Will Huckabee's Stunt Hurt Him? The Iowa Press Says... Probably Not.

The dean emeritus of the national political press corps, Ron Fournier, has spoken.

Mike Huckabee may have finally gone too far. After running an unconventional, surprisingly strong and sometimes strange race to the top tier of the Republican presidential campaign, the former Arkansas governor topped himself Monday with a campaign stunt that smacked of hypocrisy.

And it's clear: the national press corps thinks Mike Huckabee's decision to show reporters the negative ad that he wasn't going to run before he didn't run it was a stunt. A wag pointed to a melting ice sculpture outside a Huckabee event in Des Moines last night and said: "Meltdown!"

Being a cynic, a I found Chip Saltzman at the event and rudely asked him whether this is the Howard Dean moment for the campaign. After telling me that he didn't much care what the press writes, he said "We'll know on Friday." He stalked off.

A campaign aide later echoed Saltzman. "If we win, we'll be seen as geniuses. If we lose, it'll be our huge blunder." The aide said that Huckabee alone made the decision and that his staff, at first, had no idea what he was doing.

But the Iowa press is reporting it straight, mostly. And that means that, as much as we national reporters want to hyperventilate, the moment itself probably won't hurt Huckabee too much.

A teaser for the 11pm newscast on WHO went like this: "One less negative campaign on the air.."

KCCI, the high-rated CBS affiliate in Des Moines, reported it the same way: "Huckabee then decided to pull the ad at the latest minute." (And they played parts of the ad!) ...

Also: it's a holiday. The bloviators of national politics (I use the term affectionately) like Chris Matthews are on holiday.

A very smart Republican e-mails:

"Figuring out what motivates Huckabee voters or what the Iowa media's take is like figuring out physics on a planet with giant worms floating in hydrogen-- NONE of the rules apply .... Huck is not a dumb man and he understands media in small states which doesn't want to be told the story line by national media. Coupled with the holiday tomorrow I think the event is a wash at most.... "

We'll see what the newspapers do.

Comments

You're assuming of course, that Iowans don't watch CNN, Fox News, YouTube, or get on-line and Blog Atlantic.com. Of course they do. Iowans pay just as much attention to what the national media are saying as voters in any other state.

This is an historic blunder of Howard Dean/Ed Muskie proportions. But it was even more amusing. The fumbling by the staff with the audio equiptment was priceless, and almost overshadowed the media laughing at Huckabee when he announced his "to show the video/not to show the video" decision.

We libertarian Republicans and Fiscal Cons, are breathing a huge sigh of relief at the coming Huck meltdown. Now Romney or Rudy can proceed to securing the nomination, and uniting all GOP factions, not dividing us.

Posted by Eric Dondero | January 1, 2008 8:32 AM

It really bothers the establishement
( read so called libertarian republicans Fiscal Cons) that someone is running for president that is honest, makes decisions based on integrity , and didnt come with a silver spoon. While Romney lies his way through and Ron Paul tells us he will do away with the birthright of citizenship ( what happens to my grandchildren will they have to kneel at the throne of Ron Paul to be citizens?) all the press can do is go after Mike for deciding not to run negative. Had he not shown the ad the press would have written huge headlines "Huckabee claim of nixing negative ad unproven". Face it, the man is a shining example of what this country is and those who wish to buy it, and those who wish to become king and their supporters just can't stand to think the American Dream is still alive for the rest of us

Posted by Bob | January 1, 2008 9:22 AM

This is Huckabee's finest hour!

He did something honorable and decent. My admiration of him grows.

The fact that the latest poll shows him continuing to lead Romney just reinforces that he is The Man to be the republican nominee.

Posted by Oscar | January 1, 2008 9:59 AM

It’s about Huckabee removing the “For Sale” sign from the White House stupid, not who is the best Poll-a-tician.

Posted by David, Oregon City | January 1, 2008 10:16 AM

Freedom of the press is one of the most cherished liberties in this country. But the media in this country is not free. It is the tool of large corporations who want to advance their power at the expense of the welfare of the people. The men who daily disrespect, insult, dismiss, and distort the candidacy of Mike Huckabee because his election represents a threat to their power base are enemies of this nation. Their cynical interpretation of his noble decision to reject the advice to go negative as a political ploy is just the latest example.

