Known for his wit, Mike Huckabee shows none in NRA 'joke'

Mike Huckabee unquestionably has a feel for the artful quip and the smart ad-lib that is rare among politicians -- it's what helped fuel his surprise rise early in the Republican presidential race (recall his response to a "what would Jesus do" question during a debate late last year).

But just as clearly, there were moments as the campaign wore on when his attempts at humor seemed strained -- a forced effort to live up to his reputation. And occasionally he displayed bad taste, pure and simple. We recall his effort, last summer, to impress Iowans with his political successes in Arkansas by saying, "A Republican in my state feels about as out of place as Michael Vick at the Westminster dog show."

Few laughed at his reference to the horrific dog abuse charges that landed the Atlanta Falcons quarterback in jail.

That side of Huckabee surfaced again Friday when a loud noise sounded during his speech to a National Rifle Assn. gathering in Kentucky. "That was Barack Obama," Huckabee said (as you can see and hear for yourself below). "He just tripped off a chair. He was getting ready to speak. Somebody aimed a gun at him and he ... he dove for the floor."

Setting aside the lack of anything approaching a punch line in the remark, it obviously was uncalled for, as Huckabee realized. Not long after he left the convention stage, he issued a statement saying, in part, "I made an offhand remark that was in no way intended to offend or disparage Sen. Obama. I apologize that my comments were offensive. That was never my intention."

To his credit, Huckabee did not try to couch the apology by saying "if" the comments were considered insulting. Still, it was not a well-timed stumble for a fellow widely viewed as a strong contender for the vice presidential spot on John McCain's ticket.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Granny T]

If that type of remark were made by someone that could possibly be considered a racist; it should be condemned. Huckabee has a proven record of fighting for civil rights. He risked his job as pastor by telling his all white church he expected them to welcome the black man he had invited. He fought for more fairness in the treatment of blacks as Governor; which earned him 48% of the black vote. Huckabee has stood up for others when they made stupid remarks. Hopefully, people will accept his sincere apology and will forgive him for his stupid mistake. It would be great if we humans didn't sometimes stick our foots in our mouths. Is a case of "foot in mouth disease" really a disqualification of running for political office? If so; we need to start this primary season over with a whole set of new candidates.

[dave]

while it takes a dim wit to be seen on mccain's ticket, it could still appear less dim next to him?

[Granny T]

If that type of remark were made by someone that could possibly be considered a racist; it should be condemned. Huckabee has a proven record of fighting for civil rights. He risked his job as pastor by telling his all white church he expected them to welcome the black man he had invited. He fought for more fairness in the treatment of blacks as Governor; which earned him 48% of the black vote. Huckabee has stood up for others when they made stupid remarks. Hopefully, people will accept his sincere apology and will forgive him for his stupid mistake. It would be great if we humans didn't sometimes stick our foots in our mouths. Is a case of "foot in mouth disease" really a disqualification of running for political office? If so; we need to start this primary season over with a whole set of new candidates.

[craig Padover]

Mike Huckabee ought to be ashamed.
That was the most irresponsible comment I have ever
heard a politician ever make.What kind of person makes this kind of comment. I am guessing there is more dirt here than meets the eye. Please do more digging. Thank you. Craig Padover, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

[Tarn Helm]

Yawn.

Funny?

No.

Offensive?

No.

Lame?

Yes.

Huckabee is a politician not a joke writer.

Get over it.

Obama's insults in his speech on Billionaires' Row were offensive.

However, Obama's insults in his speech on Billionaires' Row fortunately revealed his anti-"white" racism, his class bigotry, and his pro-urban/anti-rural demographic bigotry.

Obama the bigot is infinitely more egregious than Huckabee the nitwit.

[EuropeanTraveler]

Mike Huckabee is a class-act and it is reflected in the speed of which he issued an apology. Tell me what other current or past candidate has issued an apology for something he said? Tell me of one person walking this earth, who hasn't at one time or another said something that he regretted saying? Mike Huckabee has millions of blacks AND whites who support him wholeheartedly and this one incident (yes...we're all human and no one is perfect!) isn't going to change that fact! If you all think back...several weeks ago Mike Huckabee was the only Republican who said to give Obama a break when the Wright incident hit the fan. Let's ALL just settle down and move on to the real issues at hand...and give it a rest!!!

[Jake Benson]

It was a dumb joke, but people... let's think. The motive behind the "gun" comment was clearly within the context of a NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION meeting.

It was a joke that fell flat. It was impromptu. He apologized quickly and didn't make excuses for himself. He clearly didn't have any dark motives.

GET OVER IT.

I've talked with dozens of Obama supporters who think it's ridiculous that this is getting attention at all.

[AGTR]

I like this man. He seems honest and honorable. Once in a while, we all put our foot in our mouths and he's no exception. But look, he had the honesty and humbleness to apologize, something a great majority of people have difficulty to do.

[John S.]

