Supporters of “Christian leader” now push-polling against Fred, Mitt
posted at 9:20 am on January 16, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Remember them? They’ve been at it this for than a month, all to the supposed consternation of the man who couldn’t quite bear to run attack ads against Romney before screening one for the press. Mitt got the good cop/bad cop treatment on Monday in Michigan. Now it’s Fred’s turn:
Automated phone polls disparaging rivals of Republican White House hopeful Mike Huckabee started across this early voting state Tuesday evening and the head of the group making them said that more than 1 million will be made in a three-day span.
Huckabee’s campaign quickly disavowed the push polling. “We know nothing about that and don’t condone it. Anyone who is doing that in an effort to help us needs to stop. This does not reflect the positive spirit of the campaign,” said spokeswoman Alice Stewart…
Among the people receiving the push polling calls was a county co-chairman of former Sen. Fred Thompson’s campaign.
Jason Goings, the Aiken County co-chairman for Thompson, said the call he received started by asking him if he was a Republican who planned to vote in Saturday’s primary and then asked whom he supported. After he hit the button for Thompson, a voice highlighted Huckabee’s position against abortion and said Thompson worked as a lawyer for a lobbying firm that protected abortion rights.
The call also attacked Thompson, a former Tennessee senator and actor, on same-sex marriage, illegal immigration and taxes.
Fred was asked about it this morning on Fox & Friends and said he assumes Huckabee doesn’t know about the calls before slapping him for ducking him on the issues when he had a chance to talk about them at the debate. Let’s see if Team Thompson tries to make an issue of this later today on the stump to slow down Huck’s momentum there in the wake of McCain’s Michigan disappointment. In the meantime, here’s another clip from F&F. A reader e-mailed about it asking if Fox is in the tank for anyone given that they seem to cut Fred off — rudely, too — just as he’s complaining about people always cutting him off and asking about McCain when he wants to talk about the issues. Given the fact that he’s on the network three or four times a day now I’m guessing there’s no conspiracy. But damn it, we need a scapegoat in case he flames out on Saturday night!
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Have to admit, its easier than letting air out of tires and you can do it from the comfort of your own chair.
Fred!
RobertInAustin on January 16, 2008 at 9:23 AM
For being the “Christian candidate” he sure doesn’t act like a good Christian should.
davenp35 on January 16, 2008 at 9:24 AM
Huck’s campaign hasn’t had a positive spirit for about the last two weeks.
someguy on January 16, 2008 at 9:26 AM
Hey, maybe Huck The Schmuck needs to change is campaign strategy. Maybe this would inspire him.
pilamaye on January 16, 2008 at 9:32 AM
What an awkward interview.
regal on January 16, 2008 at 9:32 AM
This is even further evidence that Mike Huckabee is a Democrat.
He uses his pulpit, and his parishioners to do his bidding. It appears that there is nothing that this man will not do to win the White House. He has all the liberalism of a Jimmy Carter with the campaign tenacity of a Bill Clinton.
TheSitRep on January 16, 2008 at 9:32 AM
Conservatives need to start useing their friggin brains…
Here’s a clue, Fred, Mitt, and Hunter….
stlpatriot on January 16, 2008 at 9:34 AM
Huck is a nasty SOB. I hope SC wises up and gives him a black eye (and maybe one for McCain as well).
Gartrip on January 16, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Steve Douche the weatherman has always been a dick. So, no surprise there. He’s the reason I can’t stomach their morning show.
SouthernDem on January 16, 2008 at 9:36 AM
Hey Huck, instead of having you flunkies calling and making your case, why don’t you do it in your next debate. Granted, the a$$ pounding you will get won’t fell good, but you will be a living bible study of what the meaning of what Proverbs 18:17 is.
Fred!
Oh yeah, First post!
RobertInAustin on January 16, 2008 at 9:36 AM
It’s not Fox’s fault. I heard that interview and my reaction was that Fred needs to cut to the chase in these interviews. He rambles on too much.