None are worse than the scoundrels at FOX News. Simply tuning them out by those of us who know venality when we see it is not enough because other, more tender minds are easily influenced. Honest reporting is needed, not so that Huckabee or any other particular candidate can be elected, but in order that the people can determine who is best qualified to lead the nation. The people have a responsibility to do what is necessary to reform the press in this country, or this country will continue down its current path to destruction of the American dream.

Posted by David Anderson | January 1, 2008 10:24 AM

What Huckabee did with pulling the negative Romney ad makes me PROUD to be a Huck supporter!!!

Posted by jenny | January 1, 2008 10:31 AM

He did not do the right thing. He is not standing up against negative campaigning, and he is not being honorable. If he had wanted to do any of those things, what he would have done is simply never mentioned the ad at all. His motivation was not to do the right thing, but to *be recognized* for doing the right thing--which is not decency, it's politics. That adds up to doing the wrong thing.

Posted by Trish | January 1, 2008 10:41 AM

Gee I don't know a lot about Mormons (pay no attention to the fact that I have given multiple anti-Mormon speeches) but let me ask an "innocent" question to the New York Times, Don't they believe Satan and Jesus are brothers? This passive aggressive streak must be in the water in Hope. The Joke on all of us is if Republicans fall for it this time. As reported by a huckabee staffer, this ad was the creation of Huck's "white-hot anger". As a Christian, I have a firm belief that the fruits of this anger will be nothing but misery for Huck. Romney is the clear leader for tomorrow. By the way, has Huck used all this media exposure to point out what specifically about Romney's ads is not accurate? No, he just uses his exposure to attack Romney personally. Way bad form, especially for a supposed man of God.

Posted by HMH | January 1, 2008 11:27 AM

The cynicism in the national media is almost embarrassing to watch, but Huckabee did the right thing. On CNN, Huckabee said that if this decision not to run the ad means he loses the caucuses - then he loses. Good for him. Principles are more important than winning the presidency. Let the media snicker and guffaw and question motives. The result is the same - a change in tone. I like this guy more and more. I wish I lived in Iowa. He would definitely get my vote on Thursday.

Posted by Chris | January 1, 2008 12:27 PM

HMH, Romney is the leader for tomorrow? Wow you really haven't studied up on him much. Ask the people in Ma. if he was their leader of tomorrow.
Massachusetts is still in recovery from a Mitt Romney administration. Huck did not attack the flip-flopping Romney personally but someone should, dishonesty is a very bad character trait in a President...

Posted by jenny | January 1, 2008 12:49 PM

This flip-flop slick politician trick was not Huckabee's shining moment... "I am going to take the higher ground and not be negative, but let me go ahead and show the negative add to you anyway." Look, this proves either of two things: 1) Huckabee is an idiot(I didn't know the media would leak the video to the public) or 2) He is cheap calculating politician who new exactly what showing the video to the media would do an lied through his teeth while showing it. I am little confused about who is the dishonest one here? I am thinking it is Huckabee. Wake up and smell the coffee. Smooth talking is usually indicates someone you should be wary of trusting. The media saw right through his charade, that is why they laughed at him when he said he would show the video. I wish people who have been supporting Huckabee could see the event for what it really was, a free chance at a cheap shot while claiming to be a Saint. Pathetic!

Posted by Dave | January 1, 2008 12:59 PM

I am so tired of all the negative Huckabee junk mail bought and paid for by Romney that the post man has been delivring to my mail box every day for the past two weeks. Thank goodness today is a federal holiday and the post man is on a break. I was at the event last night at the Wakonda Club and was impressed with the Governor's remarks and touched by Mrs. Huckabee's introduction of her husband. Romney and the neo-cons along with the press are just hell bent on sinking Huckabee. I wish the public could get the news without it being filtered through the spin of the reporter or without it being distorted by a candidate's opponent.

Posted by Patti | January 1, 2008 1:06 PM

If the Iowa Press isn't reporting this for what it really is then it is clear to me they are not objective reporters but instead are Huckabee supporters. Huckabee is as slick as they come. Perhaps Huckabee should examine his own dishonesty if he is claiming to be the moral man of the hour. I can't believe after a month a scrutiny and the cherry on top of the cake news conference that people aren't confirming this guys ethics. It is amazing that people still cling to this guy. Huckabee: Folksy... Maybe. Dishonest... Guaranteed.

