Huckabee: Let’s amend the Constitution to bring it in line with “God’s standards”
posted at 10:29 am on January 15, 2008 by Allahpundit
Big government plus religious demagoguery — it’s two classic Huck soundbites rolled into one. He could have said “let’s bring it in line with moral standards” or just said what he means, i.e. “let’s ban abortion and gay marriage nationwide.” But there’s no identity politics in that phrasing, is there? For “God’s standards,” it takes more of a “Christian leader,” shall we say. Read this post if you missed it yesterday and see again why the analogy to senior citizens is so bogus.
Neither one of these amendments has a prayer of passing, of course, which makes his whole appeal here essentially dishonest. Oh well. Just win, baby.
Blowback
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If I want big government plus religious demagoguery I’ll move to Iran. I don’t want that here, no thanks. Oh and 1ST POST!
Optimus Prime on January 15, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I think I just puked a little in my mouth.
Ludwig on January 15, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I have to say that, as an Evangelical, this makes me sad.
nailinmyeye on January 15, 2008 at 10:33 AM
If by “excited” you mean “puking”.
amerpundit on January 15, 2008 at 10:33 AM
How about a useful amendment, like for example:
Oh wait, sorry was thinking about the mess of the canadian constitution.
Canadian Imperialist Running Dog on January 15, 2008 at 10:34 AM
I guess Shuster didn’t get the MSNBC memo. He’s acting like he wants Huckabee to lose.
fogw on January 15, 2008 at 10:34 AM
The massive expansive government is so wonderful that they set up a voting booth in Heaven! Thank you government! And I think well all know who God and Jesus voted for…
…
… It was me. They voted for me.
/Huckabee
P.S. – Oh, and Satan was there too and he voted for Romney.
/Huckabee
Lehosh on January 15, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Begin the implosion.
stenwin77 on January 15, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Oh my! Is this an acceptable time to use the Lord’s name in vain?
Tzetzes on January 15, 2008 at 10:36 AM
I’ll take him at his word. He’d do it if he could. That’ll be followed by another amendment forcing all men to wear beards and women to cover ther faces. Oh, yeah, we might as well have one not allowing criticism of religion, while we’re at it. Hell, why not even outlaw all religions but the “right” one?
a capella on January 15, 2008 at 10:36 AM
I too get a little queasy hearing this type of rhetoric. Meanwhile, we’re trying to squash the zealotry in the mid east.
What is this world coming to?
singlemalt_18 on January 15, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I had told myself that I’d sit out this election if the Huckster was the nominee. Now I think I’ll have to vote for a Democrat. Heaven help me.
Bugler on January 15, 2008 at 10:37 AM
That is precisely why Conservatives — the Baptist Church, to be historically accurate — insisted on separation of Church and State.
In other words, who decides God’s standards? Certainly we wouldn’t agree that Jehovah’s Witnesses hold the key, or Latter Day Saints, or Methodists, or Catholics, or Mainline Protestants or Evangelicals.
That’s precisely why someone like Mike Huckabee is so bloody dangerous in his rhetoric.
Tennman on January 15, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I swear if this hillbilly is our nominee, I’m voting Democrat, and will enjoy it just to p@## off Gantry’s supporters.
PimFortuynsGhost on January 15, 2008 at 10:38 AM
God doesn’t want smoking in bars nor does he want soft drinks in grade schools.
Just so you know.
benrand on January 15, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Is this guy a reconstructionist? Forget evolution and marriage, the reporters should be asking him that question.
michele on January 15, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Well he’s deader’n disco.
Maybe not now. But hopefully now. That’s not a sentiment expressed in a way just about anyone in the United States would feel comfortable with. Can you imagine that clip in the hands of Hillary or Obama if this guy was the nominee?
Makes you wonder if he’d even carry Arkansas in the general.
But here’s whats worth remembering: I bet a lot of people who hear that and it clanks on might also actually support doing what he wants done. How many “conservatives” want to amend the Constitution to preclude abortion and gay “marriage”?
More than a few.
So if you’re one of them, you might want to consider just how it sounds when it’s a bluntly put as it was here.
Not good.
