Monday, December 31, 2007
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Huckabee's Positively Going Negative ...
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
2:28 PM
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Jonathan Martin reports this from the trail:
In a surprise move, Mike Huckabee said today that he won't air negative ads against Mitt Romney.
Claiming that he changed this mind this morning, Huckabee told reporters gathered in anticipation of seeing the spots that he would no longer attack Romney off the air, either, and would run a positive campaign in the final days before the caucuses. This, of course, is a political move made for one of two reasons:
1. A campaign doesn't have enough money to run their ads, so they hope the media will run the ads for them -- if they are controversial enough.
2. A candidate wants to be able to advance a negative narrative about his opponent without "going negative" himself.
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Huckabee got desperate b/c he's slipping on the polls, has called Romney a liar, but didn't ever answer the issues brought up on the contrast ad, felt like he needed to go negative on Romney to deflect off the issues, announces he's going negative on Romney, has been going negative on Romney on the stump and MTP already . . .
THEN
someone reminds him that 5 days ago he ran a bunch of Christmas ads about how he was the positive guy in the race . . . and he has to beat a retreat. Not even his press people knew he was going to pull out at the last minute.
Mitt's contrast ads did exactly what they were supposed to do. Draw attention to Huck's record and force Huck to
1. Defend his record (whether successfully or unsuccessfully)
2. Stay silent and let the issues resonate
3. Try and bury the issues by returning an ad hominem on Romney, thus making him look like a hypocrite, not willing to stand by his record, and not credible.
The only chance Huck had was to do 1 and defend his record successfully, and do it convincingly. Unfortunately, he chose not to address the issues (#2) and attack Romney personally (#3), thus ensuring a double whammy.
Huck, that snapping sound is the sound of a trap.
Huck got so discombobulated that he was for his press conference before he was against it (i.e. 5 minutes before.)
The Huckabee campaign is a campaign whose strategy is in shambles. Game. Set. Match. |
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Huckabee has broken down thru the crucial 10 % resistance level in the National Vegas odds. This is a very bad omen for Huckabee. Huck is at 8 about a point ahead of Ron Paul.
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Huckabee woke up to Mitt's positive ads running . . .
and that threw him for a loop.
This has been fascinating to watch. Romney's team playing Huck's team like a fiddle. |
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Huckabee says he won't run the ad, but it has already been released to the media by his campaign (which they admitted to on Fox). Which means what? EVERYONE will now be playing it without his campaign having to pay a dime. Very, very sneaky Mr. Huckabee. |
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fallen off a cliff at Intrade, too.
He's at 8% . . .
and no end in sight at this point . . .
Wait till Drudge picks up the press conference that wasn't . . . |
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Huckabee's campaign has internal polling which convinced them they don't need the negative adds and will win without them |
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Huckabee's campaign has internal polling which convinced them they don't need the negative adds and will win without them |
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But you might want to have some meds ready on Thurs just in case. |
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I can't tell anymore. The term has been mis-used so much lately. Maybe Huck should apologize for this too. |
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Hey, maybe you're right . . . but I think that the candidates behavior shows differently.
Why would Huck announce he's going negative and then not follow through. The negative meme is already out there. I'm guessing they polled it overnight and discovered that just the anticipation of it was driving Huck down (in the WSJ this morning they had an article that quoted a Huck supported saying that his going negative made him look like a hypocrite . . . so he's already being painted this way . . .). Huck is trying to follow the first rule of holes - stop digging.
Also, don't forget Mitt went positive today (after taking 13 points out of Huckabee in just one week . . . and those polls lag). I'm guessing Huckabee is even lower than anyone knows . . . and his irascibility on MTP was the leading indicator.
His demanding an apology was comical.
His team should have reminded him that THERE'S NOT CRYING IN BASEBALL.
Huck's campaign, nationally, is done. His IA is probably completely baked at this point. |
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Why?
Spotlight on the buzz about Romney's negativity.
Free advertising to shine a light on a guy who decided to stayed positive.
Make the media do some of the lifting on Romney's liberal record.
It's called fact checking.
Steal the attention back in Huckabee's direction.
Play the underdog roll which Mike clearly has.
Even the media wants to beat up on him now.
Romney may be playing the fiddle, Huckabee wants to drowned out that noise with his bass guitar.
Huckabee can afford to take these kinds of chances. If you think this is coventional campaigning, you're not thinking.
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um, no.
it was a desperate move by a desperate campaign that was about to throw the hail mary . . . but hesitated and got sacked instead.
his own press team didn't know he was going to pull out (conceivably, they would have planned the thing) . . .
and they looked legitimately flustered by his flip-flop at the last minute.
an embarrassing gaffe from a guy who has had a gaffe a day for three straight weeks.
it's coming apart at the seams.
i expect romney's people will have a great comment about it, soon.
and it will hit drudge. |
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Huckabee and his surrogates call Romeny a liar and sleezy while Romeny points out real issue based problems with Huckabee's record and yet Huckabee wants to act like he is not going negative! NewsFlash Huckabee went negative weeks ago. |
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to be a Huck staffer today.
