Throughout 2007, the Democrats have consistently been incorrect and wrongheaded in their assertions and ideologies regarding the War in Iraq, their stated ability to make viable progress in Congress and a plethora of other issues. Perhaps their most glaring mistake was claiming that the surge would be unsuccessful. Now, as the War in Iraq is taking a turn, the Democratic candidates are mute. If the positive upswing continues in Iraq, Hillary and company are going to have to amend their incessant rhetoric against Bush and the Republicans.
But, ironically, this isn’t the most pressing issue facing the Democrats. If you’ve been in tune with the campaign these past two months, it has become painfully obvious that faith is reemerging as yet another barrier that could (once again) prevent the Democrats from taking the White House. In addition to refusing to accept the realities of America’s foreign policy debacle, the Democrats have proven time and again that they simply do not understand the values and morals that are embraced by the Right. From Obama’s gospel tour to Hillary’s maniacal plot to secure Christian votes, the battle is raging.
Consider the fact that at the end of 2006, Hillary Clinton hired an advisor to assist her in better understanding American evangelicals. Ironically, all we’ve heard throughout 2007 is that she is a practicing Methodist who worships God and cares deeply about the same moral issues that are central to American conservatives. Am I the only American who finds it appalling and offsetting that an individual who claims to be a Christian is in need of an evangelical advisor to better understand the Right, while finding methods by which she can better market herself to this very pointed demographic? While I am in no position to say she is not a Christian, I will venture to say that most of her views on most issues (aside from helping the underprivileged) contradict the central tenants of Christianity.
In December 2006, the Christian Post reported the following about Hillary’s efforts to better understand a constancy she claims to be a part of:
Clinton’s new hire, Burns Strider, is an evangelical Christian who directs religious outreach for House Democrats and the lead staffer for the Democrats’ Faith Working Group, headed by incoming Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina. Incoming Speaker Nancy Pelosi created the group last year when Democratic strategists observed that the party lost ground in the previous election in part because candidates failed to reach centrist and conservative voters in rural areas, who tend to be churchgoers concerned with moral issues, according to the Washington, D.C.-based publication The Hill.
Without much effort, one can easily see that the Democrats are desperately searching for viable methods to secure Christian votes. While they do not understand the evangelicals, they have no problem manipulating them through stated faith in an effort to garnish their image. Do they not realize that their stance on morality is never going to be accepted by the plurality of Christians? Sure, some might cross over and vote out of desperation, but the general fabrics that comprise the Left and Right are so different that there is no manipulation powerful enough to grasp the entire evangelical establishment.
Until recently, there were no candidates on either political plane who were overwhelmingly appealing to evangelicals. Romney (a Morman), Giuliani (divorced numerous times and not overtly religious), McCain (a Christian, but very liberal) and others simply were not appealing to evangelicals. Sure, much of the undecided behavior on behalf of Republicans comes from the fact that there simply weren’t any overtly appealing candidates, but the fact of the matter is this: Evangelicals (they account for more than one quarter of U.S. voters) had not yet decided who they would endorse.
Enter Mike Huckabee – a former Baptist minister who is the embodiment of everything evangelical, but who also recognizes Bush’s mistakes and has no problem stating them outright.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Huckabee is quickly rising in the polls. Aside from the fact that he does not need an advisor to understand one of the nation’s most essential electoral constituencies, he also has a seasoned political past, with a social and faith-based platform to complement it.
His web site touts his Christian background:
A significant part of his adult life was spent as a pastor and denominational leader. He became the youngest president ever of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, the largest denomination in Arkansas. Huckabee led rapidly growing congregations in Pine Bluff and Texarkana. He said those experiences gave him a deep sense of the problems faced by individuals and families.
Huckabee is a fiscal conservative who has assisted children in securing healthcare, among other accomplishments. And much like Bill Clinton (who was also the governor of Arkansas), he is a musician (he plays the guitar in a rock-n-roll band). Luckily for America, however, Huckabee embraces political ideologies that will actually further America’s interests, which in essence establishes him as an “anti-Clintonian.”
In addition to authoring five books, Huckabee has also taken on personal health. He lost 110 pounds in 2003. Oh, and let’s not forget that Time Magazine rated him one of America’s greatest governors. Shall I continue?