Typhoon on January 15, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Huck’s argument here goes way beyond the traditional arguments conservatives make regarding, for example, the display of a Nativity at Christmastime. Freedom of religion doesn’t mean freedom from religion. But what Huck is proposing here sounds more along the lines of the establishment of religious standards by which we all will be governed.
“Neither one of these amendments has a prayer of passing, of course, which makes his whole appeal here essentially dishonest.”
Pun intended?
kc2ige on January 15, 2008 at 10:44 AM
SECOND LOOK AT THEOCRACY!
Pent. on January 15, 2008 at 10:44 AM
What a freak! Like he KNOWS what God’s standards are?!?!
Leonidas Hoplite on January 15, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Good grief. No wonder our party is associated with religious fanatisism. We’re certainly not doing much to dissuade the association with clowns like Huck leading the way.
BacaDog on January 15, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Sharia Huckabee style. What a demagogue and embarrassment to evangelicals.
zb42 on January 15, 2008 at 10:45 AM
YIKES!! OMG…that is freakin’ frightening…seriously! Is this campaign going to the Huckster’s head? If I was anti-Huck before, I am more than Anti-Huck now. What’s next Jihadis for Christ?
ihasurnominashun on January 15, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Uh I happen to know for a fact that God drank diet Mountain Dew in 7th grade so you obviously dont know what you’re talking about. Read your Bible sometime heathen.
:]
Dash on January 15, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Best thing about this is it should cause a clear separation between those who think like Huck and anyone on the fence, like evangelicals who recognize the danger in what he proposes. Maybe it’s that little snowball starting to roll down hill.
a capella on January 15, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Dear Huckabee,
Please remember in your pandering, that this nation was founded largely because the fusion between the church and state impinged upon freedom of religion and religious expression.
Spirit of 1776 on January 15, 2008 at 10:46 AM
And who tells us what is God’s standard. Do we appoint a “living prophet” to speak to us, after he sits down and has lunch with God.
Does he (Huck) think God, really cares about our constitution, or does he (God) care about him being used as a tool to get someone elected?
right2bright on January 15, 2008 at 10:46 AM
elgeneralisimo’s only question is will President Huckabee make the Office of Intelligent Design part of the Department of Education or a full cabinet position ?
elgeneralisimo on January 15, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Nail in coffin….that’s what God just told me.
reppac122 on January 15, 2008 at 10:47 AM
AP, every time you link to a clip from Joe Scarborough’s show, you quadruple his audience for the day. Is there anyone in America — other than HotAir commenters — who even knows his hame?
As for our reconstructionist weirdo Evangelical candidate…whatever. The comparisons of Schmuckabee’s proposed Biblical theocracy to the Islamists’ proposed Sharia theocracy gets truer every day. What a maroon.
And being on the same side of any argument with David Schister makes me want to retch. I blame the Huckster.
Jaibones on January 15, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Before this, I was very cold on Huckabee. Now I detest him. The last thing this country needs as a president is somebody who thinks God should be president.
thejackal on January 15, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Huck the Schmuck is the kind of politician who comes around every now and then just to remind me why I can’t stand politicians.
pilamaye on January 15, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Who in the hell is stupid enough to vote for this guy?
I am a pro-life, pro-prayer in school kind of gal. But Huckascam is a truly frightening hack that has no business even running for POTUS. The fact that there are actually people voting for him makes my head hurt.
SimplyKimberly on January 15, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Great. Just what we need: An American theocracy. I’m a Christian, and I know that God does not want that. Jesus himself suggested separation of church and state by saying “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s. Render unto God what is God’s.” Huckabee is a pandering tool. Maybe this will help Rudy.
fleiter on January 15, 2008 at 10:50 AM
No. He must be stopped. He doesn’t represent my party at all.
ctmom on January 15, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Even though I am Christian, Huck REALLY scares me.
ChartreuseDragon on January 15, 2008 at 10:51 AM
God just told me that if all you want to remain within His “standards”, you have to send me $100. (This could be Huckabee’s new campaign commercials)
reppac122 on January 15, 2008 at 10:52 AM
I need that $100 for the 2008 Rush Tour. Guess I’m goin’ to Hell…
Leonidas Hoplite on January 15, 2008 at 10:53 AM
God just told me that if you don’t vote for me there will be a plague of locusts o’er the land.