Your national chances have all but gone to zero, your opponent just went positive on you when you were about to go negative, you're almost out of money, and your candidate just committed gaffe number 52 . . . right before the new year's holiday, meaning it will be one of the last impressions people have.
romney's people are going to have a field day with this one . . . |
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Only trouble with your theory is that Huck has already gone negative. Got news for you - calling Romney a liar and desperate rather than defend his record is very negative, and his whole campaign since November has been negative.
Huck's taken a bunch of chances because he had nothing to lose a few weeks ago. His strategy to be the anti-Mormon candidate was about the only shot he had. He could not run on his record. |
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By Huck. He should have just conceded the content of the ads but instead he got thin skinned and lost his cool. There was no reason for him to come out and attack Romney for being dishonest.He got caught up in the media making a big deal out of attack ads and thought he could use that narrative to launch on Mitt.For him to come out now with a feckless last minute flailing desperate ad and release it to the media for a freebie why still claiming to be positive. This guy has been going downhill since he brought Rollins in. Mitt's ads have had very little to do with his downfall. People tune that stuff out after a couple of times. His Anti-Bush stuff,his pushing his religion and his foreign policy gaffes did aloy more damage. |
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Huckabee says he is going to run a negative ad, aimed at Romney, then decides against it, then shows it to the media, to "prove" they indeed had one and werent just talking.
Once again, more free press for Huck, the greatest flip flopper of them all.
I was going to show it(I looked at our funds), then I decided against it( we didnt have any money), then I decided to show the media the ad(for free).
No brainer for Huck, show it for free to the media, or go get another 10000 dollars to speak at a church.
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if I were to listen to the Romney folks so far...
Then Huckabee would never have broke single digits.
Never would have been competitve.
Would never have taken the lead, in Iowa or nationaly over Romney.
Never could MH cost Mitt so much money and effort.
By the way, every 15 minutes FOX is updating this Huckabee stays positive/ Mitt is negative story.
I just learned that Mitt's Administration approved a $5 million dollar loan to Planned Parenthood two months before leaving office.
That a boy Mitt, you pro life guy.
It's tough to beat the money ($$$) behemoth.
Mike's got to be agile. |
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Wen, Patricia. 17 February 2006. "Bishops dealt setback in pursuit of gay adoption exemption" _The Boston Globe_
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/02/17/bishop s_dealt_setback_in_pursuit_of_gay_adoption_exemption?mode=P F
Governor Mitt Romney and a legislative leader
yesterday delivered unwelcome news to the
Catholic bishops of Massachusetts, who plan to
seek permission from the state to exclude gay and
lesbian parents from adopting children through its
social service agencies.
The governor said he was not authorized to give
such an exemption, and State Representative
Eugene L. O'Flaherty, the House chairman of the
joint committee on the judiciary, predicted little
support among lawmakers for any request by
Catholic adoption agencies for an exemption from
the state's antidiscrimination policies.
==
Meanwhile, the bishops' hope of getting help from
Romney, who is a strong opponent of gay marriage,
was dashed yesterday. Romney said that when he
read the story in the Globe yesterday morning, he
asked his legal counsel to research whether he had
the authority to exempt an organization from
regulations governing the placement of children with
same sex couples.
''My understanding is that any exemption would
require legislation and would not be something I
would be authorized to do on a personal basis," the
governor said. He did not express his own view on
the issue.
Romney for & anti- outlawing discrimination over sexual orientation
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=06bdb44e-7578-4dd6-833 c-8f0a00b1aa29%4025g2000hsu.googlegroups.com
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Romney, cited in
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/06/06/nh_wo man_challenges_romney_on_gay_marriage/
There are other ways to raise kids that's fine: single
moms, grandparents raising kids, gay couples
raising kids. That's the American way, to have
people have their freedom of choice....
Romney's View Of Gay Couples Having Children
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jeCzkEFx_8o
http://ace.mu.nu/archives/229199.php
Romney does seem to have a habit of glibly wrong-
footing it in an effort to pander to virtually anyone
he's speaking to. The various parts of this statement
seem hard to reconcile. If it's so wonderful this gay
woman is raising kids, why not extend marriage to
her? And if it's so important to preserve the
traditional family, why praise hers as "wonderful"
and "the American way"?
I certainly wouldn't have insulted the woman, and
I'm not suggesting Romney should have. But I keep
getting this read off Romney that his superficial
positions have absolutely no intellectual
undergirding to them. Eggshell conservativism -- the
surface is smooth and cool, but be careful not to
apply any pressure to it, else it crack and spill out a
big gooey mess.