Yes, folks. The Democrats have a great deal to fear. If, in fact, Mike Huckabee – who, much like Bush is considered a man’s man – is able to take the Republican ticket, he may have the power to thwart Hillary’s presidential hopes (or whoever happens to capture the 2008 Democratic ticket). After all:
Women like Kittle, a self-described former feminist, are a problem for Clinton’s presidential campaign. Evangelicals - especially women - find much to dislike, including her support of abortion rights, her ‘takes-a-village’ approach to child rearing, her liberal politics, and raw political calculation in sticking by her husband. Clinton may be the one candidate who could unify dispirited evangelical voters - against her.
Mike Huckabee has what it takes to capture the evangelicals, to tackle Hillary and to set America back on her path of greatness. His political future is bright, indeed.
Guest post written by Billy Hallowell. Visit his web site.
People from around the United States have noticed Billy Hallowell’s hard work and dedication. He has been published/featured in political and cultural books, textbooks as well as articles and websites focusing on the youth of America and its role in the future of the world. In 2003, he attended the World Bank’s conference on youth development in Paris, France. Over the years, he has become known as a major force among young people and has received prestigious journalism and community awards for his work. Since he was 15-years-old, Billy has been working through the communications industry to connect and reach out to his peers.
Since his creation of the teen issues website Teen Web Online, Billy has been traveling, speaking and working for a better tomorrow. Teen Web Online came about in December of 1999 when he decided to take action after the Columbine shooting in April of that year. Since the launch of Teen Web, Billy has had many amazing honors and experiences. Teen Web Online has gained the support of MTV, SHiNE, and many other organizations. In 2002, he was offered his own column with SHiNE, a not-for-profit targeting youth. His column, entitled “Hallowed Ground,” appeared bi-weekly on the organization’s website for over a year. Other media outlets he has been featured in or produced works for include: COSMO Girl Magazine, Teenage Buzz Magazine, Positive Teens Magazine, SNAP and NBC’s The John Walsh Show among many others. Billy Hallowell was educated the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, NYC, and graduated with a degree in communications, with concentrations in broadcasting, corporate and journalism, and a minor in writing. He is currently studying social research at a NYC graduate institution, conducting research, touring and completing his most recent book project.
Technorati Tags: mike huckabee, billy hallowell
Among some other of Mike Huckabee's attributes:
He believes wives should "graciously submit" to their husbands.
He does not believe in evolution.
He thinks that people with HIV/AIDS should be quarantined.
He believes God intervened to elect him governor of Arkansas in 1993.
He believes that, since Jesus did not object to his own crucifixion, that means capital punishment is ok with God.
He wouldn't sign a bill as Governor to aid flood victims because the bill referred to tornados and floods as "acts of God," which would violate his conscience.
Well, in light of these things, maybe he won't win the nomination, after all, which would be too bad; he'd be by far the easiest Republican candidate to beat in the general election.
@ Barry
So much for tolerance Barry. You make it sound like he is extreme. The fact is that most Christians have similar beliefs as Huckabee. Perhaps if he believed in decapitation and woman wearing a hijab to cover themselves – it would make him a more viable candidate.
haha....Urban. You are so backwards. You can't compare Islam to Christianity in this scenario. Having Huckabee as president would be comparable to Germany having Hitler as their leader (get it?). Wasn't Hitler a Christian too?
hahaha
UrbanConservative, you are wrong here. Nothing Barry said is extreme in its actual context. Your analysis presumes extremism--that is the problem. If you read word for word, they are all facts, not extremism or bigotry.
Bigotry, instead, is saying "Don't Mormons believe Jesus and the devil were brothers?" Those, unfortunately, were the words of Huckabee. I have no more authority to defend Mormonism than anyone has to attack it. My problem, however, is that although Huckabee apologized for his remark, a presidential contender must be astute enough not to make such remarks to begin with. This is a national stage, the highest office in the land, not a playground. I'm sure Huckabee is genuine about his remark--I have no doubt of this. But to be dumb enough to express it shows grave misjudgment.
