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Dobson's Choice Isn't Fred Thompson. So It's Probably Mike Huckabee.

20 Sep 2007 09:32 am

The AP obtained a private e-mail from el Doctore, James Dobson, within which the good family psychologist makes it crystal clear that he won't be supporting Fred Thompson's presidential bid.

''Isn't Thompson the candidate who is opposed to a Constitutional amendment to protect marriage, believes there should be 50 different definitions of marriage in the U.S., favors McCain-Feingold, won't talk at all about what he believes, and can't speak his way out of a paper bag on the campaign trail?'' Dobson wrote.

''He has no passion, no zeal, and no apparent 'want to.' And yet he is apparently the Great Hope that burns in the breasts of many conservative Christians? Well, not for me, my brothers. Not for me!''

Consider Dobson's dilemma. He's not going to support who he can't sell as a Christian crusader. But he wants -- he needs a seat at the table of power. (Can you imagine Giuliani campaign manager / future White House senior strategist Michael "Power Play" DuHaime giving Dobson a heads-up call about a Guiliani supreme court nominee?)

So Dobson would be wise to find the best pick of the potential vice presidential lot. There's a lot of evidence right now that those "values voters" inclined to choose a candidate based on moral and cultural issues are leaning towards Mike Huckabee.

There's a danger with Huckabee: he's very independent, and while he would certainly consult Dobson and would acknowledge Dobson's role in the evangelical firmament, Huckabee does not help defining what it means to be an evangelical. Remember, the media erroniously calls Dobson a "Rev."; Huckabee's the real thing.

Comments (40)

The word of God says not to call ANY man Reverend or Father! So Mike would NOT take the name Rev..and of course we know who calls MEN Father......so Mike would not be called that either. Mike is a man who all his life has believed in God and the word of God. He make no bones about it to anyone. He really does live this way. I know! I know Mike and know he is the REAL DEAL!!

I believe James Dobson is focused purely on who he will support for President - and is implying his endorsement for Huckabee by excluding the other leading candidates...

Last week, Dobson announced on his radio show that the IRS had cleared him of accusations that he had endangered his organization's nonprofit status by endorsing Republican candidates in 2004. The IRS said Dobson, who endorsed President Bush's re-election bid, was acting as an individual and not on behalf of the nonprofit group (source: The Associated Press).

With this in mind it is only natural that James Dobson would be very wary of endorsing a candidate for 2008. So it is interesting that he seems to be going through a process of implied endorsing - by confirming who he won't endorse. He has just recently ruled out supporting Thompson, and has previously ruled out Giuliani and McCain. Further, last year Dobson commented that because of GOP candidate Mitt Romney's Mormon faith, it would be unlikely that many evangelical Christians would vote for him. So clearly Dobson is reluctant to support Romney.

This effectively leaves Mike Huckabee and Newt Gingrich (-who interestingly mentioned on The O'Reilly Factor last night (19th September): "I like Huckabee a lot" and that if he catches fire "Huckabee may be able to defeat Hillary Clinton") as the only viable candidates for James Dobson's support.

With Mike Huckabee also winning the Value Voters Debate this last week by such an enormous margin, James Dobson certainly seems to be speaking volumes about who he will be supporting for the Republican nomination.

Here is the dilemma: Of the Republican candidates, only Thompson has the potential to take the nomination from Giuliani. Huckabee can't do it; he doesn't have any name recognition, the charisma, or the communication skills.

Huckabee would be an excellent Thompson VP; it would give him the visibility to run in 2016.

I commend Dr, Dobson for standing by his principles, but that will be a lonely place with a liberal (Giuliani) or socialist (Clinton) in office.

If I had any feelings for the so-called Christians of the Right it would be easy to pity them. They've invested so much effort in taking over such a large piece of the Repubs and what do they get? Mormons, Episcopalians (probably...wait, maybe not!!), lapsed Catholics, an actor portraying Larry the Cable Guy Goes to Washington.

After everything they've done, they'll be lucky to get a VicePresident.

Pitiful.

Maybe they'll quit trying to win elections and go back to winning souls?

How can Dobson support Thomson who is married to a girl who is half his age? It does not fit into family value theme.

values,

Would it be possible for you to be any more of an obnoxious chauvinist? So a 40 year old woman is a "girl" now? Just how old does a woman have to be before you trust their judgment? 50? 60? Never? It sounds to me like you have issues with women. Personally, I trust 40 year old women to make informed decisions about their own lives.

Thompson's bounce is over anyway. Only Rassmussen has him ahead and today it's down to only 1 point. I guess the voters are finally hearing what he is all about and concluding that it's not much.