Romney a shape-shifting political opportunist e.g. on homosexuality
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=38cebb6b-6493-49b3-857 4-9120f8a068c0%40s12g2000prg.googlegroups.com
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You're not listening to the Romney folks or you would know that Huck broke single digits and became competitive because he used religion as a wedge to divide social conservatives. It worked for a while with help from the MSM.
Perhaps you are also not aware that Fox News is in the tank for Guiliani and it benefits Rudy to help Huck in Iowa.
On AmericanThinker.com James Lewis wonders where Huck gets his money for all his slick commercials. You know - the ones that are divisive and in which he proclaims himself the "Christian Leader"? Good question since he is supposedly broke all the time.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/12/huckabees_amazing_co incidences.html
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Maybe the saying that there is no such thing as bad press, will apply. Maybe this offbeat press conference will give him the publicity boost he needs. Maybe it will destroy his chance in Iowa.
He did justify his flip flop, with Biblical verses, so it may secure his place with Iowa Christians. Even if it does help him in Iowa I think it will have the opposite effect in the large states that come later. |
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like getting excited over getting aids. Chances are you wont die of cancer once you have aids. |
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I would be surprise if he got his money back, plus a free press...wow, a very smart idea! Maybe i should vote for him now...he outwit the richer fella...unbelievable!!!! |
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From
http://www.eyeon08.com/2007/01/29/the-romney-attack-on-brow nback/
Also at
http://www.prolifefederation.org/custom3.asp
July 12, 2001
Mitt's Four 'Nots'
The Salt Lake Tribune
Given your recent article regarding my possible future in politics, I'd like to add four "nots" to the story.
1) I'm not considering a run for political office in Utah. As I've said many times over the last year, my Olympics job is far too compelling and demanding to allow me to give consideration to what I'll do when it is complete. In all likelihood, I'll return to Massachusetts.
2) I will not change from Republican to Democrat. I'm a Republican, I come from a long line of Republicans, and I will not consider abandoning my Republican roots.
3) I do not wish to be labeled pro choice. I have never felt comfortable with the labels associated with the abortion issue. Because the Olympics is not about politics, I plan to keep my views on political issues to myself.
4) Because I am not in the Olympics for politics, I'm not going to get bogged down in political issues or political speculation. I came to the Olympics because I believed I could make a contribution to the Olympic movement, to the country and to Utah. I came because I believe the Olympics is one of the last great demonstrations of peace on the world stage. Like tens of thousands of other Utahns, I am a volunteer.
MITT ROMNEY
Salt Lake City
////////////////////////////////
Romney on Abortion - 2002-- 5:21 long
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_w9pquznG4
Romney an abortion chameleon on videotapes
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=54f3c9a0-e082-44f8-94d 6-21110c3c25c5%40s8g2000prg.googlegroups.com
Romney Fairytale video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7y1HMZNJy0
Also at
http://artlaction.com
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thin skin got the best of him the last couple weeks and this whole episode exposes that about him. He was well known for thing in Rubeinsaw.He was more than happy to get away from issues so he created this whole negative ad sideshow. He's leaked the ad on Mitt to youtube and he can claim he had nothing to do with it. Huck is a con man and not fit to be president. |
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I love watching these guys tear each other apart. The only thing it accomplishes is showing how childish they are and how Fred is the only Adult in this playground. |
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But they're not getting much attention. I think he is going to get some steam though, and I now believe that it may end up being a Romney/Fred race.
Romney is going to have to face down every last one of them. And by then, he should be ready to take on the MSM and Hillary.
Go Mitt! You're doing just great! |
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of giving a man enough rope. So funny . . . |
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For those who are concerned about Mormons in public service here is a list of prominent Mormons who have served in the past:
National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft, Senators Reed Smoot, Orin Hatch, Jake Garn, Wallace Bennett, Gordon Smith Harry Reid, Assistant Attorney General Rex Lee,U.S. Commisioner of Education Terrel H. Bell, Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Taft Benson, (Ford) White house Staffer Roger B. Porter Dr. David C. Hoopes Special Assitant oto President Ford, Assistant Secretary of State and Ambassador to Mexico J. Reuben Clark, Richard B. Wirthlin, Chief political Stategist to Ronald Reagan, Secreatry of Interior Stewart Udall, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Mike Leavitt.
Those who say Mormons cannot serve their country well need to show how those names above have served their nation poorly (with the possible exception of Harry Reid, of whom the best that can be said is that he is obviously not in lock step with the churches general authorities
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James Earl Carter:
Jimmy Carter declared that Mormons were Christians and any fellow Baptists who thought otherwise were "Pharisees". (Deseret Morning News, 27 Nov, 2006, "Are LDS Welcome in top levels of National GOP?")