We see and hear about such misjudgments from Huckabee over and over again.
Some liberals cringe as Huck surges--those are the political outsiders who are turned off by what they perceive as evangelical extremism. OR PERHAPS, THEY ARE UPSET THAT ONE OF THEIR VERY OWN LIBERALS IS RUNNING AS A REPUBLICAN.
The liberal insiders, instead, want Huck to WIN. The author makes the argument that it takes evangelical votes to win the presidential election. Wrong. It takes these votes to win the republican primary, but the election is determined by independents/undecided voters.
The fact is that the far left or far right--far anything--is bad for America. These are called ideologues. I cannot stand the character of Hillary Clinton, as I feel she lacks the fundamental ability to tell the truth. But what's worse is when journalists, politicians, and pundits complain about partisanship, and then condemn anyone who attempts to reach across the isle.
This is not a race to elect the next spiritual leader, folks. I have no problems with Huckabee's faith. But clearly, his qualifications fall short as worthy of presidential contender.
And true that TIME magazine rated him among the best governors. The NY Times also went to bat for him. When the nation's foremost liberal magazine and foremost liberal newspaper are on your side, hmmmm...I wonder what that means?
BD, on the other hand, IS extreme for comparing Huck to Hitler.
And Barry, don't worry, he won't win the nomination! You're not getting off the hook that easily! It will be Romney wiping the floor with Madame Hillary.
barry...so you criticize Huck for his comments, not for his actions? Huck has a stellar record as Governor. Do you criticize Ahmedinejad for his comments directed towards Israel or is that okay? The fact is that all people have different religious beliefs … and yes, Mormonism has some really strange ideologies as well; but do we condemn them for believing what they choose?
Huckabee is not far right. He is a Christian man; and I would argue that he is the most normal human being out of all the repubs. Romney acts and sounds too much like a used car salesman, Fred just doesn’t seem interested, Rudy is well…Rudy.
No, we are not voting for the next spiritual leader of the US; but a man’s religions (whatever it may be) tells a lot about the character of him/her and how they will make policy decisions.
Michelle Ramos--Your first paragraph makes absolutely no sense...don't quite get exactly what you're saying.
You are correct--Huck is not far right. He is a liberal, not on the right at all. Most normal? Why? What makes him normal? And how is his record stellar? Because he hides behind the mask of Christianity? And Romney acts and sounds like a used car salesman? I know you read that off the internet, but think independently for a change. He is the most educated man on the stage. He is the most articulate man on the stage. He is also the most presidential man on the stage. Haters just cannot stand that the man happens to be well groomed, well dressed, well spoken, and well mannered!
The last paragraph, again, makes no sense.
UrbanConservative--you need to begin an outreach program to reach a more well-versed audience, bro.
bd's comment brought to mind a quote I saw a few days ago which is applicable to Huckabee and several of the other Bushclones...
“Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” Hermann Goering
First, can we all get down to the foundational issue? Republicans and Conservatives have different philosophical beliefs than Democrats and Liberals. That is why they are almost always on opposite sides of the issues. The political process should be focused on these differing beliefs, because it is these beliefs that will guide and direct what position the candidates should take.
Second, Mike Huckabee may be a wonderful, Christian man and Pastor, but he should not be a civil leader. He does not understand the Biblical principles of government. All Believers I know that seriously study the Bible do so from their own individual paradigm and purpose, whether it be as a Pastor, Missionary, church servant, business person, educator, or civil servant. The reason why he is conservative on the social issues but liberal on the fiscal issues is because he understands the Biblical principles on social issues, but does not on fiscal issues. He's approaching the fiscal issues like a Pastor. The problem is there are different principles and different purposes for the institution of the church and the institution of government.
@ bd
you are really starting to irritate me bro. I have never banned anyone from commenting on this blog but your posts offer no value to anyone. Keep it up son and you will get banned!
@ Bob
How in the hell is that applicable to Huckabee? You are an idiot too! In fact, I would venture to say that you are bd!
LaConservative - geez, when someone doesn't agree with your pov, you just attack. Maybe you need to be better versed in common courtesy.
@ bd
It is a frightening commentary that you don't know this, oh how the educational systems have failed.
