Huckabee strikes back: Fred did nothing in eight years in the Senate; Update: Huck camp to phone every evangelical pastor in Michigan for GOTV
posted at 11:25 am on January 11, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Not true. He was quite the wingman for McCain on campaign finance reform, wasn’t he?
This attack, oddly enough, parallels Fred’s insofar as it too works to Maverick’s advantage. Even the most idgit-y of idgit voters knows McCain’s name, knows he has loads of Senate experience, and knows that he’s accomplished a lot there. What they might not know, especially given his surge vogue of late, are the specifics of those “accomplishments” — pushing amnesty, voting against the Bush tax cuts, CFR, etc etc etc. And since Fred’s unwilling to remind them, it may come down to a simple question of who’s more likely between the two of them to get “results,” irrespective of what those results might be.
I tacked on a bit of unrelated red meat at the end, devoured by Huck with appropriate gusto.
Update: Via Ace, here’s what the “Christian leader” message means on the ground.
[P]ro-Huckabee organizers say they are focusing their entire effort on turning out evangelical church goers. They plan to call every evangelical pastor in the state over the next few days. Those ministers can’t endorse any candidate from the pulpit — but they can tell their parishioners that “it’s their Christian duty,” to turn out on primary day, said Glenn. “And we know who they’ll be voting for.”
To help drive that message home, thousands of volunteers will be dropping leaflets and waving signs in church parking lots across Michigan this Sunday. Glenn says there will also be several news conferences across the state through the January 15 vote featuring groups of pastors announcing their personal support for Huckabee, an organized wave of callers into Michigan’s Christian radio stations, and phone trees targeting the state’s largest churches from within.
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Yeah, Huck. He did nothing, and you did so much. Pardoned murderers, helped illegal immigrants while taxing the hell out of your actual citizens to do so, punished smokers and people who eat what they want through fiscal policy…you must be so proud.
MadisonConservative on January 11, 2008 at 11:28 AM
I detest that smiling idiot. He’s no conservative. And he cannot refute anything Fred said.
Theworldisnotenough on January 11, 2008 at 11:28 AM
I detest that smiling idiot. He’s no conservative. And he cannot refute anything Fred said.
Theworldisnotenough on January 11, 2008 at 11:28 AM
If Fred wants to serve the country as president, he’s definitely going to have to put his friendship with McVain aside and go after him on his senate record. It’s a very target rich environment. He can always preface his attacks with something like “While I consider him to be my friend …” before he politely but firmly points out McVain’s many conservative heresies.
I thought that was Fred’s only real mistake in last night’s debate, but it was one he cannot continue to make.
thirteen28 on January 11, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I detest that smiling idiot. He’s no conservative. And he cannot refute anything Fred said.
edgehead on January 11, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I detest that smiling idiot. He’s no conservative. And he cannot refute anything Fred said.
TexasDan on January 11, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Teh Huckashuffle..
stlpatriot on January 11, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I can’t stand that guy (Huckster), but he is good. Perfect opening line about the writer’s strike.
I had to stop watching halfway through. He makes me sick.
Allah, do you get the feeling that these guys are playing for VP. It seems they should want to go after McCain if they truly wanted to win this thing.
bert169 on January 11, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Agree 100%! Took the words out of my mouth.
Huck’s on the ropes now!
Oink on January 11, 2008 at 11:32 AM
That’s what conservatives love about him.
Huck needs to familiarize himself with Thomas Paine: The government is best which governs least.
flyfisher on January 11, 2008 at 11:32 AM
The Kerry riffing was pretty funny.
Vizzini on January 11, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Why is everyone is this field unwilling to attack McCain?
Are they just in awe of his POW suffering, or do they fear the present-day wrath of the McCain temper tantrum?
Anyway, Fred accomplished the mission of goading Huck into a mudfight. maybe this will convince some evangelicals that Huck really, really, REALLY isnt a conservative.
Always Right on January 11, 2008 at 11:33 AM
You know, during the debate I wondered why Gov Huckabee, if he is so founded in convictions, would at one time interval say that the Bush Administration is “arrogant” but then make statements like he did during the debate where he warned of sending Iraninan suicide boats to Hell if they tried anything. Could what he said during the debate not be understood as being “arrogant” as well? I don’t see a distinction.
Weebork on January 11, 2008 at 11:33 AM
If Huckabee gets the nomination I will not vote for him. I’d rather see Hillary or Obama crash and burn and then take back everything in 2012.
