Mike Huckabee: Proud of his Record (Unless asked about it)

[viperdawg41192]

haha, nice video, Romney '12!!!

[mpetrie]

Romney probably won't run in '12. He said he's already given it a shot and at this time doesn't plan on doing it again.

[viperdawg41192]

well, i really hope he does, cuz i think he is the last true conservative left out there, besides Palin, but i think Romney would make a better President, although i wouldn't mind a Romney-Palin Ticket. lol

[se36959]

I'm not voting for either. neither 1 has a clue.. ha

[zavindur]

I sure mpetrie dont english eyether...

[zavindur]

Very mean video, so funny though. LOL

Very well done, you can't really defend againt it; great point by using Huckabee's own words and then showing how Huckabee is in play.

The question asked was loaded though because it would have caused Huck to admit to being guilty of something he did. Would have been very admirable if Huckabee said "yes" and then explained himself instead of sticking his tail between his legs.

[mpetrie]

That's the whole point of the video because in other interviews he says, "I'm VERY proud of my record." But when he's asked about a specific part of it, he completely tucked and ran. So, he's apparently not so proud of a few things after all.

[zavindur]

How many millions of dollars worth of free publicity did Huck get from preachers?

How much bigotry did Huckabee inflare among christains?

So many bias Huck supporters... "lets ignore his faults and focus on the faults of others!"

[mpetrie]

How are ads comparing records "attacks"??? Seems to me that McCain ran the attack ads by using one that referred to Romney as a "phony". Romney never attacked anyone personally by degrading their character.

[videoaccess001]

I've looked this over a bunch. Most of the taxes were for cigs and gas. A lot of other states have done the same or more. Do the math. Half a billion dollars. increase of $2 a pack times # of smokers times # of packs per smoker a year. Thats most of it right there. And the reason they chose cigs; they want people to quit. It demolishes the healthcare surplus in any state. He could of answered the question, but Romney would of tried to spin it. As most politicians do. Bad politicians. Bad.

[falcon2154]

Still better than "Mitt for brains" Romney!

[mpetrie]

Please... extinguish all joints before typing.

[givebirthathome]

Huckabee may have cut some of taxes, and raised others. No lie there. The big deceiver here is Romney, very smoothly engaging in an attempt to distort Huckabee's record. Question should be: Did Huckabee's policies in Arkansaw work? Not an over-simplified tax question out of context.

[mpetrie]

So, are you saying that increasing taxes work? Wow.. hi there Democrat. Republicans stand for low taxes, small Government, less regulation. Yes, his raising taxes made things better for the state... but it was coming off the shoulders of citizens and that's the Democratic approach, not the Republican approach. Republicans first try to cut Government and wasteful spending. Huckabee hiked taxes over and over again. Were it not for his tax cuts, his hikes would have been even more enormous.

[zavindur]

"deceiver"?

"over simplified"? I guess Huckabee shouldn't be asked yes or no questions but questions that he can just explain away the answer instead of a direct response.

Huckabee was put in play- to show that his words are true to his actions.

He simply had to say "yes, but..." and then say how he had also lowered taxes.

Essentially this video is great at showing Mike's lack of integrity. He speaks nice but does differently like ALL politicians.

[chukmaty]

Because people need to understand that a states budget responsibilities are often determined by federal mandates in the areas of medicaid, education etc. That the budget was always chopped to the bone and that budgets had to be adjusted with specific needs being that the margins were so small. That state population and per capita income growth skyrocketed during Huckabee's tenure and that leads to more income tax returns even if the rate remains the same.

And Dems controlled everything else.

[futureslave]

he is just what America needs. Another liar.

[alchemyrox]

how do we get this on the mass media

[MarkDouglasC]

Here is a question Gov Huck on FairTax -- did you call any nursing to ask what they will do when you make them pay 23% sales tax on their patients? Did you call Cancer hospitals, and ask them? Did you call realtors and ask them about the 23% sales tax on new homes? Did you call the Pentagon and ask how they will pay for 23% extra cost on all they buy? Look me in the eye and answer.