/Huckabee
Lehosh on January 15, 2008 at 10:54 AM
How about a Dept of Virtue and Vice, complete with religious police for street work? Of course they would carry police batons. God’s standards should be obeyed.
a capella on January 15, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Disgusting. Simply disgusting.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. IF Huckabee or McVain are the nom…I will not be voting at all.
tickleddragon on January 15, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Gov. Huck,
St. Augustine’s De Civitas Dei
please read it, if you have, do it again and internalize it.
Weight of Glory on January 15, 2008 at 11:01 AM
It’s just wording. God’s Law is the same as Natural Law, which is what the Constitution was originally based upon.
I know it isn’t “hip” to believe in God anymore, but Natural Law is with all of us, whether you believe in God or not.
bnelson44 on January 15, 2008 at 11:01 AM
The Democrats must be smacking their chops at the prospect of running against this guy. It’ll be a landslide worse than 1964.
And that idiot Markos Moulitsas and his fellow moonbats are encouraging MI Democrats to vote for Romney.
infidel65 on January 15, 2008 at 11:01 AM
stream keeps failing
offroadaz on January 15, 2008 at 11:01 AM
This type of rhetoric will hurt Huckabee in the general election. The Democrats will use it to scare their base. It confirms my opinion of Huckabee as someone without a real plan. In contrast, it seems that Obama is thinking strategically and is trying to put out the identity politics fire in the Democratic Party. My guess is that he’s thinking if he’s the nominee he needs a united party to win. And, of course, with every fiber in her body, Hilary has triangulated for the general election.
If we are to win, we need a Republican presidential nominee who thinks strategically about the general election. I can think of four potential ones who have appear to have done better than Huckabee.
thuja on January 15, 2008 at 11:02 AM
I just vomited on my keyboard! I go to Church every Sunday but I would never imagine saying or support anyone who said what Huck said.
jawbone on January 15, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Specifics, Governor. What changes are you talking about?
To be fair, let’s not forget that a lot of the supporters of the Thirteenth Amendment used language like this.
For more on Huckabee and amending the Constitution:
http://brettsconstitution.blogspot.com/2008/01/perhaps-we-need-field-guide-to-proposed.html
radjah shelduck on January 15, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Contribute all your earthly belongings and jump on the escalator to Heavenly Government!!
alycan1 on January 15, 2008 at 11:07 AM
I think it would be more appropriate to say that the Declaration of Independence is grounded in the natural law. However, the Constitution is a prime example of positive law – that is, the laws of men.
Of course, I suppose the principles of the Constitution may be informed by the general theories of natural law because, as you suggest, the “natural law is with all of us”, but that doesn’t serve as a justification for transforming a positive law document into God’s law.
Again, I agree with you as to the existance of the natural law, but do not agree that the Constitution was originally based on the natural law.
kc2ige on January 15, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Everyone “knows” the Gnostics have all the answers. Except they can’t tell you what they are. You have to be a Gnostic.
fourstringfuror on January 15, 2008 at 11:08 AM
I’m for The Fred!
But compared to Huckascam, Romney is the ideal candidate.
SimplyKimberly on January 15, 2008 at 11:08 AM
So, you’re O.K. with Huck’s plan?
a capella on January 15, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I wonder how many federal tax dollars would get wasted in the attempt to get these amendments passed? I think we all owe Kos a vote of thanks. If he’s dead set against Romney, and thinks Romney is the weakest GOP candidate, perhaps I owe Mitt A SECOND LOOK.
funky chicken on January 15, 2008 at 11:09 AM
This shameless demagogue just gets worse the more we find out about him. And the “God’s standards” crap and other religious pandering will pretty much guarantee that the Huckster has zero appeal outside of those who are too stupid or ignorant (of his record) to see through his snake oil act. He’d get slaughtered worse than Mondale if he got the nomination.
So when is he going to come out in favor of witch burning?
ReubenJCogburn on January 15, 2008 at 11:12 AM
A SECOND LOOK AT KOS!
