Deseret News | Huckabee says he has not said anything unkind about Mormons

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Huckabee says he has not said anything unkind about Mormons

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Reply to Texas Mormon ... | 1:31 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Well said. Perfect summary.

2thePoint | 1:32 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Mike was gratified and proud of the way Mormons stood up for they way the believed regarding Proposition?! Then why didnï¿½t he speak up for Mormons when it was happening?

I was watching Mike Huckabee's TV show when he was asked by a female audience member (in a tone of disapproval for Mormons) about his opinion on Mormons and Prop 8. Huckabee replied with an awkward ONE sentence statement that we (implying the audience) should be grateful for the help the Mormons gave. He came across as insincere and being careful because the cameras were on. The camera panned back to the woman who asked the question. The expression on her face was that she was not happy with that answer. NO WAY did Huckabee appear to be GRATIFIED and PROUD of Mormons for standing up for what they believe.

Timj | 1:36 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I'll believe Huckabee when he supports a Mormon for president.
You'll notice that the Democrats don't take issue with the Senate Majority Leader being a Mormon...

Comments continue below

Hunt | 1:40 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

can you say "backpedal" ?

David Anderson | 1:45 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

To my knowledge, Mike Huckabee once asked a reporter a single question about what Mormons believe in the context of a long interview about Huckabee, not about Mormons. Only those people who want to make mischief would try to make a Federal case out of that moment in time. Others should take Huckabee at his word when he says that he would rather vote for an atheist who is consistent, than a man of any religion whose positions change with the winds. That is what Romney is accused of by many, and it has absolutely nothing to do with his being a Mormon. It is the undeserved prejudice of others against Huckabee that is the real issue.

K | 1:48 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Patrick has it right. You go to any house even the Christian ones who aren't LDS to try to convert, yet you get upset when other's don't accept your baptism as the same like the Catholic Church and call us haters? You are more respectful than the Jehovah's when we tell you we are a devout Catholic, or other Christian. You would have to rebaptize a Catholic convert or a Catholic whose deceased for that matter, why do you cry foul over a different Christian church not recognizing LDS baptisms?

Also agree with Careful... Not accepting doesn't mean - mean and hateful. That certainly isn't the case in why most of us ALL are in favor of a certain proposition passed in CA.

Because of Romney's run this Catholic finds LDS less "peculiar" to use one of your terms. He and the LDS church got some of the same criticism's that Kennedy got, and the Catholic church. Though I doubt I'd vote for any Kennedy if I had the chance...

Are you serious ? | 1:55 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Didn't Huckabee speak to a anti Mormon group in SLC one year ?

Huckabee HATES Mormons with a passion...unless he needs a extra vote in the future.

If you who live in Utah ever go down south to places like Arkansas you would know how much the so called christian right wing hates Latter Day Saints.

Consistency | 1:55 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Hey, at least Huckabee always has been, was, and always will be the "Evangelical" candidate. With Romney one never quite knows his stance -- liberal Republican Governor or the conservative Republican presidential candidate. Being LDS and having lived in Arkansas and getting to know Huckabee, I suspect that his comments had more to do with his mistrust of a "changed" Romney and his distaste for Romney's pandering for the Evangelical vote than they did for his views towards Mormonism.

Ross | 2:06 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Huckabee is a master of priestcraft, (see topical guide) he is marketing a brand and trying to be popular to everyone. Its big business, for now anyway.

Anonymous | 2:09 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

When Hickabee speaks people don't listen.

No Thanks | 2:18 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I appreciate Huckabee's attempt at an apology and I accept it...but I find it very hollow. The "real" Huck came out in the campaign and it wasn't pretty. To another Huckabee run for President, I say ...NO THANKS...

bob | 2:19 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

sure, candidate huckabee has no animosity toward mormons - as long as they vote for him! while in private religious circles he riducules them as cultists, self-deceived, non-christian, and unfit to lead the country. unlike himself, of course, who is a true "christian leader."

Sally Jo | 2:25 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

It will not benefit neither those in the Romney camp or the Huckabee camp to continue to slug it out even long before the next election. Let bygones be bygones. Let us not rush to judgment on everything and everyone. To some, this may not sound like much fun. The way you can help your candidate next time around is to try and stay above the fray and infighting. We can disagree on issues without getting ugly and hateful. Maybe we all need to make some good New Year's resolutions. God Bless all of you!

To Not likely | 2:28 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I agree with you completely. I don't think it was an innocent mistake on the part of Huckabee. I saw it as his true coniving self coming out to stoop that low. I have a hard time believing he was sincere in his apology. And what he is doing now...trying to cozy up to Utahns is just as bad as what Romney did in trying to hob-nob with the Evangelists to get votes. I guess that's what politicians "do". but I doubt he will ever gain the full trust of Utah Republicans or Mormons (not always one in the same) again. Not that we can't forgive a social blunder, but he burned his bridges on the trust issues.