Posted by Bryon | January 1, 2008 1:09 PM

I wish I was from Iowa and could vote for Huckabee this week. I so respect someone who was willing to follow his conscience and not do the politically expedient option. The press, esp. Fox, has been awful to him---so much for fair and balanced. If the moneybags of the GOP actually think that social conservatives are going to vote for Mitt or Rudy---their chosen---then, it will be a dem victory in Nov. Huckabee is for all Americans---not just the wealthy or political elite. I believe Huckabee is our only chance for true change and bringing Americans together.

Gloria

Posted by gloria murff | January 1, 2008 1:18 PM

Reporters Spin would include not reporting something. No reporting... quiet spinning. I am not sure what Huckabee supporters are belly-aching about. It seems the Iowa press is treating Huckabee quite nicely. The only Iowa news is that Huckabee is leading in the latest polls. Any mention of Huckabee's two-faced negative-ad media circus is minimal at best. Anybody who only reads or watches the local news will get exactly what Huckabee wanted: a favorable report of his moral stance on not running the ad with free are time for the negative ad. I think the people of Iowa are smarter than that and will see what the event says about Huckabee and his campaign. He paints himself as a moral leader but is just another politician. Just think of the furniture he can claim as his own from the White House! This is a deal of a lifetime for him! Much better than being the Gov. What a sweet man.

Posted by George | January 1, 2008 1:27 PM

Huckabee: A morally challenged man. Vote your conscience. Vote No on Huckabee!

Posted by Robert | January 1, 2008 1:30 PM

Mike Huckabee resisted getting down into the mud with Romney and the press is in a dither about it. Gov. Huckabee has said that he doesn't want to put politics before principles. I respect him for that and frankly, it's what has set him apart from politicians like Romney. Politicians who use focus groups and pollsters to determine what they need to say to different groups in order to win votes are untrustworthy. I like Mike Huckabee because he is authentic. He is who he says he is. The real deal.

Posted by Nancy Crayton | January 1, 2008 1:37 PM

Well either Huckabee is taking Iowan evangelicals as dumber than they are or they are just as dumb as Huck is playing them.

This stunt would be cute if he hadn't had serious ads deploring "negatives" and then personally attacking Romney for just doing ads stating what Huck's record is. But then after saying the Good Lord told him to take the high road, he does another personal attack ad, claims his last-minute Christian conscience barred him from running it - but then insisted on running the ad and having aides distribute the "key talking points" so reporters could all make Hucks noble decision AND each slam helpfully bulleted on on the hand-outs the lead story of the news cycle.

Protesting his innocence and purity the whole way, while of course the national press saw it as an obviously transparent stunt.

My problem is you believe Huck, or you say he has an honesty problem. Remember is is a guy who knows how the media game and ad world works because he served 7 years as the PR man for a televangelist. And this follows Huck swearing up and down that after 12 hours of production, reshoot, adjust lighting, reshoot, review, and editing of his Christmas ad that he didn't notice the Giant Illuminated Floating Cross that was 1/3rd of the light projected from the video Slowly, Slowly Merging with Him, Becoming Him.

No, of course, there was no religious play. Huck said it was just an accident, a few bookcase shelves, conveniently emptied of all books but 3 ornaments of Trinity tucked in the upper right hand corner like other evangelical images of the Cross sometimes include 3 stars or three objects in the same spot.

No, just an accident where people read too much into a good-natured warm Christmas greeting from Pastor Huck! He said he had no idea the Giant Lit Cross and Trinity symbology was even in the ad!!

Honest!

Just like the Huck was out asking reporters honest questions on theology that his extensive theological graduate training and Presidency of the Baptist Conference while over the 20 years he was part of it they dealt with each difference in dogma between Baptists, Mainstream Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Papists, and Mormoms. "Maybe one of you reporters knows the answer to a sincere question I have about rumors that Mormons think Satan and Jesus are brothers."

Saint Huck must be honest, right? Just like all the denials of his pardon record and ethics reprimands were verified, right?

It's not like someone starting as the lead PR guy for a Televangelist and was on a track to be a televangelist himself is anything but a simple, honest Man of God. Who wants nothing for himself and cherishes those of different faiths as just as deserving of running for President without the Constitutionally barred religious tests ever being breeched, right?

Posted by Chris Ford | January 1, 2008 1:39 PM

Since the Iowa Papers aren't reporting it, here are some links.

http://www.slate.com/id/2181100

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooTRo0OHOTc

Posted by Jim | January 1, 2008 1:48 PM

Jenny - Romney is the leader for tomorrow? Wow you really haven't studied up on him much. Ask the people in Ma. if he was their leader of tomorrow.
Massachusetts is still in recovery from a Mitt Romney administration..

