Huckabee Reaction to Bhutto Assassination

CBS ^ | December 27, 2007 | Nancy Cordes

[Dane]

ORLANDO, FLA. -- With about 150 supporters crowded around a podium set up on the tarmac of Orlando Executive airport (and about 20 Ron Paul supporters waving signs outside) Mike Huckabee strode out to the strains of “Right Now” by Van Halen and immediately addressed the Bhutto situation, expressing “our sincere concern and apologies for what has happened in Pakistan.”

He said the assassination is a reminder that here in the US, we are lucky to vote “not with bullets but with ballots,” and said “I guess we are sometimes lulled into failing to appreciate the magnitude” of the democratic process.

After moving onto other subjects in his rally (more on that in a moment) he took questions from the press. I asked him what he would do right now if he were President to tackle the situation. He avoided taking a strong policy position, saying he would offer sincere sympathies to the people of Pakistan, and monitor who’s behind it. When asked what he thinks of the Musharraf government and how it has handled the security situation and aid from the US, he replied, “I think today is not the best day to comment on what the Musharraf government should or shouldn’t have done” though “we need a full accounting of that money.” He was also asked if today’s news highlights why the next President needs to have foreign policy, which he lacks. His reponse: “I think it’s more important to have the right principles for the American people.”

He made a bad choice of words when saying the U.S. needs to consider “what impact does it have on whether or not there’s going to be martial law continuing in Pakistan.” He should have said whether or not martial law will be reinstated – it was lifted nearly two weeks ago. A minor slip, maybe, but not a subject he wants to mess up on when he is already considered weak in the area of foreign policy.

[JFC]

Dane, just because most of us don’t want Huck as President does not give you reason to attack us. I am not sure who I am going to vote for, but it will be the GOP who is running against Hillary. At the present time, I don’t think Huck is our man.

[rhombus]

the anti-Huckabee people(Rush, Queen Ann Coulter, etc)

Wow, the list is growing. Funny, these are the same people who drive liberals nuts too. Don't forget Laura Ingrim, Karl Rove and Ken Starr.

[Nonstatist]

"I'm sorry for your loss".

Is that the same thing as "I apologize for your loss"?

If that's his explanation, then I would have to ask.."where did you go to school"?

But, actually, I believe Huckabee used exactly the word he meant to use. Hopefully, he'll soon fill in the blanks.

[roaddog727]

“our sincere concern and apologies for what has happened in Pakistan.”

What?

For what is he apologizing?

That’s just nutty!

[Dane]

Dane, just because most of us don’t want Huck as President does not give you reason to attack us.

But it is ok to attack the Huckabee family by posting their family portrait and make fun of them because their physical appearance does not stand up to the eugenic standards of some Freepers. That's a-ok correct.

[Big E]

“our sincere concern and apologies for what has happened in Pakistan.”

Apologies? That’s the word he used? Why should we apologize, we didn’t kill her! This guy should be a Democrat....

[rurgan]

“Why is he apologizing? What an idiot.”

Because liberals like Huckabee always think everything is America’s fault.

[Plutarch]

Mike Huckabee strode out...and immediately addressed the Bhutto situation, expressing “our sincere concern and apologies for what has happened in Pakistan".

A President needs to be very careful about the language he uses, most especially in sensitive matters of foreign policy, for example in the case of unstable nuclear armed Islamic countries in crisis. Huckabee has flunked his Presidential audition.

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

a‚·pol‚·o‚·gy     (ə-pŏl'ə-jē) Pronunciation Key 
n.  

1. An acknowledgment expressing regret or asking pardon for a fault or offense.
2. 1. A formal justification or defense.
   2. An explanation or excuse: "The consequence of those measures will be the best apology for my conduct" (Daniel Defoe).
3. An inferior substitute: The sagging cot was a poor apology for a bed.

[Latin apologia, from Greek apologiā : apo-, apo- + logos, speech; see leg- in Indo-European roots.]

Synonyms: These nouns denote a statement that excuses or defends something, such as a past action or a policy: arguments that constituted an apology for capital punishment; published an apologia expounding her version of the events; a defense based on ignorance of the circumstances; an untenable justification for police brutality.

[JFC]

I never said anything about Huck’s family... so don’t go throwing stones. But I have read your comments and how you are standing up for Huck. That is ok and you have that right but just because MOST of us don’t share your view does not give you right to come on here and spew.... IMHO :)

[Dane]

Apologies? That’s the word he used? Why should we apologize, we didn’t kill her! This guy should be a Democrat....

Just a question, aren't the words apology and sorry, synonyms.

[Gipper08]

I can’t tell if that socialist Huck is an evil genius or just really really stupid.
Probably both.

[Gipper08]

I can’t tell if that socialist Huck is an evil genius or just really really stupid.
Probably both.

[Dane]

I never said anything about Huck’s family... so don’t go throwing stones.

You haven't, but many others on FR have.

[Plutarch]

Huckabee followed at 9:41 a.m. Eastern: “This is devastating news for the people of Pakistan, and my prayers go out to them as we follow developments regarding this dire situation. … On this sad day, we are reminded that while our democracy has flaws, it stands as a shining beacon of hope for nations and people around the world who seek peace and opportunity through self-government.”

[coramdeo]

If a co-worker or an acquaintance loses a family member, who says “I apologize.” This is nonsensical.

[JFC]

You are right about attacks, I have seen them on Rudy or should I say.. (rooty) like some think are sooo cute, and Romney, and on and on it goes, but I cam to this site because we ... for the most part are conservatives and share much of the same views....

[RooRoobird20]

“Mike Huckabee strode out to the strains of “Right Now” by Van Halen . . .”

The Huckster is trying WAY too hard to be “cool” in a Billy Jeff Clinton way. Every time I see the Huckster on TV, all I see is a glib, superficial “preacher” with lots of one-liners and stories. The Huckster gives me and hubby the “Ted Haggard heebie jeebies”.

I DO NOT want another buffoon from Arkansas in the White House.

[Dane]

If a co-worker or an acquaintance loses a family member, who says “I apologize.” This is nonsensical.

Aren't the words apologize and sorry, synonyms.

[keepitreal]

But on the world stage, and in foreign affairs, words must be chosen and used carefully so as not to be misinterpreted by those countries with which you are dealing.

[Big E]

Not in this context. The word ‘sympathy’ would be appropriate, not ‘apologies’. Makes it sound like we’re somehow responsible.