Wait a minute - I'm sure I read in the Old Testament about a dude who was about a thousand, married to some 500 yr. old...

"Huckabee can't do it; he doesn't have any name recognition, the charisma, or the communication skills."

Those things seem to be the things Thompson lacks and Huckabee has....

Gary, that was a really horribly ignorant comment. Yes, Thompson has higher name ID — the only reason why he polls as well as he does — but to cite Huckabee for any lack of charisma and communication skills shows that you haven't done your homework at all. Huckabee is the best and most powerful communicator in the race, doesn't matter who you support.

You people are trying so hard to exclude Mitt Romney from Mr. Dobson's list. He certainly has not done so. Have you listened to his interview with Laura Ingraham in May? Please do so. He said that he had recently met with Gov. Romney for an hour an a half, and that he liked him. He further said that he had not made up his mind yet on whether or not to endorse him. Interestingly enough, he has ruled out every other top tier candidate, but not Mitt, and why would he? Mitt Romney politically represents exactly what the evangelicals are wanting, and Mr. Dobson knows we're not electing a Theologian in Chief. And goodness knows he's probably the most intelligent of anyone we've ever had run for President, a tremendous problem solver, and energy enough for three Presidents.

As for Mr. Huckabee, he'll never come close to reaches a top tier candidate. Mr Dobson realizes that to endorse him would be somewhat meaningless, and would appear that he is unable to choose from those candidates who can win the nomination. I happen to believe Mr. Dobson will support Mitt, and for the best of reasons: He's the best American for the job!!

In politics as in life there are what as known as "deal breakers." Huckabee is worse than Bush when it comes to illegal immigration - if that is even possible. The man may have many good points to recommend him, and I like his position on taxes. But low taxes will become a political impossibility if we don't do something to turn back the tidal wave of low skill, uneducated immigrants that threatens to inundate us. As it is now, something like 40-50% of the population depends on some kind of government program, whether its Social Security, Medicare, Section 8 housing, or what have you. If we grow the tax-consuming constituency to 60% or more of the electorate, it's all over for us, economically speaking. Turn out the lights, the party's over.

Bob, don't bet the ranch or even the lean-to just yet on Dobson endorsing Romney. Ain't gonna happen. All e-mails that have been written haven't been "obtained by the Associated Press"...yet.

Dr. Dobson will not endorse a guy who spent a dozen years aggressively, insistently, passionately endorsing and promoting "a woman's right to choose" (to pay an abortionist to kill her prenatal child) and homosexual activists' political agenda. For which he was ENDORSED by the Majority for Choice PAC and the homosexual activist Log Cabin Republicans (twice).

Watch Romney indignantly defend his pro-abort views during the 2002 gov's debate (less than five years ago, folks):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_w9pquznG4

Well, hey, it's good to know that "Christians of the Right" don't have the market on smug self-righteousness. JohnMcC is right there with them! Way to go Johnny Mac!

Mike Huckabee is the dream candidate for social conservatives, as well as people who know what it is like to run out of money before the month is over. He is for a strong defense. He is for a sane tax policy. He is a man of strong principle. And he can communicate his ideas simply, with charm and with humor. He is bright. He has more executive experience than all the others combined. He also believes in God--really. The only reason he is not the frontrunner is because YOU haven't donated some money to the cause. It's MikeHuckabee.com. Get out your credit card.

Can Fred Thompson survive the backlash that is coming?
James Dobson gave his opinion about Fred Thompson regarding his being the moral choice for the GOP.

Dobson says NO to Fred.
Read my analysis at
http://www.hotconflict.com/blog/2007/09/james-dobson-sa.html

Mike Huckabee is a good guy. Decent and forthright and I admire him. Mostly. He has some odd ideas, however, and they shone forth in the Fox debate in New Hampshire. When Huckabee stated that our national honor was more important than 5,000 lost American lives in Iraq, he and I parted company. When he implied that our honor should be maintained, even if it meant borrowing $3 billion per day from Communist China, and a $1 trillion debt, I thought, "I can't support that." The cost is too great and it's not our fight; never was. To perpetuate the war is to perpetuate the colossal, tragic mistake of the Bush administration. So I am supporting Ron Paul. It is long past the time to end the madness, the expense and the killing.

I agree completely with the first three sentences of zenpiper's comment. Huckabee has integrity, charisma, and some good ideas about domestic policy, but he lacks experience on foreign policy. There might be good reasons to keep risking the lives of our troops in Iraq, but saving face isn't one of them, and I can't trust a man who thinks it is to make that decision. I'd enthusiastically support Huckabee for Mayor or Governor or Senator, but I don't think he's qualified to be President.