[zavindur]

The IRS is what prevents Huckabee from fully using Religious ties for political gain.

His "FairTax" is just a way to get rid of that road block called the IRS. Just imagine the political power preachers could gain by their influence. "A Vote for me is a vote for God" they would say.

[chukmaty]

So, just because you do not like Huckabee and have a bias against preachers, you think the IRS should be able to take away the 1st amendment from people you disagree with?

What ever happened to the free marketplace of ideas? The IRS should not be there to determine who should say what and talk were. Stupid collectivist anti American drivel coming from you :)

[mpetrie]

Romney would bring more change to Washington than you'll have ever seen in your lifetime. He fulfilled all of his promises as Governor and has commited to do the same as President and completely restructuring Washington is one of those promises. It's usually a good idea to look at someone's record to determine what they will do in the future. Romney made major changes in EVERYTHING he's been in charge of so there's no reason to doubt it in Washington.

[jjones1987]

I loved it, that was awesome!!! Do you mind if I repost it on my account?

[mpetrie]

Have a blast...

[jjones1987]

Thanks, I think this needs all the coverage it can get! Mitt Romney all the way in 2-0-8!!!

[mpetrie]

You're a Ron Paul supporter aren't you?

[orling1]

OMG ...please don't turn a blind eye to the truth. We already had 2 corrupt president with Bush & Clinton we do not need another!

[mpetrie]

The fact you need to use foul language to express yourself reveals how civil you really are. Romney will not be Bush 2.0. His record screams of differences and he will do a top-to-bottom review of ALL government programs and clean out the crap.

[orling1]

What would it cost to buy the support of just about every nationally-syndicated neocon talk show host in America? About $19.5 Billion, which is what Mitt Romney's private equity firm, Bain Capital, and Thomas H. Lee Partners have agreed to pay in a leveraged buyout agreement with Clear Channel Communications, the largest radio station owner in the country.

[mpetrie]

Oooo.. this just wreaks of conspiracy. Let me guess... you're a Ron Paul supporter?

[orling1]

go to clear channel and see for yourself!

Clear Channel announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement with a group led by Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and Bain Capital Partners, LLC, pursuant to which the group will acquire Clear Channel in a transaction with a total value of approximately $26.7 billion

[mpetrie]

I'm not talking about the buyout. That's easy to prove. I'm talking about them doing it to buy the radio shows for Mitt. For all we know they did it because it was fiscally profitable for the firm... now that would be unheard of wouldn't it?

[enjoiskaterguy]

nothing wrong with that.

[enjoiskaterguy]

I read that as well...If president he will be able to control A LOT of news coverage. Anything against him will not air.

[mpetrie]

Wow.. and I read online that Mormons are nut jobs who kill babies as human sacrifices in their Temples. So, it MUST be true! The Internet said so!

[orling1]

"I'll bet those hosts won't reveal that conflict of interest, when you hear them begin hyping Romney, which has already begun. A lot of GOP supporters will support whomever they are told to support, so be prepared for a big push for Romney. Rich men can bankroll their own campaigns (a la John Kerry), but it takes a special breed to use investors' money to buy entire networks that can operate as passive wings of a presidential campaign."

[orling1]

Wow, you don't get it! it was a set up question, because Mitt practiced law he knows how to set up someone to make him look the way he wants people to see him. If you look at the facts the PEOPLE of Arkansas VOTED to increase taxes to repair the road system in the state! Huckabee does not lie so he did not answer just yes /no. Did you know that MITT is part of the Freemasons! Secrete brotherhood corruption!

freemasonrywatch . org/tracingboard.html

[mpetrie]

Smoking crack again? Romney is not a freemason. Where do you dig up this garbage?

Also, the people of Arkansas didn't vote for a cigarette tax, or a bed tax, or an income tax surcharge, or a gas tax. They only voted on a road bond. Huckabee implemented programs that created a budget deficit and he had to raise taxes to fund them... part of it was his medicare program he promoted in 1997.

[cleftronix]

Look I like Paul, but forget it. He has no chance to win unfortianatly. Therefore it's Romney, because he is the least worst of the bunch. If Paul was a little younger, who knows.

