Tim Russert isn't practicing his Christmas tree-ornament hanging technique. The Meet the Press host is demonstrating how John McCain is dangling the VP slot to Mike Huckabee. And Huck seems as transfixed as a hound before a bone, judging by the way he's staying in the race against all odds and spending his time taking shots at Mitt Romney.
Russert was a guest during the 7 AM half-hour of Morning Joe.
View video here.
JOE SCARBOROUGH: I had early on talked about how Fred Thompson spent his week in South Carolina going after Huckabee to help McCain. Yesterday we had Huckabee on and he spent four out of his five minutes here attacking Mitt Romney. And I asked, "well, why won't you attack John McCain as a moderate?" and he really had no answer to that. But it looks, just from here, and it's pretty easy to see --
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: I think that's fair.
SCARBOROUGH: It looks like Mike Huckabee and John McCain have already done the deal: "you take the conservative out, I win, I remember you in the summer."
TIM RUSSERT: There's no doubt in my mind. The other day when Senator McCain proclaimed victory in Florida we mentioned there together at 30 Rock, he was just dangling the vice-presidency in front of Mike Huckabee.
BRZEZINSKI [amidst general mirth and hilarity]: Something was going on there.
RUSSERT: I mean, it may not -- it doesn't have to be the vice-presidency. It'll be something: Voice of America. He'll get a great job. The bottom line is: there is an alliance between Mike Huckabee and John McCain. There was an alliance between Fred Thompson and John McCain.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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→ McCain's Promises
February 1, 2008 - 11:34 ET by Cool ArrowLooksd like McCain is building a spoils system Andy Jackson would be proud of.
I don't see Huck can really help McCain all that much unless it is to stay in the race to drain off . . . Ok, Duh. I get it.
♣ a seal
Huckster Supporters Just Made a Deal with the Devil
February 1, 2008 - 23:22 ET by PopularTechI know they believe Romney to be the Devil and are doing everything they can to keep a Mormon... I mean him out of office but they should be aware of who McCain is:
McCain Calls Conservative Leaders 'Agents of Intolerance' (The Wall Street Journal)
"Neither party should be defined by pandering to the outer reaches of American politics and the agents of intolerance, whether ... on the left, or Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell on the right." - John McCain
Betrayal, deceit, corruption and John McCain (The U.S. Veteran Dispatch)
"While still married to Carol, McCain began an adulterous relationship with Cindy. He married Cindy in May 1980 - just a month after dumping his crippled wife and securing a divorce."
Anger Issues:
McCain Criticized for Slur (San Francisco Chronicle)
"I Hate The Gooks" - John McCain
Andy Card: I Have Seen John McCain's Anger (NewsMax)
John McCain: I Have Anger Issues (NewsMax)
John McCain's Temper Preceded Vietnam (NewsMax)
McCain Drops the F-bomb (HotAir)
McCain Goes Nuts Near Senate Floor (NewsMax)
McCain's Out-of-Control Anger: Does He Have the Temperament to Be President? (NewsMax)
Vanity Fair Tiptoes Around McCain's Explosive Temper (NewsMax)
Abortion:
John McCain Supports Embryonic Stem Cell Research (Audio)
McCain Softens Abortion Stand (The Washington Post)
"But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations." - John McCain
Marriage:
Christian Leader James Dobson says 'no way' to McCain candidacy (WorldNetDaily)
"I think that gay marriage should be allowed if there's a ceremony kind of thing, if you wanna call it that. I don't have any problem with that." - John McCain
McCain: Same-sex marriage ban is un-Republican (CNN)
There will be no hesistation of who I will NOT vote for should Huckasuck get the VP slot. The remaining Huckasuck supporters are clearly not even social conservatives to endorse McCain. They are being played by the Huckster to become VP, suckers.
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
Well, this is sure to cause a furor
February 1, 2008 - 11:38 ET by RJ....but I think that Huckabee has another reason for helping McCain. Sure, he'd accept a VP opportunity, but more important to him is doing whatever he can to keep a Mormon out of the White House.
To accomplish that, he'll stay in as long as Romney does.
→ RJ
February 1, 2008 - 11:49 ET by Cool ArrowI don't think that's much of a factor.
♣ a seal
Cool Arrow
February 1, 2008 - 11:57 ET by RJWell, we'll have to disagree, CA..
I base my opinion on on the immediate and obvious antipathy Huckabee had, and continues to have, toward Romney and on the rabid anti-Romney behavior of some on this board.
My opinion is not an indictment of evangelicals in general (Romney has actually beaten Huckabee in that area), but a result of the behavior of some of them.
