Mike Huckabee — Christian Hypocrisy
Mike Huckabee is currently waging one of the most sickening campaigns I’ve ever witnessed. He trumps his religion while violating its principles. He acts as though Romney is attacking him — he does this while responding with sarcasm and acting like a total jerk.
Make no mistake — Huckabee’s campaign one-word slogan should be “Hypocrisy”. I don’t have a favorite GOP candidate. Though I’ll defend Romney here, I’ll defend him because he’s right in these controversies, not because I support him the most. I support at least two other candidates before supporting him.
Still, Huckabee is currently shaming both his faith and his party. Considering this, I do know that I don’t want him to get the ticket. People who just play word games and name-calling without focusing on the issues just shouldn’t win elections.
So, ironically, I don’t support Huckabee because I am a Christian. If, at the end of this article you think that more people should see Huckabee’s hypocrisy, remember to Digg it. All you have to do is click. Digg is vital to elections, and is completely changing the face of how people get their information. Registering just takes a second, and allows you to voice your opinion without having to type a word.
The Huckabee Jesus
At Christmas, Huckabee made an ad that didn’t reference a single issue. Not a single policy. He kept up his “identity politics” campaign. On Saturday’s debate, he even told the nation that his goal is to remind you of the guy who hired you, not who fired you. That’s “identity politics”.
In other words, if he feels good, vote for him. Focus on the feeling the candidate gives, not the facts of his stances. Identity politics is what happens when a candidate is afraid of both the issues and the people.
The goal of this is to win the GOP election by playing the “nice-guy-Christian” feel. I’m a passionate Christian. I read theology books for fun. And nothing the guy is doing reminds me of Christ. He’s using Jesus as a political card rather than a role model.
So what is the identity that Huckabee is shooting for? A Christian. Consider the following observations, and see if Huck’s actions remind you of Jesus.
The Romney Ads
Lying is a sin. Lying is intentionally misrepresenting the truth. Huckabee’s response to the Romney ads is a rediculous misrepresentation of the truth. Huckabee attacked (ironically) Romney for his “attacks” on McCain. The Romney ad is posted below.
All of the statements weren’t Romney’s, but National Review’s. This is a conservative magazine. The introduction to the video has Romney calling McCain a war hero, and applauds him for it. This is an attack ad? Get real, Huck. He doesn’t even have half a case that Romney is attacking the candidates. Outrageously, Huckabee is attacking Romney. I’ll have one iced-Irony to go, please.
[Video Below]
Yes, the was a critique. Yes, critiques happen in elections. Yes, Huckabee and McCain are ganging up on Romney for political purposes. And yes, it’s shameful that Mike is trying to do it looking like Jesus.
Won’t Run This Ad That I’m Showing You. Whoops!
Mike Huckabee almost ran a negative ad. Thank goodness, he stopped before launching it, because he didn’t want anyone to see it. Because he didn’t want anyone to see it, he launched a media conference to show it to the media, so no one would see it.
Anyone remotely familiar with American politics knows that showing the video to the media means exposure. Four million people watch the O’Reilly factor. He got to show the ad.
[Video Below]
You just saw the ad that Huckabee doesn’t want you to see. Yeah, right.
When Mike first said that he was going to show the ad to the media, the response was laughter. Surely, he was kidding. Alas, he wasn’t. He was actually going to show them what he wasn’t going to show them. This reminds me of a little child who says to their father, “I’m not going to tell you that I got you a shirt for Christmas!” Utter ridiculousness. Huckabee is doing something at the exact same time he is saying he isn’t doing it.
Even John Kerry was never this two-faced. This is in direct violation of nearly every Christian principle that comes to mind regarding how we treat others. Huckabee? Nothing there but dishonesty. We need less dishonesty in Washington, and that means no Huckabee.
I’m a Christian!
Huckabee’s conflict-style with Romeny is ridiculous. During Sunday’s discussion, lively debate occurred often. However, the one time Romney asked a question (If Huckabee would kick immigrant children out of the US — it was a valid question everyone was answering. The short answer is “yes”, but that’s a severely damaging answer.), Huckabee looked at him and arrogantly told Mitt not to interrupt him.
Huckabee tried to act like a victim, while bulldozing over Romney’s legitimate question. Romney smiled — he had class. Huckabee had none. The moderator started to take Romney’s style — it should have been obvious. Huckabee’s reasoning was not that Romney was being unruly. He asked one question. Huckabee took the role of the moderator while telling Romney to respect the moderator.
We have a word for that. Hypocracy.
During the discussion on Sunday night’s debate, the issue of taxes came up, and Huckabee responded with sarcasm, explaining that he raised taxes for education because of a court order As a resident of Arkansas, I can say that the situation wasn’t nearly that simple, and the governor rolled over and played dead. The Arkansas Courts do not have legislative power, and raising taxes for a change in school policy is not their constitutional ability. Huckabee still complied, throwing the system of checks and balances into disarray. But I digress.). And I quote:
Remember that you can receive automatic updates of
Sarah said,
January 7th, 2008 at 8:22 am
A few weeks ago I was seriously considering voting for/supporting Huckabee. However, after hearing and reading about his more recent negative character traits, I seriously doubt he’ll be getting my vote. Now that I think about it, what most attracted me to his campaign was his “Christian” identity. Thanks for analyzing his hypocritical and manipulative strategies, as it definitely put things in a clearer light. I suppose I should look more into Ron Paul, now.
Would it be all right if I quote part of this article on my blog (and perhaps link to your site as well)? It was definitely informative- thanks!
Shaun Connell said,
January 7th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Sarah,
Thanks! I know the feeling. Recently I was looking into Huckabee and was a bit excited that there was someone who wasn’t afraid of his faith. What I discovered, though, was incredibly disconcerting.