Lehosh on January 15, 2008 at 11:13 AM
scary man
frreal on January 15, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Who let you see the playbook?!
emailnuevo on January 15, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Hillbilly? Good job using your big words. Is he a hick, too? Redneck, maybe? Backwoods? Don’t stop now; there are so many delicious derogatives for southerners!
Surely a HotAir reader isn’t taking part in identity politics! Not here!
fourstringfuror on January 15, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I hate to say it, but Huck should listen to Ron Paul on just following the Constitution as it it written.
The pulpit will be fine where it stands and all those who enter here.
Kini on January 15, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Wow, just wow.
Mike Huckabee, definitively proving himself to be the true Shi’ite Republican candidate.
Nessuno on January 15, 2008 at 11:19 AM
What’s the point of fighting theocracy abroad only to see it implemented here at home? If Huck’s the nominee and there’s no viable third party I will hold my nose and vote democrat for the first time in my life, as they will be the lesser of two evils.
phronesis on January 15, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Only Fred! can stop Huckabee.
What kind of a preacher leaves a holy service for an unholy one like politics?
Hendo on January 15, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Follow the Gold Standard
God’s standard will always be there for those who need a god, supreme being, Gaia or whateva.
Trust in God or In God we Trust. We can have both without amending the constitution.
Kini on January 15, 2008 at 11:25 AM
OK, so the writing is OFFICIALLY on the wall. Take note.
Geronimo on January 15, 2008 at 11:25 AM
I’m not sure any candidate that promises to continue an immoral war and possibly begin a new one next door to the present one could recognize “God’s standards.”
Drum on January 15, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I just received the newsletter from my Alma Mater, a Christian college here in southern California and Huckabee is the speaker at their annual fund raising dinner. I was so disappointed. I would have thought my college was smarter than that.
Rose on January 15, 2008 at 11:28 AM
That’s why we don’t have a law banning idiots.. we never know when they might come in handy.
Mcguyver on January 15, 2008 at 11:30 AM
New nickname for Schmuckabee: AYATOLLAH
Shirotayama on January 15, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I believe you are referring to the letter of Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists where the idea of a wall between church and state was first mentioned. The Baptists concern was not that the church would infiltrate the government. They wanted assurance that the government would not infiltrate the church and limit the freedom of religion clause.
As far as Huckleberry goes, pander pander pander. As a “born again” Christian, his rhetoric disgusts me in that he is blatantly using his faith to garner votes. A politician who has strong faith as a foundation for his character is important. But, we are electing a President, not a preacher-in-chief.
And the MSLSD crew sure don’t think much of southern voters. Those of faith in the south are just supposed to swoon over Huckleberry’s rhetoric and march lock step to the voting booths to put him over the top. ::eye roll::
Mallard T. Drake on January 15, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I’m a born again Christian in Texas and the very idea that I MUST vote for Huckascam because of faith is absolutely appalling. I may have faith in God, but I also possess a brain that tells me that Hickabee is so far out of step with the platform of the Republican party that he won’t be getting my vote.
SimplyKimberly on January 15, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Mmmmm…. toast with Huckabee jaaammmmm…..
Akzed on January 15, 2008 at 11:43 AM
This is exactly what evangelicals did with Bush in 2000. No difference. What is worse, Bush continually appeals to the religiously gullible in his democracy crusades.
No surprise about Huckabee.
Drum on January 15, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Never is my wildest dreams could I EVER think that there would be a reason for me to vote Democrat! This guy is a nightmare!
Jimmybob on January 15, 2008 at 11:44 AM
christians are destroying this party.
jummy on January 15, 2008 at 11:48 AM
I share your revulsion. Only the states have the right to mandate religious beliefs, not the federales.
Akzed on January 15, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Huckabee is giving Christians a bad name. He needs to go back to Arkansas and stay there. I will not vote for Huckabee.
katieanne on January 15, 2008 at 11:50 AM
“immoral war” … Do you usually post on DailyKos?
phronesis on January 15, 2008 at 11:52 AM
most public figures of political christianity “give christianity a bad name.”
every time someone says “preserve the sanctity” while their preacher is off in a motel smoking bone for meth, that person should be slapped and told to shut up.
jummy on January 15, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Wow… just wow. I can’t believe I just heard him say that.