[mpetrie]

But even if Paul were younger... he rubs against the grain of mainstream republicans now days there'd be no way he'd get his party's nomination.

[mpetrie]

No... you're not.

[devknob]

I have to only assume you're mormon for voting for Mitt Romney, as he is as worthless as Huck and Guiliani. Hopefully you come around and find Ron Paul like any reasonable human being

[mpetrie]

Why is it you Ron Paul fanatics always have to resolve to personal childish attacks and calling these respectable candidates "worthless"? I once leaned toward voting for Ron Paul until I discovered the behavior of MANY of his supporters. Name calling, foul language, hostility, animosity, lying, and deception. I decided not to associate myself with that garbage.

[cmartel2]

So a business pioneer (and yes, Romney was a pioneer. He went into very much uncharted waters and came out a huge winner) is somehow to looked down upon? Corporations and businesses built America. They are the reason for our wealth as a nation. That and our system of economic liberty (that has become increasingly shackled). If people care about the economy, they'd be wise to look at a guy who made a business of turning failed corporations into profit-makers.

[enjoiskaterguy]

I would like to say though, the editing on this video is well done and pretty funny.

[Lyndehouse]

Thank you Mr. Mormon for this lovely video.

[mpetrie]

You're welcome. Not sure how to take your "Mr. Mormon" term but again... you're welcome.

[WHEELCHAIR98]

That was funny! However, According to the New York Times December 2, 2007:

While taxes did rise in the 10 years that Mr. Huckabee was governor, the portrayal of him as a wild-eyed spendthrift is hardly apt. For the most part, Mr. Huckabee's tax initiatives had wide bipartisan support, with the small number of Republicans in the overwhelmingly Democratic state legislature voting for the tax increases and many maintaining that the state was better for them.

[WHEELCHAIR98]

In addition, when Mr. Huckabee left office last January, he had turned a $200 million budget shortfall into an $844 million surplus. Still, as the attacks on his fiscal policies have stepped up, the Huckabee campaign has also cited examples of some 90 taxes that went down under his tenure.

[WHEELCHAIR98]

The biggest increase under Mr. Huckabee was mandated by the Arkansas Supreme Court, which in 2002 ruled that the state's school financing procedure was unconstitutional and ordered a more equitable plan — which led to $400 million in new taxes.

[mpetrie]

So, explain this: In May 2003, Gov. Huckabee pleaded for a tax increase of almost any kind. This was in order to cover a $66.7 Million budget gap in the Fiscal Year 2003. This gap was partially his fault due to his expansive spending increases including an expansion in Medicare eligibility that Huckabee made a centerpiece of his 1997 agenda.

[mpetrie]

So, to fix this gap, he agreed to a 3% income tax "surcharge" and a 25-cent cigarette tax increase.

At this same time, he had this court order over his head where he had to increase education funding by January 1, 2004. But in the speech where he begged for a tax hike of any kind, he said, (See below)

[mpetrie]

(Continued) "But the issue that brings us back to this Capitol on this day cannot wait any longer. The urgency of passing budgets for various state agencies is critical, but just as critical is passing a revenue stream that will fund these budgets and provide an adequate level of service, particularly in the areas of Medicaid, as well as the Department of Corrections."

[mpetrie]

Huckabee points to that speech saying he was under order of the court to fund education so he had to do something. Hmmm.. then explain why he said this in that speech: "The business of education, we've decided to let that wait until the fall."

The needed increase in taxes was urgent. This was to cover the shortfall he had created in his previous term... not to fund the court order on education because, he had "decided to let that wait until the fall."

[mpetrie]

He simply expanded government programs which required funding so he raised taxes to fund them. A true conservative would have instead tried to first cut Government to redirect the money he needed.

[orling1]

what they heck are you talking about! I lived there in 03. Man get off the blogs and get your facts. Everyone in Arkansas loved Huck! That is why we kept reelecting him.

[mpetrie]

I am checking my facts. My facts come from the Cato Institute and factcheck dot org. They are as accurate as they come.