Leonidas Hoplite on January 11, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Huck has magic. Finally a candidate exposes Fred for the fraud that he is. Eight years in the Senate for what? That qualifies you to be POTUS? Fred’s real experience is as a DC insider lobbying for anyone who can whip out a checkbook — oh and giving legal advice to the defense team fighting extradition of the Libyan terrorist responsible for killing 270 innocent lives over Lockerbie, Scotland.
tommylotto on January 11, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Mike Huckabee makes me want to do this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsGSMJV_KqI
Zetterson on January 11, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Typical Huckster. He “attacked me”. Pointing out your pathetic record is not an attack. Smacking you upside the head, which is what you deserve, would be an attack.
Everytime someone points out this douchebag’s record, he claims he’s being unfairly attacked, yet he never refutes anything they say.
Why? Because he is a tax and spend, weak on crime, pathetic on foreign affairs, John Kerry-esque liberal.
bigred on January 11, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Huckabee is reminding me more and more of another former Governor of Arkansas.
Nahanni on January 11, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Oops, to clarify:
“Could what he said during the debate
notbe understood as being arrogant as well?Weebork on January 11, 2008 at 11:35 AM
oh you will love this:
Mike Huckabee: Give Fred Thompson Some Metamucil!
zane on January 11, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Didnt Huck say that Fred did not take his metamucil?
JVelez on January 11, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I keep hearing how Fred & McShamnesty are great friend. What is that based on? I mean, do they spend vacations together or are they just respectful of each other from the senate?
Just wondering, please educate me -nicely.
stenwin77 on January 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I detest that smiling idiot. He’s no conservative. And he cannot refute anything Fred said.
Dread Pirate Roberts VI on January 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Huck has his piousness and Jesus-rhetoric to fall back on. It’s crumbling, but it’s taken a while to find a chink in it and start bringing him down. McCain has the military service, the experience while in that service, and his long career in Congress to contend with. That holds a lot more weight with people in SC, and it’s a real tricky shield to get around. They can go after him on amnesty, but it’s got to be done precisely, particularly with him lying through his damned teeth about it.
MadisonConservative on January 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I can’t wait until Huck get the collective flush he so desperatly needs. He reeks of sleazy televangelist.
RobertInAustin on January 11, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Repeat after me: “President Huckabee”
Get used to it folks. He’s going the distance, warts and all. Let’s leave the demagoguery to the liberals. He’s consistent on guns and abortion, and is willing to flop in the right direction on other issues.
Romney has had to flop on every issue, and that’s a liability, besides being a yankee. ;)
And Fred, bless his heart…not happening
Your Jewish Master on January 11, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Robin the Boy Wonder strikes again, showing that he isn’t even a dim bulb…he’s a burnt out bulb.
MadisonConservative on January 11, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Do you think Mike Huckabee is angling to be McCain’s running mate?
http://www.mccainhuckabee08.blogspot.com
Mcguyver on January 11, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Huck saying Fred needs better lines?!
How many times do we have to sit through the “I must be over the target” crap?
*yawn*
That, and even though I liked the “gates of hell” comment from last night, on retrospect, it’s wholly impractical.
Nothing like letting the Iranians know that you’d take there, bait, Huck.
yo on January 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
So why were we lauding Tancredo as an immigration stalwart?
After all, he tried to govern conservatively.
He should have just been like the “clear conservative choice” and sat on his kiester like Fred, apparently.
I always find it amusing how the Fredheads whine about the other candidates having no record of conservatism, then laud Fred for… doing nothing for conservatism. With eight years in the Senate.
But now that Fred is putting out white papers, I guess its alright if he’s just talking the talk. The soft bifotry of low expectations, I guess. Then again, Fred is parfectly fine with those, too.
BKennedy on January 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Yes he did. Not a good move by the Huckster.
This is another reason to keep him off a ticket, Pres or VP: He is just too damn undisciplined.
bert169 on January 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Repeat after me: Presidents Clinton, with a an enormous electoral and popular vote landslide, and 60+ Dems in the senate.
I blame you chuck.
edgehead on January 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I detest that smiling idiot. He’s no conservative. And he cannot refute anything Fred said.