He needs to work on getting his message out in the limited amount of time these segments provide.
Give him a can of Red Bull and a stopwatch.
Buy Danish on January 16, 2008 at 9:37 AM
If it’s Huckabee vs Clinton – what’s the difference?
joncoltonis on January 16, 2008 at 9:38 AM
Don’t use facts in your argument please. It makes it harder to dismiss. That’s was a weird cutoff though, but Fred talks slow so it’s bound to happen a lot.
Spirit of 1776 on January 16, 2008 at 9:39 AM
Fred must be over the target, since he’s catching flak.
aero on January 16, 2008 at 9:40 AM
The name push-pulling, sounds like something Craig would do…
right2bright on January 16, 2008 at 9:41 AM
Was it me, or was that video’s audio completely out of sinc. Is this a plot to make Fred look like some badly dubbed kung-fu flic?
First to Post??? Cool.
AverageJoe on January 16, 2008 at 9:41 AM
Nope. Didnt’t refresh the page.
AverageJoe on January 16, 2008 at 9:42 AM
Could the culprits be other than Huckabee’s people. Might it be manipulation by ‘independent’ (left wing) activists?
I expect the left to manipulate our primaries as expedient.
petefrt on January 16, 2008 at 9:42 AM
Heh. It’s that southern drawl. Can you imagine his first State of the Union address if elected? They’ll have to have an intermission so everyone can stretch and have a cup of coffee to stay awake.
BacaDog on January 16, 2008 at 9:43 AM
brian said it was his fault for asking a long question with only 30 secs to go, after the commercial break, they all apologized..
stlpatriot on January 16, 2008 at 9:43 AM
Whoa! Doocy’s harmless, and tv is tv. Fred went on a filibuster and Fox is produced by ADD nervous nellies. They bring guests on and give them 34 seconds to explain WWII.
That’s just the nature of the beast, and Fred should know that better than anyone. Short answers.
Jaibones on January 16, 2008 at 9:44 AM
Next To Post!
Seriously, can we stop with the “First to post!” juvenile behavior. It’s immature.
geckomon on January 16, 2008 at 9:49 AM
It was people like him that caused me to not return to church. This guy is as nasty as they come. He hurls insults around in a manner that is most unChristian. What’s that biblical quote about throwing stones?
I admit I laughed when he said the Dems spend money like John Edwards in a beauty parlor, but hidden in there was an assault on Edwards’ manhood. Deserved, perhaps, but not very Christian, as I understand it to be.
pistolero on January 16, 2008 at 9:53 AM
[Clears throat] Good evening [nods head, clears throat]. Mrs. Speaker, Vice President __, members of Congress [clears throat] distinguished citizens [clears throat, nods head].
Spirit of 1776 on January 16, 2008 at 9:58 AM
Mega-dittoes. This is precisely why I hate him. I can’t reconcile somebody claiming to be a disciple of Christ yet engaging in such nasty, underhanded, mean-spirited political thuggery. It is as hypocritical and dishonest as it gets. No dang difference between him and the Clintons in terms of political behavior.
HUCKA-BEE-NEJAD
(Praying to God to bless Fred and give him help…LOTS of help.)
Shirotayama on January 16, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Fred!
ballz2wallz on January 16, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Reuters/CSpan/Zogby WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Republican John McCain holds a 6-point lead over rival Mike Huckabee in South Carolina three days before the state’s crucial presidential nominating contest, according to a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released on Wednesday.
McCain, an Arizona senator, leads the former Arkansas governor by 29 percent to 23 percent. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was in third place with 13 percent.
bnelson44 on January 16, 2008 at 10:01 AM
It’s like what Rush says about the media, they have no originality. Fred is constantly asked about criticizing McCain only because of the “stalking horse” rumors generated by (insert revelation music here) the media!
That question is tired. Mitt attacks McCain, Huck attacks Mitt, McCain attacks Mitt, Paul attacks our intelligence, etc. . . because that is who they choose to attack! To me it’s a no brainer.