Two sided hate story | 2:27 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

um, looks like there is a lot of hate from both sides of the fence.

Not buying it... | 2:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I'm not buying it. Huckabee tacitly approved of the anti LDS bigotry that reared its head during the campaign.

There is plenty of reason to be suspicious of the LDS church and its history, but not of idividual members, especially one like Mitt Romney. His choice of where he attended church was simply not an issue that even needed press coverage. His qualifications were an issue and his positions. On those two items he was superior to all other candidates. But we did not get that choice because of religious bigotry. Huckabee is a snake and republicans should run from his kind.

Dave | 2:31 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I still don't trust the guy. I heard anti-LDS remarks out of his own mouth that made me kind of cringe. I doubt that the majority of his offensive statements were misconstrued by the media. He is just trying to regain enough supporters to run again. I don't think he has a chance.

Just a Dad | 2:34 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

The sad part is many people running for office, will say and do anything to get into office. The people who wont do that, and be honest and run a fair race, wont be voted for... So what does that say for the Voting American Public... they like liars in office.

Re: My Bad | 2:37 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

That is funny that you no longer like Huckabee because of the Fair Tax, that's the only thing I like about Huckabee.

Hissing Strikers | 2:40 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Hucklabee, understands where Mormons are coming from-- it not too hard. He knows where Flds are coming from as well. Snakes always seem to crawl out of the same snake pit.

Christian bookstores | 2:50 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

If you want to know what Christians beleive about Mormons, go to a large Christian bookstore and right along with Jehovahs Witness beleifs, New Age,you have LDS beleifs all in the cult section, I don't think the problem with Mormonism is social as it is Theological.

ormon

Kaley | 2:52 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Hick-a-bee is nothing but a rotten sour prune. The man is filled with nothing but bigoted hate for LDS. He's a town hypocrite.

nat turner | 2:58 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Is there no avoiding this Huckabigot ?

Duplicity | 3:02 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

It appears the 2012 race has already begun. Unfortunately the Huckster's recent remarks are too little and over a year late. I find it entirely disingenuous that the person who once bragged during a presidential debate about being the only candidate with a degree in religion, "innocently" rehearsed a line from anti-Mormonism 101. Given his self-professed religious credentials, I can't help but think he knew exactly what he was doing.

I accept Mike's apology, but question his motives and wonder what other pages he'll draw on from the Arkansas governor's political playbook. He seems to have "duplicity" down pat.

As an aside, although a few commentators have suggested otherwise, not all members of the SBC "hate" Mormons. Jimmy Carter is a perfect example.

Huckster | 3:04 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Who's he trying to fool? Huckabee is trying to warm up to Mormons as he prepares to run for President again and try to make them think he is their friend and that the evangelical community he represents will be accepting of them. Mormons don't need evangelical acceptance nor are they fooled by Huckabee's smooth apologetic words.

We all know, deep down Huckabee's opinions of Mormons and it's not good.

ldstexan | 3:07 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I wonder if Huckaberry would release his speech he gave while in SLC during the So. Baptist Convention. Then we'll see how he really feels about the Mormons. I think he's a religious bigot! Would never trust him. ROMNEY 2012!!!!!!

Wow. | 3:13 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Thank goodness "Obama-nation" politics will free us of this problem as well.

Re: Christian Bookstores | 3:15 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Before I converted to the LDS church, I went to visit my preacher (of a Wesleyan church). He promptly opened his "Kingdom of the Cults" book and read to me from it. He said in school they breifly talked about it being a cult but didn't really get into the doctrine.
So after about 2 hours of me talking with him and correcting things that were in that book, his interest left him wanting to know more. I left him with my copy of a Book of Mormon that day, because he realized you shouldn't go by "anti" sources on anything. He fully understood the saying "Don't go to a Honda dealer to ask about a Ford".
Mainstream Christians have literature on the LDS in the cult section, because of their ignorance and laziness to learn on their own, from the source.

Anonymous | 3:18 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I can't handle another primary with Huckabee's name on the ticket. Please America, a degree in theology does not help qualify him for the highest office in the land.

Steve | 3:24 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Hucklebee is nothing but a two-faced scammer. He, like most politicians, will do ANYTHING to get elected or liked. He back-stabbed Romney when he played the "religion card" during the primaries. He's one step short of being a crook. Anyone who see's him in a different light is either nieve or ignorant. (Other than that....I really like him).