Tennman on January 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
oh you will love this:
Mike Huckabee: Give Fred Thompson Some Metamucil!
zane on January 11, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Yeah, Real conservatives love MSNBC, and Joe, and huck, lmao
Red meat for Fred to slam on real issues, not personal attacks. I would expect there to be a response to hucks lame attempts in the near future…
stlpatriot on January 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
*their
yo on January 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Huck: It’s never too late to do the right thing.
So, vote for Fred!
ChartreuseDragon on January 11, 2008 at 11:42 AM
I’m one of the newbies graciously allowed to comment via the open registration a couple days ago.
Having been a resident of Tennessee for quite some time, I did not think Fred’s Senate record was anything to write home about. In fact, in my circles, when we heard the initial rumors swirling that Fred was going to get in the race, we knew that his run would not do as well as many were hoping and predicting.
medguy on January 11, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Actually, most Fredheads settled on Fred because they liked Tanc and Hunter too, but the former dropped out and the latter is doing worse than Bill Richardson was when he dropped.
MadisonConservative on January 11, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Sometimes, you just go with the flow…
I still like the spitscreen of the debate from an earlier post, where Huck looks at Fred the way Hillary looks at Obama…
Frozen Tex on January 11, 2008 at 11:44 AM
DAMN IT’S GONNA FEEL GOOD TO VOTE DEMOCRATIC.
thareb on January 11, 2008 at 11:45 AM
I think some are overestimating the impact attacks on Huckabee have amongst his supporters. I have a feeling most of his base doesn’t support him because they’re unaware of his horrible fiscal record and lack of knowledge on foreign policy. Those aren’t their issues.
amerpundit on January 11, 2008 at 11:47 AM
That reminds me when Forbes was running and all of the Cadidates were on Stage. Forbes turns to McCain and says with a straight facve “I do not Believe you were a POW!” And the look on McCains face could have melted Forbes into a puddle of carbon waste.
McCain has my respect for serving, being a POW and surviving! But that is as far as I go.
upinak on January 11, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Perhaps the most banal argument is to call Republicans “liberal” when they clearly are not. It lessens the real impact of what being liberal means when it becomes a playground insult in the hands of some of you in this forum. You should stick to attacking liberals on the left and leave serious discussions to others. Fred got it wrong and it made him look bad.
apacalyps on January 11, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Huck needs to familiarize himself with Thomas Paine: The government is best which governs least.
flyfisher on January 11, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Damn right…
stlpatriot on January 11, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Besides, I detest that smiling idiot. He’s no conservative. And he cannot refute anything Fred said.
geckomon on January 11, 2008 at 11:57 AM
He won’t be president. He might win the nomination, but as slick as he is, he’ll get slaughtered by BO or Hillary. Both of them are at least as well versed on the issues as he is, and since he’s a liberal just like they are, independents will default to the liberal party, while many conservatives will sit it out.
Oh, and mark my words – if Huck wins the nomination, he’ll be the first republican to lose Utah in a very long time.
thirteen28 on January 11, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Too good not to repeat…
Nineball on January 11, 2008 at 11:57 AM
No wonder Forbes lost. McCain looks spastic and angry all the time to begin with, I can only imagine what a seriously enraged McCain looks like.
BKennedy on January 11, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Fred has come closer than any other politician that I know of to actually admitting that his political career was a failure.
That is kind of refreshing from a politician, but I don’t know how that makes him presidential material.
Buddahpundit on January 11, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Lemmings.
peski on January 11, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Um…his tenure as a Senator was cut a little short. Failure isn’t quite the word you’re looking for.
frode on January 11, 2008 at 12:06 PM
I am not sure of your point, but for the record, he wasn’t my first choice, but I did support Tancredo. Almost singlehandedy he forced the issue into the political dialogue. He deserves great credit. About Fred…he isn’t the perfect candidate, but his thinking is closer to the ideal than anyone else. Huck (and ostensibly you) would hold it against him that he helped carry the water for the conservative cause in Congress during the 90’s. Oh, the horrors. I praise him for not spending his time in public office trying to “make government work” by accomodating and pandering to Democrats and the media like Huck and McCain have done their entire careers. Some of the biggest “achievements” touted by Clinton were actually forced on him by that selfsame Republican Congress. Fred’s Congress did many responsible things like welfare reform, which moved many from sloth to work. Huck and other governors take credit for people going to work, but the truth is it happened because of welfare reform at the federal level. I want to like Huckabee, but he has carnival barker in his DNA. As the guys at Powerline blog have said, Huck is proving himself a “master of evasion.” No matter how many times he says it, he is not a conservative. He actually brags about making governement work and uses the Democrats favorite ploy when he is backed into a corner on one of his spending sprees: he did it for the children of the state of Arkansas. That sells in the Democrat party. I pray the Republicans are not buying.