No, Romney, even with a flaming liberal Democrat legislature and a 100% Democrat Congressional delegation, was able to fix Mass's budget crisis without raising income taxes and get a bipartisan private sector health insurance program through. Even key Dems in the legislature acknowledge Romney put Massachusetts back on it's fiscal feet again, drew new business and jobs to the state, invigorated the economy, got an excellent compromise health care deal done. Their beef is that they think they deserve equal credit for those accomplishments...

If there is any rancor about Romney, it is that he decided not to seek a 2nd term, but run for President instead. Instead, my neighbor state got stuck with Deval Patrick, who is in over his head as bad as Jane Swift whom Romney replaced - or Kathleen Blanco of Louisiana, were.

Posted by Chris Ford | January 1, 2008 1:50 PM

Huckabee is just scary. Can we afford a president who thinks being ingenious gives him the right to insult people and then claim he didn't mean it? Christian's should remember as sure as Jesus Christ exists, the devil has a glib tongue.

As a Christian I am offended by his using Jesus to achieve greatness for himself. The line that was the kicker for me, and should have shown Iowans that he is using Christ as a campaign tool, was after Romneys "religion talk" when Huckabee said (in response to a reporters question about the speech) "give me that free air time and I'll give you a Jesus talk, alter call and pass the plate".

His comment about being unsure if Mormons thought Jesus and the devil were brothers brings up another matter, it either was deliberate and he thought he was too smart to get caught being negative and could be charmingly apologetic (which shows how superior he thinks he is to American people), or he is just too ignorant to be trusted with the responsibility of dealing with the level of diversity a president is faced with in foreign policy. What would happen if he tried the same thing with leaders from Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia or even France?

Either way, I pray voters will realize just how dangerous this man is.

Posted by Lynn | January 1, 2008 2:50 PM

Huckabee supporters have been played big time and it's pretty sad that they can't see it. However, Mitt Romney has just as many skeletons in his closet.

It's time for Americans to turn to the only truly honest man running for President; one who has the knowledge and experience in foreign affairs that is required by the office; one who has developed plans to save social security, reduce the federal government's control of education, one who sees the free market as the best means to control healthcare costs, the one who understands that a version of the flat tax is the route to follow, the one who will halt sanctuary cities and get the fence built, the one who understands that the best defense is a stronger, larger military, and finally the man endorsed by the NRLC and many of its state affiliates.

That man is the former Senator from Tennessee.

Fred Thompson for President, the calming voice of true leadership in our increasingly chaotic society.

Posted by Connie | January 1, 2008 2:52 PM

Just proof that not only is Huckabee a crude, negative politician, he is a very bad one at that. He is definitely not ready to be our next president. Maybe he could try to run for a local office. Maybe mayor of Hope or a council member in Little Rock?

Posted by Max | January 1, 2008 3:14 PM

Huckabee does two things all at once. First, he gets everyone to "look at me I'm the righteous Christian". Then, he gets out the negative add. He thinks he is clever. Anyone with half a brain sees it for what it is: hypocrisy. He is a typical and slimy politician.

Posted by Tim | January 1, 2008 3:26 PM

Hubacbee just lost my respect. If he was fixed on running a positive campaign he should have never produced the ad! Is this a sign of flip flopping? To take this cheap shot and insult Iowa by playing games is at best silly and desperate. He talks about a desperate and dishonest campaign, well he just mudded his image with desperate and dirty stunts. Romney has not run any negative ads just contrast ads. you need to know the differences to make an informed vote. This further shows the character and integrity of Mike Huckabee He hopes to appeal to voters as the poor under dog, Instead he should tell us about his positions.
I am further convinced Romney has what is takes. No games but serious vision for to solve serious problems.

Posted by Jim | January 1, 2008 3:49 PM

First, it was Huckabee that drew first blood with his "innocent" statement about Mormons...he knew EXACTLY what he was doing...playing to the fears of the evangelicals who believe whatever they are told by their pastors. He also played the "Christian" card again when he said that no one should avoid voting for a Mormon anymore than they should avoid voting for him because he's a "Christian". Notice he forgot to mention that Mormons are Christian. Mitt Romney began to ran CONTRAST ads and Huckabee calls them negative and attack ads. Huckabee should be grateful that Mitt didn't mention the alleged ethics violations he was sited for. Huckabees latest play reveals him for the sleaze that he is - will the evangelicals see it? I hope and pray that they do!