If he wins the Republican nomination, it is going to be a landslide victory for the Dems.
That video will play into the hands of every person who thinks Christians are out to turn the USA into a theocracy… And sadly, in this case, I don’t blame them.
Ugggg….
Nineball on January 15, 2008 at 11:54 AM
So Drum, what are God’s relavent standards, and where does one find them?
Akzed on January 15, 2008 at 11:55 AM
No. Christians are not the only ones who’ve succumbed to the pagan temptation to worship one’s political masters (just so long as they provide bread and circuses) and to deify American wars as our “doing the work of The Almighty.” It is this that is ruining the party and America.
Drum on January 15, 2008 at 11:55 AM
MIKE HUCKABEE IS AN ABERRATION CAUSED BY THE MSM… for more go to: http://www.candidateiliketheleast.blogspot.com
.
.
Oh and ignore the Huckabee shills in here.. you’ll have a better day at the very least.
Mcguyver on January 15, 2008 at 11:55 AM
He apparently has never read this:
right2bright on January 15, 2008 at 11:55 AM
One might begin with what is pretty much a universal creed: the golden rule.
Drum on January 15, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Drum on January 15, 2008 at 11:56 AM
How would the golden rule be applied to shameless blog trolling?
Bugler on January 15, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Universal among whom? The enemies of freedom? The forces of intolerance? Those who stone, behead, and amputate?
Leonidas Hoplite on January 15, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Well, if you presumption applied to me, you’d have a point. But I’ve been here at HA from the beginning and I’m a conservative who is seeing not only his party ruined but his country as well.
Drum on January 15, 2008 at 12:03 PM
I’m a conservative Christian, and I’d vote for a dead cat before I’d vote for Huckabee. Or even a Democrat.
Thankfully, I won’t have to. Huckabee has zero chance in the general. He’ll be char-broiled by the MSM, and for good reason.
I really don’t like McCain, but I’d vote for him to avoid a marginally worse Democrat. I’ve been pulling for Romney, because I thought Thompson had no chance. I’d be happy with either one, and I think either would win in the general.
Splashman on January 15, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Theocracy: Catch the fevah!
Does this bozo even have the slightest inkling of the concept of “seperation of church and state”?
Forget Dems for a minute, shouldn’t the other ‘Pubs be making hamburger out of this dope?
SuperCool on January 15, 2008 at 12:03 PM
In Huck’s defense, a constitutional amendment would require 3/4 of state legislatures to approve it… an overwhelming majority of the American electorate. If it happened, it wouldn’t be him imposing that view on people, it’d be people saying that’s what they want.
However… go Mitt!
/an Evangelical college student.
HYTEAndy on January 15, 2008 at 12:04 PM
I had more in mind something like the millions of Iraqis whose lives have been ruined by our war. Other Iraqis whose lives were ruined by 13 years of sanctions. And still others whose lives were ruined by a dictator who at various times was being propped up by us.
There is everything right about working to overthrow and undermine the beheaders, the torturers, etc. But if this war is the best we can do in the process, we are the more to be pitied.
Drum on January 15, 2008 at 12:07 PM
The tyranny of the supermajority is no better than then the tyranny of the majority. Second look at Toqueville!
phronesis on January 15, 2008 at 12:08 PM
God’s Country! Lay off the snake oil Huck.
ronsfi on January 15, 2008 at 12:09 PM
It’s not the issue as to whether a constitutional amendment would pass…it’s the issue that Huck’s mindset is to lead a Theocracy..in AMERICA! Wrong, wrong, wrong…there is NO defense for this.
ihasurnominashun on January 15, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Drum on January 15, 2008 at 12:03 PM
In this very thread you’ve equated evangelicals who supported Bush to the nutjob Huckabee theocrats. It’s not at all “presumptuous” of me to claim that you’re a troll.
Bugler on January 15, 2008 at 12:11 PM
seing as how we’re probably at the beginning here of a 600 comment post, i’d like to suggest a policy of ignoring Drum.
jummy on January 15, 2008 at 12:13 PM
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