Anyone else who asks that question of Fred should be accused of intellectual dishonesty if they don’t submit that same question to the other candidates. Never mind the fact that it’s an absurd premise to boot.
geckomon on January 16, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Huckbaee is a loser, aside from being a closet lib.
I hope Fred trounces him in SC and slams that closet door closed once and for all.
GO FRED!
Dave R. on January 16, 2008 at 10:02 AM
AverageJoe on January 16, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Actually, I am agreeing. Dint know how that strikethru got there.
AverageJoe on January 16, 2008 at 10:05 AM
HEY MICHELLE, ALLAH, AND BRYAN:
Why hasn’t anybody picked up on the following story???
I got it in e-mail from my brother-in-law’s brother (i.e., sister’s husband’s brother) who does contract work at MSNBC. If it’s true, it obliterates any remaining shred of integrity in the American electoral process. I’m snipping it in, below, in quotes:
“…I learned while working at MSNBC that the New Hampshire primaries are being investigated because the actual paper count showed Obama won. But the computer results showed Clinton won. Apparently, one of the employees was approached to tamper with the electronic outcome, hence the discrepency and paper recount. That’s pretty big news. However, I work behind the scenes in 2 major news stations and neither are reporting on this. Things like that worry me….”
I’ve read a couple of tiny snippets on the web that Kucinich is insisting on a recount, but I have heard nary a thing about this in the MSM. OR on Fox. OR on the conservative talk shows.
This is not meant to support Obama (or any liberal) but frankly, if this is true, IT MUST STOP. Willful tampering with results to favor one candidate when the will of the people indidicates otherwise cannot be allowed to stand.
Why isn’t this getting picked up and reported? Is it a hoax?
Shirotayama on January 16, 2008 at 10:06 AM
First post. Long standing tradition. Get used to it.
Fred!
RobertInAustin on January 16, 2008 at 10:07 AM
“I called this press conference to let you all know that I won’t stoop so low as to “push-poll” in South Carolina. Just to show you how dishonest that is, I ordered my goons to make a few “example” calls. Randomly. To show you what I wouldn’t do. Ever. And ever. Amen.”
geckomon on January 16, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Got the same call in South Carolina last night. Hung up when I figured out what was going on.
SCGOPgirl on January 16, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Hahaha.
Please don’t do it here. It’s not a tradition here to emulate youtube or tmz comments.
Spirit of 1776 on January 16, 2008 at 10:10 AM
To be honest my main problem with the Fox news coverage, is how they keep showing the real clear politics poll average, which pretty much obfuscates what appears to be (to me at least) Fred’s post-debate resurgence. From all that I hear his bus tour appears to be going quite well, speaking to packed venues, with people excited, etc…
Though the latest Zogby poll, if accurate points to a loss of some momentum… Oh well, at least we’ll know come Saturday.
BranBresil on January 16, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Weak. It’s asinine behavior. Besides, Hot Air has not been around long enough to invoke the “it’s tradition” excuse.
All in all, it’s not a big deal for me, in so much that at most it’s irritating to see gossip/teen/fluff/irrelevant website behavior on this site.
geckomon on January 16, 2008 at 10:15 AM
its been going on since the site started. Sorry you don’t like it, but its not going to change for you.
Would you also like Allah and others to quit using urban slang as well? This is what makes hot air fun. We show that conservatives can have fun unlike the kids at Kos
Again, get used too it.
Fred!
RobertInAustin on January 16, 2008 at 10:21 AM
geckomon on January 16, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Is it juvenile behavior to be the first to post, or to bring the fact to the attention of others? Seeing as Hot Air refuses to highlight the first post in carmine red against a flashing background of black and yellow zebra stripe (nuance!), some of us rather like wearing the badge of underwhelming distinction.
Or perhaps you’re just jealous. Nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah!
/juvenile
thejackal on January 16, 2008 at 10:22 AM
It’s certainly not a long standing tradition around here, Robert. But do as you please, and lose credibility accordingly. It’s a free country.