[vorosfold]

Yet, in total he raised taxes $500 million. That's Chris Matthew's point! That's what Mitt was following-up on.

Can't you get it! We don't care about all the little taxes he may have cut--even if he did so 90 times. If he raised taxes only once, and it resulted in an overal increase in $500 million, then he's more of a tax raiser than a tax cutter.

Comprende?

[NJstudents4Mitt08]

Wow this is an awesome video show that Mike Huckabee is not really all that he says he is.

[mpetrie]

Please prove that Romney is influenced by corporate greed. Last I heard his proposals are focusing on the middle-class and really hasn't come out with any suggestions that specifically target any of the wealthy. The man is GIVING UP his entire Presidential salary during his term(s) in office. He did the same as Governor and CEO of the Olympics. Doesn't that tell you something? He's in it for service... not profit.

[mpetrie]

Oh.. and remember.. the man gave over $1 million of his own money to help save the Olympics. He did this while refusing a salary? That points to his true character. That doesn't sound much like a typical "corporation" to me...

[keyan99]

great vid.

[mpetrie]

Are you assuming all CEOs are corrupt because they're from the business sector? I sure hope not.. that's be pretty closed minded. Look at Romney's record... do you see any scams? Fraudulent activities? Any of that crap? NO. Romney's an honest and proven businessman and was even dubbed by some to be the best businessman in North America.

[iiitrey23]

mpetrie, you are delusional is you think Romney represents change in washington. Do you support him b/c of his policies or b/c he's a mormon and managed the olympics well? Tell me how he differs from Bush and by how much. If anyone besides Ron Paul gets elected, you'll have more of this same until this country is bankrupt.

[mpetrie]

If you think Romney would be anything close to Pres. Bush, that's what's delusional. Romney will get great results in Washington... he always has.

I find it funny that because I support someone other than Ron Paul that I'm "delusional". Quit with the name calling... it's quite childish and I doubt that even Dr. Paul would stoop to your level.

[iiitrey23]

I didn't say you're delusional by not supporting Ron Paul. I said you're delusional if you think Romney offers any real change from Bush. If you really feel he does, explain why. All you say is "he will get greats results because he always has." It's childish not to back up your argument!

[mpetrie]

What do I need to back it up with? Look at the guy's track record in the business sector, volunteer sector, and Government sector. He brought positive change EVERY time and left things much better because of it. His record speak for itself. Bush didn't have a record like that at all.

[cmartel2]

Romney is very different from Bush. For one, he supports cutting spending to inflation minus 1%, opposes the Treaty of the Seas, believes in cutting illegal immigration and making a difference on the border, isn't afraid to veto a bill, supports cutting our highest-in-the-world corporate taxation, and in deregulating the healthcare industry across the nation.

[Jukapos]

I'm glad Romney showed up Huckabee on this occasion.

However, let this not be an excuse to vote Romney, because he is just a crooked as the rest of them. His foreign policy is incredibly naive - he simply plays in to the hands of the Neo-Cons.

[mpetrie]

It's just part of my video. I've been a Romney supporter from the beginning. I live in Salt Lake City and saw what he did with the Olympics and was amazed. This man knows how to turn things around and Washington needs that right now.

[cleftronix]

I like Paul a lot, but he has no chance. However, he has shaped the debate. Romney is the best of this bunch, huckabee and McCain are the worst and they are liberals too.

I gotta go for Romney.

[nerfball615]

If you like Ron Paul, you'll vote for him in your state primary. The only ones that can say this are those who live in Iowa..other than that I don't want to hear that you like Ron Paul but know he doesn't have a chance..sorry if this offends you. Mitt Romney is a fine conservative but we need a man who has been a rock-solid and consistent conservative who'll stand up to government corruption and bring the change that everyone touts. RP '08 has a chance!

[cleftronix]

Huckabee is the slipperiest guy I have ever seen, he lies about immigration and says he not for amnisty, but he is for amnisty! He lies about his taxes in Arkansas...Huck is a liberal who get's votes by touting the bible and letting an old washed up fake Norris hang around. DONT VOTE FOR THE HUCKESTER!