During the campaign, Huckabee has made quite a few crude, irresponsible remarks trying to be funny. Imagine him as a president and how leaders of other countries would take his humor.
Mike Huckabee is too brash to be the President or Vice President. He does not have the class that Mitt Romney does.

[dave]

granny t,
have you even checked out all the FOUR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES running for office?
you might be surprised.

[IraqMust End]

For the good of the country will you Republicans please consider disbanding? You force Bush, Rumsfeld, wolfawitz, libby, and now huckabee on us. The country can only handle so much evil before something gives.

[Winghunter]

Well said Tarn Helm, well said.

AND Granny, leave the race card in your apron because we're all sick, tired and disgusted with seeing it where the 'offended' are committing all the offenses.

[Winghunter]

John S.,

They are BOTH idiots. Neither one of them should be able to visit the White House, much less live in it.

Mike "The Huckster" Huckabee
http://mikeyhuckabee.blogspot.com/

Mike Huckabee's Skeleton Closet
http://www.realchange.org/huckabee.htm

Willard Mitt Romney
http://willardromney.blogspot.com/

The Mitt Romney Report Largest Compilation of Willard Mitt Romney's Record ( Constantly Updated. )
http://massresistance.org/romney/

[Tina]

He was at the NRA and was probably making indirect reference to Obama's "clinging to gun and religion" remarks, but it wasn't the best comment to make. Oh well. I've been there before - and wished I could take back some stupid things I've said. Hopefully Huckabee won't let this scare him into the "careful corner." I enjoy his humor (usually) and appreciate his candor. I'm not Obama, but on behalf of those of us who have blushed over our own stupid comments, I accept your apology, Governor.

[bnel13]

Granny T,

The offense has nothing to do with race. It's about indifference to another's life and a hint that it might be a good thing if somene were shooting at Obama. He cracked similar jokes about Romney and Romney supporters last December.

Everyone realizes he's just attempting humor. Perhaps this is a bit overkill and a slower news cycle but the comment was out of line.
I applaud that he apologized so quickly but would he have done so if the crowd had actually laughed? I don't think so. He's done a lot of apologizing. This is so unpresidential.

[bnel14]

So unpresidential.

[RJ Kruger]

The apologists for Mike Huckabee are completely laughable and shallow. The comment was, indeed, in bad taste. However, it reveals much more than a simple "foot-in-the-mouth" lapse. The impromptu remark, the quickness with which it was said, provides a mirror into the fundamental thinking of this "pastor." The little angel on his shoulder, dare I say it?, his conscience, didn't remind him such a sentiment was way beyond appropriate. I am aghast that he would even THINK this way, that it was merely a joke. It wouldn't have even occurred to "true Christians" to posit the senario. I think Huckabee showed his hole cards and they're 7 2 off-suit.

[Rosalyn]

YOU PEOPLE are so quick to tell people to "get over it". Life is not that simply. Huckabee show his true colors. Shame on him.

[NinaK]

Senator Obama had to be provided with secret service protection early on because of threats. Huckabee had the choice of ignoring the noise and moving on. Instead he quickly opted to make a crude and harmful, yes, harmful joke. If you really think about it, even talking about someone aiming a gun at someone is a threat in itself and feeds into those whackos out there. I would like to ask those of you who are making excuses for Mr. Huckabee's comment; how is it that calling a reporter who, by the way was NOT offended, sweetie more harmful than saying someone aimed a gun at Senator Obama??? Senator Obama got raked over the coals for using the term "sweetie"!! Yet you people make light of Huckabee's horrific comment?? Guess the standards are different for the two men and the reason is quite obvious. What a shame!!

[Granny T]

Geraldo asked Huckabee about this on his show. To see the interview on a Red Lasso video visit
http://tinyurl.com/6h7nro

[Martha]

You Huck apologists are hilarious. Is there anything that could dissuade you from following this Huckabillie? I'll bet you would still be making excuses for him if he actually shot Obama! (Remember how he shot his gun over reporters heads and claimed it was a message for Romney "don't get in my way"? And how Rollins wanted to kick Romney's teeth out and kick him n the groin?)

He has been a un-funny joke since day one. It's time for you to take off your "Christian Leader" colored glasses and see the man for what he is: a bumbling, phoney-baloney squirel -eating idiot.

This is such sweet poetic justice. I'm lovin it so much.

Bye Bye Huckaloser!

[Shawn]

What an idiotic thing to say! I would never make a comment like that. If he is a christian minister, then I must be an Apostle. This is just another example of so called republican christians who don't have a clue of who Jesus is or what the word of God says. A party of hypocrites.

[dave]

the only contender in the race to have a long proven record of integrity, a heart and mind of presidential format and a sound constitutional message is candidate for PRESIDENT RON PAUL.

[Gaias Child]

one hopes huckabee was being witless. considering the environment and his leanings, there is another possibility.

[Ann Ominous]

Hey Huckster, your sheet is showing!

He is Evil, Stupid, or both. Looks like a perfect replacement for W.