Feel free to copy the quote and link!
Brannan said,
January 7th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Ron Paul has a statement of faith up that makes him even more admirable. He doesn’t use his faith as a campaign tool, but he doesn’t deny it when asked. Meanwhile, he is chock full of integrity and emerging as being truly different. THAT is what Jesus-following is all about.
Will said,
January 7th, 2008 at 10:42 am
One of the saddest things, I’m afraid, is how effective politics identity politics is.
It’s a sad indictment of the American political climate.
Jason said,
January 7th, 2008 at 10:45 am
My next post in the debate should be up by tonight Shaun. I’m probably going to have to do two articles like you though.
Anyways, despite our disagreements on conservatism and libertarianism, I agree on Mike Huckabee. He’s nothing more than the republican version of Jimmy Carter and evangelicals are still falling head over heels to support him.
Here’s what I’m hoping for out of the election: I don’t care who wins the presidency, I just want Congress to be overwhelmingly against the new president. For example, if Huckabee wins, I hope the democrats maintain a majority in Congress so they can oppose him. If Clinton or Obama wins, I hope the Republicans regain the majority. That’s about the only good thing that can happen as far as I can see if Huckabee wins the republican nomination.
Stephanie K. said,
January 7th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
At first I was skeptical of Huckabee, thinking he couldn’t win. Well, he’s gained popularity and now that his positions and hypocrisy are coming out I have to say I would take quite a few of the other Republican candidates before I would take him. You can love Jesus and be a liberal, but please at least admit it. I wholeheartedly agree with your article.
Jason said,
January 7th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
My first refutation article is up. I’ll be writing the second one throughout the week.
Shaun Connell said,
January 7th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Brannan,
You’re certainly right. Ron Paul is far more Christ-like than Huckabee currently is.
Will,
Yep. Sheeple mess life up.
Stephanie,
You’re completely right. Note that he says that the people don’t want a conservative or liberal — no left or right. That’s an admission that he isn’t conservative. Which is … interesting, to say the least.
Jason,
Yes, the similarities between the Huckster and Carter are appallingly similar. Both want to be nice guys and want a feel-good economic program. It just doesn’t work that way.
Jason said,
January 9th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
No, it doesn’t.
Thankfully, Huckabee hit a brick wall in New Hampshire. It looks like it’s going to be a battle between McCain, Huck, and Romney from here on out for the Republican nomination.
Brian said,
January 9th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Shaun,
I totally agree. I thought Huckabee showed great promise until I looked on his website and then researched his true past. He is just about as economically conservative as Clinton!
A post on my blog deals with this issue but mostly focuses on his populist side:
http://brianfactor.blogspot.com/2007/12/hucks-army-of-bureacrats.html
Anyway, just another reason for me to support Paul.
Alan said,
January 14th, 2008 at 12:22 am
I totally dislike Huckabee.
Ron Paul is the way to go.
I’m A Pundit Too | Carnival of Political Punditry - January 13, 2008 said,
January 14th, 2008 at 8:45 am
[...] Connell presents Mike Huckabee
Philip Williamson said,
January 29th, 2008 at 2:11 am
//Mike Huckabee is currently waging one of the most sickening campaigns I
Christopher L said,
January 29th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I totally agree with this! Great job on this post Shaun. Huckabee really is waving his faith around and acting like a great christian candidate but is actually a huge hypocrite.
Marshall Sherman said,
January 31st, 2008 at 7:47 am
I’d be interested in hearing some responses to Philip’s points. I was going to make many of them myself and I’d love to see what you had to say about it….
Shaun Connell said,
January 31st, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Pam said,
February 1st, 2008 at 12:40 pm
YOU CAN’T BE SERIOUS. HUCKABEE A HYPOCRITE. ROMNEY IS THE HYPOCRITE. COME OUT OF YOUR DENIAL!!!
Philip Williamson said,
February 1st, 2008 at 12:41 pm
//1. Critiques are Good. Note the nature of the argument. Romney is making policy critiques
KansasGirl said,
February 1st, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Mike Huckabee is a “liberal” Christian, basically “Christian lite”. He and Mr. McCain basically want to rid the Republican party of conservatives.
Maggie said,
February 1st, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Shaun, thank you so much for putting into print what I have been trying to explain to my Christian friends for weeks. You really nailed it on Huckabee. I am a Christian and what’s more, I received a “prophetic” type of email from a Christian leader who I respected about how Huckabee is basically God’s choice. Needless to say, I was conflicted – watching his behavior and feeling that something was so slippery here, and then thinking I would be opposing the will of God to go with Romney! I appreciate how insightful and articulate your article is. I just pray for discernment for Christians!
Philip Williamson said,
February 4th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
KansasGirl,
Huckabee’s support rests on conservatives staying *in* the Republican party. Any election analyst worth half his paycheck will tell you that the conservative base in Iowa was strong, while it was week in New Hampshire, and that, and that alone caused Huck’s rise and fall in both.
The allegations of Huckabee being of questionable character are…shady at best. And even if that were your reason for rejecting him, bear in mind that Romney claimed to be a life-long hunter, which turned out to be a lie. Romney went so far as to claim that he’d been endoresed by the NRA, which turned out to be a lie.
Jonathan said,
February 7th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
The Huckabee Jesus: You have built a case falsely claiming that Huckabee claims to be perfect. Jesus. You are wrong. Huckabee has walked the path of humilty and has simply presented his view of the facts and his vision. Because that vision includes Christian values – he has talked about them. But if you had done any research – such values are mentioned when pressured by the press, not as consistent voting points. So – logically you have placed Huck into a box that he must act like Jesus. Then you attempt to persuade us he isn’t Jesus.
hmmm – no one is Jesus and Huckabee has never claimed to be.
Let