Political Punch

That wasn't Paul's reaction to the commercial. When interviewed by Tim Russert on Meet the Press, Paul said Fox and Friends had "caught him cold" - he hadn't seen the commercial before they asked him. But they mentioned the cross and a possible hidden message and asked him what he thought about it, and he recited Sinclair's quote. No biggie. Paul didn't even mention Huckabee's name on Fox and Friends. He didn't say: "Huckabee represents/supports fascism." So much for the "political punch".

But if you show the commercial and then show what Paul said when asked about it (like Bill O'Reilly did on 'The Factor'), it looks, to the layman, like he actually does think Huckabee would bring about fascism. But why is ABC News trying to smear Paul? Maybe they think he has a chance?

What I'd like to know is where are the comments about the ad from other GOP Presidential candidates?

I doubt anyone else would be intelligent enough to come up with something as dead on as what Ron Paul has said.

I am from Arkansas. Mike Huckabee is a crafty weasel who would march everyone of us to FEMA concentration camp if the military/industrial complex told him too. And from what I am hearing they just might. Ask Mike about his "Aesis" computer software purchase from Germany for the State of Arkansas. What a nightmare that turned out to be. Ask Mike about his combining the Arkansas Department of Health with the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The current Governor has had to undo that one and put it back to the way it was before. To all of you Iowan religous sheep a warning: Be very careful when/if voting for Mike. The jobs you lose could be your own.

Look at the ad from a production standpoint:

First, you don't spend thousands of dollars to produce an ad without every aspect of the imagery in the ad being placed under tight scrutiny. From a production standpoint, look at the soft lighting of Huckabee's face in relation to the brighter lighting in the background. These two lighting choices mean that a specific individual set the tone and location of the lighting source. The director of the ad placed Huckabee in a very specific location in relation to these two specific lighting choices.

A few questions come to mind: First, why would they intentionally focus the brighter light in the background on a bookshelf with NO books on it? Also, why would they specifically place Christmas ornaments on the empty bookshelf? Finally,why would the director of the ad specifically place Huckabee in a position that made the book shelf resemble a cross?

With so few images in the ad, I find it extremely hard to believe that it was "accidental." Huckabee was pandering, and his campaign's response that it was "accidental" is a flat out lie. I don't have a problem with being Christian, but haven't we had enough of the lying sort?

“Whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray while standing in synagogues and on street corners so that people can see them. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:5-6).

Huckabee wears his religion like a flamboyant feather cap showing off... Ron Paul LIVES it... Save the Republic and our constitution from the neo-con CFR war mongers.

Ron Paul didn't call Huckabee a fascist.

He warned people to beware of people waving the flag and cross while attempting to control aspects of your life that should be yours. I believe his caution on Huckabee was accurate and prescient.

He should, however, have went all the way and called Huckabee a fascist - because he is.* For that matter, so is every other candidate.

Dr. Paul is the only candidate running in either party that believes YOU, as an individual, have first claim to the fruits of your labor, your beliefs and your abilities so long as they do not infringe on the rights of another individual.*

All the other candidates believe that you have an obligated "civic duty" to subscribe to someone else's agenda (namely their friends or 'creditors'), lest you be punished for it. No other candidate believes that you can make your own way in life.

I really applaud Ron Paul for keeping his head up through all this. He is an example of the indignant assaults heaped on people with real beliefs. I would think Christians can relate to this, being that the faith is based entirely on personal responsibility for your free will.

Looks at their records. Huckabee is the guy who will TELL you to be a Christian.
Ron Paul has been a Christian in the truest sense. He has not forced his neighbors into sharing his beliefs, and he has an outstanding record of giving alms to the poor in the form of free medical treatment.

I hope the "Jesus pageant" ends soon. People that read the bible should know that claiming to know Jesus and emulating Him are two different things entirely. If you'll notice Ron Paul has not used the Lord's name in vain even once in this campaign, and that's a credit to the man's integrity and faith.
We're still here for you Dr. Paul. Best of luck to you, sir. Keep fighting.

