Posted on 01/18/2008 6:55:19 AM PST by TornadoAlley3
In what was an apparent attempt to woo conservative votes in South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee began speaking today about the state's flag. At an event in Myrtle Beach on Thursday Huckabee told supporters gathered in an airplane hangar, "You don't want anyone from out of state comin' down and telling you what to do with your flag. In fact, if somebody came to Arkansas and told us what to do with our flag we'd tell them where to put the pole."
The comment seemed to refer to the fact that for years the Confederate flag flew over the state house in Columbia, South Carolina. Under the leadership of then Governor David Beasely (now Huckabee's South Carolina State Chair) a bill was introduced to remove the flag. Eventually a compromise that moved the flag to a Confederate memorial on the grounds of the state house was reached but not before it arguably ruined any chances Beasley had for reelection.
At a media availability Thursday night in Columbia Huckabee was asked to clarify his comments and whether or not he supports the flying of the Confederate flag. He refused to answer the question at hand, saying only that it was a state issue that doesn't concern the President.
One reporter followed-up, "For many African Americans and no doubt some others its seen as a sign kinda potent with racist imagery -and also reflects a time of ultimate division within this country. I'm not clear why as President that wouldn't be in fact, arguably very appropriate for someone to weigh in on."
Huckabee would not take the bait and merely said his response stood as it was, "it is not an issue that the President of The United States needs to weigh in on," adding that he had the support of many African Americans in Arkansas while serving as Governor, "I got it by serving the people of my state not getting involved in the affairs of somebody else's state."
It seems strange that Huckabee would bring up the issue for the first time this campaign, unprompted, two days before the primary here. It is an issue not even on the table here. Huckabee often jokes about pandering to voters; perhaps this time it's no joke.
Huckabee is just telling people what they want to hear, when they want to hear it. On thing is certain, he will not give a second thought to what he says in South Carolina after 8:00 PM Saturday.
The purpose of the statement is to get votes for Mike Huckabee and get Mike Huckabee elected. Nothing else matters.
Kind of reminds you of another Me/Me/Me kind of guy from Arkansas, doesn’t it?
You mean there is another Dope from Hope?
I guess Huck won’t be the darling of the media anymore.
They’ll continue to love him until he gets the nomination, and then the gloves will come off when he’s up against the Hildebeast or B.Hussein.
Then there is the Arkansas Flag and I’m surprised no one has asked The Huckster what the blue star above the word “ARKANSAS” commerates?
And besides it IS our history. This flag needs to be preserved so that we know where we’ve been, it should not be a political football.
When my daughter heard that on the news, she looked at me and asked what they were trying to do with the Arkansas flag that had the guy so upset.
It took a while for me to explain he was just using it as an example, and then she asked what they were trying to do to the South Carolina flag.
When I explained that they weren’t trying to do anything to the South Carolina flag either, she then said “then what was he talking about”?
I think she understands it very well. Of course, she loves Fred Thompson. She had no idea who Huckabee was though when she saw the video.
All the rednecks I know in south florida who still wear/fly/display Confederate items are all democrats. Good ol’ boy yellow dog types.
Isn’t that black Mooselimb also from Hope? Baaaarack Osommomma.
I’m a Confederate Flag defender and I ain’t votin’ for the Huckster. I don’t trust him on this or any other issue.
I must say that in this case I agree with the Huckster and good for him for not taking the media’s bait.
Like every other politician.
As long as we keep voting for people who tell us pretty lies, we can't expect them to change.
Hey, I’m not a Huck supporter but this is an issue that is NONE OF THE PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS. EVER HEAR OF STATE’S RIGHTS?
The media was baiting him and he was right not to bite.
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