Laura on January 16, 2008 at 10:24 AM
It would be physically impossible to be a christian politician from Arkansas. So the Huckster has been lying since the beginning. Arkansas christians don’t lie, all Arkansas politicians do is lie. Arkansas christians don’t stereotype, all Arkansas politicians do is stereotype… and the list goes on and on. Completely impossible to be a good christian and a Arkansas politician at the same time.
Griz on January 16, 2008 at 10:24 AM
It really is not a day a Hotair unless Allahpundit is finding a way to piss on Fred.
Theworldisnotenough on January 16, 2008 at 10:26 AM
At the least, try to be clever with your “wit.”
geckomon on January 16, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Thanks Laura, it makes me feel better knowing I have your permission and a reminder that I live on a free country.
Also, I have been reading hot air from the start. “First post” is used much more now than it used to be, but that is because we have more fun people due to hot air growing in popularity.
Fred!
RobertInAustin on January 16, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Praise the Lord and pass the call list.
ronsfi on January 16, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Thank you for reminding us that we are also free to tell you that “First to Post!” is asinine and juvenile. Over and over. Cuz you know. It’s about free speech. It’s only about free speech. Cuz my government told me so.
geckomon on January 16, 2008 at 10:36 AM
I am confident that once the nomination is finally decided during the brokered convention that Fred will be the man at the top of the ticket. If not, I’ll probably vote for him anyways before stocking up on ammo.
Browncoatone on January 16, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Geckomon, why don’t you to start you’re own site with Laura and you can call it StudyHall.com
Fred!
RobertInAustin on January 16, 2008 at 10:38 AM
LMAO
I just don’t understand why people can’t see what a disingenuous SOB this guy is. This kind of crap is ongoing in his campaign, and it’s like people are completely blind to it.
Laura on January 16, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Robert, since that’s how you want to play it, then okay:
;-p
Laura on January 16, 2008 at 10:43 AM
I detect a failing sense of certitude.
Valiant on January 16, 2008 at 10:43 AM
This “Common Sense Issues, Inc” organization should fall under the purview of the bloggers. Look at the kind of coverage the group receives from the Washington Post.
What kind of nonsensical support is this? Huckabee has raised taxes, repeatedly. How in the heck do you find support for him on “cutting taxes” grounds?
gabriel sutherland on January 16, 2008 at 10:44 AM
They are completely “blind” to it. It’s all about their “faith” and their “Christian Leader”.
jwp1964 on January 16, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Laura,
Didn’t your mother teach you that sticking your tongue out is juvenile? This is Hot Air and there is absolutely no room for juvenile behavior, EVAH!
Shhhhhhh, Geckomon is trying to red.
Fred!
RobertInAustin on January 16, 2008 at 10:49 AM
correction: read.
RobertInAustin on January 16, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Hillary vs Huckabee. Arkansas vs Arkansas. This time it’s political.
joncoltonis on January 16, 2008 at 10:52 AM
jwp – that’s not really accurate at all. Aside from the fact that I’m an evangelical Christian and am NOT AT ALL blind to Huck’s BS, Huck has been getting a lot less of the evangelical vote than people expect. I’m looking for the link now, but I remember that he didn’t get the majority of the evangelicals last time around.
Laura on January 16, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I rest my case.
geckomon on January 16, 2008 at 10:53 AM
There is a certain segment of “Christians” out there who believe that once a person is washed in the blood of Jesus that nothing can ever render it null and void. This allows them to act in all manner of vile behavior and still be right with God.
There is no difference between Hitlery and Huckasmuck. Both are Teflon coated. Hitlery to her criminal behavior, and Huck to his gibotry and lies.
csdeven on January 16, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Who the hell is supporting Huckabee anyway?
I have yet to find anyone who’s on fire for this clown.
Ludwig on January 16, 2008 at 10:58 AM
‘NOW’ you say, ‘NOW’, AP.