So what is it exactlty that puts Soooo much fear in your little lives about Christians? What could the big bad Christian spouting his venomous rhetoric do to all of your lives? Love you. Help the needy. Throw a deadly fruit basket at yall. No. It's scarier than that isn't it. They might get a voice in THEIR own country that they built. I KNEW it was something evil and diobolical. I mean they haven't done nothing but build the most powerful nation on this planet. The Salvation army helps millions. Are you afraid they are going to teach you manners or maybe even ask you if you want to be baptized. Ooooooo Scary stuff. You must ALL FLEE. They are after you....RUN!!!!You Bunch of idiots. You couldn't run this country if you had instruction supplied to you. You worry about getting that baby killing crap through. You idiots surely can't do it. And to prove it, look at the Iraq surge. General PETRAEUS was RIGHT. Come on little liberals...Say it with me...BUSH AND PETRAEUS was RIGHT. Ha Ha Ha All I heard from the democrats was RUN FROM IRAQ. We can't WIN. BUSH is killing our BOYZ. I have not seen an American death come across the screen in 2 months. What happened? They stopped getting killed. What happened? Could it be we have learned urban warfare? This is the kind of people you want to run this country? PaLEESE. I don't think so. Yall are wrong and you have ALWAYS been wrong. Jesus! forgive their little hearts. They are a pitiful lot. God bless them all.

I think it's dispicable that little ronnie would stoop to calling other candidates facists. I also find it hilarious that his own jackboots have spent millions and millions of dollars, wasting it on such things as a balloon, and in return they get-wow!-almost 5% in the polls. paul will neer be anything but a curiosity on page 6C of political history.

Jake -

I hope you're reading all these sentiments and are getting a sense of how people feel when politicians try to mix politics and religion.

Next time you're on This Week or World News, I'd like to see you read some of these responses on the air.

Thanks -

I agree with the posters who found Huckabee's ad off-putting. I'm a Christian myself, (and a Constitutionalist besides)and it bugged me. The founding fathers had the good sense to create a division between church and state, and I'm never comfortable with those who frame political positions in an overtly religeous context. It's like the bogus "Family values" posturing. Who's family? Candidates for president can say merry christmas without making it a political statement, they just have to have the class to know how.

Another reason to vote for Ron Paul - you know he won't be cramming religion down our throats.

My speakers are broken so I didn't get the full effect of Huckabee's message. Even so, the cross was a not so subtle cheap shot for a vote. They even managed to give him a halo at the end. My worry with this man of no foreign policy experience is that he'll go on a holy crusade, with backing from those who feed off ads like this, and nuke Iran or some other foolhardy holy mission.

I think that Dr. Paul got it right. We've had too many cross carrying flag wavers decieve us before for the benefit of the special few.

I'm as wary of any candidate that wears their faith on their sleeve as I am of one that says it won't influence their judgement. When you have candidates that do both, well, you figure that one out.

What ever happens to Ron Paul in the elections is speculation at this point, but one thing is for sure, I have learned a lot about history and economics in the last 6 months, and it has opened my eyes. I will be voting for Ron Paul, and no I was not polled as I voted Democrat last go round.

I am already a Ron Paul supporter, so I may not give others a fair hearing, but this type of statement is why I started supporting Paul in the first place. I don't mind any person having a religion, but I don't want their religious beliefs governing my life. Politicians are the last people who should decide morality and ethics! I view Huckabee as a one issue politician: elect my religion! I am not sure which is worse, choosing between Clinton and Giuliani, or Clinton and Huckabee! God help us all!

No, matter your political party affiliation, and setting aside your thoughts on issues. We all need to remember what it is to be an American Citizen. We need to make sure our elected representatives obey their Oath of Office and keep their Oath of Allegiance.

Huckster - a seller of small articles, usually of cheap or shoddy quality, or one engaged in haggling or making petty bargains, that is, a certain type of peddler or hawker. Since he is relying on Chuck Norris so heavily, maybe he should change his name to Chuckabee.

Once again, Dr. Paul was right on the money with this quote. It truly amazes me how well read he is on history, economics, foreign policy, social policy, etc. He would absolutely own any other candidate (R or D) in a one on one debate. He will be the next President of the United States.

I don't think it's much of a secret that the GOP is still hell-bent on bombing Iran. Huckabee is an ideal frontman for the job. He's slick with a delivery and a one-liner at the ready. A Christian cross is also being fronted by Huckabee for an eventual second illegal invasion/bombardment.

billwisonsin wrote:

"I like Ron Paul on some issues....but....We had enough politicians from Texas to last several lifetimes!!!No more Texas politics."

Now that's great logic to decide who, or who not, to vote for - where they live. That's what's wrong with this country.

It's good to know my president is being chosen by people who only look at what zip code someone lives in on whether to vote for them or not.

Good grief, no wonder this country is going down the toilet...

I like Ron Paul on some issues....but....We had enough politicians from Texas to last several lifetimes!!!No more Texas politics.

Isn't it great for once to have an honest politician- Ron Paul -say what is on his mind ?