As for Mitt Romney's record - his healthcare plan for Massachusetts went into effect today and the jury is still out. I'm sure it will have problems - anything new does. My point is that at least he tried to do something instead of just talk about it! Give the man some credit for the effort that no one else has made. Also, by most accounts he saved the Olympics and did so without accepting any payment. He did not accept payment for his governorship and says he won't be paid for his work as President should he be elected. Yes, he is rich and doesn't need the money - that hasn't stopped any of the others from taking their paychecks has it?

Posted by Tammy | January 1, 2008 4:09 PM

Remember that Seinfeld episode in which Costanza puts a dollar in a tip jar, then worries that the barista didn't see him put the tip in, so he pulls it out again so he can be SEEN putting the tip in.

That's essentially what Huckabee did on Monday. He wanted credit for doing something noble, so much so that he did something ignoble to call attention to his nobility.

I don't what that kind of infantile behavior in the Oval Office. The last two terms have been more than enough.

Posted by Olafq | January 1, 2008 7:24 PM

I think this is going to be viral for a couple of days unless something earth shattering happens. Only because of the oddness to the story. It was just odd watching a candidate deride another candidate for being negative while in fact being negative....surreal stuff.

Posted by sheryl | January 1, 2008 9:04 PM

"The Washington Post reports that Huckabee decided against the ad ten minutes before he went to the podium:"

“Huckabee said the ad -- which attacks Romney for being too dishonest to be president -- was sent to television and radio stations yesterday but will not be broadcast. He said he had made the decision 10 minutes before his [12:00pm CST] news conference, surprising even his top staff. ‘I pulled the ad. I do not want it to be run at all,’ he said.”
According to an aide, this is why enormous negative placards were still up -- Huck's decision was so last minute that they didn't have time to take down the negative signs.

However, the Gazette Online says the television stations were notified two hours before the press conference that they'd decided not to run them:

An official at KCRG-TV9 TV9 in Cedar Rapids confirmed that the station received the 30-second spot from the Huckabee campaign shortly after 6 a.m. today but was told at 10:01 a.m. not to air the commercial and the station did not show the paid advertisement.
Apparently -- and I know this will shock you -- the whole thing was a huge publicity stunt, designed to appeal to evangelicals who are tired of all the "negativity" associated with the campaign. (Of course, I'm being sarcastic, but I am shocked at Huckabee's casual relationship with truth.)

I think what bugs me most about Gov. Huckabee is that he confirms stereotypes, much to the glee of the media. Like when he says, "I'm a conservative, but I'm not mad at anybody about it." (Yes, we conservatives are hate-filled politicos!)

But this episode reminds us that he also believes evangelical voters are rubes who can't tell true repentance from a poorly orchestrated stunt.

Let's prove him wrong, brothers and sisters.

(To my editor Charles: I promise, this is my last post on this subject... But you haven't even commented on my restraint from posting about Battlestar Galactica: Razor.")

UPDATE:

Posted by KAY | January 2, 2008 10:28 AM

Mitt’s religious credentials
1. Tow year full time mission in France at age 19
2. Bishop in the Mormon Church
3. Stake President

It should be easy for any honest reporter to find out what are the responsibilities in holding such callings in the Mormon Church and more importantly doing these callings without any form of compensation.
Looking into this matter you only can say that there is no greater unselfish service to your fellow man than this.
Yet the Mormons always give unparallel humanitarian assistance to the needs of the world and never criticizes any other Church.
Governor Huckubee I am sure was a good preacher in his church bur I am sure he was paid for hire and then he resigned his preaching position to become a Governor.

Mitt did the above serious full time callings while he had to go to school and college work successfully for the needs of his family and raised a beautiful successful family as well.
Impressive stature for Mitt.

Huckubee pails in comparison to Mitt even as a Christian.

Posted by John Andreadakis | January 2, 2008 1:04 PM

Huckabee pulled this litle stunt with his negative ad that "he wouldn't air" to do two things 1) Make himself look like he's taking the higher moral ground 2) Get free air time because he can't afford the ad himself.
Huckabee's "meteoric rise" is purely a media creation anyway, he will fall the same way he rose.
Those of you who paint him as a martyr getting crucified by the media are being duped by this man who isn't really all that clever or slick.
We don't need a man like this in the White House.

Posted by a Mom in America | January 3, 2008 4:08 PM