[moveoverdotorg]

I think this is Huckabee's "Clinton Driver's license" moment

[chukmaty]

No I think it is Romney's distort other people records by asking them yes and no gotya questions. Huckabee answered truthfully, his fiscal management of the state was the best in its history. Roads and education dramatically improved as did the states accounting methods.

[mpetrie]

Keep telling yourself that. He has a poor fiscal record across the board. There's a reason he only answers the $500 Million increase question by saying, I actually cut taxes 94 times... he doesn't want people to hear about it.

[BMCJJ]

He also left a nearly billion dollar surplus, divide that back to the tax payers as he wanted to do and ask if it's an increase. He also acted in the interest of the people giving roads, education, ect... and was mandated to balance a budget. But you hang your hat on Romney who acts only on his own political ambitions.

[mpetrie]

Really? Romney closed a $3 Billion deficit into a surplus his first year in office with 90% of the funding coming from government cutting. Romney left over a Billion dollars in their rainy day fund and the 4th grade and 8th greade students in his state scored #1 in all categories. No other state has ever accomplished that.

Oh.. and it's really easy to leave a surplus after 10 years when you raise taxes by half a billion dollars.

[BMCJJ]

Say what you want, Romney will say anything to get elected and lies and attacks, therefore losing me altogether.

And it's not easy to leave a surplus when you have a bunch of fudge packing liberals that control the legislator.

[mpetrie]

And Romney left a Billion dollar rainy day fund in the bluest of states in the nation.

He went from $3 Billion in the red to $1 Billion in the black in 4 years and with an 85% democratic legislature.

[vorosfold]

Romney's approach was simple. It was a simple question. If you got lost altogether by that, you lack something fundamentally.

Arkansas has nowhere near the liberals that Mitt faced in MA. Get over it, Huck fans! Your man is a shifty, hide-from-the-facts huckster who can't answer a question.

This was the highlight from the debate last night! I was laughing as Huck stammered and shifted. Pure comedy!

[orling1]

Even his neighbors in NH think he stinks they know his record that is why he did not win.

[mpetrie]

No they voted for a more liberal republican candidate. N.H. is more liberal than we had thought. Romney won the conservative vote but McCain got the independent vote. Still.. Romney leads all candidates in votes and delegates.

[5M1L3]

Great video, it really points out how easily a good man can fall in an effort to get the highest office in the country.

[enjoiskaterguy]

are you mormon...I am mormon and I find Mitt Romney a DISGRACE to the LDS faith. He knows nothing about the christian JUST war theory...Thats why I am voting for Ron Paul.

[mpetrie]

I am Mormon. Apparently you should go read your Bible... judge not, my friend.

[enjoiskaterguy]

judge not?I know what just war is and Mitt Romney is just spewing more of this war propaganda.I know in my heart as a member of the LDS faith that Mitt does beleive this and I advise all LDS members to pray about reflect,I mean read the bible and Book of Mormon again...Their wars were justified by protecting their lands and self defense. This war is unjust, unconstitutional, and will lead to more disaster. Make PEACE not War!LOVE THY NEIGHBOR! Who would JESUS BOMB????

[enjoiskaterguy]

...apparently you should not judge my intelligence. I judge Romney based on his FACTS and what he has said.

To sway your veiws to vote for someone because you belong to the same faith is a total theocratic approach. If you don't think most LDS won't vote for Romney just based on his faith than you don't know your religion. I'm sorry to say this but the LDS faith is very proud of their religion and will do ANYTHING to spread the message..even through someone runnign for politcal office.

[mpetrie]

Shows what you know...

[enjoiskaterguy]

thank you!...atleast as a member I'm not the one whose in deniel.

[mpetrie]

Denial? I have family members that are voting for Ron Paul. I have family members who are voting for Barack Obama. Oh.. and did I mention they're all mormon? And trust me... I will guarantee 100% that Romney nor the LDS church makes no attempt to use the position to advance the church.