Despite all the fluff and thunder, Let us remember three things:
1. Republicans of every imaginable stripe hate Hillary Clinton. When the late Jerry Lamon Falwell, Sr. compared her candidacy to that of Lucifer, he was joking, but only slightly. Every Republican will march to the polls and beat the door down to vote against her. Republican turnout will be universal, the Democrats have seen to that already.
2. Fifty-five percent of independent voters already have a negative opinion of Senator Clinton. Seventy-four percent say corruption and government ethics are the number one issue (never the Clinton’s strong suite). Unaffiliated voters (54%) don’t have a preference for either Republicans or Democrats on the issue of ethics and corruption http://www.rasmussenreports.com/
3. Rudy Guiliani has the Vice-Presidency if he wants it. He will never win the Republican primaries because he is socially liberal, He is however a good national defense candidate. The nomination will go to someone who will implement conservative policies. Regan, a divorced man who legalized abortion in California, was just fine; Thompson, Romney or Huckabee will do fine, the voters will decide.

Nice post - I also made sure to include the AP article in my blog. It really upsets me that the man we all love, Mike Huckabee, is the ONLY candidate with convictions and an honest record and a down to earth servant of the people - I can't figure out why those in TALK Radio and FOXNEWS, are naming the top tier candidates more than they are Huckabee - which makes me ask: if Huckabee has what it takes, except for the money - why are we not hearing that? Why do they only seem to support the ones they think might get the nomination instead of educating the rest of the world about this well loved proven leader??

Can Fred Thompson survive the backlash that is coming?

Because Dobson says no?

LOL! I'm a strong conservative, but James Dobson can take a hike. As far as I'm concerned, his disapproval is a badge of honor. I'm not the only conservative who feels this way, either, although you'd never know it from the silly caricatures of conservatives that you see in the media and on lefty blogs.

As far as Mike Huckabee goes, he certainly doesn't need Dobson's approval--if anything, Dobson should be asking Huckabee for an endorsement (which he likely wouldn't get). Dobson's not fit to shine Mike Huckabee's or Fred Thompson's shoes.

I disagree with Bill that Mike Huckabee is the only candidate "with convictions and an honest record and a down to earth servant of the people." Ron Paul fits that description also.

As I stated previously, I like Huckabee and Paul. Both are decent people and each would make a fine president. I tend to lean toward Ron Paul because he would end the war ASAP.

But alas, the CFR and the international banking cartel has other plans, and it would take some kind of miracle for either Huckabee or Paul to win the nomination, let alone the general election. I know I have mentioned the CFR previously, but it is a quiet giant that has influenced every election going back to Jimmy Carter (who came from nowhere). If I had to predict, the 2008 election is already won... by Hillary. This is a bad situation and man, I hope to be proven wrong.

Of the republican CFR candidates (Giuliani, Thompson, Romney, McCain) Giuliani has the ruthlessness to appeal to the CFR types. He's scary, a bully and is corrupted (as is Hillary). They like that. With men of principle, such as Huckabee, Paul, and even Kuchinich, they don't stand a chance against the big power elites. Again, I do hope I am wrong. If so I will buy the beer.

There are several things that draw me, as a conservative Christian, to Fred Thompson. First of all, his so-called "weak and ineffective" speeches are unique and powerful because they are grounded in fundamental conservative principles, instead of being designed to appeal to an ever changing set of "talking points" which are aimed at tickling the ears of different audiences according to where he is speaking. This demonstrates to me that he will make decisions and chart directions for our country based upon unchanging principles instead of a contrived set of politically correct, poll-driven, constantly changing values in order to get him elected. Since the principles that he speaks about are based upon the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, they are naturally and firmly grounded in Judeo-Christian principles.

Secondly, he seems to be a straight-shooter and not a "golden-tongued liar" like many politicians that are running today. We don't need a "Cheerleader" for President!! We need a man who is down to earth and is willing to tell us in no uncertain terms where he wants to lead us - based upon our traditional American values. He is not afraid to run his campaign differently than the rest of the field and he will not be afraid to chart a unique course for the future of our country.

And lastly, even though Fred doesn't seem to be a regular attender of religious services, I believe that he is greatly influenced in his political beliefs by the principles espoused in the Bible. The empty "show" of religiosity by our former "beloved" President Bill Clinton - who was constantly seen with Bible in hand headed to the church of his choice - is ample proof that church attendance doesn't always translate into the way a person REALLY lives or thinks or makes decisions. Personally, I would rather have a man who lives and thinks and makes decisions based upon moral Biblically-based convictions than one who is "all show and no go!" Fred is the Man, and we need to get behind him!!