"I really like Mike Huckabee." -uber lib Mika Brezinski
→ Transference
February 1, 2008 - 12:07 ET by Cool ArrowBut it's not fair to follow that train of thought. I had a short logical transition involving Warren Jeffs prepared, but I think, without my laying it out, you can see how unfair such a stretch would be to Mitt.
♣ a seal
Transference?
February 1, 2008 - 12:19 ET by RJHow so? I spoke of specific behavior toward Romney. No "transference" needed.
"I really like Mike Huckabee." -uber lib Mika Brezinski
What I'm saying RJ
February 1, 2008 - 12:25 ET by Cool ArrowIs that it's not fair to blame Huckabee for the prejudices of some in this chat, or some of his followers at large.
What Huck has said or done is fair towards forming an opinion of Huck, but the rest would be transference.
♣ a seal
Cool Arrow
February 1, 2008 - 12:41 ET by RJYou, of course, have your right to that opinion. But my observation of Huckabee's behavior and the behavior of some evangelicals here and elsewhere show enough similarity to make the link. To me, it shows a likelihood that Romney's primary purpose at this point is to keep a Mormon out of the White House.
"I really like Mike Huckabee." -uber liberal Mika Brezinski
→ OK, RJ
February 1, 2008 - 12:44 ET by Cool ArrowAnd the same logic will hold true when Romney wins Utah in a landslide.
♣ a seal
????
February 1, 2008 - 12:47 ET by RJ"He was a would-be sharp operator who lacked for the satisfaction of his ambition only the quality of sharpness..." -Michael Chabon
"To me, it shows a
February 1, 2008 - 13:06 ET by Chris Norman"To me, it shows a likelihood that Romney's primary purpose at this point is to keep a Mormon out of the White House."
Typo?
→ I think so, Chris
February 1, 2008 - 13:14 ET by Cool ArrowI understood what RJ was saying, so it wasn't relevant.
♣ a seal
Chris and Cool
February 1, 2008 - 13:25 ET by RJNo, that's what I meant! (kidding)
Thanks for reading what was intended. A smaller minded person (and we have a few here) wouldn't have done that.
If McCain gets the nod
February 1, 2008 - 11:44 ET by candanceIf Romney ends up losing to McPain I will blame it on two things:
1) The GOP establishment wanting McPain to win and stacking the primaries so the most conservative states go last.
2) Huckabee supporters for being stupid enough to think Romney's fans will drift toward them.
I have more chance of being
February 1, 2008 - 11:57 ET by Jack BauerI have more chance of being McCain's VP choice than Mike.
Hell, Ron Paul has more chance than the hapless Huckabee.
I would think McCain's thinking...
Supporters vs. Followers
February 1, 2008 - 12:11 ET by CaringwhiteguyThe McCain - Huckabee thing is as plain as day. But unfortunately for Romney exposing the scam may not help him a great deal. That's because "Huckabites" are not "supporters" but "followers" of Huckabee. As long as he stays in the "followers" will follow. And surprisingly they'd rather turn the Republican Party totally back to the country club set which sneers at their evangelical religious convictions than to someone else whose religious convictions they find unacceptable. And Huckbee and McCain are both playing these people like the strings on Huckabee's bass guitar.
Even tough I am a Christian
February 1, 2008 - 12:25 ET by ForeverOnTheRightEven tough I am a Christian I don't think Huck will either win nor should he run as VP. Besides the Lib nut jobs would tremble in fear in having a born-again VP and use his faith as a point of attack. McCain is in his seventies and the fear for the libs is that McCain could have some age realted problem like a stroke heart attack or whatever and then Huck would be preseident.
Rumors here in Minnesota have been that McCain may ask our Govenor to be his VP.
I doubt McCain would pick
February 1, 2008 - 12:31 ET by mattmI doubt McCain would pick Huckabee. He may dangle the carrot, but he'll betray Huck just as easily as he betrays his own party every day.
McCain will never beat the Dem candidate. They know this, and that's why they are infiltrating the primaries in order to ensure he is the nominee.
The Party of Election Fraud is in full swing.
Juan wil treat Huck with
February 1, 2008 - 13:39 ET by owlpelletsJuan wil treat Huck with his dangling carrot much in the same fashion he has treated the rest of us with it for the past 8 years.
I always wanted to get into politics, but I was never light enough to make the team.
What is Guiliani's logic
February 1, 2008 - 12:33 ET by Roger the ShrubberWhat is Guiliani's logic behind backing McCain? What was his carrot?
Carrot
February 1, 2008 - 12:44 ET by saw the lightPrime cabinet appointment?