[enjoiskaterguy]

I'm talking about YOU. I bet you though 95% of LDS US citizens will vote for Mitt. This is just blantant theocratic voting in the works...just like Mike Huckabee and the Evengelicals...your all just fighting iver the best Religious figure. I have seen the results of online polls, and searches throughout Utah and I can tell you that my 95% idea is pretty accurate.

[mpetrie]

I do agree that Mitt Romney will get the majority of the LDS vote but it's not because of his religion solely. Everyone I talk to who supports Romney and is LDS never mentions his religion. It's mostly because of what they witnessed him do when he was here in Utah and SAVED the Olympics from financial disaster. I saw him turn them around and to see how the games went from how poorly they were doing to seeing them become the most successful ever really says something about his abilities.

[enjoiskaterguy]

The majority of LDS have been trained to beleive Romney from none of than himself. Mormons are made to belief that we do not lie and therefore they will vote for another mormon. No matter what Mitt has done, the backbone of their vote is because the the religious connection. Just watch Utah...You'll see. Voting for someone based on the Olympics and his flip flop record is not what is going to happen...I repeat: WHO WOULD JESUS BOMB???

[mpetrie]

Well.. Jesus will "bomb" every friggin evil person in this world when he comes back. Go read the Book of Revelations. I don't think Christ will come back waving a peace sign.

Mormons are made to believe that mormons don't lie? Every mormon has lied before and I'll bet the majority still do tell lies in one way or another... white lies, major lies, etc. It exists in EVERY religious body. But please explain how Romney has had more votes than any other GOP Candidate thus far.

[enjoiskaterguy]

About Romney getting the most votes...IslamoJihadist propaganda, fear mongering, and blind MORMON support. He's a fake, reality tv host.

[mpetrie]

No comment... you're not worth the oxygen.

[mak702]

Great video. 500 million is a lot of an increase for Arkansas.

[blowsnowhk]

"You people don't seem to get the point. What the hell is so important about voting for the winning candidate? Sure, this is America and we like to win, but to vote for someone just because you THINK they will win and not because you agree with his/her platform is foolish."

[mpetrie]

Oh.. and I agree with Romney's platform.

[jrmclean7]

ha ha! nice try. check your facts. Mike Huckabee improved roads in AR. If you've ever driven through there before he fixed them, you would understand it was necessary. The tax raise was voted on by the people. Romney does whats best for Romney not for the people. He won't come close to winning.

[mpetrie]

You might want to check your own facts. The only thing voters approved was a road bond. He also said last night they approved a gas tax hike... which is a lie. He implemented that months before the road bond and the voters had no say in it. He hiked cigarrette taxes by over 100%, he imposed bed taxes on nursing home patients. There's a reason Huckabee got a D and an F on his fiscal record by the Cato Institute and trust me... it wasn't because of voters.

[chukmaty]

The gas tax was to pay off dept from the bond program. Maybe you are the kind of National Review republican who thinks that dept is somehow a good thing.

[mpetrie]

Not at all. But the voters didn't vote on the gas tax like Mike claims. There are reasons why Mike got a D & an F from independent studies on his fiscal record.

[orling1]

I lived in AR 7 years ago we asked for tax increases you idiot get your facts. and YES the roads were awful! They rock now! I look forward to driving my Audi A6 into the state of AR again on my way to my annual Blue Ridge Parkway drive. Before the roads were fixed my BMW 635 got beat up when I lived there. AR is a beautiful state.

[mpetrie]

That's great! I've been to Arkansas as well and it IS a great state! But Huckabee raised SO many taxes in Arkansas they completely outweighed his cuts. Voters didn't vote on the VAST majority of tax increases. Voters cannot be blamed for Huckabee's tax increasing when they were behind only one thing.

[RPftw2008]

Romney is not to bad but you should really look into Dr. Paul.

He has never voted to raise taxes.

Never voted for an un-balanced budget.

[mpetrie]

Sorry.. Ron Paul stands no chance to win a national election. I'm spending my efforts on someone who actually can pull it off. Good luck though.

[RPftw2008]

Isn't it the voters that determine who has a chance?

[mpetrie]

I'm a voter. Trust me... Dr. Paul will not get the nomination.