Huckabee's got the best shot at beating Hillary. Period. The Republicans will love his stances on the social issues (abortion, gay marriage, etc.) and the Independents will love his stances on the more "liberal" causes (healthcare, poverty, the environment, etc.).

Usually, I'm a bit weary about those last three, because Dems are so blind when it comes to coming up with good solutions that don't mean giving up our national defense and giving back our paychecks to the government, but it sounds like Mike at least has some sensible ideas on the issues that shouldn't scare too many Republicans off.

His biggest strong points with conservatives are definitely his support of the constitutional amendments banning gay marriage and abortion. After too many years of Bush and a Republican controlled Congress not getting much done in those two areas (except for Bush's Supreme Court nominees) a President who'll push for some real change will be a breath of fresh air.

"Huckabee can't do it; he doesn't have any name recognition, the charisma, or the communication skills."

Unfortunately, the writer of the above comments must not be familiar with Huckabee or Thompson for that matter. Governor Huckabee has repeatedly turned out strong debate performances, and his strong communication skills are contrasted by Thompson's ability to talk for 30 minutes without saying much of anything. (But I guess that's a typical politician for you.)

Thompson has reached his peak (due mainly to hype and expectations, rather than substance), but Huckabee is just starting to gain traction with a lot of grassroots conservatives. His campaign is heating up, and I don't think the mainstream media will be able to ignore him much longer.

With the wide-open race, a less-known candidate such as Huckabee definitely has a good chance of winning the nomination. The more people get to know the candidates, the more support gains. Also, one final note...

If Thompson were a man of his word, he would honor his comments to Sean Hannity in his first interview after entering the race. Mike Huckabee has challenged Thompson to a one-on-one debate (Newt Gingrich style), CNN offered to broadcast it, and a NH Republican group offered to host it. However, after realizing he might actually have to debate, Thompson changed his tune and said he didn't really mean what he said after all. If the so-called Republican front-runner is scared of Huckabee.....look out Hillary!

Visit www.mikehuckabee.com for more info.

Just curious. James Dobson is an honorable and very well-spoken man. How, on earth, did such an e-mail "get loose?" If he hadn't vouched for it, I would have questioned its authenticity. Who is responsible for a leak that seems somewhat out of character, at worst, and unprofessional, at best?

Governor Huckabee has a new interactive section on his website that shows where he stands on many issues.
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=VerticalDay.Home&l=54111047340CC183BC3CE0FB73DAA50E

Did any of you ever hear of Sam Brownback?
Check out: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/9178374/gods_senator

I know Ron Paul and he is the real deal. Mike Huckabee is nice, but much to slick and much to obvious - not to mention a big government advocate that has a record of raising taxes. He's so filled with slogans and cliche statements that I just can't believe him. Basically he's a good POLITICIAN. Ron Paul is not using God to buy votes as Huckabee appears to be doing. Paul doesn't wear it on his sleeve. He lets his Christian walk and flawless record do the talking.

Dobson would be wise to support Ron Paul as the candidate who would best protect Christians under the Constitution.

The point isn't his wife and kicking people around like evangelicals, the way Thompson and Giuliani supporters are doing after counting on their votes to win the last election for Repubs, is no way to go about getting ahead. Neither is trying to cloud the issues.

THIS IS THE PROBLEM: Thompson was not only a lobbyist, a group many people would like to get rid of because they have taken power out of the hands of WE THE PEOPLE and are often corrupt, he lobbied for abortionists. A sellout to the highest bidder and this was way before he ever met his opportunistic wife. GET IT?

He also talks a lot of crap without really saying anything of substance and has been trying to manuever his way into popularity relying on his tv stardom, while being too cowardly to stand on equal ground with the rest of the candidates in debates or straw polls. A huge turn off, shows a disrespect for the American public and a dishonest, manipulative nature. Good for a lobbyist, bad for a president.

Many people also do not like Rudy Giuliani, he appears narcissistic, cannot even treat his own family with consideration and respect, and turned New York into a "sanctuary city" for illegals who brought wages down of hard working Americans in sectors they poured into like construction, while fruit growers were begging for pickers. Telling people who break the law that they are welcome and you won't arrest them would bring crime rates down, wouldn't it?

Both of these men have high name recognition because they were on tv a lot for different reasons. But the more you see of *some* of these candidates in this campaign, the less attractive they appear. I would include them at the top of the list, along with McCain. What honest, intelligent people notice about others is that those willing to mistreat one person or group will do it to another, so wise up or shut up.