I've read all the Library books on Hitler and the Third Reich..Mussolini and the rest all considered people their private property(fascism)is a matter o killing your Friends/Enemies..leaving a single path for slavery to hide(in-side)of..its the institutionalism of ignorance(stupid)lifestyles and prophecy...having a Flag(USA)clutching a Cross is not even close to fascism..BUT..in reality..Rudy Giuliani was being the better man..and that's the real point to consider..from my experiance in the ABCNEWS-Boards..the word fascism does pop-up in the conversation..I think from that stand today's fascism is all about a poor education..the color of skin really has been beaten down to a point NULL..YET..crime surges are mostly about poor educational choices...Religion is the best institution for making those things(fascist)dissolve away...but then the church can be considered a cancer(politics)may crave that binder in its false prophets(about)POLITICS..I quess Huckabee means to be a truthful politician..and Rudy just offer's the same(a work in progess)..while Ron Paul appears to have the Commandments in some stratagy...over-all..Jesus was the best in offering life and family..politics may have progressed by the mirror-image based in science...all the tim masking it DNA(political)ambition as Master of Law and Social upbringing...facts seems best in the debate...that crimeis rampant...and education is a joke..even a profiteers Pirate Ship...considering that fascist designs are present(offers more stupidity).[end]

Ron Paul's comments regarding Huckabee's thinly veiled attempt to pander to religious interests were very insightful.

The fact that Fox tried to ambush him with such a loaded question was telling. When Fox immediately cut to commercial when they didn't get the answer they wanted was quite funny.
The fact that the Today Show interviewed Huckabee this morning and didn't even ask him about it is more proof that there is a main stream media blackout directed at Ron Paul.

Jake,
Thank you for including the ENTIRE quote, in context. This is one that could very easily be abused by unethical journalists who would only report the first part of the statement. To my knowledge, the interviewer sort of blindsided Dr. Paul with a question about the Huckabee ad, as Paul was given the impression that the interview was to be focused on the $6M fundraising day. Not that we haven't seen opportunistic ambush journalism before, of course. :)
Thanks again for YOUR higher standards, Jake!

Ron Paul as usual has hit the nail on the head. I love that he brought up that maybe 'tax hike' Mike may believe he's the only Christian running. Paul values his Christian beliefs also. The Huckster possibly cannot stand on merit alone so he needs to push a Christian identity message. No wonder he's made his negative comments on Mormonism.

There has to be a separation of church and state. I did not like the Huckabee ad...but, he has the right to make it. I think Ron Paul hit the mark with his comentary. I'm going to seriously consider his candicacy now.

Ron Paul hit the nail on the head regarding Huckabee's "Christmas message". Does anyone think he will reverse the Patriot act or the domestic spying ? We have one chance to get our freedom back - Ron Paul !
Can you say Police State ?

I think Ron Pauls assesment of Huckabee using the Jesus platform for political gain was 100% dead on. This morning on the morning Joe (msnbc) huckabee called rudy giuliani a fruit cake...they asked what the huckster thought of rudys ad and that was his response....fruitcake or fascist..they are both F words difference is ron paul didnt call huckabee a fascist, huckabee did call rudy a fruitcake

Dr. Paul was saying to be wary of anyone that claims to be "more patriotic" or "more religious"... He wasn't specifically calling Huck or any other candidate a fascist but was making the point that the move towards fascism is often disguised by intense patriotic fervor.

I agree with robert. Beware of those who use religion and patriotism(really blind nationalism though) as a means to gain political power.

Ron Paul is without a doubt the only totally honest man in the Republican race. Unfortunately that's not what the Republicans want.

They are identical to their Democrat counterparts and are seeking a candidate who will use the power of the government to give them whatever they desire.

It's a shame really.

I think Paul's reaction was just that, a reaction. He said himself he didn't think about it completely. He was asked on the show to talk about his record breaking fundraising and the first question he is asked is about Huckabee's Christmas ad.

I don't like Huckabee's I am a Christian so vote for me tactic. Dr. Paul is right it implies that the others aren't Christians. Actually, Dr. Paul and Huckabee are both Baptists so their individual beliefs are probably very similiar. Not that is should matter. Being a Christian doens't make you fit to run a country. You don't see me running for President do you?

Any defense from the Huckabee camp that the "cross" was coincidental will not convince many. The cross was "in your face" non-verbal messaging in my view. And yes I think Ron Paul is correct in saying the subtle intention was to say "I am the Christian running for President". It is was inappropriate and inexcusable.

I think Fox is guilty of ambush journalism.. I doubt RP had the time to see Hucks video and Fox did insinuate there was a cross.. without seeing the video, its very easy for RP to say what he said. I do think what RP said is true, but I do think if he had saw the video, he would have just said it was a nice message from Huck.

I think his message of: beware anyone using "patriotism" and "jesus" to get elected.. was pretty dead on. it's your blog, what do YOU think?