Hitler was most certainly NOT a Christian despite his family's association with the Roman Catholic Church. In fact he shares many of the same twisted views of today's "humanist" left wing. Many leftists would agree that ...
"National Socialism and religion cannot exist together.... The heaviest blow that ever struck humanity was the coming of Christianity. Bolshevism is Christianity's illegitimate child. Both are inventions of the Jew. The deliberate lie in the matter of religion was introduced into the world by Christianity.... Let it not be said that Christianity brought man the life of the soul, for that evolution was in the natural order of things." -- Adolf Hitler 1941 (p 6 & 7)
and
"Christianity is a rebellion against natural law, a protest against nature. Taken to its logical extreme, Christianity would mean the systematic cultivation of the human failure." -- Adolf Hitler 1941 (p 43)
or
"The best thing is to let Christianity die a natural death.... When understanding of the universe has become widespread... Christian doctrine will be convicted of absurdity.... Christianity has reached the peak of absurdity.... And that's why someday its structure will collapse.... ...the only way to get rid of Christianity is to allow it to die little by little.... Christianity the liar.... We'll see to it that the Churches cannot spread abroad teachings in conflict with the interests of the State." -- Adolf Hitler 1941 (p 49-52)
Source: Hitler's Secret Conversations 1941-1944
The Spanish philosopher Santiago said some interesting things about the long-term consequences of not knowing your history – you should look into that.
I'm devout Christian and I have loved Huckabee. I rooted for him in the debates, but he just seems lackluster anymore. Of course religion shouldn't play a role here. In fact, if Romney loses terribly from the South, I worry that will say more about them than about Romney. I'm starting to lean with LaConservative here (as well as most of the rest of you), Mike Huckabee is a great guy, even good orator with his wit and charms. But I'm starting to think he would function better as a spokesman for the party rather than the mind behind the machine. Romney seems to be growing on me that he not only has the mind, but I'm seeing how much of a good statesman he is: charismatic, well-spoken, and--at the very least--civil with even the most negative of opponent. It's still an open field....
Dear friends
There are dangerous distractions dividing christians in our country away from unifying and combining their voting power during this critical election year. Congregations are reporting devisions over 911 conspiracies and other popular contentions which frequently turn into disputes regarding the Iraq war and 911 within the house of prayer. I am writing to you because I have long forseen such negative trends growing within many believers becoming highly divisive and very dangerous.
There have been several honest investigations recently which have exposed 911 conspiracies as dangerous and miss-leading propaganda harmful to our country. Believability in such fabrications has a bewitching affect upon the minds of many christians as well as upon the minds of non christians. Such propaganda fuels a growing lack of trust for our American institutions and can turn believers against their own country or against their own ministers who refuse to support the conspiratorial spin. The negative affects I am warning about have much to do with the fact that many christians are currently being distracted away from an extremely important presidential election where leftists are contending to gain positions of power which could potentually turn our nation into an anti christian socialistic state.
Modern Leftists despise christians and are currently waging a political and media war against us. These people work tirelessly to silence the voices of faith in order to undermine christian influence and set up their left leaning Babylon. As christians are decieved into contending against Bush, Iraq, and confusion over 911 conspiracies they unknowingly assist true enemies by helping them ride easily into power without resistance. I was inspired with new understanding and seek to reveal an important message recorded in the Bible concerning 911 and the Iraq war.
Before you are tempted to write me off as another false teacher warned about in scripture please check out this new publication offered through a large christian organization called Salem. Please take a few minutes and watch the online video which demonstrates a biblical message about 911 and the Iraq war in Bible prophecy. I want you to see each prophetic aspect of 911 as recorded in your Bible within perfect context to modern Iraq today freed by prophetic eagle's wings (America's symbol of freedom) I am holding myself personally accountable if you fail to find what I promise you concerning Iraq or 911.
You have both my e-mail and my phone number to do just that!
208-251-3519 http://www.eternaltruth.net
Any wise man tests before he talks". I appeal to your faith in the Bible knowing God has known of our crisis today and inspired prophets to record spiritual solutions for these problems. Please go to eternaltruth.net/bpo911.html Paul Gregersen phone 208-251-3519