not to mention those science and arts celebrations where they could use a polka or a waltz to go along with the potatoes au gratin.

But if Huckabee is nominated and elected, will he shore up the rhythm section by selecting a drummer as his running mate? Let''s see, the Republicans are bound to have a counterpart to Democratic percussionist par excellence Tipper Gore...

[chris_taylo3]

SgtRDS,
While I understand what you are saying and agree, Huck isn''t what you are referring to. He does not intend on shoving his beliefs down your throat. He has even said he''s had atheists working for him. He also says he respects them if they truly believe and live what they say. At the same time though, what you believe will affect what decisions you make and I want a man who will make decisions based on Judeo-Christian morals coupled with what is right for the country, rather than his own morals. To do this right, he not only needs to seek Godly wisdom, but also needs to solicit all the input he can from all sides before acting on any decision, especially war. This is what he has said he would do. He''s shown he can work with Dems. I believe he will work to be more bipartisan than our current Prez. I support Prez Bush 100% on the war, but I also agree that he could have handled it better. Then again, he did what he thought was best at the time, and because of it, you and the country are a safer place.

LT Chris Taylor, USN

[earthling56-2009]

did you see Huckabee real face in ABC debate? When he thinks he has has Romney rattled you get a peek at the real Huckabee looking over at McCean for approval with a face no preacher should show in public. Soon as realizes it, he drops the look like he got caught looking at his sister in law''s legs. Mike''s real "Christian" colors

[sgtrds]

At the same time though, what you believe will affect what decisions you make and I want a man who will make decisions based on Judeo-Christian morals coupled with what is right for the country, rather than his own morals. To do this right, he not only needs to seek Godly wisdom, but also needs to solicit all the input he can from all sides before acting on any decision, especially war.

Posted by Chris_Taylo3 at 06:59 PM : Jan 06, 2008

No, I do not want a man who bases his decisions on Judeo-Christian values. I want one who bases his decisions on the Constitution and the Laws of the United States of America and seeks his wisdom from the same. No bible/godly "wisdom" whatsoever.

[chris_taylo3]

Neoconism, your true colors are exposed. Thanks for letting all on this blog know where you stand. I proudly serve in the Navy to support and defend the constitution. To protect people like you who don''t appreciate it. Thanks for the slap in the face. I am not brainwashed and do not wish for war. I go when I am called. I came off of an 8 month deployment in May, and performed many missions over Afghanistan and Iraq supporting our ground troops; while provding air cover to save their lives. I''ve seen and heard first hand the difference we are making over there. I am scheduled to do an IA next year for another year, this time on the ground in Iraq. Until you can say you''ve done what I or others in the military have done, don''t tell me your insane views on people who are DIEING FOR YOU so you can spout your craziness. Thanks for your support!!!!

Serving proudly, LT Chris Taylor, USN

[chris_taylo3]

Again, Sgt RDS, you vote based on your views, I''ll vote based on mine. My point exactly.

[chris_taylo3]

FYI...the Constitution and are laws are based off the Bible as our founders intended. So in essence, you support the same thing I do!

[rohink-2009]

Mike Huckabee is no more Republican than Bill Clinton was Democrat. Just another media manipulated candidate. Way to many similarities. Tell the people what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear.

[smirk5]

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
Ghandi