flyfisher on January 11, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Hucktard to his flock: Onward Christian Soldiers!
doubleplusundead on January 11, 2008 at 12:09 PM
The Clinton machine will beat him like a rented mule. Slick knows where all the Arkansan skeletons are buried.
a capella on January 11, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Their tax-exempt status should be yanked.
stenwin77 on January 11, 2008 at 12:11 PM
The most effective senators, congressmen, politicians as a whole are the ones that do nothing. Everyone that claims they have done so much, you can bet have hurt us with their regulations, interference in free-trade, or taxed us. Give me a senator that has done nothing over a McCain/Feingold, or McCain/Kennedy any day.
right2bright on January 11, 2008 at 12:11 PM
“I’m the only candidate who has governed as a conservative”. Do you Huckalovers see how easily the lies roll off his tongue?
What a shyster.
csdeven on January 11, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Fred did a lot in the Senate!
Fred Consistently voted with Liberals to BLOCK Tort Reform.
Fred Voted For Chain-Migration.
Fred Voted for a bill to increase H-1B visas..
Fred Gets a C Rating from Americans for Better Immigration
Chakra Hammer on January 11, 2008 at 12:12 PM
I think you have confused socialists (typical modern Democrat) with liberals. Huck believes in using government to improve people’s lives (particularly children). He has repeatedly said so in the debates. He talks about making government work. That line of thinking is not conservative. It is the very essence of liberalism.
flyfisher on January 11, 2008 at 12:12 PM
The only thing I like about Huck is his humor. That metamucil crack was funny! I’d like to see him as VP, able to go out and run his mouth but not really affect policy.
Kafir on January 11, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Ding ding ding – winner!
juanito on January 11, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Fred Thompson created this Huckamonster by not campaigning with gusto out of the gate thereby forcing folks to focus on Huckabee.
Fred made him viable now Fred needs to kill his chances.
EJDolbow on January 11, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Allah — I’ve seen them do it on more than one occasion. I can remember a Minister endorsing Reagan and I can remember another who endorsed Bush43 — from the pulpit. When I was younger, this was considered controversial, but I don’t think it is anymore.
Wise Golden on January 11, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Backers of Thompson and Romney need to see this and this.
davenp35 on January 11, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Hey, I’m all for H-1B visas! I say, remove the cap on them entirely. Will we take all the best doctors, engineers and scientists from around the world? HELL yes, and welcome! They make fantastic Americans.
S. Weasel on January 11, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Not really — everyone has the ability to pull the lever any way that they see fit. With all of the special interest groups that have banded together to form PACs, it’s no wonder that Christian groups have done the same.
Wise Golden on January 11, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Hey Huck, why did you sit there like a dunce as Fred carved you up like a Thanksgiving turkey? Had to wait and think about it for a while do suddenly realize you had been schooled?
Ummm, his white papers were the first to be published on a website. He was the first candidate with written white papers (before others could poll), he has just adding to them. The others followed his lead about three weeks to six after his published papers, and most adopted (in particular Mitt) most of his objectives.
That was one of the first signs I saw that he was leading this pack, and they were following.
right2bright on January 11, 2008 at 12:20 PM
It has nothing to do with being controversial…it’s ILLEGAL.
davenp35 on January 11, 2008 at 12:20 PM
For the record, he didn’t raise taxes; he raised hope. Just sayin…
HerrMorgenholz on January 11, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Hucks doing pretty well with the religion vote, imagine this were a Muslim country and Huck were an Imam.
A, how acceptable ethically is a vote for religion propagated by religion in America?
B, Successful elections in our interest in Muslim nations aren’t bloody likely.
Speakup on January 11, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I would love to see one of the candidates goad McCain into a nuclear rant over that remark.
Then respond by saying…
“John, you are easily provoked aren’t you? Do you really think that is a good quality in a POTUS who has his finger on the red button?”
csdeven on January 11, 2008 at 12:21 PM
American Family Association Hosts Huckabee with Newt [Kathryn Jean Lopez]
in Florida a week before the primary there.
bnelson44 on January 11, 2008 at 12:21 PM
And Fred!
bnelson44 on January 11, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Huckster won’t get the nomination. Super Tuesday will kill him and there are Christians-a-plenty who will help do it.