Just spitballin', I really have no idea. I'm just getting more discouraged at the pandering toward McCain each day. Why can't the real conservatives stand up?
They were both on Leno last night
February 1, 2008 - 12:44 ET by BritcomIt was revolting. They are obviously hinting that Rudy will get the VP slot with McCain. The audience was eating it up.
There is No One
February 1, 2008 - 14:40 ET by PAPA LI left the Republican party after they tried to "shove the amnesty down out throuts" (McPain). However there is no Dem I could vote for, but I will not honour McCain with my vote I will vote for none of the above if McCain is the nomonee, and it does't matter who he chooses for the VP spot. McCain and Rudy are not any different then the Dems.
A PROUD AMERICAN
Morning Rog... I think
February 1, 2008 - 12:46 ET by bigtimerMorning Rog...
I think maybe, just maybe Attorney General or SC Judge appt?
I have also heard VP....
Who knows...
SCARBOROUGH: It looks like
February 1, 2008 - 12:44 ET by bigtimerSCARBOROUGH: It looks like Mike Huckabee and John McCain have already done the deal: "you take the conservative out, I win, I remember you in the summer."
Simple as that.
Is it just me, or is this
February 1, 2008 - 12:46 ET by Hero SquadIs it just me, or is this starting to sound like "Survivor: GOP Primary"?
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
good analogy!!
February 1, 2008 - 13:18 ET by SouthJersey1953You pegged it, Hero!
No RINOs in '08
McCain's weakness ...
February 1, 2008 - 13:19 ET by mustangsallyI think it is a sign of extreme weakness that McCain always touts those who are endorsing him, instead of being able to speak to various issues. For example, ask him about the economy and he mentions how Jack Kemp is supporting him ...
Romney is running circles around him in the debates ..
But, the ultimate conservative principle is to beat Hillary Clinton in the Fall. Right now it looks like McCain is best positioned to do it ...
Hero, sort of - or maybe
February 1, 2008 - 13:23 ET by Chris NormanHero, sort of - or maybe Lord of the Flies. If this keeps up, by the end of next week, Ol' McCain will be denounced as more leftist than Castro, Stalin, Mao Tse Tung - combined. :)
Survivor US: Out-lie, out-lib, out-last
February 1, 2008 - 21:32 ET by momof4That's what I was thinking too. When there's two left in the last endurance challenge, one looks at the other and says, if you get down, I'll take you to the final two. I only wish there were two left here. The Huck supporters will take votes away from Romney and then McCain will win. We don't know how many Giuliani supporters will go to McCain. Poor Romney just can't catch a break. The media is really enjoying propping McCain up. That is until he gets the nomination. Then, all of a sudden, many concerns about him will arise.............
McLame/Gomer Pyle ticket
February 1, 2008 - 13:41 ET by OldSailor88That particular combination will never get my vote. Then again, any combination with Shamus McAnus will never get my vote. I'll go write in because I'm afraid that if I vote Democrat I'll burn in an especially hot place in hell for screwing up my daughter's future.
On a side note (literally) McPain is advertising on NB now. I think I saw the spectre of him in my periferal vision as I tried to focus on reading something important.
Stultus est sicut stultus facit
Let him waste his money!
February 1, 2008 - 14:39 ET by HermanoLet him waste his money!
Huck's still in it because of anti-Mormonism
February 1, 2008 - 13:44 ET by Iowa BoyI saw the anti-Mormon garbage first-hand at the caucus. My Mom also says that she'd never vote for a Mormon. Hannity had a caller on his show yesterday who said the same thing. That disgusting sentiment is out there and very real. Sad. Very sad.
"That's just my opinion. I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller
I doubt Huckabee is shopping for VP....
February 1, 2008 - 15:30 ET by vrwc13Most everyone in the MSN, and here at NB, speaks as if the GOP race is a two-man race. Well, all you wellwishers try some facts (truth?).
1)
"In the race for the Republican Presidential Nomination, it’s John McCain at 30%, Mitt Romney with 28% support, and Mike Huckabee at 21%. Ron Paul is supported by 4% of Likely Republican Primary Voters (see recent daily numbers".... http://rasmussenrepo...
2)
Take this table and copy/paste it to Excel spreadsheet, then graph it. Surprised? You can see why Thompson, then Giuliani dropped. You can also see why Huckabee has not, and will not.
http://rasmussenrepo...
3)
Chew on this a little while and see why I offer #4)!
http://www.realclear...
4)
Take the challenge:
http://newsbusters.o...
v
"Faith doesn't just influence me. It really defines me. I don't have to wake up every day wondering what do I need to believe," Huckabee says in the ad. "Let us never sacrifice our principles for anybody's politics. Not now, not ever."