Fred gets airtime “now” because of the public’s demand to hear him. The treatment during televised airtime is consistent with your link. Therein, Thompson’s impressive stature as a great American statesman is still projected.
maverick muse on January 16, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Ludwig: Joe Carter.
Laura on January 16, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Count me in on that.
Count me out on that.
mjkazee on January 16, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Fred keeps moving into AP’s urine stream.
csdeven on January 16, 2008 at 11:20 AM
SouthernDem, take your lanuage somewhere else
KBird on January 16, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Laura, I want to be clear that though I proscribe to no particular religion I am not anti-religious. I want to point out that it seems, from the info I have seen, Huckabilly is clearly appealing to devout, evangelical and other deeply religious Christians on that basis alone. Many appear to be voting/supporting him on the fact that he is the most “Christian Leader”. Frankly, that scares me.
jwp1964 on January 16, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Does that go for Allahpundit, too, KBird? How about “the boss” herself?
Laura on January 16, 2008 at 11:37 AM
I cringed.
Ortzinator on January 16, 2008 at 11:37 AM
jwp – my point is that “many” are not supporting him at all. He’s playing the faith identity card, but he’s also appealing to homeschoolers, populists, and others. The majority of evangelicals do not support him. I will find that link if it kills me… but I saw an article that showed more evangelicals supported Romney than support Huck.
Laura on January 16, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Well, the “Christian leader” can’t seem to find his voice other than to sling insults and quips instead of addressing real issues of policy and positions.
I’ll pass on the Huckasham.
SimplyKimberly on January 16, 2008 at 12:31 PM
As a Christian, I find Huckabee and his campaign tactics to be downright offensive. Note to Republican party chieftans: If Huckabee is the candidate for POTUS08, I’m not going to vote.
electric-rascal on January 16, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Well… well… well… it sure makes Jesus proud!
Mcguyver on January 16, 2008 at 12:41 PM
These same people did the same thing to McCain in 2000, that time in support of GW Bush, who was the Jesus candidate last time around.
This isn’t a surprise. It’s gross behavior, but not surprising.
And it worked for them in 2000 in South Carolina, so why wouldn’t they do it again?
funky chicken on January 16, 2008 at 12:52 PM
electric-rascal, I’ll see your not-voting and raise you. If Huck’s the candidate, I’m voting Democrat. I agree with Ace – if we’re going to have a liberal in the White House, let the Dems take the blame for it.
Laura on January 16, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Laura on January 16, 2008 at 11:39 AM
That’s a HotAir blog (update.)
ALSO, WHY IN THE NAME OF PETE WOULD HOMESCHOOLERS SUPPORT HUCK?
As Fred slammed Huck at the last debate, the NEA supports Huck because he doesn’t support school vouchers!
My friends.. a near disaster has been averted.
But I’m sure Huck would’ve had plenty of ambulances waiting.
But thank God, now Huck can be elected to be the first man on Mars (an report back to us when the temperature drops about 300 degrees).
Mcguyver on January 16, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Laura on January 16, 2008 at 11:39 AM
You’re referring to the HotAir blog (update).
Mcguyver on January 16, 2008 at 12:59 PM
First Post?
Go Huckabee!!!
/sarc.
mattshu on January 16, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Yeah, like a USED CAR SALESMAN.
Shirotayama on January 16, 2008 at 1:03 PM
I saw the interview with Fred on Fox and yes, I thought Steve Doocie appeared to be a little rude to Fred, but I don’t think that was intentional, they just don’t allow enough time for interviews. Although, Huck was on also and nobody cut him off.