Ronald Wilson Reagan:
"You know there is a program that comes very close to being the most ideal way of dealing with those who are poor and unfortunate; and that is the Mormon welfare program." (Michael Winder, interview with Orin Hatch,30 May 2006, p. 353, Presidents and Prophets, Covenant Communications, 2006)
Richard M. Nixon:
"I do not know of any group in America...Who have contributed more to that strong, moral leadership and high moral standards--the spirit that has kept America going through bad times as well as good times; no group has done more then those who are members of this (Mormon) Church. I want to thank you fro what you've done for the spirit of America...If you can continue those spiritual values, I'm sure Amercia is going to go ahead and do very well." (RMN remarks in Salt Lake City, 31 Oct 1970, in Wooley and Peters, "The American Presidency Project")
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John F. Kennedy:
"Let us remember that the Mormons of a century ago were a persecuted and prosecuted minority, harried from place to place, the victims of violence and occasionally murder, while today in the short space of 100 years, their faith and works are known and respected the world around, and their vioces heard in the highest councils of this country. as the Mormons succeeded, so America can succeed, if we will not give up or turn back." (JFK, "Address in Salt Lake Cith at the Mormon Tabernacle, 26 sept. 1963.)
Herbert Hoover:
"I have had the great privilege of association with the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for more than 43 years. I have witnessed their devotion to public serviuce and their support of charitable efforts over our country and in foreign lands during all these years. I have witnessed the growth of the Church's communities over the world where self-reliance, devotion, resolution and integrity are a light to all mankind. Surley a great message of Christian faith has been given by the Church--and it must continue." (Quoted in Spencer Howard, (archives technician, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, e-mail to Michael K. Winder, pp 233-234, 242 Presidents and Prophets, Covenant Communications 2007)
Franklin D. Roosevelt:
"I have a very high opinion of the Mormons--for they are excellent citizens" (FDR to Winston Churchill, 4 Jan. 1944, FDR Peresidential Library)
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On June 23, 2004, Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, by President George W. Bush.
The following is from the written citation: “...Gordon B. Hinckley has inspired millions and has lead efforts to improve humanitarian aid, disaster relief and education funding across the globe. His tireless efforts to spread the word of God and to promote good will has strengthened his faith, his community and our nation. The United States honors Gordon B. Hinckley for his devoted service to his church and to his fellowman.”
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You huckalemmings think it was brilliant? LOL. It was a dog and pony show, and Huck knew that he's out of money and down in the polls. This anti-mormon won't win on the facts, so he has to make a side show. I've been hearing all day that stations are refusing to play or talk about the 'content' of the ad!
When huck goes back to Arkansas, I hope he has a home to go to. I'm sure his wife was a little miffed that this stunt backfired so badly. |
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So what? We have had people of many faiths that served with distinction. Mitt's religion does not matter, his policies and past actions are what counts. From all the research I have done I have been able to come to one conclusion where Mitt is concerned. Mitt is a RINO, and not to be trusted with the Conservative movement. Don't feel too bad about it though because Rudy, Mike , and John are all RINO's too! |
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This is clearly the biggest political story of the day, and yet, CNN.com has this as a headline:
Analysis: Romney Ads Play With Truth
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/12/31/romney.ads/index.htm l
Are you kidding me? Huck pulls a move that no one is able to categorize, except that it shows 1) bad form and 2) hypocrisy, and is a definite sign that his campaign is in serious trouble. And CNN's top political story is that Romney's ads "misrepresent" facts? What about the misrepresentation Huck's made about his entire record? What about the misrepresentation McCain's now making about his stance on immigration? What about the many misrepresentations Hillary's made about Obama? Any stories on those? Nope. And what was the lead political story there yesterday? "Huck calls Romney dishonest and desparate."
What about the biggest political story of the day? Where is it? Why, it's buried 4 stories deep in CNN's political "ticker." No mention of it on the front page at all.
This is really revealing, and should show all of us who are really watching a few things:
1) The MSM really does like Huck and wants him to do well, so Billary can bowl him over in a one-sided, no-holds-barred Arkansas mudwrestling match. Else why would they bury his ridiculous and laughable media faux pas?
2) The MSM really doesn't want Romney to win - because the liberals see something that maybe a lot of us GOP'ers don't - Mitt might be the most formidable candidate against their Democrat darlings.
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on the money. Romney is going to have to keep fighting an uphill battle all the way. He has strength of character, so no worries.
Huckabee - what an embarrassment. Wonder what ol Huck has in store for us tomorrow. He hasn't disappointed yet this week so it should be interesting . . . |
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You need to stop repeating the RINO line on Romney. Just your saying does not make it true. Even if it were, Fred needs to be more than not a RINO to make us want to vote for him. So far he hasn't been able to instill much confidence in us that he would make a good president. |
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