Yes, the Huckster may take
February 1, 2008 - 16:05 ET by needforcalmYes, the Huckster may take some states on Tuesday. But all that is doing is giving the nomination to McCain. The only states Gomer will win is tsome of he southern states. He will win nowhere else.
All he is doing is siphoning off the conservative vote from Romney so McCain gets the nomination. Then Huckster gets a high profile post in his administration (VP or cabinet) and runs in 2012 when McCain has stated that he wouldn't.
What a joke. The only reason Romney isn't running away with this is the love the MSM gives McCain with all of the free air time and pumping him up and the anti-Mormonism. I say it's time we finally stand up for our principles and vote for a conservative and not one who the MSM tells us is the only one who can win.
It's time for Romney!
"Yes, the Huckster may take some states on Tuesday"
February 1, 2008 - 16:16 ET by vrwc131)...what if he passes Romney in delegates? And eventually Romney falls back behind Huckabee, again?
Will you support Romney dropping out so Huckabee can beat McCain? hmmm
2)"All he is doing is siphoning off the conservative vote from Romney"
Notice how Romney's surge came only after Giuliani starting tanking? So just how "conservative is Romney's support? hmmm
v
"Information is the currency of democracy." - Thomas Jefferson
1) Your suggestion
February 1, 2008 - 16:39 ET by RJ1) Your suggestion is highly unlikely, but if it did happen I could do as you suggest, depending on the states still to come. Although I think both McCain and Huckabee are both petty men, I think McCain would cause more damage to Republicans and Americans in general than Huckabee. Also Huckabee would make better judicial appointments than McCain.
2) That's not relevant. To suggest that Romney doesn't have the majority of the conservative support flies in the face of virtually every political commentator. McCain's primary strength is recognized to be among moderates.
"I really like Mike Huckabee." -uber liberal Mika Brezinski
Romney the "conservative?"...not so sure...
February 1, 2008 - 16:48 ET by vrwc13"To suggest that Romney doesn't have the majority of the conservative support flies in the face of virtually every political commentator."
..but what about Iowa? And all those (ahem) "liberals" in the south? Don't take Romney's rise in January as Guiliani slide, too lightly. BTW: wasn't Romney elected Gov in a liberal state? hmmm
v
"Faith doesn't just influence me. It really defines me. I don't have to wake up every day wondering what do I need to believe," Huckabee says in the ad. "Let us never sacrifice our principles for anybody's politics. Not now, not ever."
If you don't believe me....
February 1, 2008 - 17:08 ET by RJ...take it up with virtually every political commentator. You can deny it all you wish and pretend it's not true, but they agree that McCain's strength is among moderates and liberals and that it's the conservative base that's turned to Romney.
As I said, McCain's surge also coincided with Rudy's fall....making your point meaningless.
Iowa had more to do with evangelicals and home schoolers than "conservatives." Since then Huckabee has tanked.
Just like liberal Connecticut, Massachusetts elected a Republican governor (and a businessman) to straighten out their fiscal mess. Even liberals sometimes understand when they need a consultant to come in and fix things.
"I really like Mike Huckabee." -uber lib Mika Brezinski
"BTW: wasn't Romney elected
February 1, 2008 - 18:14 ET by needforcalm"BTW: wasn't Romney elected Gov in a liberal state? hmmm"
Wasn't Huckabee elected in liberal Arkansas?
"but what about Iowa?"
the vote in Iowa was 60% evangelical and Huckabee pandered so hard to them and also laid the "Mormon" question in the New Yorker to get the anti-Mormon vote. He is a joke. He did the same thing in SC and that's why he got so much of the vote. In any other state, has even been better than 15% of the vote? I think it was 12% in FL. Yep, that guy is going win the nomination. Yeah, right.
Jealousy amongst the candidates
February 1, 2008 - 21:39 ET by momof4Huck and McCain seem to be jealous of Romney. It's like class warfare amongst the candidates. They remind me of the nerds at school who are jealous of the star quarterback. It's my understanding that he earned his money through hard work. I guess the career politicians don't get that. McCain was talking the other night about how he served in the navy, "not for profit", as if that is an evil thing to do. While I certainly admire his service, I don't think he understands that in the real world, many businesses actually do try to make a profit. Income taxes are levied on the "profit."
So I guess
February 1, 2008 - 16:33 ET by JimmybobSo I guess that it wasn't just obvious to only me. God, I hate politics and politicians. I hate conspiracy theories more but it does look like it could be. noooooo.......