Huck | 3:38 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Huck appeared to be very anti-Mormon during the campaign. Perhaps now he's just toning it down and doing what politicians do.....fill the cold January air with a bit of hot air. Aside from that, I like most of his political views except giving illegal immigrants a free-pass card into the U. S.

Sunny | 3:46 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Mike Huckabee ran the most civil campaign with the least amount of money. He was the Republicans best chance against the Democrats. He had a proven record of success as a two term Governor in a state that had seen Democrat corruption; before he came into office they had a Democratic state for over 40 years. During the primaries Huckabee was shunned by the Elite Washington Republican insiders and was mocked by the liberal media because they realized the threat he was and they wanted Obama. He was the real reformer that has the best plan to help heal our collapsing economy with the Fair Tax. It was; and is the likes of Romney and their greed that has ran this country into the ground. While some run away with a much fatter wallet; many are losing their homes and life savings. I am looking forward to seeing Mike take this Country by storm in 2012. Many were duped by the Mediasï¿½ lies, and they are wiser now. They wonï¿½t be fooled again, not with all the money in Romneyï¿½s pocket.

Carl | 3:45 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Huckabee was the Jim Nabors of the campaign with his aw shucks humor. Hey, Mike. Hey Goob.

Chunky | 3:53 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I understand your feelings of distaste of Huckabee. I was raised Southern Baptist and all I ever heard was the bashing of Catholics not Mormons. My parents were faced with voting for a Catholic in the 60's because they were strict Southern Baptist and dedicated Democrats. For them to vote for a Catholic was basically against their religion. Through prayer and trust in God they did vote for John F. Kennedy. I am a Catholic now and my family is still Baptist but they accept it. I seriously doubt that they would have accepted my decision to convert if they wouldn't have voted for a Catholic to be their next President. They voted for the man they thought could lead them best. Many of you can be bitter if you want to but always remember that God is in control not us. In his eyes we are all Christians because we love him and worship him even if we don't agree in each others doctrine we all have one thing in common and that is serving the Lord and keeping those who would do away with his name by changing the laws to fail in their attempts to do so..

Go Huckster | 3:55 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

When I read that he is against this scam called the 'bail out,' I decided I like this guy a whole lot. He has my vote for president if he continues in this line of conservative thinking.

Just Politics | 3:57 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Although I did not appreciate Mr. Huckabee's underhanded digs on Mormons during the primaries, I can accept his apology for giving offense. I still think he has deep religious differences with the LDS Church, but I believe Evangelicals can be tolerant and friendly, even very friendly with their Mormon friends just as Mormons can have deep doctrinal disagreements with Evangelicals and still be friendly. (There are bigots on both sides, but a fair assessment of percentages and vitriol would tilt heavily South.)

But I think Huckabee was being a politician first in the primaries, not a Mormon hater. They all play dirty because it works. Romney was no choir boy in the race, neither was McCain. Any politician at that level justifies their means by the end.

I think Romney blew it by playing the game instead of being more a good guy above the fray. (I think polls tracked this as the race went on.) Being two-faced is NOT anti-Mormon, it's politics. It's ugly and slick, but that's why only certain people get in it and stick with it long enough to win. Get over it Utah and get your home teaching done early this month.

Shelby | 3:57 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

backpedaling | 10:29 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009 wrote:

"Someone is posturing for his next run eh?"
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Yes, that is exactly what huckabee is doing. And he's a fool if he thinks he's got any more of a chance in 2012 than the last election. He couldn't even make McCain's short list of potential VP running mates this time! And after huckabee's vile, sick joke about Obama having a gun pointed at him and fearing assassination, huck's delusional IF HE THINKS HE'D EVER GET ELECTED, let alone get the Repub nomination. Buh bye huckabee. You're done and we thank our good Lord for that!

Dave M | 3:58 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Sorry, but I just don't buy it. His campaigners promoted him as the alternative to a mormon candidate. And Mr. Huckabee is too sharp not to know the impact of his words.

The sentiment seemed to be we were welcome to ride in the GOP bus but not to drive it. I would find it very hard to ever vote for him.

Anonymous | 4:02 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

"Huckaberry" That's his new name as far as i'm concerned! He's looking to 20012, and he will do anyting to get elected.

Politics first | 4:13 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

It's good to see Huckabee is a politician first still. He definitely played the anti-Mormon card during the race and he does have a problem with Mormons. I'm sorry not to play his game here... he just has a problem.

campaign history | 4:14 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Can anyone remember the Iowa primary? One week before the vote Huckabee started running commercials calling himself the "true christian candidate." Anyone who knows the history of southern baptists and their animosity of mormons would know this guy was preying on the sensitivity of evangelicals and anti-mormon sentiment. It was a great move on his part and thrust him into the spotlight when he took Iowa from Romney. Romney was the favorite. Huckabee had no chance at winning and did not want Romney to be legitimized by winning as a mormon. Does anyone here really think Huckabee likes mormons? He hates Mormons...don't forget it.