Huckabee is the only one that will get me to vote Libertarian. He is a slick, slimey, not to be trusted, Hope Arkansas politician. Bubba’s twin separated at birth.
bopbottle on January 16, 2008 at 1:04 PM
People don,t worry about these polls.The Head of the Polly Si dep.at Clemson univ. Dr. Woodard Said yesterday that all of the polls are very wrong because over 40% of S.C. voters are still undesided so much so that they can,t even release there on poll.Tom upstate S.C. go Fred go
thmcbb on January 16, 2008 at 1:06 PM
It appears Hugh Hewitt may actually be right – Huck is really running to be John McCain’s running mate. Notice he isn’t doing any push-polling against McCain.
rockmom on January 16, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Hopefully McCain and Huckabee will get lots and lots of press time today so they can whine about their meany-butt opponents’ cutting off their speeches.
Huckabee can whine that McCain is a big old meany. Then McCain can whine that Romney is a big old meany. Then Huckabee can say that McCain has no right to complain because McCain did the same thing to him.
funky chicken on January 16, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Anybody seen any Huck fans spinning on Teflon heels this morning?
Just curious.
Some acrobatic stunts would be a nice frosting on the cake (with a red strawberry on top) this morning.
.
.
Secondly, I would like to welcome everyone to their new Overlords… the Mittheads.
[Mitt at victory speech]
“Is Washington broken?”
Mittheads response, YES!!
[pause]
“Can it be fixed”?…. YES!!
“Are we the right team to fix it?” YES!!
“Well then… let’s take this
campaignscheme all the way to the Whitehouse!!”[APPLAUSE]
.
.
You are all so welcome… as always.
Mcguyver on January 16, 2008 at 1:11 PM
From their website:
When you click on the “contribute” button you get this:
Buy Danish on January 16, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Fred! is my guy.
But I would rather have Mitt as an overlord than McLiar or Huckasham.
I’m just saying.
SimplyKimberly on January 16, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Thanks, Mcguyver. I was trying different search terms in my rss reader and getting nowhere. I should have known I’d seen it here.
Homeschoolers like him because when he was first in office, he eased restrictions on homeschooling in Arkansas and because now a huge homeschooling organization endorsed him. Unfortunately, they didn’t follow up, because he later undid most of the early homeschool gains. As always, with a lame excuse: “they made me do it.”
All he needs to do now is regain the weight and he’ll have reversed himself on everything.
Laura on January 16, 2008 at 1:14 PM
Can we get a anybody but Huckabee or McCain post blogburst or something going?
Jay on January 16, 2008 at 1:15 PM
Exactly.
Laura on January 16, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Fred Thompson is such a danged whinner. He complains that TVstations are not worshipping at the alter of Fred.
He is a GUEST on these shows and the HOST gets to decide what they will talk about. They are not there to provide free air time for Fred Thompson to make a campaign commercial.
Also, if Fred wants to say something he should kick it up a notch at the beginning of the appearance and blurt it out.
EJDolbow on January 16, 2008 at 1:24 PM
Right-on!
jwp1964 on January 16, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Yeah, I think deep down Huck knows he’s gonna lose this year, but he would sure like to be a sitting VP when he takes his next shot in 2012. He’s in for the duration and just needs to burnish his image plus adjust his campaign promises a bit for the next go round. He and Obama both are long term threats.
a capella on January 16, 2008 at 1:32 PM
How is it possible for Common Sense Issues to say that contributions aren’t used to support any federal candidates, yet they have a website (Trust Huckabee dot com) which directly supports a federal candidate?
Is that sort of misrepresentation perfectly legal or does it violate FEC and/or IRS regulations?
Buy Danish on January 16, 2008 at 1:34 PM
Considering that the mainstream media is consistently pushing lies about Huckabee, skewing polls and trying to affest a Mcamnesty win….Huck’s push polling is 100% justified.
It’s not easy to be the outsider candidate and beat the entire corrupt establishment by yourself.
But if Ronald Reagan can do it….so can Huck!
HaraldHardrada on January 16, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Ace of Spades HQ, “The Diebold Effect” rigging elections:
Recap: ‘NOW’ you say, ‘NOW’, AP.
maverick muse on January 16, 2008 at 1:47 PM
a capella on January 16, 2008 at 1:32 PM
If they mate, they deserve each other.
maverick muse on January 16, 2008 at 1:49 PM
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