Shay on January 11, 2008 at 12:22 PM
It’s the right thing to do. Look at CAIR. Fighting for hearts and minds.
a capella on January 11, 2008 at 12:23 PM
What a concept.
apacalyps on January 11, 2008 at 12:24 PM
No it’s not.
Wise Golden on January 11, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Why the heck did Bill Owens back Romney and not run for President himself?
Romney should be backing Bill Owens. Republicans like Governors. When Republicans nominate Senators they lose.
Legislators consistently get tripped up by the fact that while serving they are constantly trading votes to get their most important measures passed at the expense of sound political positions within their party. McCain is the kingpin of this program. He has two acts: one is the moderate that builds bridges in the Senate to pass bad legislation, the other is the stalwart Conservative that doesn’t have the voting record to back that up, but a thousand and one excuses that demonstrate a sound political philosophy.
gabriel sutherland on January 11, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Just as liberal as they are? You sure about that?
That’s the kind of thing that drives me nuts.
You can at least see where he fits the conservative mold without me having to list it out, cant’t you?
Of course there are things we all don’t like about every candidate, but Fred is not going to win. That leaves us with the former Mayor of New York, and the former Governor of Massachusetts. Slim chance they’ll do well in the south or the midwest.
Your Jewish Master on January 11, 2008 at 12:25 PM
And expectations. Don’t forget that. Plus, no bridges fell down and killed people on his watch.
a capella on January 11, 2008 at 12:26 PM
As such, we fill out forms every year giving up all our “hope” to the government. Since he put it that way, I feel more stupid.
geckomon on January 11, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Huck’s academic credentials are embarrassing (making him unappealing to anyone who thinks the president should have something more substantial than an undergraduate degree in religion), that USA Today ad is going to be discussed endlessly (alienating women and secular types) and his populism (sort of a more “in your face” version of compassionate conservatism) isn’t going to win over anyone from the Dems.
If he’s the nominee, the Dems will win it in a landslide.
Infidoll on January 11, 2008 at 12:27 PM
LMFAO-ROTFL!!!!
bizznatch14 on January 11, 2008 at 12:27 PM
What planet are you from? It is 100% illegal for a tax-exempt organization (ALL churches) to openly endorse a political candidate. I’m not making this up. I feel like I’m trying to convince a kid that 2 plus 2 doesn’t equal five.
davenp35 on January 11, 2008 at 12:28 PM
hahaha!!!
csdeven on January 11, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Hearing Huckabee talk about how he cut taxes doesn’t jive with the facts.
MT on January 11, 2008 at 12:30 PM
IIRC, his degree is in communication with a minor in religion.
a capella on January 11, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Don’t you have some goats to harass or a bridge to attend to?
geckomon on January 11, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Silence! I keeeeel you!
lol
csdeven on January 11, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I think that you’re right that the ad will be discussed a lot, but I think you’ll be surprised to find out how un-offensive that it is to most women. Remeber, 80%+ of women are of some form of faith and have heard this throughout their lives. This female group that I am mentioning is more likely to understand what it really means and very likely to agree with the statement.
Wise Golden on January 11, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Exactly; they can’t do it from the pulpit, but during one-on-one pastoral visits… different story.
Frozen Tex on January 11, 2008 at 12:32 PM
No it’s not. The unions are all tax exempt. Have you heard of their endorsments?
Wise Golden on January 11, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Hee, hee!
“Maybe I’ll get Clay Aiken…!“
Frozen Tex on January 11, 2008 at 12:34 PM
They are bending the rules and Wise Golden knows it. They aren’t openly endorsing, they are just telling people it is their Christian duty to vote. Hucksterism at it’s finest. See, the end justifies the means.
a capella on January 11, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Please tell me you’re joking.
davenp35 on January 11, 2008 at 12:35 PM
The union leaders make personal endoresments, and the unions release ads that endorse positions that they favour, usually the same ones held by the more socialist politicians.
Frozen Tex on January 11, 2008 at 12:36 PM
hahaha! Yeah, the liberal definition of “hope”.
I hope the government will give me healthcare. I hope the government gives me free housing. I hope the government gives me an education. Etc, etc, etc….
csdeven on January 11, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Wise Golden
See here.
davenp35 on January 11, 2008 at 12:39 PM
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