Shelby | 4:20 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Verla Swords | 11:07 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009 writes:

"I think some of the things Huckabee said about the Mormons and Mitt Romney are almost unforgiveable. Have Huckabee look up evangilists in the dictionary He will find out what a true Christian is.If he was a true Cristian he would not say such hurtfull things. Mormons are much more Christinn like than Huckabee ever will be.He will say almost any thing for a laugh.My opinion along with several thousand others."
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

So true...and make that several HUNDRED thousand others!

Re: Sunny | 4:23 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

You're free to line up behind Hucks, but you're kidding yourself to suggest his campaign was "civil" and that having the "least amount of money" is some sort of badge of honor. There's a reason he wasn't a successful fundraiser and "Mitt Romney" isn't the right answer.

"Success" is hardly the word I'd use to describe his governorship. Ethics violations...raising taxes...illegal immigration...Wayne DuMond.

The fact that Arkansas had been a democratic state for 40 years before Hucks isn't noteworthy if a RINO takes over.

During the primaries Romney was shunned by the Elite Washington Republican insiders and was mocked by the liberal media because they realized the threat he was and they wanted Obama.

"He...has the best plan to help heal our collapsing economy with the Fair Tax." No wonder you like Huckabee and can't figure out why people support Romney. If taxes are in fact at the root of our economic problems, you would do well to ask Hucks why he raised them.

As far as Romney's "greed" and the fact that "some run away with a much fatter wallet" I would commend "The Communist Manifesto" by Karl Marx to your reading.

DCnTN | 4:27 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I live in the south. I have had more than a few dealings with people of Huckabee's persuasion. I believe Huckabee's comment was a calculated move. I acknowledge that I could be mistaken and have blamed him because of my experience with other people's predjudices, but I don't think so.

The Republican party is in the same situation with LDS voters as the Democratic party is with black voters. In both cases the minority interest group's allegiance is so deeply ingrained that they can be ignored by those that they are so loyal to.

freethinker | 4:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Huckabee is backpeddling but he needs to. Mormons are as perfect as people can be and not ascend unto Heaven. Mere mortals just watch and wonder.

Teamster | 4:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I think I like Huckabee better than that loser McCain. McCain was too brain damaged and an idiot. His comment to his wife publicly was more than I could stand. The man is a sicko!

Shelby | 4:34 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

To Sally Jo @2:25 p.m.:

No! Huckabee is what he is (I could NEVER TRUST THIS MAN AFTER WHAT HE'S DONE--THE LIST IS LONG). Now that huckabee and his followers are seeing some tough competition in the 2012 election, NOW THEY'RE TRYING TO MAKE NICE!

GET LOST!

Re:Christian Book store | 4:34 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

My Bishop challenged me to check out the Bible,So had to go Christian book store to get book on beginning Greek and other related materials. I eventually learned enough Greek to study critical Bibical manusripts early and late. I came to the conclusion the Bible is all we need. The are no historical Greek manusripts that support the LDS church. I left the Church,and there have been some Mormon Greek scholars that have left for the same reason. If you can give some Greek manuscripts that support the plain and precious pieces. Dates, text type, etc.

Wisconsin Believer | 4:34 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

It seems Mr. Huckabee subscribes to the belief of immaculate historical revision. Do slanderous comments about Mr. Romney's faith made before and during the primaries not exist because he now wishes them not to? I personally am counting on the principle of repentance to be real, however I was taught that the first step is recognition, not denial.

Dave from Midvale | 4:35 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Well folks, this guy may have pulled the wool over Doug Wight's eyes, but not mine. I know a lier when I see one and hear one. "Old Huck" is like Twains character, a real tail spinner.

There isn't Southern Baptist "preacher" who doesn't believe that Mormons are Christans. He doesn't! Just read what he said to CBSNews.com

CBSNews.com: ï¿½Do you believe that Mormonism is a legitimate form of Christianity?ï¿½

Gov. Huckabee: ï¿½You know, Mormonism is a faith that people adhere to. And I think people ought to respect anybodyï¿½s faith. I am not all that familiar with the intricate details. I have enough trouble keeping up with my own faith. So, I do not spend lots of time trying to evaluate somebody elseï¿½s.ï¿½

CBSNews.com: ï¿½But do you think theyï¿½re real Christians?ï¿½

Gov. Huckabee: ï¿½Once again, I am not going to try to judge. That is for them to determine whether they accept Jesus Christ as the only revelation of God on Earth. And, if they do, then that is how a person is a Christian, not by the label they wear, but by the position they take on the role and the personhood of Christ.ï¿½

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