With the slew of political apologies these days it seems like campaigning has turned into one big neutered intervention/group therapy excursion. Not for Fred Thompson’s campaign, however. Here we have a bunch of apologies even I think are a long time coming. (HT Hot Air).
Fred Thompson Campaign Apologies
From Karen Hanretty, Deputy Communications Director:
In light of Mike Huckabee’s heartfelt apology to Mitt Romney for making reference to Romney’s religion in the New York Times Magazine, we at the Thompson Campaign would like to offer Huckabee our own heartfelt apologies for some references we’ve made about his record as Governor of Arkansas.
We apologize for pointing out that as Governor of Arkansas, Huckabee offered in-state tuition to illegal immigrants. That’s something he’d probably just as soon no one talk about.
A recent Washington Post-ABC News Iowa poll of Iowans likely to vote in the Republican caucus stated illegal immigration as their top issue of concern, tied with the war in Iraq.
We apologize for pointing out that in 2002 Huckabee wrote Pres. Bush a letter asking him to lift the Cuban embargo. It’s easy to see how Huckabee might have missed the finer points of a 40-year embargo. While he obviously knew enough about the embargo to ask that it be lifted, Huckabee clearly didn’t know enough to ask that it not be lifted. So for that, we’re sorry.
In 2002, Governor Huckabee strongly advocated lifting the embargo against Cuba saying it “harm[s] our own agricultural and business interests,†“has not helped the people of Cuba†and has “provided Castro with a convenient excuse for his own failed system of government.†(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 3/29/02)
We apologize for referencing that 47% tax increase Huckabee imposed on Arkansas taxpayers when he was governor. That must be really awkward for him, now that he’s running in a GOP primary election. We notice he never points it out to voters.
Average Arkansan’s tax burden increased by over 47% between 1997 and 2005 (or $933 per person). (Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 10/9/07)
We apologize for telling reporters that a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University doesn’t, in fact, make Huckabee more qualified to fight the war on terror than say…Fred Thompson.
In an interview with CBNNews in November, Huckabee said “…I truly understand the nature of the war that we are in with Islamo fascism. These are people that want to kill us. … And I don’t know if anybody fully understands that. I’m the only guy on that stage with a theology degree.â€
I’m impressed.
I’m diggin’ this guy. Did anyone hear the smack down he gave that leftist moderator? it was a thing of beauty.
I apologize because I just had a lobotomy and now I support Sir. John Edwards.
With the gaggle of apologies floating around, I thought we’d all be engaging in a big group hug and singing “Kumbaya” any day now.
I didn’t think ‘ol Fed’s campaign could muster this kind of creativity. Nice.
Yay! The clouds have parted, the sun is shining, birds are singing.
Tammy is at long last impressed with something from the world of Fred. I’m so relieved. I was seriously beginning to give up hope.
:o)
Go Fred!
Politically incorrect, irreverent, brutally honest…just the kind of guy I can see myself voting for.
Hucka-buh-bye.
I will not vote for a Bible thumper next time. I want a hardass as President. I want a President who will gnaw on the bleached skulls of our enemies.
‘Bout time somebody took Huck-a-bomb to the woodshed for a “Come To Jesus Meeting”…
Maybe there’s more to ‘Ol Fred’s “Stealth Campaign” than meets the eye; that was a JDAM down the smoke stack from out of nowhwere.
Also, Fred’s handling of that old prune moderating the farce on the global warming garbage was about as close to a “I PAID for this microphone!” moment we’ve gotten so far out of this rather lackluster field.
This double shot has earned Fred a second look from THIS primary voter.
Sweet! I knew he had it in him. 🙂
Fred did a great job putting the moderator back on her heels. He at least had the guts to say no to the idiocy of the moderator.
Today’s apology was great!!
Go after Huckabee, the Arkansas Jimmy Carter, Fred!!!
Always liked him, always will..
I didn’t hear the ‘smack down’ he gave the moderator, but would love to read about it…when I think of Huckabee, I think of the old cartoon series Huckleberry Hound and his signature greeting of ‘let me give you a Huckleberry Howwwwwwwwnnnnnndog Howdy’ can’t seem get passed that…
I’ll take “Verbal Smackdowns Laid On RINO Governors Seeking To Be President” for $1000, Alex.
Fred Thompson’s use of the Huckster’s “apology” to underscore why he wouldn’t be a good President is a mark of sheer brilliance. At the risk of scaring the Democrats, I sense the hand of Karl Rove in this move. Even if Rove isn’t a part of it, bravo/brava to the staffer who came up with the idea.
On a side note, is it just me, or does the name Huckabee sound more like a national “TGIFridays” style restaurants? I’m just sayin’…
Hilarious, Tlindaman! I’m seeing the commercials for the “all you can eat” buffet at Huckabee’s in my mind. Given his history with food issues, the irony is priceless.
Huckleberry sounds fine when you put him up against a liberal. He’s got that down pat and says all the right things.
That said, he’s a loser.
His condemnation of Bush’s alleged arrogance is a BIG red flag. It indicates his desire to prostitute himself to the press and the Euro-trash. Read his statement and see for yourself.
Besides which there is nothing in his past to indicate that he is:
— A small gov’t guy
— A trustworthy tax reduction guy
— A capable war-time leader
NOTHING!
The lie about having a theology degree is the leper’s mark.
He said it as if it were a qualification for a president! There’s a bad symptom right there.
But, I mean of all the things to lie about, in public no less!
It was truly an Al Gore moment.
This guy is a loser.