If France believed like Ron Paul during the Revolution, those of you trying to twist the Constitution around to suit his opinions wouldn't even have a free country to speak up in, so why don't you go back to history class and learn to pass a test once in a while?

Dobson did not say he wouldn't vote for Mitt Romney, he said he likes him, and Huckabee is not the default candidate just because he's a minister. fyi

The smart move is to endorse Dr. Ron Paul. Huckabee can't win. Dr. Ron Paul can beat Hillary becasue of the war issue.

Mike Huckabee is the strongest all around conservative candidate. Romney is not, Giuliani is not, McCain is not & Thompson is not.

Huckabee is an experienced leader; as governor of the mostly democratic Arkansas for 10 years, he was named one of the top five governors in the country. He knows the Clinton's well enough to beat them. He's the best communicator/debator of the group. He is not soft on immigration, he opposed Bush's amnesty plan, & supports building a fence & deporting illegals who commit serious crimes. He understands the unconventional nature of the War on Terror & the Islamo-fascist threat we're facing around the world. He has a solid conservative record of lowering taxes & favors eliminating income tax & adopting the FAIR TAX instead. He's also a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment, & he's never wavered on his pro-life and traditional family values. Mike also has great ideas about energy independence, improving education & health & fitness.

On the issues Huckabee has the most consistent conservative record, combined with proven leadership skills & abilities, as well as strength of character & integrity. He's a skilled communicator & he relates very well to everyday normal Americans. He's a fiscal conservative & despite relatively modest campaign funds so far, he's the only candidate who's continuing to climb in the polls and gain more support.

It's no secret that the conservative base of the Republican party is still not 100% sold on any one candidate, but Huckabee more than any of the others has the right combination of attributes to bring the party together rather than divide it. Likewise he'll have the widest appeal in the general election to defeat Hillary (or anyone else the Dems might decide on).

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ron paul is the only candidate who is a true moral conservative. he's opposed to an unlawful was, killing of unborn babies, state use of capital punishment (who gets executed, those without the means ($$$) for effective legal, while those who have $$$ & connections skate away)

ron paul is the only candidate who is a true moral conservative. he's opposed to an unlawful war, killing of unborn babies, state use of capital punishment (who gets executed ? those without the means ($$$) for effective legal-rep, while those who have $$$ & connections skate away)

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This guy is on the money in the times, Huck is our only choice....

Christians should vote their conscience

I am a Christian. I am a conservative. I believe in the democratic process and believe it is the moral imperative that devout Christians involve themselves in the political process to make our society more fair and just for all.

Like most Christian conservatives, I gather information from Christian commentators in the media to help me cast my vote. As a responsible Christian, I am required to put all their words into passionate scrutiny to prevent the perversion of our faith.

My passion for seeing Christian values advanced in the political realm is matched only by my disappointment in those who represent those values but then sell them out for status or, even worse, money.

It has become obvious that Tony Perkins, Gary Bauer, Richard Land and James Dobson have sold their influence over Christian voters to the highest bidder. They are trying to destroy every Republican candidate except multimillionaire Mitt Romney, with the hope that he somehow will become our only choice. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Mr. Romney was pro-abortion, pro-gun control and pro-gay civil union as governor of Taxachusetts.

American Christian voters will show these Christian leaders that we are sophisticated enough to recognize when a Christian leader has sold his influence.

We will not turn the presidential race into a plutocracy that makes it about how rich a candidate is instead of about the character and principles the candidate will bring to the presidency.

PHILL DACOSTA

Ball Ground, Ga.

DEAR EDITOR:
I am a Christian. I am a conservative. I believe the Christian experience of faith cannot be set alongside other aspects of life: it pervades the other aspects. Therefore, politics is simply one more sector of existence in which a Christian's faith is to be lived out.
I was deeply disturbed by some leading politicians at the Georgia GOP convention who claim to put Christ first, yet tried to convince me that Mitt Romney, a Mormon, should be my choice for president. Christians don't recognize Joseph Smith as a prophet, nor do we believe we attain godhood while populating a planet with spirit children. As a brother in Christ, I would like to remind these leaders that everything we do in life should be guided by eternal goals, not earthly goals.
Georgia Christian voters will show these "Judas" Christian politicians that we are sophisticated enough not to turn the presidential race into a plutocracy that makes it about how much money a candidate has raised, instead of about the character and innovative leadership that the candidate will bring to the presidency.
Phill Dacosta
Ball Ground

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